The Sun.
London, England, 1861-04-10 00:00:00

‘,.

provided for that purpose shall be adequate to that end,
the said export duty shall cease and determine.

PARLIAMENTARY REFORM.

"HOWELL COBB, President of the Congress
"Approved Feb. 28, 1861.

MEETING AT SOUTHWARK.

A numerously attended public meeting in further-
ance of the reform cause was held last ettning, at
Taylor's South London Depository, opposite the
Elephant and Castle, St. George's-road, Southwark.
Mr. GEORGE NEWMAN having been voted to the
chair, stated that theft. object in meeting on that
occasion was that they should let the governing
classes know that they were in earnest in their
demand for reform. (Cheers.) Perhaps they would
not get all they wanted at present, but there was a
measure before the House of Commons which would
come on for discussion toamorrow, and as that mea-
sure would add considerably to the constituency, he
hoped the people of Sonthwark would make known
their opinions respecting it in such a manner as
would show the Goverfinient that they wished the
House of Commons to pass it into law. (Cheers.)
Mr. GEORGE THOMPSGIY then moved the first
resolution, which was that «the ecindue,t of the Go-
vernment and the House of Commons since the
opening of the present session, especially in their
rejection of Mr. Locke King's bill and the voting
of supplies, is justly regarded by the country
with indignation; that the honourable members
for Southwark and Lambeth be requested to
I declare from their places in the house that
this great meeting of their constituents re
gards the present ministry as unworthy of con-
fidence, inasmuch as they have refused retrench-
ment and reform, and to vote for Mr. E. Baines's
bill to-morrow, as a reply to Lord J. Russell's chal-
lenge, and as an instalment of the people's rights."
At Tiverton, the other day, Lord Palmerston was
asked why he and his colleagues did not re-intro-
duce their reform bill into the House of Commons
this session, when he replied that the reason was
because her Majesty's Government were not geese.
(Laughter.) That was as much as to say that those
other hon. members of her Majesty's Government
who might attempt to introduce reform measures
into the House of Commons were nothing but geese.
It was in fact an avowal that all those in and out
of Parliament who urged on the cause of reform
were geese. (Laughter.) He therefore addressed his
brother geese on that occasion, and as it was said
fowls of a feather flocked together, he was glad to
see so many of them before him. (Cheers.) He would
say, geese of England know you not that you are
six millions. (Cheers.) Knew they not the might
that slumbered in the minds and powers of six mil-
lions. (Cheers.) If they did probably the standing
orders of the House of Commons would be suspended,'
as they had often been on the occasion of passing
Coercion Bills, and the people's charter would soon
be the law of the land. (Cheers.) He considered
that the taxing of the great bulk of the people of
this country without giving them a voice in the
election of those who imposed such taxation was a
tyranny to be resisted, and which if persisted in
might justify rebellion. (Loud cheers.) At present
they had a House of Commons which had not the
sympathy of the country, while they had an irre-
sponsible House of Lords. Could there be a stronger
instance of the want of sympathy of the House a
Commons with the country than its conduct on Mr.
Dunlop's motion respecting the mutilated Indian
papers in the case of the late Sir Alex. Burnes. Mr.
Dunlop made out his ease clearly, and beyond the
shadow 9f a doubt ; he made out a case which
transcended the crime of an ordinary forger ; but
the House of Commons refused his motion and
screened the Government. (Hear.) He therefore
cordially supported the motion, and was glad
to see that the people were now giving the lie to
those who had thrown it in their teeth that they
were apathetic in the cause of reform. (Cheers.)
Mr. G. DAY seconded the resolution, which was
put from the chair and agreed to unanimously.
Mr. WASHINGTON WILDS next moved a resolu-
tion to the effect that whatever the vote of the
House of Commons be on Mr. Baines's measure of
reform, it was necessary to agitate and organise for
a Reform Bill based upon universal registered suf-
frage, and providing other safeguards. to the full,
free, and fair representation of the people. He con-
gratulated the people of Southwark on being the
first to repudiate the conduct of the Government on
their failure to introduce a Reform Bill this session ;
and their meeting that night was most appropriate,
as being cn the eve of a discussion in the House of
Commons on the question of reform. Even should
Mr. Baines's bi:l pass a second reading, it had other
stages to go through, and would still require their
utmost exertions; and if, on the other hand, it was
rejected, they would have to redouble their exer-
tions in the obtainment of a reform measure giving
to the people a free and unfettered voice in the
choice of their representatives.
The Rev. W. H. BONN ER, of Trinity-square,
seconded the resolution. He felt called upon to be
present on that occasion in consequence of the
challenge of Lord J. Russell, for when he was told
that a measure the justice of which was not denied
ought not to be passed unless the people showed
something like a tendency to run into rebellion to
obtain it, he thought every well-wisher of his coun-
try ought to come forward and repudiate such a
doctrine. (Hear, hear.) But since Lord J. Russell
seemed to court a commotion on the question, by
all means let him have it—(hear, hear)—and he
hoped that before long the noble lord would be
satisfied to his heart's content that there was no
apathy among the people on the reform question.
(Hear, hear.)
The resolution having been supported by Mr.
FONLIN, was then put from the chair and agreed to.

