The Sun.
London, England, 1846-01-21 00:00:00

aecil (.'eildren.—(llear.) Another gentleman said that it
was folly to speak of the .abolition of the corn-laws, as
the country gentlemen would be unable to maintain their
stations in the country. What was their station, end
what were their conditions? They kept castles—they
kept hunters—they went to N. wrnarket, and they lost
thousands of pounds—all of which they would be obliged
to give up it' the corn-laws were abolished. He was in
the country the other day at a gentleman's seat, and it
took him nearly a whole day to ride over the grounds.
It was the gentleman's property, and a man might du as
he liked with his ()wt.:, but he should not let the people
of this country go short of food in order to keep up high
!wits: The lower cla,ses w. re only lately beginning to
find their strength. The country labourers had begun
to hold meetings, and they had found that a duty on
bread did not assist to make them comfortable, and she
late meeting at Goatacre was an example which would
be followed throughout the land. If Sir Robert Peel
did not abolish the duties on corn, he would be in the
situation of his late friend the protectionist. He (Sir C.
Napier) was a farmer himself. lie had taken acertain piece
of land in the country—about 40 acres. That was forest
land, and had before been given over by many gentlemen,
as it was always inundated with water, and possessed no
comfort or accommodation for either men or animals.
It was divided into about six fields. As he took it with
the view of knowing something about agriculture, he
tried to get a ploughman to plough the land, but found
it quite impossible to do so, as not a man would go out
of his usually beaten track ; in fact, the only difference
between the man who followed the plough and the horse
who drew it, was that the horses cent before the plough
and the man followed, as he possessed sufficient inge-
nuity to guide it. At the end of his first year's posses-
sion he found himself 200/. out of pocket, by way of an
encouragement to his farming. He at length got an old
working man, whose name ha would give to the meeting
—his name was Sparks—who, having a few acres of land,
tilled them himself. He had no capital, no talent—hut
one pony and his wife.—(Laughter.) That man dis-
covered what was the fault of his own land—it was full
of water. He first began with a small portion of it—
about an acre—and drained it ; and, by perseverance,
he at last got about half of his land to rights. He
spoke to him, and remarked how well he got
the water off his land, and what crops he had
made grow there, and was informed that by this
means he had produced a crop of oats of eight quarters
to the acre. lie took the advice of this man, and with his
assistance he got his 40 acres in a pretty good state.
The second year of his possession he only lost 451. ;
the third year the account on both sides was sqqare,
and now, at the end of the fourth year, he was 1001. in
pocket. He went to Scotland last year, and he there
saw lands cultivated, with an unfavourable climate, which
put them three weeks later than the lands in this
country. And yet they grew as fine crops as could be
seen in England ; so much se, that the farmers did not
care a straw about the corn-laws. Why should not the
landlords of this country, instead of making long
speeches to their tenants, give them long leases,
and give them or sell them draining tiles—they might
easily manage so as to have the price of the tiles repaid
to them. If such things were done, this country could
be made an exporting, instead of an importing one. In
1831, Lord John Russell saw the impossibility of
carrying on the corn-laws, and he therefore proposed to
give a fixed duty of Bs. per quarter. Tne protectionists
refused to have it, and turned him out of office, and since
that time they bad been struggling to maintain
the protection system ; but the last year of
that system was come. The protectionists had better
have taken that offer when they got it, for
he hoped to see a total repeal of the corn-laws this ses-
sion, without any further taxation put on the people to
compensate themselves for what they had been rubbing
the people of these last forty-five years, and the state
of the country would then be an example to the world,
instead of a disgrace to it.—(Hear, hear.)
The second resolution was then put, and carried with
only one dissentient voice.
The Hon. Mr. BOUVERIE said that any further ex-
pression of opinion on the subject. after what they bad
heard that night, would be uncalled for. They would
readily agree to the resolution which he held in his hand,
and which was, " That against legislative enactments
a hich tax and impede the supply of food, we most so-
lemnly protest; and as the corn-laws have produced the
tearful calamities before enumerated, this meeting re-
spectfully, but firmly, calls upon Parliament for their
total, unconditional, and immediate abolition." He had
a few words to say with regard to the opposition that
had been maintained against the progress of the Anti-
Corn-law League. The people who opposed it were
not strong in numbers or in intelligence, but they were
strong in wealth and station; they were
" Proudly secure,
Yet liable to fall by weakest subtlety;"
they had strength, but were unable to use it ; and, like
an unwieldy animal, fell a prey to others less strong but
more active. In a question like the present they could
not expect to be unanimous, and, of course, some weak-
headed people opposed it—old women, as he called them,
who were headed by the Morning Herald. That journal
put him in mind of what he had seen in Somersetshire.
When a cart had to go down a hill a donkey was tied
behind, and the animal, of course, not feeling inclined
to descend resisted violently, and hindered the cart from
going too quick, and so the opposition of the Herald only
retarded for a time the cause whose safety it thus secured
more effectually. They read in history that the Doctors
of the Sorbonne, in Paris, had decided that the teaching
of the Greek and Latin languages tended to subvert
Christianity, but the event did not prove it so. So the
protectionists thought that the corn-laws' abolition would
prunojemsuewr
retu.hutlehli
would
em,
AusLooEl butuyti it
oinn longer
hwo
a evhuelard in a shortyd occupy
re
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would good.pro-
able
to
lespeaecsihi,owsecoorn
hdaedndtsh,earned-
solution, which was then put
carried unanimously.
Mr. DEESING proposed " That the following petition be
presented to the House of Commons, and that Mr. El-
phinstone be requested to present the same."
Mr. WALKER seconded the resolution.
The petition was then read, and the motion carried
nem. con.

