The Sun.
London, England, 1858-03-03 00:00:00

To the ELECTORS of the COUNTY of BUCKINGHAM.
Gentlemen,
T" Queen having confided to the Earl of
Derby the duty of forming an Administration, her Majesty
has been graciously pleased to confer upon me the office of Chancel-
lor of the Exchequer.
I resign, therefore, into your hands the trust, which for 10 years,
you have extended to me, as your member in the Houie of Com-
mons ; but as you have thought fit on several occasions to renew
that mark of approbation, I beg leave to announce that on the day
of election I shall solicit the honour of being, for the fifth time, your
representative in Parliament. . . .

underallcircumstancea. It is England's only chance.
She has not that suppleness, that versatility, that
power of varying her tone to the convenience of tire
I j hour, that are necessary in any other course. Eng-
I land cannot send a public despatch and entreat a
• private answer. It is as much as her life is worth.
I She is not Imperial. She has always managed ill in
the pleasant intercourse of Royal families. When
it comes to a persona 1 question she is grounded,
sure as fate. She has not that species of tact
which consists in getting on very cleverly in a
wrong course. This is not mere flattery, for Eng-
land goes wrong sometimes, and when she does it
is with a vengeance. But it makes one almost
doubt of personal identity to think of Lord Palmer-
ston and Lord Clarendon taking intentions on
trust, as if intentions were the matter in hand. Did
they accept the very innocent intentions of the
Emperor Nicholas I Have they not both told us,
and told the. French Government also, that the law
of our country cannot deal with intentions, Lut only
with overt acts ? We may consider intentions in
the case of an apparent inadvertence ; that is, we
may ask whether the act was intended or not ; but
when a man with time and apparent deliberation
does that which injures us we treat him much the
same, whether he be sane or insane. We put him
in prison—the longer if he be supposed incapable
of intention. This is not to punish him, but to
avert from ourselves a repetition of the injury. So
must State deal with State. It cannot scrutinise
what may be a matter of chance, a momentary
impulse, a panic, the fault of an inexpert writer,
any trifle. It can only deal with the act, and can
only do so before the eyes of the whole world, and
with ito own character and destinies at stake,

THE LAW OF LIBEL.

- ,
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LI
wit 4D. F 8
TAMPED 5 1-) .]

Lord Campbell may see his way to some slfa and
unobjectionable provision for protecting the press
in such duties as society expects it to perform, and
for bringing within the limits of his Act all those
principal kinds of public meetings at which the
presence of reporters is a recognized and indispen-
sable feature. If any meeting is such that it ought
ii, t to be held or not attended by the representa-
tives of the press, we claim no privilege for the re-
ports of its proceedings ; bnt where we are plainly
bound by the calls of our profession and the inte-
rests of society to the publication of certain tran-
sactions, and where we perform that duty well and
truly, we do think that we ought to be exempted
franc further account.

REFORM' MEETING IN BIRMINGHAM.