"JEFFERSON DAVIS."
There are some considerations that tend to de-
stroy confidence in these bonds as investments. The
Southern Confederacy is founded upon the right of
disintegration. In theory there is no obligation
in any member to continue a member of the
Federation beyond its own pleasure. Who, then,
is to pay this debt when it matures, or who is to
I pay the interest, should the component parts of the
Federation dissolve ? What is to become of the
part due from Florida or Mississippi, both of which
are repudiating States for millions of dollars ? Or of
the part due from Texas, a State hopelessly insol-
vent, that cannot by taxation raise the re-
venue necessary for its ordinary expenditure P
Whatever favour the loan may meet at home—and
the Southern papers speak most hopefully of suc-
cess—it has nothing to recommend it to European
consideration ; and as I understand that one object
of the Commissioners in going to Europe is to bor-
row money, I feel it my duty to call attention to
these points.

On the other hand, the Government of the United
States are also in the market for a loan of 8,000,000
dols.; and although they make no efforts beyond
Wall-street, where they will, doubtless, get what
they want, it is worth English notice that until
the Morrill Tariff is repealed, and trade made freer
than it was before its enactment, there is no pro-
bability that the receipts of this Government will
equal its expenditure. Mr. Chase's proposals are
as follows :

" Treaaury Department, March 22.
" Sealed proposals will be received at this department
until 12 o'clock at noon on Tuesday, the 2d day of April
next, for 8,000,000 dols. of the stock of the United States, to
be issued under the Act of Congress of the Bth of February
last.

" This stock will bear interest at the rate of 6 per cent.
per annum, payable semi-annually, on the Ist day of Feb-
ruary and July in each year, and will be reimbursable in
20 years from the Ist day of January last.
" The proposal should be endorsed on the envelope,
Proposals for loan of 1861,' and be addressed, 'To the
Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C.' They will
be opened and decided at the time above stated. No offer
can be accepted for any fraction of 1,000 dols., nor will any
offer be considered unless 1 per centum of its amount is
deposited with any depositary of the United States, subject
to the order of the Secretary of the Treasury. The certifi-
cate of such deposit must accompany each proposal.
" All offers for stock under this notice must be uncondi-
tional, and contain no reference to any other offer. The
offers must state the sum offered for each 100 dols. of the
stock.

" Bidders for this stock, whose offers shall be accepted,
must deposit the amount offered and accepted with the
Treasurer of the United States, or with the assistant-trea-
surers at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, or St. Louis, or
with the depositary at Cincinnati, on or b2fore the 15th of
April next. Should any successful bidder desire to deposit
at any other point, his request to that effect will be duly
considered.

" Upon receipt, at this department, of certificates of de-
posit with the depositaries above-mentioned, certificates of
inscribed stock will be issued to the successful bidders, or
their assigns, in sums of I,OOJ dols., 5,000 dols., and 10,000
dols., at their option. Inscribed stock so issued will crrry
interest from the date of the deposit of the money, as above
stated, and will be transferable on the books of the Treasury
agreeably to the regulations of the department.
" Should any successful bidders desire certificates of
stock, with coupons of the semi-annual interest thereon at-
tached to each certificate, they will be issued iu sums of
1,000 dols. each, with attached coupons for interest from
the Ist day of July next, and such coupon stock, instead of
being transferable on the books of the Treasury, may be
assigned and transferred by the mere delivery of such cer-
tificates. The interest on such coupon stock from the date
of the deposit of the money, therefore, until the Ist day of
July will be paid on that day to the accepted bidder or his
attorney by the depositary with whom the principal was
deposited.