Company were fully explained in a pamphlet which had
been extensively circulated among ti e sharehold r , and
it would only be necessary for him to make a very few
observations upon that subject. The Directors' report,
w iich had just been read, mentioned the various projects
which they had in contemplation to propose to Parlia-
ment. Their policy had been fully explained on former
occasions, as well as their desire to enter into terms of
friendly relations with their neighbours on the left and
right of them, for the purpose principally of avoiding
that fluctuation in the value of their shares which they
had sometimes experienced. He was happy to say
that in this they had partly sueceeded. They had en-
tered some time before into friendly terms with their
neighbours on the east—he meant the Brighton Com-
pany, and they had had no cause to regret it ; and
the late negotiation entered into between the Croydon
Atmospheric and the Brighton Company proved-that
the interests of the South-Western Company were
not forgotten, and it was, therefore but
right that good faith should be exercised towards
them in return. They rejoiced that such an agreement
had been entered into, for while it left the coast between
Southampton and Brighton fully supplied, it enabled the
South-Western Company at any future time to accom-
modate these districts without any intervention from
other parties. He thought the meeting would
agree with him that, at least, there was no ne-
cessity for the interference of the Atmospheric
Company, which never had, and never could have,
any justifiable cause for supplying this country, and
even if they did get powers from Parliament to make
their line, fie would venture to say that it could never
be made remunerative to the parties themselves. It was
in par.uance of this policy that the South-Western had.
in the latter end of 1844, tried to carry out an agreement
with the Great Western, but that Company de-
clined to entertain any proposition until the Board
of Trade should have made their report. The
Board did make its report, and they (the South-Western)
met the Great Western Directors a second time, and
endeavoured to make some arrangement. They suc-
ceeded, but on entirely different principles from those
they had proposed in October. The meeting would un-
derstand that the arrangement had been sanctioned by
the Board of Trade, which had, in fact, constituted them-
selves arbiters in the matter. The Board was at that
time supposed to be most influential, and quite capable
of controlling the conduct of any parties disposed
to do wrong. The agreement had been most religiously
adhered to by them, despite of sundry strong expressions,
more especially from some of their northern share-
holders. This state of things went on until October, 1845,
when the Great Western Company proposed a line from
Newbury to Hungerford, and so on towards Exeter, in
direct contradiction to the agreement with them. In the
first place, they had broken faith by proposing to
make the line at all without giving notice to them
or to the Board of Trade. He thought, also, that they
had broken faith with the conditions entered into with
the House of Lords, on the getting of their Wilts and
Somerset Act. They (the South-Western) in giving
up the lines west of Salisbury, did so only for the time ;
they but remained passive until a probable requirement
should be shown, of which the Board of Trade were to
be the judges. When that requirement could be shown
then they (the South- Western) were to have been
the parties to have supplied it. The line they
(the Great Western) were making was calculated in a
very great degree to interfere with the traffic on the
South-Western; and this he (the Chairman) considered
another breach of faith. The Chairman then entered at
considerable length into a comparison of the advantages
to Bridport and other towns on the west coast, from the
plans proposed by the South-Western and Great
Western Companies. The Great Western charged
them, in return, with break;ng faith. Why ? Be-
cause they proposed to construct a line in their
own district; and they also charged him (the Chairman)
with proceedings of rather a covert character. To that
charge he would not reply. He, if not a Member
of Parliament, like the Chairman of the Great
Western, was the representative of eleven millions
of property, and he could, therefore, as little
afford to trifle or misrepresent, as Mr. Russell could.—
(Cheers.) It was perfectly ridiculous to say that they
had relinquished the country west of Salisbury, because
they had for the time ceased to prosecute the
Southampton and Dorchester Railway. He regretted
that he had been induced to yield such confi-
dence to the decision of the Board of Trade as it
led him into error. Now, he would not say one
word with respect to the extension to
Waterloo and London-bridges. The meeting could not
conceal from itself the great advantages which would at-
tend a terminus at the latter bridge. Sir Lionel Goldsmid,
he wished to inform them, had proposed to bring his
line an to theirs, in fact, to fall into their Company.
The Chairman, after some further observations, con-
cluded by saying, that he should be glad to answer any
inquiry that might be made by any of the shareholders
present.
Mr. Gust/ bad listened with great attention to the
Chairman's address, and it contained much which was
gratifying to himself, and must be equally so to
the meeting generally. He, however, wished to
know from the Chairman if he was aware of the
fact, that the Cornwall and Devon central line
passed through a barren part of the county, and was
not likely to prove a remunerative line, if Parliament
allowed it to be made. It avoided the populous and
mineral districts of Cornwall, and he knew, of
his own knowledge, that the plans were
so defective that it would have little or no chance of
getting through the Standing Orders' Committee. Was
it advisable then, for them to adopt the line in this state
of things ? He thought not, and he hoped the meeting
would pause before they adopted the recommendation
of the report and the Chairman, of taking ft up.
Mr. AsHem assured the Hon. Proprietor that he
was in error in supposing that the plans of the Corn-
wall and Devon central line were detective, for i.e h ad
learned from the secretary that the plans had been pro-
perly drawn up and deposited ; the shares had all been
taken up, and the proprietors were in every
way prepared to go to Parliament with
every prospect of success. It was true that the line
would pass over a barren district, but it must be remem-
bered that this part of the works could be constructed at,
comparatively speaking, a trifling expense ; and it must
also be remembered that after it passed this barrenness it
would merge into districts that were thickly-studded
with population. He moved the adoption of the report.
Mr. GUST said he had examined the plans himself
and he could assure the meeting that they contained de-
fects and omissions which it would be no easy matter
to get over.
Mr. Sergeant GAZEIJIE said he was connected with
the line in question, and cer: ainly the information Mr.
Gust had given them was contrary to everything
he had heard respecting it. He understood that
the plans were all correct, and as a whole he was
convinced the line would pay, and he trusted it would
ultimately prove successful. He regretted that the
Board had so long neglected Portsmouth, but he hoped
their future concession to that town would show that
they were desirous of making some atonement
for their past neglect. They ought to have
some of the men of Portsmouth on the Board,
and now that there were vacancies in the
direction, he would suggest that the proprietors
should fill them up themselves, and not leave them to
be filled up by the Directors. He was glad to hear the
Chairman admit that he had placed too much confi-
dence in the opinion of the Board of Trade, and he
hoped that henceforth their policy would teach the
Great Western Company that they would be dic-
tated to no longer. There was one point to
which he wished to direct the attention of the
Chairman. It would appear that they were again going
to bring forward their Epsom project. Now, did the
Directors think it worth while going on with this
scheme, the competing line having obtained its Bill ?
The CHAIRMAN said the proposed line would involve
ti
would on
be theable ptuoblic. compete
but a trifling outlay, while it would prove a great ac •
mm
,Owingadvantageously
to the
expenseith
e that° theyd
of working the atmospheric system, he had little doubt
the Croydon line, and therefore
it was that they recom-
mended the proprietors to proceed with the scheme.
After some further
discussion,
the resolution was put
and carried unanimously.
Resolutions in accordance with the recommendations
contained in the report were then proposed from the
chair, and after lengthened discussions upon minor
details, they were unanimously adopted by the meeting.
In answer to a question,
Mr. Uximexplained that the number of new shares
were 46,500 of 501., and 6,000 of 40/, upon which the
Directors had the power of calling 251. on the first, and
201. on the second, and one of the resolutions gave them
the power to call up.
The CHAIRMAN said this closed the business of the
meeting, but before they separated, he wished to bring
under their notice a matter of considerable impor-
tance. At their last meeting a sub-committee
was appointed to consider the best means of improving
the steam navigation between Portsmouth and France
and Southampton and France. The chairman of that
committee was then present, and he trusted the Hon
Gentleman was in a position to give them hopes of their
ultimately succeeding in the object they had in view.
Mr. TITE said the committee had found the navigation
most defective, mid they thought the best plan which
could be adopted was to break up the two existing steam
companies, and thus put an end to the local rivalry
which at present existed. This could only be done
by the formation of a new company, who could
purchase the boats of the old company for
about 150,000/. ; but no new company could be formed
unless they guaranteed them a dividend. He should
therefore propose, as the formation of such a company
would tend greatly to increase their traffic, that the
Directors be empowered to take steps to promote a new
company.
Some opposition was offered to this proposal, bnt it
was ultimately adopted by the majority of the Share-
holders, and thanks having been voted to the Chairman,
the Meeting separated, after a very protracted sitting.

