The Sun.
London, England, 1851-03-27 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING,

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

Mr. Charles: .1.)-enct.'s Mornitg Ca!l brings an immem;e
nurob'r of evening cads to Drury-laz:,e, a miter
which we are act astonished, seeing that never did lady
and gentleman conduct themselves more amusingly ttein
do Mrs. Nisbett and Mr. Anderson during the Morning
Call aforesaid. The grand spectacle of Azael still coo-
tinue3 its attraction undiminished, and was followed last.
night by Raising the Wind, the best method of doing
which for a theatrical manager is undoubtedly to produce
such attractive pieces as the Morning Calll and Azael.

- -
HAYMARKET THEATRE.
A clever adaptation by Mr. John Oxenford of Le
Pont Casse was produced here) last evening under the
title of Make the Best of It, The incidents of the ori-
ginal are followed closely, and the dialogue is full of
smartness and point. Backetono sustains the character
of the hero (originally written for Arnal), whose mar-
vellous facility fur getting into scrapes gives rise to the
" fun" of the farce with infinite humour and gusto, and
he was well supported by Miss P. Hot ton, Mrs. Fitswil-
liam, and Mr. Howe. The piece was perfectly success-
ful, and was announced for repetition. It was preceded
by hamlet, in which Mr. J. W. Wallack appeared for the
first time as the Prince of Denmark. His reading of
the part was careful and elaborate, and in the picture
scene he was really fine. The success of this scene
must not, however, be ascribed solely to Mr. W. Wal-
lack; Miss Laura:Addison, who personated Gertrude,
was to the full as great as he, and indeed throughout the
whole tragedy she completely vindicated her claim to be
considered one of the greatest tragic artistes of the day.
Her Gertrude is. perhaps the most truthful that we have
at present on the stage.

ST. JAMES'S THEATRE.
MRS. FANNY KEMBLE'S READINGS OF
SHAKSPERE.
Mrs. Fanny Kemble has recommenced her delightful
Shaksperian readings at the St. James's Theatre, and
last night she read the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet.
Her reading is distinguished by its truthfulness, by the
nice discrimination with which she by her intonation
marks the various shades of character. Juliet was the
part in which she first attained her fame, and in the
delineation of that character she has never been approached.
It might naturally be supposed, therefore, that her read-
ing of the part was perfection; and, in her passionate
bursts of tenderness, we were frequently reminded of
the Fanny Kemble who was went, night after night, to
fill Covent-garden Theatre to the ceiling. But she was
equally great in the character of the Nurse, and indeed
in every other. She was listened to with close atten-
tion, and at the conclusion the applause was enthusiastic.

ASTLEY'S AMPHITHEATRE.
Mr. Batty has engaged one of the most wonderful of
equestrian performers, who is net only the most won-
derful, but most assuredly the smallest and the youngest
equestrian who ever appeared in an arena. This pro-
digy performs under the soubriquet of Tom Thumb, and
is, we understand, not more than four years old. We
saw him last evening, and certainly a more graceful and
at the same time a more marvellous performance we
never witnessed. There are two horses standing ready
caparisoned in the arena when a sedan chair is
brought in, the chair is opened, and Tom Thumb, capa-
risoned in full tenue, as a grand ecuyer, with scarlet
coat, cocked hat, and wig, steps forth, approaches the
steeds, mounts them, and goes through some of the
most extraordinary and difficult feats of equitation. It
seems marvellous how the little fellow can manage to
stretch his tiny legs so as to stand upon the two horses
at once; nevertheless he does so, and not only does he
stand upon them, but he manages them, and goes
through his wonderful feats with all the coolness
and certainty of a practised equestrian. The en•
thusiasm he excited was intense, and the audience
testified their delight, not by applause alone,
but by showering on him not bouquets, but oranges, a
method of testifying approbation which seemed to afford
immense gratification to the juvenile prodigy, who, hav-
ing taken off with him as many as he could carry, and
bowed his acknowledgments, sent on two men with bas-
kets to bring to him the remainder. The scenes in the
circle were preceded by the spectacle of Joan of Arc,
the magnificence of which still continues to attract
crowded houses, and followed by the farce of The ArVid
Dodge, in which Mr. George Wild appeared
in his original character of Demosthenes Dodge.
He looked exceedingly well, and was as
full of dry quaint humour as ever. Wild, the
legitimate successor of John Reeve, has been too
long a truant from the London boards; we hope that
now he has found his way back he will not again desert
us. The lovers of fun and drollery are under an obliga-
tion to Mr. Batty for having brought George Wild back
to us.

