The Sun.
London, England, 1858-01-14 00:00:00

rO. f L N EO"N, T IT IrS D AIY Ei VE N
AST LYDIA CHARTER.

LAW INTRLLIGENCE.—Jan. 13.

Yesterday a speeial meeting of the proprietors of
East India i is )ck was held at the India House, Leaden-
hall-street. '3 .7h e object of the meeting, which was called
at the reqn.es. t of nine proprietors, viz., Lieut.-General
Thomson, Mi M. Lewin, Mr. J. Jones, Mr. G. Craw-
shay, jun., M r. John Faulkener, Mr. G. Crawshay, Mr.
J. Allen, Mr . C. Finch, M.D., and Mr. E. Eagleton,
jun., was "tc consider the communication addressed to
the Court of j )irectors from the Government respecting
the continuant le of the powers of the company." Mr.
_ _

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn.)

THE LONDON, HARWICH, AND CONTINENTAL STEAM
PACKEI COMPANY (LIMITED).
A winding-up order having been made in this
case, and th list of contributories settled, a sitting
was now held for the purpose of making a call on
the contributories. The liabilities are 5,0001., and
there being no assets,!the ridiculous amount of "one
penny" only being found in the cash box—a call
of 101. per share was proposed.
Mr. Bagley (instructed by Messrs. Linklater) ap-
peared for the offioial liquidator.
Mr. Lawrance appeared for Mr. Pillans, of Edin-
burgh, a contributory, who contended that he had
been placed upon the list without notice. At the
last sitting affidavit had been made of service of
notice on all the shareholders ; but Mr. Pillans
made affidavit that he had not received any notice,
and that his name had been placed on the list with-
out notice.

Mangles, M.P chairman of the board of directors, pre-
sided. There was a larger attendance of 1,0001. Stock

proprietors thi an usual, but they were not so numerous
as the importance of the subject led one to imagine.
Nearly all the _directors were present.
The CIIAIRMA W, before proceeding to the business,
acquainted the meeting that the direction had communi-
cated with the Government relative to the future go-
vernment of India, but had received no answer. Befoie
_ _