A call was then made for Mr. George Thompson, who
came forward and addressed the meeting in a speech of
very great length, inculcating the necessity of holding out,
without compromise, for the total and unconditional abo-
lition of the corn-laws, and commenting on their demo-
ralising effect on the people.
At the conclusion of his speech,
Thanks were voted to the Chairman, and the meeting
separated at half-past ten o'clock.

SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY
COMPANY.

A special general meeting of the Shareholders in this
Company was held yesterday at the station, Nine Elms,
for the purpose of receiving the report of the Directors,
and considering the measures to be taken with respect
to several projected extensions during the forthcoming
session of Parliament. Mr. Chaplin presided.
The notice calling the meeting having been read,
The SECRETARY then proceeded to read the report, of
which the following is an abstract:—
The Directors, after stating that the importance
of the measures for consideration must excuse them
for calling the proprietors together at that time, said—
with reference then to the formation of the projected
lines to Epsom, to Chertsey, and Egham ; to Farnham
and Alton ; to Salisbury from Basingstoke, by Whit-
church and Andover, and from Romsey to Red bridge,
your Directors will only remind you that they have
already been fully authorised and requested by your pro-
prietors to proceed, and everything has accordingly been
done which your Directors have deemed atiesable in the
promotion of these several projects. Directorsh
then add, that they had further investigated
extension to London-bridge, and they unhesitat-
ingly recommended the measure ; they recom-
mended also, that application should be made to Par-
liament for an extension branch to Hampton-court.
The Directors had on former occasions entered so fully
into explanations with respect to the Guildford and
Chichester and Portsmouth and Fareham lines, that they
did not feel called upon to state more than that, in addi-
tion to the prosecution of the Bill now pending in the
House of Lords for the portions of railway between
Guildford and Godalming, and between Fareham and
Portsmouth, the Guildford, Chichester, and Portsmouth
Company would apply in the coming session for powers
to make the remainder of the line to Chichester, as
originally proposed, and, with a view to the improvement
of their scheme, they have added to it branches
to Petersfield, Chichester Harbour, and the dockyards
at Portsmouth, with further stations and accommodation
for general purposes at Portsmouth. An agreement had
been come to whereby the London and South-Western
Company would become half-owners, with the London
and Brighton Company, of the Portsmouth and Fare-
ham Extension of the Brighton and Chichester Railway,
sanctioned by Parliament in the last session ; and the
Directors trusted that a more complete scheme,
even than that of last session, would be presented
to Parliament without any material increase of
expeose. It remained for the Directors to ex-
plain the provisional arrangements made with refe-
rence to the lines west of Salisbury. The scheme to be
presented to Parliament would embrace an entire system
of railway communication from Basingstoke to the
Land's-end. 'The projected line of this Company from
Basingstoke to Whitchureh, and Andover to Salisbury,
would be continued by the line proposed by the
London, Salisbury, and Yeovil Company, to
Yeovil by the lines and branches of the
Exeter, Yeovil, and Dorchester Company, to Exeter,
and by the Cornwall and Devon Central Line to Fal•
mouth and Penzance. The entire capital of all these
lines would be :5,900,0001., and of this amount one fourth
was to be transferred to the London and South-Western
Railway Company, who would thereupon immediately
obtain a corresponding share in the management of each
of the undertakings. Each of the several companies
would separately apply to Parliament for powers
to construct its °an line, and should the
applications for all be successful, it was pro-
posed that the London and South-Western, Lon-
don, Salisbury, and Yeovil, and Cornwall and Devon
Central Railway Companies should be amalgamated,
and that the present debenture debt of the London and
South-Western Company, amounting to 630,0001., should
become a charge upon the entire undertaking. As re-
garded the capital for the works proposed b) the Directors.
exclusive of the lines west of Salisbury, they proposed
to provide for it by calls on all the shares of the Com-
pany whereon calls remained unpaid; and by exercising
the powers of borrowing, obtained by the Company in
the last session. The Directors having exhausted all
the points to which it was necessary to allude, concluded
their report with a repetition of their unabated confi •
dence in the soundness of the principles and continued
prosperity of the undertaking.
The CHAIRMAN then rose, and stated that the objects
which they had that day met to consider would be re-
ferred to by him -as briefly as possible. They would
find that the circumstances in which the South-Western
Company was placed with regard to the Great Western

AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL

the cultivation, bad continued in operation. The
crops had been good, but a large quantity, with the
barn in which it was kept, was burnligbtninF.
The whole loss amounted to 1,350/. lie.sides this
lois, between seventy and eighty sheep were
killed by the bail stones in a storm. The
report then went into a bang and minute detail of
the number, ate, &c., of the various descriptions of live
stock, which appeared to give great satisfaction to the
meeting. The clip of the sheep stock amounted
to 613 bales of wool, weighing 182,1511135., which
realised good price, there being an advance of
3d. per lb. The whole receipts of the year enabhd
the Directors to declare a dividend of 1/
being at the rate of 3/. Gs. Bd. per share. The part of'
the report, how ever, to which the greatest importance
was attached, was the letter of the Under-Secretary of
the Colonies, communicating to the Governor the deter-
mination of the Colonial Secretary to allow the Company
to sell 500,000 acres of their land.
The report was unanimously agreed to without any
discussion.