" The preliminary deposit of 1 per centum required from
all bidders under this notice will be included in the final
deposit of principal of successful bidders, and will be di-
rected to be imme :lately returned to unsuccessful bidders.
"S. P. CHASE, Secretary to the Treasury."
The Buffalo and New York City Railroad, a road
connecting Hornellsville, onthe Erie Railway, with
Attica, a town within 30 miles of Buffalo, was sold
last week on foreclosure to the trustees of the Erie
Company for 113,000 dols. The prospect of a
speedy connection of that road with Kingston is
now almost certain.

HEALTH OF _LONDON DURING THE WEEK.

(From the Registrar-General's Weekly Return.)
The weekly return of births and deaths in Lon-
don, issued by authority of the Registrar-General,
states that in the week that ended last Saturday
the total number of deaths registered in London
was 1,220. The mortality has fluctuated within
very narrow limits during the last six weeks. The
average number of deaths as obtained from the
weeks, corresponding with last week, of ten years
1851-60, and corrected for increase of population, is
1,323, with which, when the present return is com-
pared, it exhibits a decrease of 100 deaths.
The deaths from scarlatina declined to 19, and
those from diptheria rose to 15. Three of the deaths
from the latter disease were registered in one
family living at No, 2, The Limes, Brixton ; they
occurred to children aged respectively 2,4, and 6
years, between the 25th March and Ist April inclu-
sive. Of 82 deaths from whooping-cough, 6 occurred
in the west sub-district of Islington. Of 24 from
measles a'sixth part was in Kentish-town ; 3 in the
sub-district of Saffron-hill. A man died in Shore-
ditch Workhouse at the age of 97. Two deaths were
caused by privation ; one that of a man aged 43 in
the West London Workhouse faom serous apoplexy
brought on Ly destitution (inquest) ; the other that
of a girl aged 3 months at 1, Butler's-buildings,
Bethnal-green,who died suddenly from "defect of the
vital powers from want and medical treatment" (in-
quest). Three infants were murdered. A gasfitter
was killed by an explosion of gas.
Last week the births of 1,012 boys and 988 girls,
in all 2,000 children, were registered in
,London.
In the ten corresponding weeks of the years 1851-
1860 the average number was 1,642.
At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean
height of the barometer in the week was 29,678 in.
The readings rose from 29 46 in. on the last day of
March to 30.06 in. on April 6th. The mean tem-
perature of the air was 43.5 deg., which is 0.9 deg.
below the average of the same week in 43 years (as
determined by Mr. Glaisher). The thermometer in
the shade rose to 56 3 deg. on Thursday, and fell
to 30.4 deg. on Saturday. The range in the week
was therefore 25.9 deg. The mean daily range
was 18'1 deg. On Saturday a thermometer in the
sun rose to 103 deg., and one on the grass fell to
22 deg. The difference between the mean dew-
! point and air temperature was 0 9 deg. During the
week the air was nearly saturated with moisture,
and the mean degree was 97. The wind blew gene-
rally from the south-west. There was rain on the
first four days, and the total quantity was nearly
half an inch.
In the thirteen weeks that ended on Saturday,
March 30, the deaths registered in London were
18,965. In the corresponding quarter of the last
year the number was 18,814. The high mortality
that distinguished the first month of the present
year, and filled the registers with 1,700 and 1,900
names in a week, was the result of exceedingly cold
weather. When the season relaxed its rigour the
deaths decreased, and in each of the last seven
weeks the number was below the average, and
towards the close of the quarter very considerably
below it. Notwithstanding the cold January, the
mean temperature of the air in the quarter was
39.7 deg., which rather exceeds the average.
Last quarter zymotic diseases numbered 3,674
deaths, against 3,380 in the winter quarter of 1860.
A comparison of the two periods shows that while
there has been a great decrease in the amount of
fatal small-pox, and also a decrease in scarlatina
and typhus, measles has become more prevalent,
and a very great increase has occurred in whooping
cough and croup. Fatal eases of rheumatism and
rheumatic fever have also been more numerous. On
the other hand influenza was decidedly less fatal
than in the four previous corresponding quarters.
Excluding plLthisis from the account, the deaths
from pulmonary complaints were 4,798, which is a
very heavy contingent, but it is less than it was in
the same quarter of last year, when the mean tein•
perature was rather lower. Bronchitis raises the
mortality, chiefly by attacking old persons ; pneu-
monia is more confined to the young, it will be
seen in the tables that the deaths from the former
e winter of 1860, and
greatly
12y,9e2x5c,e
ea,g,
eadi
e2,a9r6e6r
r, e
nth;
but those from the
latter were 1,250, against 1,683 in the same period
of last year, and were less than the average. The
excess of rontnlitv reforred to whooping coug'n in
the tables, and which is mentioned above, furnishes
an explanation of this result. But the cold season
thinned the ranks, less of those of tender years than
of aged and infirm.