the meeting of Parliament the Directors intended to
summon a court of proprietors to consider the question.
Mr. LEWIN asked to be informed the nature of the
correspondence, because it might materially affect the
remarks to be made and the course to be pursued by thdse
who had been the means of calling this meeting. He
thought they ought to know the opinion of the board;
The CHAIRMAN said that it was unusual to do so. He
assured the meeting that it was in favour of the company
and directors.
Mr. LEWIN repeated his question. He had no desire
to see the Indian Charter aboliehed—(hear, hear)—hut
he thought the conduct of the board of directors had
mainly been the cause of the present movement.
The CHAIRMAN said that the meeting was called 'at
the request of certain parties, and the directors wislied
to know their opinion. It was contrary to practice Ind
propriety to produce the imperfect correspondence that
had taken place between the Government and the
board. The communication was not made through t'
secret alphabet.
Colonel RATHBORNE suggested it would be bettei,
adjourn the meeting till the proposed directors' raj
lug, when the correspondence could be laid before'
together with their opinion on the question. (Hear.
Mr. CRAWSHAW, jun. expressed his surprise at
proposed adjournment of the meeting. He adrai
that he addressed them with an overwhelming sena
the danger that would result to the country in
being placed under the control of the Government.
considered that if India were placed under the direct
of a Secretary of State, India would be soon lost.
thought it would be impossible to mislead the peg
of England into a belief that it would be better)
India; but unless they removed an opinion to I
effect, that had been circulated of late in vari
quarters, he thought the company's existree
would soon be at an end, and the experiment
tried. The honourable gentleman referred to the origin
of the charter, contending that the present Governnient
of India had been miscalled an anomaly. He referred
to the course pursued by many of the past great radii—
Hastings Malcolm, and others—who had govejued
India, observing that the principles laid down by them
were correct, and only required to be properly worked
out. The officers of the company, both civil and ilnili-
tary, could not be surpassed by any of Her Majesty's
servant" (Hear, hear.) It was proposed to abolish the
double government, which meant the destruction o; the
East India Company, whilst the Board of Control
would be merely a sham death, and be merged in a
Council for India, or some other form. (Hear, hear.)
The Board of Control should be abolished, and the power
of thecompany possessed in the time of Warren Hastings
restored to it. The company had been plunged into
wars by the Board of Control, which was establisheid to
prevent such calamities. Tney could not agree to the
extinction of the company, unless they believed it would
be beneficial to that country. If they did not stansl up
and struggle for the continuance of the charter, it would
be abolished, for Parliament was never more corrupt
than at present. (Hear). He concluded by moving that
the proposed transfer to Government of the powers of the
East India Company is opposed to the rights and pri-
vileges of the East India Company—is fraught with
danger to the constitutional interests of England, is
perilous to the safety of our Indian Empire, and calls
for the resistance of the corporation by all constitutional
means. (Loud cheers.)
Mr. Limier seconded the motion.
Mr. J. D. MelK.xxxx opposed the motion. The
present system of double government got rid of respon-
sibility. Their policy had been to conciliate the strong
and oppress the weak. Justice could not be obtained
in the courts of India by the poor man, from the expen-
sive nature of the proceedings, which was used as, one
means of oppressing the poor and !helpless. It was,
therefore, necessary there should be a more extended
European system adopted in India for the prosperity
and happiness of the people.
Mr. REMINGTON supported the motion. From a
lengthened residence in India he was able to speak of
the kindness and consideration shown by the English
towards the native inhabitants of India.
Colonel Sxxns (director) felt assured, in expressing
his own convictions he did that of his brother directors,
when he said that if a change of Government could
produce more material interest, improve the happiness
and insure the comfort of the vast population
of India he would submit to any personal loss consequent
on such a change. (Hear, hear.) At present they had
only a broad outline of the charge; that was to be
brought against them, and they were ignorant of the
f specific charges they would have to answer. He did
I not stand there as the apologist of the Company, but as
the advocate of truth. It had been stated in many of
the leading journals that a new government would pro-
duce an increased development of the resources of the
country. That might be so, but the resources of
India continually increased under the Company.
During the last thirty years the exports of produce
had increased. In 1334-5 they amounted to 7,993,4201.,
and had increased in 1855-6 to 23,039,2561. The imports
in the same time had increased from 4,261,0001. to
13,476,0001., and upwards of 150,000,0001. sterling had
been sent to that country, which was in circulation
throughout the country. (Hear.) The men of Manches-
ter complained when cotton rose the ghost of a quarter
of a farthing that cotton was not grown in India. That
was not the fault of the court of directors. The land did
notbelongto them,but to the peopleof that country. The
company did not receive rent for the land, but only a land
tax. If the people could gain by growing cotton instead of
other produce they would do so, but they had no more
right to compel the people of India to grow cotton for
the people of Manchester, than the people of Ireland
had to call on the English farmer during the late famine
to grow potatoes for the Irish. (Rear, bear.) He
approached the subject of the mutiny with sorrow, and
they must not conceal from themselves that if any blame
attached to the directors, it was that of oversight and
not intention, from which none must shrink. The
gallant officer proceeded to state that he was a member
of the military committee. One million and a
half of greased cartridges for India certainly passed
through his hands, and he took blame to himself from
not knowing that fact, because from his experience in
India he was well aware that such a circumstance would
have an extraordinary effect on the sepoys, who would
cat a man's throat rather than do a thing by which he
would lose caste. The cartridges were sent out and
used for some time without the sepoys being aware of
what grease was used, and it was only owil.g to a remark
made by one of the other troops to a sepoy that would net
give him water, on account of losing caste, that he
would soon lose caste in having to bite the cartridge.
It was that that led to the mutiny—not being able
to remove the impression from the sepoys mind, that
we wished to make them lose caste. He denied
that we had ever denied our country in India.
A bishop's arriving at his station was announced
by the sound of cannon. Chapels were being
built all over the country. In Bombay, since 1836,1 the
chapels had increased from 42 to 71, in Madras there
had been an increase of 12 chapels within late years,
and in Bombay 11; and there were now about 460 mis-
sionaries in the country. With regard to the double
government, he denied that any such existed. The Board
of Control was answerable for everything that was
done in India. The despatches for transmission
to India from the India House were revised by the
Board of Control, even to the extent of crossing the
" t's" and adding " th's" to the dates in red ink. (Hear,
hear, and laughter.) There was no double Government.
The Board of Control was answerable for all the
annexations that bad been made, and every message that
had been sent to India. All they now wanted was to
get rid of the moral check that at present existed. With
the patronage of the company in the hands of an
unpopular Minister and a subservient House of Commons,
it would prevent his removal, and set at defiance
the constitution of the country. Believing it would
be injurious to India, and ultimately destructive to the
constitutional principles of this country, he supported
the motion. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. CRAWFORD addressed the meeting, in the course
of which he said that the Affghan war had cost one-third
of their present debt, and asked them to consider what
wuuld be the result when India was left to the irrespon-
sible control of a minister I
Mr. LEWIN also addressed the meeting in support of
the motion. He would rather retain the Company with
all their faults than fly to evils they knew not of. (Hear.)
The mutiny originated under persons appointed by the
Crown, and arose out of the annexation of Oade by
Lord Dalhousie. He condemned the appointment of
Lord Clanricarde to the office of Lord Privy Seal, in
consequence of his views on India, and, in passing,
observed that the present House of Commons was the
most corrupt since the days of Cromwell,there not being
30 independent members belonging to it.
General BRIGGS having addressed the meetng,
Mr. JONES moved the adjournment of the debate for
a week. It was desirable to know the directors' opinion
on the subject.
The CHAIRMAN thought it better to adjourn to the
directors' proposed day of meeting to consider the mo-
tion. He thought the resolution would reqvire altera-
tion. At present they did not know the particulars of
the Government scheme.
ultimately the meeting was adjourned till Wednesday
next, the 20th.
The CHAIRMAN referred to the remarks of Colonel
Sykes relative to the greased cartridges, and denied that
the Court as a body held the opinion as expressed by
the gallant officer. A. commission had been sent to
India to inquire into the outbreak. The Government of
India had stated that none of those cartridges had
been used.
Colonel Stars explained. He adhered to what he
had Paid.
The meeting then separated.