The Governor and other officers wire re-elected, and
thanks having been voted to the Chairman, the meeting
separated.

PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL
BENEFIT ASSOCIATION AND BENEVOLENT

COMPANY.

FUND.

Last night, at six o'clock, the fifth annual general
meeting of the members of the benefit department of this
Association was held at the London Tavern, Bishops-
gate-street, for the transaction of business. There was a
very full attendance of members, and the business
throughout was characterised by the greatest harmony
and good feeling. George Thomas, Esq., presided on
the occasion.

The business was opened by the Secretary, 1)r.
Thomas 31uHinder, reading the advertisement calling
the meeting.

The CriilaMAN then proceeded to read the report of
the Directors, which was in substance to the following
effect :

It commenced with congratulating the members on the
increased prosperity of the Association, and showed that
during the year 1845 the number of policies issued was 211,
amounting to a sum equal to three-fifths of all the business
done in the past years; that since the formation of the Asso-
ciation all the moneys received as premiums had been .in-
vested in the funds is the names of trustees, with the excep-
tion of 1001. paid to the representatives of an assurer, which
was the only death the managers -had been called upon to
pay, and about some 5001. for office expenses; that during
the year an election of widows of clerks (one of whose hus-
bands had been an assurer) to permanent pensions had taken
place, and had been commemorated by a public dinner, at
which a very large sam had been contributed (1,0001.
we believe) in aid of the Benevolent Fund; that
some eminent firms had during the past year
given in their adhesion to the Society, and subscribed to its
funds. That recently John Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., together
with his partners, Messrs. Magnac, Jardine, and Co., mani-
festing that gentleman's well-known liberality and desire to
promote the welfare of the Association, and of those gentle-
men employed by his firm, had assured the lives of each of
their clerks for sums varying in amount from 1,000/. down to
2501., according to the length of time each had been in their
service, not merely paying the first premium, but making
each gentleman a present of the policy, and promising to pay
all future premiums. The report went on to notice the hand-
some liberality of the Court of Directors of the East and
West India Dock Company, who not only had contributed to
the aid of the benevolent fund, but had encouraged the
clerks in their service to become members of the Association.
The report also noticed the growing estimation
with which the Society was favoured, not only in
London, but the provincial towns, and instanced that during
the past year the number of agents had been more than '
doubled, and that a most favourable and flattering opinion
of the stability and usefulness of the society by W. Farr,
Esq., F.S.S., the gentleman entrusted with the scientific de-
partment of the Itegistrar-General's-office, Somerset-house,
who, in a letter to the secretary said, " I think very highly
of the objects of your society, &c.; your rates of premium
appear to me safo and fair for a society of mutual assurance.
I state this after having compaired the tables of premiums
for single lives with the calculations made at this office.
Wishing your Directors every success in this excellent under-
taking, I am, Ike." The balance-sheet showed a very large
increase in favour of the Society, not only In the amount of
money invested during the year, but also in the greatly ex-
tended receipts of premiums over all preceding years.
The CHAIRMAN—The report now read contains a full
statement of the past proceedings and present position
of the Association, and nothing now remains for me but
to say that-, should any explanation be wanted, I shall
be very happy to afford it.
Mr. KINSMAN of Manchester, one of the local com-
mittee, then moved—

" That the report for the year, 1845, as now read, be
adopted and printed for circulation at the discretion of the
Board.,"

He had arrived in town on a journey to the west of
England, and having called at the office, he had been
persuaded to come to the meeting and move the resolu-
tion he had now done. He felt most happy in doing so,
as he considered the report just read to be a most satis-
factory document in every particular.—(Cheers.)
Mr. E. J. GOSBELL seconded the resolution. He felt
much gratified at the report just submitted, and in
that gratification he was sure the meeting fully
participated.—(Hear, hear.) He was satisfied that the
Directors had done their best to advance the interests of
the Association, and to their energy and perseverance
they (the members) were much indebted for their pre-
sent improved position. He would suggest to the mem-
bers present that Chambers's plan be adopted, which
was for each member, during the next year, to bring a
member.—(ll,,ar, hear.) That step would at once place
the Association in a most commanding position.—The
resolution was then put and unanimously agreed to.
Mr. J. W. WELCH rose to move the next resolution,
which was as follows :

"That Mr. Richard Henry Jones and Mr. Samuel Notley
be re elected managers of the Association, and Messrs. John
James Iselin, Samuel Jepps, Henry Pearson Maples, and
Richard Price be elected managers."