MEETING AT SOUTHAMPTON.
On Monday night a public meeting of the inha-
bitants of Southampton, convened in consequence of
a requisition containing some 300 signatures having
been presented to the mayor, was held in the Town-
hall. The mayor presided, and the ancient hall was
well filled. The object of the meeting, as stated in
the requisition, was to consider the question of the
extension of the franchise, with the view of
strengthening the hands of independent members
of the House of Commons, by urging upon the Go-
vernment the importance of passing without further
delay a comprehensive measure of reform.
Letters of apology for non-attendance were re-
ceived from Mr. Willcox, M.P., Mr. Baines, M.P.,
ob-
served—" During the 15 sessions of Parliament
Mr. Bright, M.P., and others. Mr. Willcox
that I have had the honour to represent the borough
I have given an uncompromising support to every
movement in connection with the extension of the
franchise to the people, and I trust my constituents
will accept this fact as a guarantee that upon this
uestion lam unchanged and unchangeable." Sir
J. Trelawny regretted his inability to attend, and
observed that household suffrage, for which he had
steadily contended for more than 20 years, would
give virtual representation to all classes, inasmuch
as heads of families might be fairly considered as
representing women, young persons, and appren-
tices ; and until the Chartist body shall come to un-
derstand this, and the middle classes shall have the
heart, pluck, sense, and honesty to co-operate with
the enlightened leaders of opinion ameng the arti-
zans, there will be no further reform in Parliament
—which truth being interpreted means chronic
self-seeking, place•hunting, class legislation, dear
army and navy rule, and a general resuscitation of
Castlereagh and Eldonite principles.
Mr. Alderman CLARK, J.P., proposed a resolution
That Parliamentary reform haying been recom-
mended by her Majesty in her speeches from the
throne, promised by four successive administrations,
and expected by the people, this meeting regrets
that the present Government should have aban-
doned the question during the present session."
Mr. W. ALDRIDGE, chairman of the board of
guardians, seconded the resolution. He should.wish
to see the present Government replaced by one
much more liberal.
Mr. WHALLEY, M.P. (Peterborough), in support-
ing the motion, said it was right that the franchise
should be extended—it was constitutional—it was
strict conservatism—and as the commerce, manu-
factures, and industry of the country went on, the
different classes should express their opinion of
those who had not only to raise the taxes but to
spend them. He entreated the people to make an
effort to force their way into the constitution—into
the franchise—to become voters, to show themselves
to be worthy of the name of Englishmen, to assert
their right to take part in the government of this
the greatest empire on the face of the earth.
The MAYOR put the resolution, and it was car-
ried unanimously.
Mr. GEDDES, who regretted the absence of many
members of the moderate liberal party, proposed—
" That this meeting having heard with pleasure that
a bill is now before the House of Commons to ex-
tend the Parliamentary franchise in cities and bo-
roughs in England and Wales, begs to express its
warm approval of the same as a small instalment of
a more enlarged measure of Parliamentary reform."
Mr. J. KNIGHT seconded the motion.
Mr. W. D. SEYMOUR, M.P., Q.C., in support,
said—the question was whether—now that the Go-

