The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-31 00:00:00

MEETING OF 211 E BIR2WINGIIAiII
CHAMBER 01 COMMERCE.
BIRMINGHAM, DEC. 27.
A special meeting of the Chamber of Commerce
for this town and neighbourhood was held this day,
at noon, to consider the propriety of memorialising
the Government in favour of the appointment of a
consul at Abbeokuta, and also to pass a vote of
thanks to Mr. Cobden, M.P., for his services in con-
nection with the commercial treaty with France.
The MAYOR presided, and opened the proceedings
by reading the notice convening the meeting. He
also stated that Lord Alfred Spencer Churchill,
Chairman of the Committee of the African Aid
Society, had attended to explain why it was desir-
able that an English consul should be appointed at
Abbeokuta.
Lord ALFRED S. CHURCHILL, in a speech of
great length, explained why the African Aid
Society considered it desirable that a consul should
be appointed at Abbeokuta. The movement was
one of recent date, the society being commenced at
the end of the last session of Parliament, in July and
August, and was the result of the arrival in this
country of two coloured men from Abbeokuta
and Yoruba, where they had been sent by their
fellow-countrymen in Canada to inquire if there
were not some districts to which they and- their
families might emigrate and enjoy that freedom
which was denied to them in the United
States, though not in Canada. But the climate of
the latter country was almost fatal to the negro
race. The result of the researches of this deputation
(Messrs. M. R. Delany and It. Campbell, both co-
loured gentlemen) was most favourable, and they
gave a glowing description of the state of society
and the powers of cultivation and production. They
had also executed a treaty between the King and
chiefs of Abbeokuta, by means of which the co-
loured people of Canada and the United States
would be enabled to return to Africa and enjoy al
the privileges accorded to the natives, and to culti-
vate the land and develope the resources of the
country. One of the articles of the treaty is as fol-
lows :—"That the commissioners on their part also
agree that the settlers shall bring with them, as an
equivalent for the privileges accorded, intelligence,
education, a knowledge of the arts and sciences,
agriculture, and other mechanic and industrial
occupations, which they shall put into immediate
operation, by improving the lands and in other
useful vocations." It was upon that particular
article of the treaty that the African Aid Society
based its operations. They were anxious to in-
troduce into Africa, and afford facilities for the
introduction of those skilled labourers who are
now resident in the United States and Ca-
nada. They proposed to do this not by giving the
coloured people money to enable them to reach the
country, but by advancing them sums on loan in
part payment of their passage, and to enable them
to cultivate the soil. By this means the society
hoped, in some measure, to render this country
independent of the United States for the supply of
cotton, as the plant was indigenous to Africa, having
been introduced to America by the negroes them-
selves when they were taken from their own land
into slavery. Already a supply of cotton was ob-
tained from the western coast of Africa, and he
believed that the amount which had been imported
into this country from Africa during the last seven
or eight years was fully equal to the amount received
from America during a similar period on its first
introduction into that country. The increase on
the importations in 1859 over 1858 was no less
than 100 per cent. His lordship read a letter
which he had received from the President of Li-
beria, describing the progress of that country. Not
only did they export cotton, but they did consider-
able business in sugar, coffee, palm oil, ivory,
gelddust, &c., in return for which they took our
manufactures. His lordship described the dis •
trict ofg Abeookuta, remarking it was much
more favourable for the growth of cotton than the
adjoining districts of Liberia, and that there was a
district four or five times the size of England well
calculated for the growth of cotton. It was also
calculated that a district of the same size as York-
shire would produce sufficient cotton for the supply
of this country, so that the result of the extension
of the growth of the article in Africa would have
a great effect upon the price; and not only so,
but whereas we now paid for a greater portion of
the. cotton purchased from the United States in
gold, the Africans would gladly take in return our
manufactufes. Though he presented the matter
to them in a purely commercial phase, Lord Alfred
Churchill said it would be impossible to estimate
what effect such a movement would have on the
slave trade of America.
Mr. S. S. LLOYD moved the adoption of the fol-
lowing memorial, remarking that it, was a matter of
national importance that we should not be depen.
dent on a single nation for such a great article o,
manufacture. At present a large trade was done
with the western coast of Africa, which was pro-
ductive of great pecuniary advantages to those en-
gaged in it; and an extension of that trade would
increase the advantages derivable therefrom. He