He knew Mr. Jones well, as one of the oldest and best
friends of the Association, and one who, in his capacity
of Deputy Chairman, had done much to advance their
interests. Mr. Nutley had also been one of his col-
leagues, and a gentleman that had used great exertion
to advance the welfare of the body. The same might
be said of the other gentlemen named in tr.e resolution,
to whom he believed they were also much indebted for
the present flourishing state of the Institution.
Mr. LLOYD had much pleasure in seconding the reso-
lution proposed by Mr. Welch.
The Chairman was about to put the resolution, when
a member in the body of the room suggested that the
names should be put separately, as he believed the Act
of Parliament required that it should be so.
The CHAIRMAN said he did not think that such was
the case, yet, in order to make sure, he had no objection
to put the names in that way. He then submitted the
names contained in the resolution to the meeting sepa-
rately, and they were unanimously agreed to as
managers of the Institution for the ensuing year.
Mr. JONES returned thanks for the honour done him
in his re-election. He had hitherto done his best to
serve the interests of the Institution, and would continue
to do so. He was much satisfied at the general tenour
of the report, particularly regarding that portion which
suggested that each member should endeavour to bring
another member into the Association during the coming
year. He was satisfied if they made an effort they
would succeed in carrying that recommendation into
effect.— (Hear.) He had a resolution to propose bearing
cn another point in the report. It was intimated in the
report that during the last year a most beneficent and
noble act had been performed by the house of Magniac,
Jardine, and Co., towards their clerks. I would also
allude to the most liberal gift of Mr. Samuel Jones Loyd
to his clerks, showing that there is springing up on the
part of principals a greater regard for those who serve
them. I trust so good an exatople will be followed by
other houses ; indeed, I have some reason to believe that
another eminent firm contemplates a similar proceeding
to that of Magniac, Jai dine, and Co.—(Loud applause.)
The resolution he had to propose was as follows:
" That the warmest thanks of the meeting are due to
Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P. ; Thomson Hankey, jun., Esq. ;
W. G. Prescott Esq. ; and Baron L. de Rothschild, for their
countenance and support as trustees of the Association; and
also to John Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., for his continued inte-
rest in the prosperity of the Association, and to himself and
partners for their late distinguished mark of approbation of
the Society."

Mr. F. CREASY then moved—

The annual general meeting of the Proprietors of the
Australian Agricultural Company was held yesterday at
their offices, King's Arms-yard, Mooigate-street, John
Studholine Browning; Esq., the Governor of the Com-
pany, being in the chair. After the usual preliminaries,
The CHAIRMAN read the report of the Directors,
which stated that the improved prospects of the colony
fully justified the anticipations which they expressed at
the last general board of Proprietors. The expenditure
of the Company ha I been revised, in effecting which
they had received the cordial co-operation of Captain
King and the other officers; and, although no improve-
ment had taken place in the sale of hive stock, and there
had been a still further diminution in the sale of coals,
yet, by the reduction of the expenditure, the result of
the Company's operations for the year 1844 showed
a considerable improvement in the balance of
receipts over disbursements, as compared with
the three preceding years. The same causes
which were last year mentioned as having restrained

Mr. SAWTELL seconded the resolution, which was put
and unanimously carried.
11Tirn.h
That
hatiiiiceTh Lc
hos
rebid
wasa
dial
t ohsvauenrdke
thanks
thhoefe
ynt
hewxi
sot
umrl edes
eoatl unl tgai ogbnree,
agree.
ehlsi
,
ete nhwt ea dws —at
to
one
the medical officers both in town and countiy, to the local
agents and committees, to the consulting actuary, and the
honorary solicitors for their valuable services during the past
year."
He was persuaded they would all agree that they had
been much indebted to the gentlemen named in the reso-
lution for the assistance they had given the Association.
particularly were they under obligation to their medical
officers. They had granted 211 policies during the past
year—(Cheers)—and nearly 600 from their first esta-
blishment, and yet, out of that 600, up to the Slat of
December last, there had been only one loss, and that
was for 1001. From this it would appear that their me-
dical officers had exercised no ordinary care in the se-
lection of lives to be insured—(Hear, hear)—and for
this care they were entitled to their warmest thanks.
Mr. REYNOLDS seconded the motion, and said he need
not add one word to what had just been offered by the
previous gentleman. The secretary, the managers,
the solicitors, and medical officers, had all, lie was
satisfied, done everythirg in their power to advance
the Association. For himself, the sole reason why he
retired from taking an active part in the management
was having other avocations to attend to that would have
interfered with his attending to their interests in an
official manner. He greatly regretted having to leave,
after struggling with them up bill to their present satis-
factory position ; but he did not like to hold office unless
he could attend to its obligations. Unless he could do
so it was his bounden duty to retire. He, however, in
doing so, congratulated them on having, in their officers,
a body of gentlemen who would leave nothing undone
that energy, attention, and business habits could achieve
for them. Under such direction they could not fail to
bring their affairs to a most satisfactory and triumphant
issue.
The CHAIRMAN, on putting the resolution to the
meeting, observed that Mr. Reynolds had explained to
the meeting thecause of his retiring from the management.
He had a letter from Mr. Hudson, explaining g also the
cause of his retirement, ~nd it was gratifying to know that
neither of those gentlemen had retired from any ill feel-
ing towards the Society, but solely on account of their
other avocations rendering it impossible for them effi-
ciently to perform their duties as managers.-7(Cheers.)
The worthy Chairman read the letter from Mr. Hudson,
in which he complimented the Society highly,
and
. wished it the success it de=served.
The resolution was then declared to be carried unani-
mously.
Mr. JOHN JAMES ISELIN, as one of the newly-elected
managers, begged to return thanks for the honour that
' had been conferred upon him. He could assure the

THE* S UN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY
,11,19RNING, JANUARY 21, 1846.

gentlemen present that his earnest endeavours should
never be found wanting in order to promote the best
interests of the Society—(Cheers)—and he hoped to re
ceive and deserve at the conclusion of those exertions
tne same feeling of satisfaction that had been displayed
towards those whose office he bad been so undeserved!),
selected to fill.—(Cheers.) He could assure those pre-
sent that it would be his greatest happiness in after
years to meet them with a statement that the success of
the Society had increased in the ratio of a hundred-
fold.—(Cheers.)
ALFRED SmEE, Esq., Fellow of the Royal Society,
rose to return thanks. He could assure the meeting
that their medical officers had striven all in their power
to promote the interests of the Institution, and he was
happy to say that, according to the the report, their
exertions had been crowned V 6 ith success.—(Cheers.)
The duty that devolved upon their medical men was one
of difficulty and responsibility.—(Cheers.) Every gen-
tleman who was in that room had had to come before
them, and though they had not been more than ten
minutes in their company, they had had to look through
their bodies, and render that which was opaque tran-
sparent— (Laughter)—in order to discover not only
whether they were then labouring under any disease,
but what disease they had suffered from, and what
they might probably be subjected to.—(Cheers.) The
examination might by some be considered as a farce, but
as a medical man he could assure them it was no such
thing.—(A laugh )
Mr. HONEY then rose to move the next resolution.
Two years since he had felt it to be his duty to move
that some remuneration should be made to the board of
management; at that time it was stated that the funds of
the Society were not in a condition to meet such a sug-
gestion, but now the e ise was different. From the
report that had been read it was apparent the Society
services, as some slight remuneration for their arduous
3woaois pmr oi
gg
hr et
,s s iv
,n,
dfeatvriomureanbtl,yb—e
s(eCth eaeprasr)t—
duties.—(Cheers.) Such being the case he would
githmouotst
move— faonrdththelrt

"That the best thanks of the meeting are due to the
bolrd of managers for their unremitting attention to the
affairs of the Association, and that the sum of three hundred
pounds be awarded to them for their efficient services in
forming the Association, and for their exertions to promote
its interests, and conducting its details during the past five
years."