His Honour said the only course open to the
shareholder would be to make a special application
to the court to have his name struck out. To do
otherwise would be to re-open the whole question
as to the list. _ _

Mr. Bagley stated that great care had been taken
by the court, at the settling of the list, to see that
due notice had been given to all the parties, acc3rd-
ing to the addresses appearing in the register of
shareholders. Mr. Hardman, one of Messrs. Link-
later's clerks, deposed that he had posted notices to
each of the shareholders, at the General Post-office,
London,the courtparties appeared or not
whether h
required
the
be satisfied on two points
e
—that they were on the register of shareholders
and
dd
and that they had accepted their shares.
Mr. Lawrance abandoned the objection as to no-
tice, but contended that the register was informal,
inasmuch as the date of Mr. Pillans's registry as a
shareholder was the 25th of Feb., 1857, while the
register itself, as appeared in evidence at the last
meeting, was only made in May, for the book con-
taining it was only then purchased.
His Honour said it was to be regretted that Mr.
Pillans had not come here at an earlier stage, and
taken these objections. This sitting was for the
purpose of making a call, the list of contributories
having been settled, and the court could not now
re-open the former proceedings ; such a course
would be interminable. The register had been dis-
cussed at great length, and the list was only settled
after full argument.

ion
He
pie
!tor

Mr. Lowrance said the only question remaining
was as to the amount which his client would be
liable to pay. He held 25 shares, on which he hal
paid 2/. per share ; but oredit was given him in the
books for only 61. ss.

Mr. Bagley said that credit would be given for
the 501.

Mr. Lawrance—Then the only question is what
discount my Mend Mr. Pennell will allow for
prompt payment. (Laughter.)
Mr. Jenkinson, for Messrs. Zillerson, Dutch
shareholders, c;aimed the right to set off against
the call a debt lire from the company.
Mr. Bagley said the set-off could not now be
allowed. It could not be urged as against the credi-
tors of the company. The applicants must come in
with the rest of the creditors.

His Honour said the creditors had first a right
to have the amount of the call paid. If anything
remained after paying them 20s. in the pound, the
question would arito as to its disposal amongst the
shareholders.

Mr. Gastard, the solicitor to the company, made
a similar claim, which was disposed of in the same
manner.

Mr. Randall, on behalf of Herbert Meyer, whose
name had been placed ou the list, took the objection
of minority.
His Honour doubted whether the act gave him
power to inquire into this question. It appeared
from Mr. Farrar's book, that no case had yet been
decided on this point ; but the proper course would
be to leave the party to be sued for the amount of
the call, and he might then plead his infancy.
Mr. Bagley said the 39th sec. of the act of 1848,
expressly contemplated a minor being a contribu-
tory and provided for his representation by his pa-
rents or guardians.
Mr. Doria (as milieus curiae)—But that is only in
cases of consent.
Some other trifling objections were disposed of,
and the order for a call of 10/. per share was then
made.
In the course of the discussion reference was
made to a provision in the amended act (20 and 21
Vic. cap. 14, sec. 16), which empowers the official
liquidator to compromise with parties who are un-
able to pay their callsz and his Honour observed
that it was extremely important for it to be known
that such a provision was contained in the act.

4
_POLICE INTELLIGENCE—Jan. 13.