concluded by moving the adoption of the following
memorial to Lard John Russell :---
THE MEMORIAL OF THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR
BIRMINGHAM AND THE MIDLAND DISTRICT.
Humbly showeth,—That it is important to the trade and
commerce of this kingdom that the cultivation of the cotton
plant upon the west coast of Africa should be encouraged,
in reference both to the supply of cotton for the English
trade, and the opening of new markets in Africa for Eng-
lish manufacture.
That the E ing and chiefs of Abbeokuta have by treaty
undertaken to grant settlers the fullest advantages at pre-
sent enjoyed by natives.
That if settlements be made in Abbeokuta it would pro-
duce a rapid extension of our commercial relations with that
part of Africa, and especially a vast increase in the export
of cotton to this country.
That, to induce the investment of capital in such settle-
ments, it is necessary that an accredited agent of the Eng-
lish Government should be resident in Abbeokuta.
Your memorialists therefore pray that your lordship may
be pleased to give early and serious attention to this sub-
ject, and that your lordship may be pleased to advise her
Majesty to appoint a resident Consul at Abbeokuta.
Mr.'BROWETT seconded the motion, at the same
time expressing an opinion .that the effect of the
introduction of the growth of cotton into the wes-
tern districts of Africa would not only result in a
large supply, but the price of the raw material
would be much reduced.
Some discussion ensued, in the course of which
the policy of the Government in adopting a free
trade policy was questioned by a member of the
Chamber, who expressed an opinion that a differen-
tial duty should be imposed on cotton, so as to give
cotton the produce of free labour the benefit. This
proposition was however decried by the other mem-
bers, and the motion was carried unanimously.
A vote of thanks to Lord A. S. Churchill, for the
able manner in which he had introduced the sub-
ject, was then passed unanimously, for which his
lordship returned thanks.
The CHAIRMAN then stated that the only other
business for consideration was the adoption of a
vote of thanks to Mr. Cobden, for his services in
connection with the French treaty. He had re-
ceived a letter from Mr. Scholefield, M.P., express-
ing regret at being unable to attend, but bearing
testimony to the invaluable services of Mr. Cobden.
Mr. C. WAGNER, who, with Mr. Fletcher,
formed the deputation from this Chamber to Paris
to arrange the terms of fixed instead of ad valorem
duties, moved the following resolution :
"That the cordial thanks of this Chamber be presented
to Mr. Richard Cobden, M.P,, for his invaluable and sue -
cessful services in connection with the recent treaty with
France—services not more distinguished by eminent talent
and zealous and unremitting labour than they were by dis-
interested patriotism ; end that the thanks of this chamber
be presented to Mr. Mallet and Mr. Ogilvie, the English
commissioners, for the valuable and efficient services ren-
dered by them in connection with the French treaty."
He believed that all persons connected with the
hardware trade must be of opinion that their inte-
rest could not have been in better hands thou in
those of Mr. Cobden, who had succeeded iu obtain-
ing the adoption of such moderate rates of duties
that both he (Mr. Wagner) and his coadjutor were
astonished at the results. The effect .of Mr. Cob-
den's labours had been felt not alone in the trade
with France, for Spain was at present remodelling
her tariff; the United States were about to abolish
the ad valorem for a specific rate of duties, and
other nations were following in the same direction.
He believed the labours of Mr. Cobden bad put
an end to all protection, and as commercial men
they were deeply indebted to him.
The motion was seconded by Mr. FLETCIIER.
Mr. BODINGTON took exceptionc theonsidetoringthat the
motion,
considering it premature.
operatives.of Coventry, Kidderminster, and other
places were out of work, he regarded it as inoppor-
tune to adopt such a resolution.
Mr. G. A. EVERITT, while agreeing in some mea-
sure with the resolution, said that in one branch of
industry—the manufacture of locomotive tubes, the
trade in which used to amount to £lO,OOO a week—
through a mistake of Mr. Cobden the trade had
Re Was in Paris and had
an
neen en
interviewtirel y
wdietsht destroyed.
Mr. Cobden, and he left with
an understanding that a low scale of duties would
bo adopted. But, unfortunately, a much higher
duty—more than double what was originally in-
intended—had been fixed, and the consequence was
trade and the wire trade had
btieleant the brass tube
ruined. Another
Anbe o
ther proof that the treaty was not
well received in this district was the absence of tte
members of the iron trade on that occas
imposition of a duty of 7f.
per ton on bar iron
amounted to a prohibitin, tina the treaty was looked
i.';:n. The
upon as
isnte against
a dead letter. Though the should not op-
pose the
vote of thanks, lie wished to record his
prostoe
the terms of the treaty.
discussion ensued, in the course of which
Mr• TROMAS LLOYD stated that the inhabitants of
the Nouth of France complained of the terms Which