Mr, WILLIAM READ seconded the resolution.

A GENTLEMAN in the meeting hoped that it was in-
tended that the remuneration shculd be retrospective ?
Mr. R. H. JONES—Oh, certainly.
The resolution was carried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN, on behalf of himself and the other
managers of the Institution, begged to return their
thanks for the very cordial and hearty manner in which
the meeting had acceded to the proposition of devoting
3001. as a remuneration to the managers for their ser-
vices to the Institution for the last five years.—(Cheers.)
He was sure it was the with of all the managers to
serve the Society gratuitously as long as the funds were
not sufficient to give them any remuneration—(Loud
cheers)—but he thought that the time had now
arrived when the funds of the Association could
bear it, and he felt gratified that the members present
had taken the same view of it as the managers
had done. He could assure the meeting that they might
rely upon the best exertions and endeavours of the mana-
gers in future to promote the interests of the Associa-
tion, the value of which he had no doubt would be felt
more and more every year.—(Cheers.) He was sure it
would make vast progress by its own merits, aided, as
it would be, by the exertions of its members.
A GENTLEMAN in the meeting was desirous of know-
ing whether any remuneration had been given to the
medical officers of the Company?
. _

The CHAIRMAN said that a small remuneration had
been given to the medical officers for the year 1844 and
1845, but that remuneration was totally inadequate to
their great services.—(Cheers.) Indeed, it was given
more as a compliment than as a remuneration.—
(Cheers.) It was the wish of the managers of the
Institution to reward all its officers, and he was sorry
that the small compliment that had been given to the
medical men was not much more.—(Cheers).
The same GENTLEMAN hoped the time was not far
distant when they would be properly rewarded for
watching over the interests of the Institution.
The CHAIRMAN observed that, if any gentleman had
any further question to ask, he should be happy to
answer it. He could assure the meeting that the managers
courted inquiry on all occasions.—(Cheers.)
Dr. MtJLLINDER then rose to propose—
" That the thanks of this meeting are cordially offered to
the gentlemen of the press for the kindly spirit invariably
manifested by them in advocating the cause and objects of
the Association."

He appeared before the meeting in a two- fold capacity,
but he trusted that he should not be charged with dupli-
city.—(Cheers and laughter.) A great deal had been
said about the Militia mania, but he did not refer to
them, but to the volunteers.—(Cheers.) The press had
always advocated the objects of the Provident Clerks' In-
stitution—(Cheers)—or he might call it the Provident
Clerks' Volunteers.—(Cheers.) The Sun shone
upon them.—(Cheers and laughter.) The Times
supported them.—(Cheers.) The Herald proclaimed
them.—(lncreased cheering.) The Chronicle re-
gistered th( m.—(Cheers.) The Post delivered
them.—(Cheers and laughter.) The Advertiser posted
them. —(Cheers.) The News il;ustrated them.—(Cheem)
The Examiner passed them.—(Cheers.) The Spectator
looked favourably on them.—(Laughter.) The English
a ndleman had taken them by the hand.—(Great laugh-
ter.) And although they had been in the Gazette, it
was the Court one—(lncreased laughter)—and they had
a trusty Sentinel, and two good magazines in the Bankers'
and the Post magazines.—(Great laughter.) In con-
clusion, he trusted that the meeting would with accla-
mation carry the resolution he had proposed to so use-
ful and necessary a body as the press.—(Cheers.)

Mr. JEPPS seconded the resolution, which was carried
unanitncusly.

"That the members present, fully appreciating the great
importance and utility of the Association, pledge themselves
to increased individual exertion to introduce new members,
and to use every means to make the principles and objects of
the Association known."

Mr. CLARKE seconded the resolution, which was car-
ried unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN said that the business of the meeting
was now concluded. He hoped that every member pre-
sent would strive all in his power to carry out the spirit
of the resolution, because he felt convinced, if it was
acted upon, there could be no doubt the favourable
results of 1845 would be far exceeded by those of 1846.
Mr. HOWDEN thought the meeting ought not to sepa-
rate without expressing its gratitude to Dr. Mullinder,
the Secretary, fur his exertions on behalf of the Society.
It should be borne in mind that the business of the
Society had increased considerably during the last year,
and that that increase had required greater exertions on
the behalf of their Secretary.—(Cheers.) He would,
therefore move—

" That the best thanks of the meeting be given to Dr.
Mullinder, the Secretary, for his zealous and efficient services."
Mr. FRIDD seconded the resolution, which was carried
unanimously.
Dr. MIILLINDER returned thanks. It was not many
days since a member, of the Society had called him a
goose.—(Great laughter.) Now, although that observa-
tion was made in jest, he was determined to be a goose
(Increased laughter)—for he should never forget that
the cackling of a goose had saved Rome—(Laughter)—
and he was determined not to cease cackling until he
had convinced every clerk of the value of this Institu-
tion.—(Great cheering.) He felt most acutely the
marked honour that had been done him, and he trusted
that the Society would never find him undeserving of it.
The CHAIRMAN was desirous of mentioning one
circumstance which was calculated to show the increased
estimation in which the Society was held by the public.
In 1544 they had granted 110 policies ; in 1845, 211;
while in the present year they had granted 21, being
more than one a day.—(Great cheering.) He felt con-
vinced that the end of 1846 would show an increase of
prosperity in the Institution unexampled in the history of
societies of a similar description.—(Cheers.)
A vote of thanks to the Chairman was then moved by
Mr. NOBLE, seconded by Mr. J. Norerox, and carried
unanimously.
The CHAIRMAN, in returning thanks, assured the
meeting that as long as he held the office of one of their
managers, he should do his duty fearlessly, without re-
ference to any personal consideration, trouble, or exer-
tion.—(Cheers.)
The meeting then separated.