NEW STRAND THEATRE.
This little house—the " pill-box " theatre, as it has
not inaptly been called—has very recently been opened
by a Mr. Robert Heller, a new aspirant for cabalistic
fame. It has been said that " wonders will never
cease," and since we understand that the Wizard of the
North is shortly to open the St. James's Theatre, that
M. Robin is pursuing a course of uninterrupted success
at the top of the Haymarket, and now that Mr. Heller
has taken the Strand it would seem as if the old saying
were about to be verified. Mr. Heller's tricks do not
differ materially from thoco of his predecessors_ He
certainly does introduce a few feats of legerdemain quite
now to us, and if, on looking over his bill of fare, we see
some tricks a little stale from their antiquity, they ne-
vertheless do not look amiss when put before the public
in a new dress, and when performed with a neatness and
dexterity equal, if not in some respects superior, to
his fellow-conjurors. The celebrated inexhaustible bottle
trick he manages very cleverly, and wines, rum, whisky,
brandy, gin, &c., are distributed in goodly quantities
among the audience, and it is but justice to them to say
that they patronize the said bottle with the greatest sa-
tisfaction and good-humour. Also the inexplicable illu-
sion of causing his son, while standing on a table with a
sort of extinguisher over him, to mysteriously disappear
from under it, he performs with great precision. To
take Mr. Heller's performance as a whole, it is quite as
clever, and well worthy of being seen as any others of
the same sort, and we have no doubt the little Strand
Theatre will soon be too small to contain his audience.
One grE at advantage he possesses which M. Robin does
not, i. e., although a Frenchman, he can talk English
with the greatest fluency, and from first to last keeps his
audience in good-humour.

RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE.
LEASING OF AN EASTERN LINE.—We stated A fort
night ago, that a small line, hitherto entirely unproduc-
tive to the shareholders, in an eastern locality, was likely
to be taken up by a leviathan company. The negotia-
tions are now concluded. The terms are a guarantee of
2i per cent. We are not at liberty to name the line, but
we may mention that within the last few weeks the
shares have more than doubled their market value,
through the purchases of those who were aware of what
was coming off.
Mn. HUDSON AND THE SHIRE-MARKET.—We under-
stand that Mr. Hudson has been again netting a large
amount by successful speculations for the rise in the
railway market, and that he is still as bullishly disposed as
ever. He has, we are assured, four or five brokers in
constant occupation, and in one instance, we believe, be
has a monopoly of the services of one of the clerks of
the establishment. —Advertiser.
IRISH SOUTH-EASTERN RAILWAT.--WO learn from
good authority, that very great reductions are about to
be made in the establishments connected with this line,
which will very materially improve the value of the con•
cern. The subject will be brought under the considera-
tion of the general meeting on Saturday.
SOUTH DEVON RAlLWA.Y.—Yestorday the committee
on this company's Bill for facilitating the conversion of
loan into capital, and regulating priority of dividends,
Mr. Fitzroy in the chair, declared the preamble proved.'
The capital is not to be increased by conversion of loan,
and in no case to exceed 478,4661., the sum authorised
to be borrowed. The Bill was opposed by Mr. Stevens,
a shareholder, on the general merits.
thtehestparteioaumb a 4
le
GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY. yesterday, the com-
mittee, Mr. Lialdall in the chair, passed
of this compan's Bill, for enlarging
King's-cross, and for improving the approaches, by,
the diversion of the Old Pancras-road. The stations
at Knottingly and Wakefield to bo enlarged, and powers
are taken for these purposes to raise by new shares
750,000/.
SHEFFIELD, ROTHERHAM, AND
deviations
Mr. ox Maule was prevented, owing to a severe
t Yesterday the Committee on this ' Bill, for
,GOOLE RAILW AF.—
attack of gout, from voting in favour of the second reading of between Sheffield and Barnsley, declared the preamble
be Ecclesiastical Titles Bill. - , proved. •
The•birthday of his Royal 'Highness theibuke or
e ,HALESWORTH, BECCLES, AND lIADDISCOE RAILWAY.
._.__
—Mr. Bernal reports from the Committee on this Bill
Lanibriega was celebrated yesterday at Win
,Kew, r
3' the rinsing of the church bells, the firing of cannon, and
wither that the preamble is found proved; that the proposed
er rejoicings. capital is 150,0001., with power to borrow 50,000 l.; that
b DEATH or MAJOR-GENERAL PARKER,' ‘ 613 : the amount of shares subscribed for is 118,5001.,
and the
%,?YAL ARTILLERY.—This gallant officer, for many .years ,dejaeSita paid thereon 11,8501.; that eight shareholders
"col
of the Royal Military Academy at having a local interest iu the line have subscrth d
"00l • ' he resided,
i wiclr, where . died on Tuesday, the 25th 63)5001., end five others 55,0001. The line is 13 miles,
1144-, after an illness of six days. Major-General John without engineering difficulties, as reported by Mr.
etelor Parker entered the service as second lieutenant on the Bidder, theingineer. The Committee are satisfied with ,
Ist of April, 1802; was promoted to first lieutenat, Ist the bong fidkaof the subscription contract.
%i ternb er, 1803 ; captain, sth June, 1808 ; brevet-major, BANGOR A* CAERNARVON RAILWAY.—Mr. Bernal',
`„_,;it September, 1813 ; lieutenant-colonel, June 18, 1815; reports the preumble of this Bill. for making a railway
her,
10th January, 1837; and major.general, 9th Novem- from the Chester and Holyhead Railway, near Bau-''