cerement required an outspoken expression on the
part of the country that it is in earnest in its de-
sire for Parliamentary reform—Southampton
shoul be shortcoming on the point, and not equal
spirit to less populous and thriving boroughs.
The Ri.Tc.n iners in England ought not to lay at
the door of'Lord John Russell the defeat of the Re-
form Bill, In 1852 1854, and 1860, three succes-

sive measures of reform- were introduced by Lord
John Russell into the House of Commons. He ought
not to be hastily accused of a treacherouti abandon-
ment of his political We. There was a discreditable
neglect of the cause of the people by their represen-
tatives—t wo succt!ssive counts-out; while the Con-
servatives sat on the opposite side chuckling at the
lukbwarmness in the Liberal ranks, so' that the Pre-
mier had been compared to a political etvpn,

Loss or _THE Slur DANUBE.--Yesterday Mr.
Raffles, the stipendiary magistrate at Liverpool, received a
letter from the Board of Trade requesting hiln to enspend
the certificate of Captain Hensley, of the ship Danube, tcr
weive months; and silo to s,3N.r.aly reprimand R. Roast-
ter, the mate,

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, -APRIL 10, 1861.

worried by. his own doge of Reform. Lord john
Russell could not carry on a reform bill in spite of
the House of Commons, and nrovr that the noble lord
appealed to the constituenciesi it was hoped he
would not appeal in vain, but that he might point
with triumph to these public meetings as a proof
that he vtas right when he introduced measures of
parliamentary reform. (Cheers.) Lord Derby and
Mr. Disraeli, and the members on that side of the
house were pledged to reform; the principle was
conceded ; the time for carrying out that principle
remained with the people. Mr. Baines's bill pro-
posed to extend the franchise to the £6 householders.
It was not a revolutionary measure ; it was no de-
parture from the principle of the Reform Act of
1832. Since that act nearly 30 years had passed,
and in that time we had obtained an emancipated
press, religion set free, the fetters that bound con-
science struck down by an enlightened Parliament,
literature expanded, crime reduced, and the deve-
lopment of a great and intelligent body of working
men. He preferred household suffrage to a £6
franchise, but there was no chance in the present
Constitution of Parliament to carry that measure,
and he therefore gave his firmest adhesion to Mr.
Baines's bill, which he trusted would have a happy
venture and a prosperous voyage. (Cheers.)
Mr. GILFOY characterised Lord Palmerston as a
despicable political sham ; and he reminded the
members of the House of Commons that now a great
proportion of the people held rifles in their hands--
(hisses)—and that if the people's rights were not
granted, they would eventually find petitions sent
up to the house with the signatures marked with an
" R," to signify that they were those of riflemen.
(Hisses and much disapprobation.)
The MAYOR said this was language that ought
not to be used. It was a libel on the people of Eng-
land. Did Mr. Gilfoy mean to say that, unless
reform was granted, the rifles would be used against
the Government ?

Mr. GILFOY replied, he meant that the English
people would wait forbearingly for their birthright;
but that in the end, if they were aggravated too
far, it would be found that they would do what all
desperate men did, and which at present they would
be very sorry to do. (Hisses.) He repudiated the
impression that he was disloyal, and urged the for-
mation of a local political union.
The resolution, like its predecessor, was then una-
nimously carried.

Mr. Councillor T. PAYNE urged that no measure
of parliamentary reform can satisfy the just expec-
tations of the people which does not provide for the
protection of the voter in the exercise of the elective
franchise by the ballot.
Mr. F. HILLIER seconded this, and as a volun-
teer condemned Mr. Gilfoy's expressions.
Mr. C. C. CLIFFORD, M.P. (Isle of Wight), hu-
mourously designated himself as the only remain-
ing fragment of the liberal representatives of the
Isle of Wight. He was not an advocate for univer
sal suffrage ; but he had always been in parliament
a staunch supporter of the ballot, for the reason
that when the constitution gave a man the right to
the franchise he should have that liberty unchecked.
He did not go the extreme lengths some go, but he
was an advocate for progressive and gradual reform.
He advised the liberals•to be united, so that they
might present in parliament an united front.
The resolution was carried, an amendment in
favour of more extensive reform being for the pre-
sent rejected. A petition to the House of Commons
in favour of Mr. Baines's bill was adopted ; and the
proceedings terminated, after 11 o'clock, with a vote
of thanks to the mayor.