ROYAL NAVAL BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.--On Mon-
day the quarterly meeting of this society, which is esta-
blished to afford relief to officers of the royal navy, their
widows and families, under circumstances of misfortune and
distress, was held at the Thatched House Tavern, St. James's-
street, Admiral Sir Charles Malcolm in the chair. Amongst
the gallant officers present were Admiral Sir Edward Cod-
rington, G.C,8.•, Captains Bague, Edwards, and Drew • Com-
mander Marshall ; Lieutenants Gardiner, Bedford, and ;
Sir Richard Dobson, inspector of hospitals, &c. Commander
Dickson, the secretary, read the report. The receipts for the
last quarter were 1,203/. 7s. 4d., and the expenditure
amounted to 7371. 10s. 9d. During the past year the sub-
scriptions, donations, and a balance of 5951. 45., figured
3,1701. ss. 6d., and the outlay, including 2,118/. distri-
buted in relief, was 2,704/. Bs. lid., leaving a balance
2
of 465/. 10s. 7d. Amongst the donations received
Commanderthe Duke
Sharman, 20/. ; James Alexander, Esq.,
101.
10s. ; Earl
since the Ist instant, were the following :—His
oßfoycaalmbrHidigghe,ne2slsl. ; Prince Albert;
HA adlbdeirnt,gton, 1510;1. ;
Cadogan, 21/. ; Charles Dic 1. was allocated for
kson E ~ 10/. The report in
conclusion, stated that the sum of 552
distribution amongst 82 applicants for relief. The report
was adopted. The secretary then announced that, during
the past year, 107 officers had joined the society, and that 78
deaths and withdrawals had taken place amongst the old
members. It was moved and carried, amidst applause, that
the chairman be requested to acknowledge by letter the
munificent donations of Prince Albert, the Duke of Cam-
bridge, Earl Haddington. the Earl of Cadogan, and Com-
mander Sharman. Captain Bague recommended to the at-
tention of the meeting the case of Miss H—, the daughter
e tor humanely raised
subscription
applicants,
her
of a deceased officer, who was reduced to the lowest depths of
poverty, but whose peculiar circumstances precluded her ap-
plying for relief. In consequence of the gallant captain's repre-
sentation,
behalf. The petitions having been disposed of, and sums
varying
to the Gallant Chairman, and the meeting
p
MILITIA EXEMPTIONS.—At several large firms in
sthea anrkas t were
d. h
e voted officers
. s
u. di
distributed
d
fromt
b o
amongst a
the
the City and West-end, where a great number of hands are
employed, as in some of the principal linen-drapery establish-
ments, mutual combinations have been formed to provide
substitutes should any of them be drawn. It is fully expected
that the East India Company's Regiment of Volunteers will
be formed, and brought into training, which will exempt all
their clerks, servants, and labourers from service in the
militia. This regiment, which was the last of the volunteer
corps that was disbanded, continued in regular training until
1824.

PORTUGUESE RAILWAYS. —As the Portuguese
Government has not thought proper to reduce its ridiculously
stringent terms as to concessions, but thought it could dic-
tate when it ought to beg, the representatives of the English
Companies have declined to do any thing with it for the
present.—Railway Herald.

L [TERATURE.
MARGARET CA PEL. A Novel. 3 Vols.

In this utilitarian and philosophical age our very
novels are redolent of the spirit of the times. His-
tory and politics are now common themes for works
hitherto intended only for amusement. The school-
master is abroad with a vengeance, indeed, if his
lessons must be found even in the page of fiction.
Far be it from us to disapprove of such things, yet,
with all deference to the importance of instruction,
we cannot but remember that novels are chiefly de-
sired by way of recreation. A few may wish to find
wisdom mingled with entertainment, but the gene-
rality, tired of history and wearied with politics, are
glad to seek amusement in the delightful realms of
fancy ; others love to contrast their own high favoured
lot with the imagined distresses of some all-perfect
heroine ; in both cases, perhaps, little good is done,
but the end is achieved—the reader is gratified. Such
u novel is " Margaret Capel ;" it is well calculated
to suit both extremes, full of liveliness and vivacity;
on the one hand gay, spirited, and sparkling, it is cer-
tain to please those who only read pour passer le.temps,
while the lovers of tenderness and pathos will be deeply
interested by the beautiful and touching history of
Aveline Fitzpatrick, the only child of a widowed
mother, slowly fading away beneath the power of that
resistless foe to youth and beauty—incurable consump-
tion.. Thii mournful tale is perhaps the most beauti-
ful portion of the whole work : here death has indeed
no terrors, all is peace and love. This is but an
episode, the real heroine being Margaret Capel, who
is of course endowed with all the virtue and beauty
necessary for such an important place. We will not
attempt to "sketch the plot," and destroy all the
interest of the story ; suffice it to say it is sufficiently
involved and intricate to excite attention, yet not too
complicated to amuse. Just the sort of book for
ladies who have nothing to do but to read for their
own gratification, or again just the sort of book for
others who seek recreation from their arduous daily
duties.

POEMS and PICTURES. A Collection of Ballads'
Songs, and other Poems, with One Hundred Illustra-

lion; on Wood, by Britis!, Artists.
This is one of the most luxurious books ever pub-
lished. Printed in beautiful type, upon thick satin
paper, every page has an illuminated border, and
every poem has an illustration, many of them more
than one. These illustrations are the most beautiful
specimens of wood engraving we have ever
seen ; they have the softness of the most exqui-
site pencilling. Among the artists who have
illustrated these " Ballads " are Cope, Dyce,
Horsley, Redgrave, Selous, Tenniel, Archer,
Corbould, Duncan, and Pickersgill. Some of Pickers-
gill's illustrations are remarkably imaginative, and
remind us forcibly of the marvellous creations
of the pencil of Blake. The binding of the
hook is in the highly-ornamented antique style, and
altogether it is a monument worthy of British arts
and artists. Ere long, this collection of poems and
pictures will be found on the drawing-room table of
every person in the British dominions who has the
least pretensions to taste.

THE POETICAL WORKS OF JOHN KEATS.