,71., 1846. He had seen considerable service, having been eor, to Portipmorwic and Caernarvon, proved.
employed' at Walcheren, and in the operations previous to isi
told - ~, Id ,' • •
„ at the siege of Flushing. It is said in Hart's Aznay Teti ~i.,f,lc(fi,:, , 1,:,17,
lust he embarked in February, 1812, for Lisbon,
.an,i4...re-4":4,ftsitirlihr THB CLIPPER SHIP TYPHOON.--LI.-
ARM •
~ tied with the Duke of Wellingtons army till the„eenclo.) istat.'' ' res.:_'l4o' U" NESDAY.—One of the most remarkable pas-
vienQualatt_inASlA. was-present at theebatele,..-0e..; Sstges.OSVAnatte across the Atlantic, under sail only, has
' Ittoria both sieges of St. Sebastian, battle of °dikes, aliair just been accomplished by the new American ship Typhoon.
at Tarbes'and battle of Toulouse, and lost his left leg'
ad tli&1 - sailed
battle She from Portsmouth, Newhaven, United States, for
1, of .Waterloo. He received the gold medal for the Liverpool, on, her trial trip, coming over in ballast only,
*We of Vittoria, and the silver medal with three clasps for and entered the Mersey to-day, completing the passage
"t• Sebastian, Orthes, and Toulouse. in the extraordinary short time of fourteen days from port
:Nobody takes reproof so kindly as he that deserves to port.
,
.4c:lt to bb commended.—Eliza Cook's Journal. A GLORIOUS BONFIRE.—Lord Lansdowne would.
„,„ Lord Broughton gave a dinner to the Cabinet be happy to .sep the income-tax repealed, and then "lira
lin
iglilliterslast evening should be ,
at his residence Berkeley-square. glad' to move that all the papers relating to it
should. be burnt:" • The only mote, we take it, in which ate'
' c,AASTIRN- COUNTIES RAILWAY. -- The Eastern income-tax paper can appear light to anybody.—Puneh. '
" unties' 'shareholders have manfully surrendered their Is. ILL EFFECTS;
.
dividend,, and have elected a new chairman with great ap- ILL .C.,FFECiS OF NOT ADVERTISING.—A clerk it
rrent confidence. Mr. Waddington's antecedents are, per- 9noemoef our, merCantile establishments writes to his friends 4,
: I have a plaguy easy time of it now-a-day,'
alts, rather ambiguous, but hiff experience at
. any
.rate is ,veryh - .---1.
very little work do—our firm don't advertise."—Amerieaa
rjond dispute. We trust next week to see his reign inan-
per.
gyrated by a little better arrangement of trains and by a P. `' '
,:
""„tnewhat.more reasonable provision for the conveyance LOVE SUBDUES PRINCE AS WELL AS PBASANT4.
vt the morning journals. Cambridgeshire ought not to —We learn by letters from Rome of the 10th instant, that'
gait till noon for the day's intelligence. It is surely prince Psskevitsch has made a most determined attempt 14.
nowise, with the Great Northern so close at hand, to remind suicide by stabbing himself six times in the region of thy'
ople by daily drawbacks of the advantages of competition. heart with a. knife. He is a young man, and nephew to
he Great Exhibition of the summer is expected to do won- the Prince who is at the head of the family. His attach-
dera for railway property in general. We are less sanguine ment to a young ;Polish lady was disapproved of by hii
.„c
lilts effects in this particular respect, but we have no dcubt friends and the Emperor, and in order to bresk it off he was,
7.,nateeer that every year's experience will establish the sent with dilioatclips to the Russian Ambassador at Rome.
Identity of interests between shareholders and the public, The disappointment appears to have affected his reason ; and
Itt-Id prove that fair accommodation at fair prices is the best ' on Thursday night, after having called for his pistols, which.;
puarantee in these and in all other commercial undertakings were refused him, he inflicted the wounds mentioned. Hia
Qr ultitaate success.— Times. life is considered to be imthe greatest danger.