LEICESTER—DEC. 29.
The supply of wheat to-day was very good, with a
attendance ; prices ls to 2s higher. White wheat, 60s to 1
—red, 62s to 66s per 36 stone; a very moderate sale ,
barley, grinding, 30s to 36s ; malting, 37s to 45s per it!
oats, 26s to 30s per 24 stone. Beans—old, 56s to o'4
new 44s to 48s per 38 stone.

NORWICII—DEc. 29.
At this market to-day wheat was in rather limited atiPl3_4,ll°
and as the farmers commenced by asking higher prig
business was somewhat checked. The sales made were
an advance of is per qr.
Ass
White wheat. 62s to 63s I Red wheat 62s to -
Malting barley,...4ls to 45s I Chevalier barley 38s to 4U
Distilling do . .308 to 33s I Oats. 26s to
Flour, 43s to 43s 6d per sack from the miller.

YORK--DEc. 29.
The trade was firm, and wheat sold at 2s per qr advaPel
on previous rates.
Wheat, red .. „ ...45s to 56s Oats....
'White do .56s to 64s Beans
Barley .32s to 34s Peas 4Bs4s ltoe °
..._661261:

STAMFORD—DEc. 29.
A fair supply of wheat at market to-day, for wilit3ll
an advance of 2s on last week's prices was obtained. ~
Wheat 52s to 65s I Oats.. 24s to 3 7 4_,_
White do 58s to 69s I Beans 4Bs to bu,
Barley ...........36s to 43s I Ditto. old ~ . a --3 t° ....4

'f CONSECRATION OF A NEW CHURCH.—The TTY
church of St. Paul's, Onslow Square, South Kensingt°llB
was consecrated on Saturday by the Bishop of Lond°l4
who afterwaids preached in the church to a large cones
gation. The building, which is calculated to hold about
1,500 persons, is in the plainest Gothic style of architecture:
Nearly one-fourth of the sittings are to be fret, or let at
merely nominal rent.
[ADVERTISEMENT.]—We are happy to quote the folloll;
ing interesting information from Du Barry's Report °s
cures without Medicine by Du Barry's_ Revalenta Araby
Food. Cure No. 4,2oB—Servant of Rev. John W. Flact"
Ridlington Rectory, Norfolk, of eight years' dyspepsia,ln,
vousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea. CTS
18,216—Dr. Andrew Ure of constipation dyspepsia, nerve,76
irritability. Cure No. 36,212—Captain Allan of epileP:
fits. Cure No. I,6o9—Three years' excessive nervousnefr:
with pains in my neck and left arm, and general debt'
lity, which rendered my life very miserable, has DZ,
radically removed by Du Barry's Revalenta Amu"
Food. Alex. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibberee,
_:i
Avoid Pills and Medicines : they. invariably aggravate uP"
perpetuate diseases ; their annoyance, disappointmeoo
and expense may be avoided by using Du Barry's
which, at a few pence per day, saves 50 times its cost P.
other remedies, removing effectually, without purgigiC
constipation, indigestion (dyspepsia) nervous, bilious
liver complaints and all their consequenoes. Certifl.s
"4.:
No. 36,418. We find it the safest remedy. Andrew 1?,.';
MD., F.R.S., Dr Harvey, Dr. Wurzer, Dr. Shorlandt ";
Campell. Let invalids avoid the fearful dangers of 00,4
rious and injurious imitations offered under a varietne
false pretences. Nevill's imitations are prohibited:p
high Court of Chancery under a penalty of £5,000
Alfred Hooper Nevill and his agents; and the preteeZe
that Nevill has a patent for Arabica Food and that r
Barry's are connected with such patent are utterly fa 4
No canister is genuine without the name Barry Du PIT.
and Co., 77, Regent-street, in full, onthe seal and wrap Pr.;
Shopkeepers who attempt imposition in one article mr,,_
expect to be distrusted in all others. Packed in tins
„,1',";
2s. 9d.; 21b. 4s, 6d. ; 51b. lls. ; 121 b. 225. ; 241 b. 40s. 1,14
121 b. and 241 b. canisters are sent carriage free on row
of Post-office order by Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Fj,
gent-street, London ; Fortnum Mason, and Co. ; 21bei
60, Gracechurch-street ; 4, CheaFside; 63 and 150, o%'
bard-street ; 330 and 451, Strand ; 49 and 60, Bishopsge,r-
street ; Batty, 16, Finsbury Pavement ; Phillips and tA,,
tea-dealers; Petty, Wood, and Co., King Willisan-strem
City ; at 127, High Holborn; and all grocers,
[ADVERTISEMENT.] Holloway's Pills. Certainift
against Supposition.—ln how many diseases is a treatment
founded merely on supposed causes commenced and cost:
tinned, to the protraction of the disorder, and danger of the
patient ? This can by no means occur from these celebrateu
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diseases which might creep on Us stealthily without Wit
ing suspicion.