A meeting of the members of the Reform Union
of Birmingham was held on Monday night, for the
purpose of taking into consideration the present
position of political affairs consequent on the re-ig-
nation of Lord Palmerston. Mr. G. Edmonds, the
clerk of the peace, presided.
The CHAIRMAN, iu opening the proceedings, re
marked that the fall of Lord Palmerston was alto-
gather one of the most extraordinary on record.
It was very curious that he should have been over-
thrown upon a measure which the House of Com-
mons had approved on its introduction by a majo-
rity of 200. (Hear, hear.) Generally speaking,
the course of defeat of a Ministry was visible from
certain external symptoms, but nobody could hive
been taken more aback than the late Premier, when
in the course of a few days he found on the same
question not a majority of 200-in his favour, but
more than that number against him, a change
which was almost unparalleled. (Hear, hear.)
Now, however, it behoved them to act witlicaution
and discretion. The new Ministry would no doubt
be very anxious to keep in, and he should not be
surprised if Mr. Disraeli would take a leaf out of
the late Sir Robert Peel's Look with reference to
the repeal of the corn laws, and bring in such a
measure of reform as they could not expect to have
from any of the Whigs. (Hear, hear.) Do not let
thew, therefore, trouble themselves about party
distinctions, but make up their minds to achieve a
certain end, and if they were united they would be
sure to succeed. (Cheers.) Having impressed upon
the meeting the importance of contending for an
adjustment of electoral districts, and also the value
of observing loyalty in connection with their agi-
tation for a measure of reform, the chairman re-
ferred to the Anglo-French alliance, and the reports
which had been originated of a rupture between
the two countries by the defeat of the Ministry on
the Conspiracy Bill, and whilst condemning the
concoction of plots to murder, he upheld the free-
dom of English constitutional law, and contended
that it ought Inver to be altered at the request of a
continental despot. (Cheers.)
Mr. BEDDOWS, in moving the first resolution, said
that when they their national independence
interfered with at the call of a foreign potentate it
was time for Englishmen to take the initiative, and
put it out of the power of Government to do what
they attempted to do the other thy. Ho was glad
the attempt did not succeed, and he was proud of
the men who had been instrumental in defeating
the Ministry on such a measure. (Cheers.) With
respect to reform, ho found that the movement had
been taken up in other towns, and he had no doubt
the course pursued by Birmingham men at this
juncture would be looked to.with much interest as
an example. He begged to move the following re-
solution :---" That the best thanks of this meeting
be given to Mr. Gibson, Mr. Bright, Mr. Roebuck,
Mr. Gladstone, and Lord J. Russell, for the man-
ner in which they opposed the ill-timed and insi
dious proposals of Lord Palmerston to interfere
with the ancient laws of this country, under which
foreigners have for so many centuries found a safe
asylum from the religious and political persecutions
of their own country, and also to Mr. Sholefield
and the other 97 members who opposed the intro-
duction of the bill "
Mr. JA.otEs TAYLOR seconded the proposition,
and in doing so observed that he joined in the
general feeling of satisfaction at the downfall of
Lord Palmerston, and, he cordially concurred in
the vote of thanks to the men who had led the van
of the opposition to the Coospiraoy Ihll. (Ohocre.)
It should be their policy to endeavour to get such
men at the head of the Government. They were
not, it was true, of the aristocracy of the country,
but they were of the aristocracy of intellect and
moral worth, and until they bad such men in
power, the country would never ye satisfied. (Loud
cheers,) As to the present Government, they must
' be ask.'d for a measure of Reform, and if they did
not bring one forward, such men as the resolution
referred to must be asked to originate such an one
would either destroy the Ministry or bring the
matter to a glorious issue. (Loud cheers.) The re-
solution was then put and carried by acclamation.
Mr. J. S. WRIGHT next moved the following re-
solution :—" That although the Ministry of Lord
Palmerston had promised a Reform Bill, yet the
evident intentionwas either to make it a secondary
matter or postpone its consideration altogether dur-
ing the present session ; and that it is still more
improbable that the present Tory Government will
voluntary extend the franchise, or give the people
their fair share of political power. It is therefore
incumbent on all liberal men throughout the coun-
try to unit© and heartily support that party in the
house who are prepared to enlarge the basis of re-
presentation, and who will promote such measures
of civil and ecclesiastical reform as are in accord-
ance with the progressive spirit of the age and the
advanced intelligence of the English nation." The
hon. gentleman said he rejoiced that a minister who
had all along been inimical to the elevation and en-
franchisement of the people no longer held the reins
of power. As to the Derby Government, he dis-
agreed with the opinion that any reform bill worth
acceptation would be introduced by them. (Hear.)
If Lord Derby did bring in a bill he would take
good care of the counties, and put the claims of the
towns on one side. (Cheers.)
Mr. G. DAWSON, in a humorous and character-
istic address, seconded the motion. He had never
been, he observed, an admirer of Lord Palmerston
—he never believed lie was in earnest, and his
theory as to his policy had turned out perfectly
correct. They had bean all along taught to regard
Lord Palmerston as a spirited statesman, but he
was au intense oligarch, and he did not care a trifle
for snubbing a prince or putting down a nationality.
(Cheers.) Lord Palmerston had all along walked
in the wrong path, and had never deviated into the
right—(laughter)—and had come to the most
miserable end that a minister could come to.
(Hear,, hear, and laughter.) In fact, he (Mr. Daw•
son) called Palmerston the " British Esau "
(much laughter)—for he had been content to sell
English liberty for a mess of French pottage ; but
it was too hot for him. (Renewed laughter.) On
the subject of the Conspiracy Bill he remarked
that, if the law required altering, let them alter it
in accordance with the common sense of the coun-
try, but not for the purpose of flattering and tick-
ling with a foreign Power. As to the alliance, un-
less it was one of nation and nation, and not of
Government with Government, it was not worth
anything. (Cheers.) It was said, " But if you
throw out the measure, you will have war." Very
well, let thole be war ; they must not do evil that
good might come. (Hear.) Old England had stood
alone, and had held her own before now, and could
do so again ; but it was a sad pass if she had
come down to the point of sacrificing her indepeund-
ence through a coward fear of France.
cheers.) Speaking next of the new Government,l.s(terial
Mr. Dawson read an extract fromoftpheermhyin
in the
announcement made by
House of Lords that eventihneg,Eawl
for-
warded to him by telegraphs, and said that as it ap-
pearedb intention to proceed
oh had been
ra
er care taos
to be Lord Derby's
hwaitvhe
hh
ae t Conspiracy
measure
naty -dye'tfielaeyt e dmbuesfto rteaktehec
(atnyouhdosheeeorsf.)the introduction. of a Reform Bill.
—P‘l‘cTKlrEitat.
rwesasoluttoionthwe
afgolnilonwviendg beyffeMctr;
INGThaeandexitt
liberals of Birmingham may co-operate,
the 'Reformers' Union offers a basis upon wanhdichtitihene
and their influence to the movement which is now
becoming general, and it is especially important
that at this most critical juncture all classes of re-
formers should merge their differences and unite in
one great effort to obtain a really effective and
liberal measure of reform."
Mr. DUGMORE seconded the motion,iainis.d it having
wbeaesnpusutpapnodrted
carriedby Aulura.nDimalozudsllya.nl
TmrcEo chl. eurd edit
the proceedings.