" Colesberg, 15th January.
"The Colesberg Boers are not altogether very willing
tarn out on Commando, although those from Han-
'ol leave on the 16th, under Gideon Daniel Joubert,
viilr(.l some other field cornetcies will follow; from the
interveld and Middenveld the excuses are rather nu-
merous, the want of servants to herd the flocks, the
`Xtreme drought which has so impoverished their horses,
111°11e being fit for the service, and the Pramberg Kafirs
having
boon to Victoria to purchase gunpowder and iced,
'laving created a little uneasiness in that quarter, and
strong doubts as to the intentions of those Tembookics
that are still very numerous in the district, in the event
the farms being left unprotected—all, no doubt, very
lei,,hty reasons for not having that readiness as on
vformerts occasions. In the village large subscriptions have
raised to equip a volunteer corps, and a party will
leave on Friday, the 17th, to join Gideon Daniel Jou-
%rt's farmers."

PROFESSIONAL LIFE ASSURAN CE

COJI/PAN Y.

Yesterday- afternoon the fourth annual meeting of the
proprietoru and assurers in this company was held at the
offices, 76, Cheapside; Major Stones, the chairman of the
Company, presiding.
There was a very numerous attendance of prcpri,,,tc,rs.
The advertisement convening the meeting having la( en
'read, the report was read by Mr. Baylis, the actuary
'and manager, from which we make the following ex-

tracts:—
" The directors feel much pleasure in again meeting
their shareholders at this their fourth annual general
meeting, and in announcing to them the continued and
successful progress of the company. The estimation in
which the valuable and important principles of this cor
poration are held by the public, and the confidence re-
posed by them in its honour and stability, have, since
the last general meeting, been fully evinced, not only
by the increased value of the company's stock, but also
by the rapid and remarkable extension of its business.
" At that time the directors announced that the 40,000
shares, constituting the capital of the company, had
been almost wholly subscribed for; and they have now
the gratification of reporting that a few months from
that date sufficed to accomplish, without reserve, the
final issue of the shares. In the month cf July last the
share list was closed,—the shares were actually disposed
of for investment, and they have ever since been ob-
tainable only at a high premium,—the amount of that
premium being, at the present moment, at or above cent.
per cent. on the amount paid per share. This the di-
rectors consider most satisfactory evidence of the sup-
port and approval of the community in behalf of the
advantages peculiar to this office.
" The list of proprietors comprises upwards of 1,400
names of parties who are qualified by their position and
influence to advance the beat interests of the institution,
and whose number and respectability have never been
surpassed by the share list of any similar society.
" This great object having been achieved—the shares
having been disposed of to parties resident throughout
the towns and cities of the United Kingdom, and in the
colonies—embracing individuals in almost every rank,
profession, and condition of life—the directors anxiously,
but confidently, anticipated that a short period would
suffice to prove the soundness of their views in esta-
blishing such a numerous and comprehensive proprie-
tary. They felt assured that a large accession of pro-
fitable business could not fail to accompany the united
influence and co-operation of so many parties iuterested
in the success of the same object. The result has sur-
passed their expectations. The business transacted
during the last year, that is, from the Ist of January to
the 31st of December, 1850, has nearly equalled the
amount of all the preceding years together, as is exhi-
bited in the subjoined tabular form":—