TL( MAILS.

MAILS DUE.
Australia, Ceylon, and Mauritius (via South-
ampton) , •
Jan. 18.
Do.
(via Marseilles) Jan. 12.
Brazil and Cape Verde JO' 4.
Buenos Ayres, Monte Video Bt.c.. Deo. ...""
,
Bahamas and Havana (via New York).. Dec. and^•
Cuba
scAle. exio •
Dec. 29
(via Galway) Dec.
Cape of Good Hope, Bce. .. Feb. 1.
China, Penang, and SiAgapore (via S'ampton) Jan. 2.
Do (via, Marseilles) Jan. 12
Gibraltar (via Soßthampton) Jan. 2
India (Calcutta), Ceylon, &a. (via Southampton) Jitn• 2.
India (via Marseilles) Jan. 11. c.
(liom-bay), (via Southampton) .. Jan. 10.
Do. (via Marseilles) Jan. 4.
Lisbon •
Jan. 1
Malta, Egypt, and Aden (via Southampton). . . Jan. 2.
Do. (via Marseilles) .. Jan. 4.
Vigo, and Oporto .' Jan• 1.
United States, California, &c. Jan.
Western Coast of Atrica, Madeira, TeneriffJane .. • 19'
West Indies and Pacific, Carthagena, Cuba, &o. Deo.

BIRTHS.
llA.nuts.—On the 20th inst., at Wbilton Hall, Nerthullir
tonshiro, the wife of R. Harris, Esq., of a son.
HOPEGOOD.—On the 20th inst., at Leys Castle, Inverefr.
shire, the wife of F. V. Hopegood, Esq., of a daugl
MAcLAGAN.—On the 19th Nov., at Negapatam, Ma's'e
the wife of John T. Maclagan, Esq., of a daughter.
MARRIAGES.
BEG BIE—CIIMINCY.—Onthe 20th inst. at Christ'-t, u
Bayswater, George J. F. Beg J.
11., M.'s ,
second son of Major-General P. . Bogbie to Gertxuu
youngest daughter of the late N. S. Cturo,loY.
MURRAY—BRETT.—On the 23d Nor., at Bombarf
Anthony Maxtone Murray, Captain Boinbai
Artillery, to Florence, daughter of the late Henri
Whalley Brett, Esq., Captain Bonbay Artillery.

DEATHS.
ALAN.—On the 11th Nov., at Musdourie, Lieut.-Col. Ilenri
Alan, Olphert's Bengal Hone Artillery, aged 39.
ALEXANDER.—On the 20t1 inst., at 3, George-street,
Minories, Julia, daughter of Mrs. Solomon Alexander.
BUTLER.—On the 20th List., at Hastings, Elizabeth Jane'
eldest daughter of he late Mr. William Butler, 246,
Oxford street.

LONDON : Printe" and Published by MORDO YOUNG, °I
No. 112, Strani, Printer, at TnE SUN Office, No. 112, Strand,
in the Preeisct of the Savoy. 111 MU County 01 BliddlelleSs
DiplOay, VeOlalaber.at 3860.

U