MANSION-HOUSE.—AIex. Nemmo, aged 68,
who has long been in the habit of begging, was sent
by the Lord Mayor to pri▪
son for 21 days for perse-
vering in his favourite occupation.
immediately after the committal of Nemmo a
miserable creature named Edward Sall, aged 32,
was charged with a simi▪ lar offence.
The officer said the wretched man appeared to be
in extreme distress, and did not for a moment deny
that he had asked charity.
In answer to questions from the Lord Mayor,
who very particula i rly nvestigated the case.
m a
byeen discharged, and, unfortu-
nately, for the space of 14
in India The defendant said-7I was in the service of the
Fya-e
years, but
I
India
have Company
forfeited all claims to a pension in conse-
quence of habitual drunkenness. I could not resist
the temptation to drink, and lam now reduced to
Ithe condition your lordship sees, and I am unable
I to do any work of any kind. I am doubly ruptured,
as any molical man you may please to call Will soon
perceive, and if I attempt to do any labour I become
paralysed inside, and am ready to drop with agony.
The countenance and frame of the defendant bore
sufficient evidence to the correctness of his state-
ment as to his health.
The officer said, therew ere persons in the justice-
room who were of opini▪
on
.that, from what they
had heard the defendant mention as to his services
and his calamity, there was no doubt of his vera-
city, and
The Lord Mayor, after some further inquiry,
directed that he should be
.comfortably sent home
to his parish in Somersetslure.
The defendant—I feel most grateful to your lord-
ship, and I assure you that Inever would have
begged if I bad not been perishing and totally un-
able to help
myself by any effort.
The Lord Mayor—lndeed I believe you, and I
am glad to have the opportunity of helping a poor
man in so deplorable
i a condition. You admit that
inipenefit is derived from the apprehending persons who beg
you have been very imprudent, but you have paid
a dreadful penalty for your eri or. It is satisfactory
to find that great
acti-
vity of the police
in the streets. I have just sent a professional beggar
to prison upon their representations, and I now
have occasion to help a poor man who, if it had not
been for the police, mi▪
ght have perished.
In the course of the day John Turner, aged 33,
was charged with having cow mitted a similar offence,
and the Lord Mayor, after having strictly investi-
gated the case, and ascertained that the defendant
was a poor countryman who was able and willing
to work, and was not at all acquainted with the art
of begging, and that he had walked many miles
without food on the day ho was taken into custody
returning home.
by the policeman, Supplied him with the means of

WESTMINSTER.--Thomas and John Butler,
father and son, the former a labourer at gasworks,
and the latter a mere youth, were finally examined
charged with committing a desperate assault upon
Cornelius Shehan.

Prosecutor, whose face presented a horrible ap-
pearance at the time of his first examination, stated
that he lived in the same house as the =tried, at
9, St. Anne's-lane, Westminster. On the night of
the 28th ult., at half-past 10, prosecutor and his
family returned home,
when the prisoners fol-
lowed
him with a table
lovred. him into his
room, and, after excl,aiming
" We have got you now " knocked him down,
when the senior prisoner stabbed
knife and slit his nose up. The younger prison( r
first struck him on entering the room, before the
injury was inflicted with the knife.
Mary Anne Shahan, his daughter, confirmed his
account, with the addition that when the accused
entered her father's room tho younger one was
armed with a bricklayer's server, which he flour-
ished over his head. Fearing fatal consequences to
her father, she put her hand in the young prisoner's
and kissed him, and entreated him to go down
stairs. After her father was wounded the light
was put out, and
she was unable to say what the
prisoners did, but just before the light was extin-
guished, while her father was weltering in the blood
which poured from his face, the younger prisoner,
who had unheeded her request to leAve the room,
was going to strike her father with the server.

GeOrgeSimmonds,ll4-4fOund the prosecutor
in a pool of blood and sent him to the hospital.
The elder prisoner absconded that night, but was
captured on the following morning ; the younger
one was apprehended. A knife, answering the des-
cription of that with which the injuries were in-
flicted, was found on the elder prisoner's table.
Mr. T. F. Greenwood house
the prosecutor had a
house surgeon, of West-
minster Hospital, stated
over the right eyebrow,; extending aver the
nose, the bridge of which -wasliaotured ; it was a

St. I
An inquest was held yesterday, at St. Bartholomew's
Hospital, on the body of a child who bad died in the in-
stitution. A verdict of died from inflammation of the
lungs was returned, the jury adding that they thought
the nurse of the ward had neglected her duty. The
Verdict is to be laid before the board-of the hospital.