No. of New Amount , Amount of addi-
Years. Policies effected assured in each tional Premiums
in each year. year. in each year.
--- -
---- £ £ s. d.
1847... 69 22,166 I 571 9 2
1848... ?61 44,905 I 1,85) 10 1
1849... 293 87,538 I 3,553 4 8
1850... 453 172,292 5,610 16 9

peculiar degree to test the validity of the claims of any
company which might be put forth—namely, the gen-
tlemen of the Stock Exchange. They had had addi-
tions from that body, and he spoke advisedly when he
stated that there were many more who wore about to
join them.—(Applause.) fie urged every proprietor to
use increased exertions to promote the welfare of this
prosperous society. If these were days of advance and
progress, unless they advanced with the spirit of the
times they only retrograded.
Mr. T. TAYLOR suggested that with reference to the
balance-sheet the proprietors ought to have placed before
them a balance-sheet for 1850.
Mr. BAYLIS (the actuary) said there was no hesitation
or indisposition to show everything; but it was not for
him to present an unaudited account.
Mr. TAYLOR alluded to the item for advertisements.
Ho knew that of necessity an immense expense must
be
incurred under that head, and the item of 2,000/. or
3,0001. extended over a term of years, and he should not
like to see the society not keeping pace with other offi, C 3
in this respect. At the same time ho thought there was
room for economy.
Mr. T. WILLIAMS, jun., objected to the suggestion of
printing the balance sheet with the report, on the ground
of the expense.
The CHAIRMAN explained. As to the printing and
publication of the balance-sheet with the report, it would
entail great expense on the society; but he hoped that
any gentleman who required information on any point,
would always refer to their excellent friend Mr. Baylis,
who would at all times be most happy to give it.—
(Hear, hear.) As to the item of commission, it was
paid only on actual business done. In reference to the
charge for advertisements, he had heard of an office
which had expended 16000/. under this head.
Mr. WALTON, of Cape Town, Cape of Good Hope,
expressed his satisfaction at the manner in which the
business of this society had been conducted; but as
agent for the society at the Cape of Good Hope, he
begged especially to congratulate them on their success
in that colony. They had hail there to compete with
local officers and agents for London companies, who,
however, had done very little. But he had to inform
the shareholders (who might not know the difficulties
they had to contend with at the Cape) that out of 1,600
shares they had sold 650—(Applause)—in the short
space of thirteen months, and they had effected insur-
ances to the amount of many thousands, and they had
more Dutchmen than Englishmen—though the former
were very cautious—thus indicating the estimation in
which this office was held.
The CHAIRMAN then put the question, that the report
be adopted, which was carried unanimously.
The directors who retired by r• tation—namely,
Messrs. Thomas George Williams, E. Gamaliel Win-
throp, and Mr. Wellington Cooper, were severally
elected and returned thanks. The Rev. Henry Hamilton,
of Monkstown, near Dublin, and of Montagu-square,
London, was elected to the vacant directorship.
Mr. GEORGE BERMINGHAM moved that the fee or
allowance to the directors for their attendance be in•
creased from one to two guineas, looking to the length
of time that each sitting consumed, and the professional
character of most of the directors.
Mr. THOMAS TAYLOR seconded the motion.
Mr. COLBORNE, of Poole, supported the proposition.
Mr. ROBERT GLADDING opposed the increase of the
allowance to the directors, and after some discussion he
moved as an amendment, that, in the present circum-
stances of the company, it was inexpedient to increase
the allowance to the directors for the present, and that,
therefore, such increase of allowance be deferred.
Mr. THOMAS J. Wsweets, jun., seconded the amend-
ment; but en a show of hands the numbers were—For
the amendment, 19; against it, 36; majority against the
amendment, 17.
The original motion was then put,when there appeared
—For the original motion, 38; against it, 15; majority
for the original motion, 23.
Messrs. George Bain and George Evans were seve-
rally re-elected auditors; and on the motion of Mr. Tay-
lor, seconded by Mr. Crockett, the allowances to those
gentlemen for their services iu the past year were raised
from 40 guineas to 50 guineas, there being only one dis-
sentient voice against the proposition.
Mr. BAYLIS addressed the meeting at great length on
the past success and future prospects of the society, and
urged in eloquent terms the principles on which this so-
ciety proceeded—principles which were eminently calcu-
lated to insure an inconceivable amount of benefit to
their fellow-men. One great leading principle on which
the office proceeded was to take care of the living. The
speech was replete with the most interesting facts, which
our limits do not allow us to give in detail.
Votes of thanks were voted to the medical officers and
to the solicitor of the company, on whose behalf Dr.
Barker, Mr. W. White Cooper, and Mr. Edward M.
Elderton severally returned thanks.
A vote of thanks having been proposed to Mr. Baylis,
the actuary,
Mr. GLADDING begged to know whether it was the
fact that their actuary had formed or originated another
society (the Trafalgar), and was the consulting actuary
of that society at that moment?
Mr. BAYLIS said it was his pride and his glory to be
the consulting actuary of that society—(Cheers)—which
was calculated to render so much service to his fellow-
men. He certainly was not to be debarred from those
facilities which attached, and were always conceded, to
men of his profession. He was delighted to have the
opportunity of answering the question.
The vote of thanks was carried unanimously.
Thanks were voted to the Chairman, who acknow-
ledged the compliment, and the meeting separated, after
a sitting of more than three hours and a half.