BLYTAND TYNE.
The half-yea y meeting of this company WAS held
at Newcastle-on-Tyne, on Monday.
The report stated that great attention had been
bestowed upon the rolling stock of the company,
and that it was now in a high state of efficiency.
As regards the Morpeth branch, it had been' ceitt-
pleted and was now used for mineral and goods
traffic, and would, in the coursed' a few weeps, be
opened for passengers' traffic. The gross inemne--.
for the last. half-year, together with the balance
brought from the previous half-year, was .56,340/., and, after deducting 24,9261. the working charges.
interest on debentures, and other outgoinas, a •
balance remained of 11,41 K, out of which the
directors proposed to pay the usual dividend of
10/. per cent. upon the preference shares. and 71.
per cent. (being an increase of one-half per cent.
upon the last dividend) upon the ordinary and ex-
tension shares, leaving a balance of 3,2771. for the
next half-year's account.
The receipts showed an increase of 5,276/. over
the corresponding -period, of which 4,9621. was
derived from c-all The expenditure showed as
increase of 44031., and the net increase amounted
to 4,8211.
The report was adopted. •

•
LOWESTOFT AND BECCLES.
The 11 4-yearly meeting of this company was
held on Monday, at Lowestoft ; Mr. E. Loathes in
the chair.
The report of the directors stated that Perlis-
ineutary sanction wes:almost certain to be obtained
in a few months to the amalgamation of the com-
pany with the East Suffolk undertaking. The ac-
counts showed that the receipts on capital account
during the half-year had been 6,518/., and the ex-
penditure 6,0281., leaving a balance on December
31, 1857, of 4891.
Th 3 CMAIRMAN, in moving the adoption of the
report and accounts, stated that he could confirm
from his own observation the favourable statements
made of the progress of the line, and also of the
East *Suffolk undertaking. Although ho had had
at one time doubts as to the progress of the • line
between Woodbridge and Ipswich, he believed now
that all difficulties were removed, but that a 'how
through communication 'would soon be established
with London. An improvement had taken place
in the management of the Eastern Counties Com-
pany, and he believed the improvement would be
attended with benefit to the East Suffolk system.
Mr. C. STEWIRD seconded the adoption of the
report, which was agreed to unanimously.
In reply to Mr. Seppings,
Mr. DAT, the solicitor, stated that one of the
new bills now before Parliament provided for the
construction of the Mutford Lock branch line with
all possible despatch.
Mr. R. GA.RRETT moved a vote of thanks to Sir
Morton Peto for the excellent manner in which he
was performing his contract.
Mr. GowiNG seconded the motion, which was
unanimously agreed to.
Sir M. PET° returned thanks, and stated that the
line would be completed in Sept. next, and place
Lowestoft within three hours and a half of London.
With regard to the branch. at Mutford it would
obviate the necessity of a new passenger station at
Lowestoft, as it, would render the present station
of the Eastern Counties Company available. It
would also expedite greatly the transit of fisb. Land
had been secured for a new goods station at Lowe.-
stoft, and the company Would thus have the means
of erecting a new passenger terminus if any disa-
greement ever arose between themselves and the
Eastern Counties board. He was at present con-
structing in connection with the 'Eastern Counties,
the Blackwell, and the Tilbury bornpanies, a new
fish station, not more than a third of a mile from
Billingsgate; fish trains would be forwarded to this
terminus, and a great saving of time would be
effected, as they now stopped about three miles
from the market.
A vote of thanks to the directors for their ser-
vices closed the proceedings.

FOREST OF DEAR. (CENTRAL.
The half-yearly meeting of this company was held
at Newnham a few days ago. The reports of the
directors and engineers were satisfactory, and
showed that considerable progress had been made
in the construction of the line, notwithstanding
the necessity the directors had been under of some-
what cheekily, the rapid progress of the works,
owing to the late financial crisis. The report was
adopted.

5aa1ft........