A New Edition.
Thanks to the irrevocable advance of true fame, it
is unnecessary to do more than chronicle this re-pub-
lication of the too few, but incomparable poems written
by John Keats. To enter upon a dissection of pro-
ductions now so familiar to every lover of genuine
and unforced poetry would savour more of eccen-
tricity than judgment, seeing that they have acquired
for themselves the most catholic appreciation. But
we may undoubtedly be permitted to observe
that the first and most elaborated production in
the collection claims the most feeble and
questionable applause, namely, "the stretched metre
of an antique song "—" Endymion." Infinitely noble
as is its introduction, proclaiming the presence of
beauty in everything terrestrial, from " the shady
Won" of trees, to the very daffodils " with the green
world they live in "—glorious as is the opening pic-
ture of a forest glade in Latmos, where the rivulets,
disappear under the umbrage " to warm their chilliest
bubbles in the grass "—larded with symbols of glory
as is that marvellous invocation to Pan—pure and
statuesque as is the description of Endymion himself,
with his senses obscured with drowsiness, and mo-
tionless iu the rapture of a trance,
" Even as dead still as a marble man
Frozen in that old tale Arabian"—
. _ _ _

and sprinkled as the narrative is with the sweetest
and most gossamer-like episodes, dreams within
dreams (such as the chase after the butterfly)—there
are intermeshed and intermingled with the whole
such puerilities and affectations and weaknesses, both
of thought and language, as tend materially to modify
our approbation. Nevertheless, a sweeping condem-
nation of a work so eminently delicate becomes an im-
possibility after reading that masterpiece—the preface
prefixed to this "poetic romance"—in which Keats
remarks that a dissatisfied reviewer will assuredly
leave him alone " with a conviction that there is not
a fiercer hell than the failure in a great object."
NVith "Laurie," however, that strange phantasm of
a subtle imagination—with "Isabella, or the Pot of
Basil," the metre of which beats time, as it were, to
the blood gush of the heart—and with " The Eve of
St. Agnes," that matchless piece of mosaic-work,
carrying us alternately to the banquet cham-
ber with its music " yearning like a god in
pain," and to the gallery with the cavalier,
"brushing the cobwebs with his lofty plume," and to
the bedside in the moon's " dim twilight"—with
these three crea' ions our admiration is unstinted and
most earnest ; while with " Hyperion"—that marvel
of modern literature—that most wonderful of all
poetical fragments—that Phidian torso—our appro-
bation has no limits. Its words are like the blowings
of a golden bugle; with its utterance the earth seems
again shaken by the colossal footfall of the Titans ;
its imagery is awe ; its populace are gods. No con-
ception could possibly be formed of the extreme
grandeur which our language is capable of evolving
without reading this extraordinary production. As
the poet himself expresses it :
" There is a noise
Among immortals when a god gives sign,
With hushing finger, how he means to load
Ilis tongue with the full weight of utterless thought,
With thunder, and with music, and with pomp."
And such is the sound, such is the resonance of
every syllable in " Hyperion." The minor poems
which are appended to the volume, are things to be
learnt by heart, and mused over line by line, and gar-
nered up as jewels in the chambers of the memory; they
are as " things of beauty," destined for immortality, if
we may credit the assertion contained in the first line
John Keats ever Lcknowledgedly published—" A
thing of beauty is a joy for ever." Among these
must be especially noted his stanzas upon "Autumn,"
his renowned " Ode to a Nightingale," his verses be-
ginning " I stood tiptoe upon a little hill," and that
pathetic and haunting conceit about December—
all of which are filled with burning thoughts
and clothed with burning words. His twenty
sonnets, too, form of themselves a diadem.
Altogether Keats's poetry, though it was ger-
minated in the regions of Cockaigne, speedily
assumed for itself a character of no class, of no party,
of no particular or individual school. As long as the
green turf is powdered with daisies, and the cow/slip
blossoms on the hedge-bank, and the rivulets glitter
in the sunbeams—as long, in fact, as nature it nature,
so long will the poetry of John Keats last, for it is
but a reflex of the original in all its purity, andall its
majesty, and all its loveliness. The present edition is
the best that has as yet been published : it is the
best, because it is the most appropriate—a little
volume to be dropped into one's pocket before a stroll
in theimeadows or the woodlands : while, for ourselves
and all other Londoners, it will serve as a talisman
wherewith to conjure us from the murky streets of
the metropolis and the leaden atmosph,e7 of winter,
into the midst of a summer landscape. There is, how
in -
ever, one remarkable deficiency this reprint which
we should like exceedingly to see amended ; there is
neither a biographical sketch. nor a slight portrait of
the young bard, both of which his friend Severn, the
Anglo-Roman artist, would have accomplished so
successfully. We conceive, in fact, that Mr. Severn
owes this much to the memory of his dead associate.
as well as to posterity ; and assuredly it
would be a
noble exertion of his abilities. We shall ultimately
expect to see a life of Keats and a likeness of Keats
from the pen and pencil of his companion Severn.
With this exception the volume is complete.

WAV ER LEY NOVELS, Abbotsford Edition. Vol. 9.
The present volume contains " Redgauntlet," the
" Betrothed," and the " Talisman," printed in the
same magnificent style of typography as the preceding
volumes of this superb edition have been. Each novel
is illustrated by four steel engravings, in addition to a
host of exquisite wood-cuts. The four illustrations to
" Redgauntlet" are from paintings by Clarkson Stan-
field ; those of the " Betrothed" are from paintings
by R. K. Penson, and of those to the " Talisman,"
thrce are from David Roberts, and one (the Con-
vent of the Holy Nativity, Bethlehem), from a paint-
ing by Sir David Wilkie,

CLEMENTS CUSTOMS' GUIDE FOR 1845
and 1846.

This is the tea th annual edition ofMr. Clement's work,
and it most ably sustains its original character. To
mercantile men of every description it will and mast
prove of the very greatest utility, and afford the
very greatest assistance upon all question-
able commercial points. It is, in fact, a
kind of encyclopaedia to commerce, and details
every particular alteration in the enactments
in relation to trade passed during the last session of
Parliament. Among other portions of this compila-
tion, the tables of duties upon exports and imports
are most elaborate, and will afford every possible I
facility for reference.' In all of its other branches it
is, however, equally copious and equally accurate.
From the abundant information it gives upon all
mercantile matters, it will be a valuable companion to
every commercial office.