" From the above table, it appears that the number e.
policies effected in the year 1850 was 453—that the
amount assured was 172,2921.; producing new premiums
to the amount of 5,610/. 16s. 93.; while from the Ist of
January last 178 policies have been granted, creating
an annual revenue from new premiums of upwards of
1,600/. The total income of the company at the present
time, derived from premiums, after deducting assurances,
lapsed by death and other causes, amounts to upwards of
11,4501.; the total number of policies issued is 1,155, and
the amount assured, 354,513/.
" On reference to the balance-sheet, to the 31st of-
December last, us approved and audited, which is this
day laid before you, and to which the directors refer as
part of this their report, it will he found that the lasses
by death frem the commencement of the company
amount in the aggregate to 6,9121. 19s. 11d., every claim
having been promptly met and satisfied, leaving a large
and increasing credit to the premium account,
" When the directors consider that—independently of
income derivable from annuities and interest on sums
advanced by way of loans by the company—the annual
interne from premiums exceeds at present 11,4501. per
annum, they cannot but congratulate their shareholders
on the great and manifest progress of the company.
Yet, with this increasing income, the expenditure re-
mains nearly stationary, the great desire and determina-
tion of the directors being to enforce the utmost economy
compatible with energy and efficiency.
" It has been already stated that 178 policies have
been effected since the Ist of January last. Should the
same ratio of business be continued throughout the year,
the directors hope, at the next annual meeting, to carry
out the principle which pervades every operation of the
company—the principle of taking care of the living—by
the announcement of a considerable increase of dividend;
but at present they recommend that the dividend for the
past year be after the usual rate of five per cent. per
annum (free from income-tax) on the paid-up capital of
the company; and such dividend is hereby declared ac-
cordingly. The directors beg to remind the share-
holders that the amount of the dividend depends upon
the amount of business transacted, and that the amount
of business depends upon the shareholders, and all
parties interested in the corporation, combining their
strenuous efforts to extend the operations of the com-
pany.
.n The following gentlemen retire as directors, by ro-
tation, viz.:—Thomas George Williams, Esq.; E. Ga-
nialiel Winthrop, Esq.; W. Wellington Cooper, Esq.;
and Andrew Durham, Esq., and, being eligible, offer
themselves for re-election, and are recommended by the
board accordingly.
" The directors consider it advisable that the vacancy
now existing in the direction should be filled tsp. The
Rev. Henry Hamilton, of Monkstown, near Dublin, and
of Montagu-square, London, a duly qualified share-
holder, has given the requisite notice as a candidate;
and being, by his influence and position, well qualified
to promote the interests of the institution, the directors
have much pleasure in recommending him to the share-
holders for election.
" The auditors who retire by rotation are, George
Bain, Esq., and George Evans, Esq., who, being eligible,
are recommended for re-election."
The CHAIRMAN said that from the which
had been so well made by their worthy actuary, he found
himself so bound down by being placed at the bottom
instead of the top of the room, that he was fearful he
should forget many of the pretty things which he desired
to talk about.--(Laughter.) He was reminded of the
advice of an eastern writer, " Go to Bokhara, eat me-
lons, and die."—(Laughter.) The application of which
was this—that atter having read this full and very sa-
tisfactory report, and after moving its adoption, be
should not say a single word more, and, perhaps, it
world bo wise on his part to follow this course; but he
felt he must have a little chat on plain facts and figures.
Last year he was too ill to say a word to anybody; on
the present occasion he felt they were deprived, in a
great degree, of anything they might have to say as
to 'the infancy of this institution. It had attained a
goodly growth. Their vessel had been happily and
skilfully steered by an able pilot out of the
bay of difficulty, and there the institution stood like
a sturdy boy, but more like a boy of fourteen rather
than of four years of age. He did not think they
could possibly have arrived at a greater degree of
prosperity. His old friend Mr. Baylis had been used to
dangle the baby, and could now scarcely recognise the
child of his adoption. Nay, be called out (seeing the
marvellous growth of the infant) with Dominic Sampson,
"Prodigious!"—(Loud laughter)—and he (the Chair-
man) hoped the meeting would respond to that aspira-
tion. But really, in a rational point of view, their pro-
grZss had been "prodigious." The youth had been
fostered even by old offices, who were always jealous of
new ones which came to vie with there. He found by
the report that " the list of proprietors comprises up-
wards of 1,400 names of parties who are qualified by
interests
of position and influence to advance the beet
of the institution, and whose numbers and respectability
have never been surpassed by the share list of any simi-
lar society." To the number and respectability of the
proprietors he could not possibly object, or to their being
qualified from their position and influence to advance
the. best interests of the institution. He knew all this
was true; but he objected to that paragraph, because it
gave praise where it was not due. They had in the last
year effected 453 new policies, whereas if the share-
holders or body of the proprietors had done their duty
to the extent the cirectors bad, and each had brought
three policies, they would have effected upwards of 1,400
policies instead of 453. They would then have had
4,000 or 5,000 policies. He hoped these remarks would
not be entirely lest on the meeting.—(hear.) He did
not wish any proprietor to go home with his tail between
his legs—(Laughter)—but hehoped that each man would
say " I have not done my duty," and that instead of
brAlging in the next year three policies to the office,
they would bring three times three. Again, the report
very properly stated that the directors relied upon the
zealous support of the body of proprietors, B;c., and this
e!„
oe hitt v
feu
rt
tohindividual
theexertion
ga l a
ri
off
hffii esro ec ioet-n.
point. he urged upon the meeting. There was every in-
er
cludeAd ter
by
_t.
moving the adoption of the report.
Mr. MITCHELL seconded the motion.
Mr. COLBORNE, of Poole, expressed his gratitude to
the directors for the admirable manner in which they
had conducted the business of the institution.—(tenr.)
Mr. WILLIAM HESELTINE said this was indeed a proud
„ley. They had watched the progress of the society
with almost maternal solicitude. Its power was now
more maturely developed, and he congratulated the pro-
prietors en the accomplishment cf the object which they
all had in view. He congratulated them on the complete
seecess—the undeniable success of the peculiar principles
which they had adopted. The result of their early
efforts had proved that they had indulged in no Utopian
schemes. Four.
.y ears
.only had. elapsed since the
yet, in the midst of
formation of tins . society, which was commenced
directors pursued their on-'
at a peculiarly inausenmeiiis period commercial
ipserce,uve.railgeednnevetriyie.siadei.r,
and the pertinacity with which they clung
t course ,
to their principles was attributable to the confidence
which they
dewivasetrriye s
(Hear,
.hear.) That which they
had us the high talent and experience,, of their
certain extent, come to pass.
r case to then. enemies, foe he
ere not without them—because
hxlaadsyrespectedr:hrhaere:ye,
oaattt
oclel actuary.—(Hear,
aahl
yerr:dtv.
tty),h
nev
that was a distinctive character of success.—(Cheers.)
He would refer their enemies to the list of proprietors.
—(Cheers.) Did not the circumstance of their having
1,400 proprietors offer an itrefragable proof that they
had struck deep root in English society? Had they rot
brought together those classes which constituted the
main stay of a nation's prosperity-Tnainely, thos
es, e con-
cerned in professional lite, the mtddl
ing class the
tradesmen, and last, though not the least important
class, the clerks in public companies and private esta-
blishments in the metropolis and elsewhere? He might
also mention another class of men. There was a body
of men in this city whose habits qualified them in a