DUBLIN AND DROGHEDA.
The report of the directors of this company
states that the receipts for the balf-year ending
31st of December last amounted to 44,0101., and
for the corresponding half of 1856 to 42,7751.,
showing an increase of 1,2351., while the working
expenses exceed those of the same period by only
227/., 1, 007/.
showing an increase in the profits of
The profits of the half-year, after paying working
expenses, aro 27,5941., and from this is deducted
11, 2711. for interest on loans and dividends on
preference shares, leaving 16,322/. Out of this the
directors recommend a dividend of 335. 9d. cn each
751. share, and lls. 3d. on each 251. share, being
at the rate of 4i per cent. per annum, leaving
3,566/. The works on the Dundalk and' Ennis-
killen line have been carried on vigorously, and are
now so far advanced that the greater part of it is
expected to be ready for traffic in about two
months.
The report was adopted.

--
UNIB

CANNOCK MINERAL.
The report of the directors of this company
states that before the 14th of October last the re-
quired sum of 6,000/. bad been expended on the
works, to the satisfaction of the Board of Trade,
who accordingly issued their certificate, and con-
firmed the company in the extension of time for
the completion of the works. Since that period
the works have been steadily progressing.
Ar-
rangements have been made for the transfer of the
contract for the works to Mr. T. Brassey, the emi-
nent contractor. The directors hope that the tirae is
near at hand when they may advantageously
dis-
pose of the shares which Were forfeited
un
the powers of the Act of 1855. The capital account
sh
owed
11.
etxhpaet
dle3,d ,80leaR had
leaving
hbaelaenneeroefeeli7v4edl., an
Thed
report of Mr. J. Addison, the engineer, explained
tit
that Mr. T. Brassey Lad undertaken the comple-
aonthoefth sum e r
estimateda ilw a y , h
includingy
the
engineer ; and being
g
already, with some trifling exceptions, in possession
of the whole of the land required, and the works in
active operation, he (Mr. Addison) had every rea-
son to expect that the line would be completed and
in a fit state to deliver to the lessees, the London
and North-Western Railway Company, by Mid-
summer, 1859, at the latest.

THAMES TUNNEL.
Yesterday the annual assembly of the proprietors
of theiThames Tunnel was held at Radley's Hotel,
Bridge-street. Mr. Woollaston presided, and in
his opening observations stated that
the directors
had their eyes open for some railway project to con-
nect the Surrey and Commercial Docks with those
on the north bank of the river, and which commu-
nicating between the Blackwall Railway and the
Brighton line would facilitate the passenger traffic
between the north and south sides of tks metro:-
polis. The report stated that the tolls for the_ pant
year amounted to 3,6641. ; rent for stalls,_f_Tr;
rent for houses to 537/. ; and sale of descriptive in_
books, 81. 15s. 6d. The general exPene.irs,
maintenance, addition
eluding cost of gas, 7301. ;,,,..„81. in
salaries, and fees, amounted. to o :3 oi
sioners 1,117/., and therethe commencement
to this sum there was repaid
5401., being less by 551. than at
of the year.
The report was a remained Loan
ine 6 m 1n
hardi s-
dopted, and the proceedingsier4
=Wilted.

- ,)F-4,7
44-UK' AY INTELL.TRATIF:'4II
n; , . !SEVERN VALLEY.
13 0
on Friday hadi
~thef-Yesrly.mceting of tiis company S 11011.1
y
Parliaramt-street, Colonel.
Fot.e.ster, the chair.
rat fit); the Sec re'tar.V, rond -tlio ri port,. which
shted that .the cal,it+Jy company ha.d.lbeeu- reduced. to 480,000/., and the power of borrowing to 160,000/. ; total, 640, 0001. The sub-
_ Iscribed capital was held by residents on the line,
byshareholders in lines which will be in tonne t
og
with the Severn Valley, and by the general public.
The board of directors have ascertained that the cost
of the laud and all preliminary, Parliamentary, law,
engineering, and office expenses will be covered by
about 170,000/. They have also `received a tender
from Sir Morton Peto, Mr. Brassey, and Mr: Betts
to execute the whole of the works and to 'complete
the line as a single one with stations for 363,000/. ;
so that the undertaking may be completed for
about 530,0001., or 13,000/. per mile. The tender
of the contractors assumes that they will-accept
payment to the extent of 240,000/.-in shares at par.
Tue borrowing powers of the company will raise
160,0001., leaving the general body of shareholders
to pay up only 130,000/!, making together 530,0001.
Under thEse'circurnstances the board feel themselves
justified in recommending the proprietors to proceed
with the construction of the undertaking, accepting
the tender of Sir Morton Peto, Mr. Brassey,. and
Mr. Betts.
•
On the motion of the CHAIRMAN resolutions were
passed, adopting the report ; accepting the tender
of Messrs. Brassey, Peto, and Betts, with a view
to push forward the construction of the railway
with as much expedition as possible.