The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-13 00:00:00

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eN re.i T eer.ii...
kno wing we 1 the desire of the 13oard me! not ,14.4inia„
tha 1 the were re l'y in a position to gioii.:4 hey;'
had given, on this occes;en, to the fulleste*teasitett,„
ougfit ---if not, le I'll , 1)3, •Ta. her be.:: and.74,11W-e....4
justified, in tbe itepe that the r m'elisT,,_,,, et.', Armee
fund would, before loeg, be gr itPiltshieg.sisilt4
Every exertion had been need by the Beo;etiVit,
.T 14121,
clerks and others to join the as::-eciation„tiiilbfiste
his experience enabled him to form en opituw he ri
gretted to lay that he foetid in canvassinrt hat4M
might term the superior class of clerks to iecrease the
benevolent fund, a disinclination to support it, He
considered i
t,
theyit being
iwasi gm
ao
cur
geoocsoiro leydaitpthapoboslieen
appointment,
e ntoh
to, received
fora
who dibd mediumc t
sup-
port
salaries. (Hear, hear.) When he lately canvassed a
tgieolint,leh
meanreplied—"holding
No, I don't think it worth Whileripto.
subscribe. I don't like- it." Now, it was his (Mr.
Welch's) firm opinion that gentlemen had too much
pride to join the association,—(hear, hear,)—beiog
afraid of the word " charity"—(hear, hear) —but
be thought that the man who would put his band into his
pocket and deprive himself of a little luxury, that he
might give a guinea to provide comfort and support for
his less prosperous neighbour, possessed the nobleet
feeling a man could entertain. (Hear, twat • ) He
deeply regretted to find men hold back their support to
this institution, whom he knew to he in a position to
give it. Could such persons only hear the tales of dis-
tress and suffering that came before the board, tbcy
would not hesitate to give their mite towards its all-.viaClop. Many widows bad told them that if it bad not
been for the assistance they had received from the arle-
tehl aetilOonsst 13 eoyf
tmhueisrt
hhuaevheaberdoe,keanetlaohwynwunhdiehertthheeycsalaemd itthyeoirf
families were left in destitution. The support they Lad
received from the Association bad enabled them to bear
up to seek for other means by which to increase their
incomee. (Hear, hear.) It was very gratifying to see
in the balance-sheet the return of Oa donation that
had been given to a gentleman connected with the Asso-
ciation. That was not the first instance of the kind that
had occurred to them, and ho recollected the case of a
gentleman who wrote to the Board, stating that he
was in such distress that be had not clothes, nor the
, means to procure them, in which to apply for employ-
ment. The Board gave him a donation, and the
consequence was that he obtained a situation, and he,
like the gentleman who figured in this year's balance-
sheet, returned the amount with interest and sincere
gratitude. (Hear.) These were features of an extremely
gratifying character, and he should think sufficient to in-
duce any man who knew of them to give his subscrip
tion. (Hear, bear.) He thought that the principals of
the large firms of London and the country ought to give
some assistance to the benevolent fund, because the per-
sons for whom the fund was intended were,she might Inky
the machinery of trade and commerce, and consequently
the principals of firms ought to subscribe to itandgivea little
of their abundance towards augmenting it. To attain
that object he thought the clerks should interest them-
selves, and bring the benefits of the institution before
their employers. (Hear, hear.) He concluded by mov-
ing the following resolution :
" That on the 23th May next, or such o!her day as the
board may appoint, an amount not exceeding 75/. be
granted in annuities. The number of annuitants of each
class to be fixed by the board according to the applications
which may be received."
Mr. PRICE briefly seconded the resolution', which was
carried unanimously.
Mr. JErrs moved the best thanks of the meeting fo
T. Baring, Esq., M.P., T. Hankey, EA., M.P., W. G.
Prescott, Esq., Baron Rothschild, M.P., trustees of the
association, and that they will continue their kind inte-
rest in the welfare of the institution. (Cheers.) In
moving the resolution, he called on the meeting not to
pass it as an ordinary routine vote of thanks. It was
the only mark of respect that they cooli pay these gen-
tlemen for their services during the past year. (Hear.)
They were of great assistance to the association, not only
from the weigbt of their names, but also for their active
interference in the business of the association. (Rear.)

[PRICE 4P. STAMPIDD SD.

which the altered circumstances has appeared to render
necessary. (.pp!ale.e.) Ido not make these remarks
in a spirit of grumbling towards the employers of labour
of alt kinds, because it is a difficult question to enter
on, nor will I now presume to enter on such a discus-
sion, but I only allude to it to show that there are
causes in operation which have a tendency to diminish
that portion of a prudent mast's income that allows him
to lay by for old age, or immediate pressing wants, or
to devote to objects of charity to assist hie lees fortunate
fellowlahourer. (Hear, hear.) These causes have un-
fortunately been in operation for a considerable period,
and I confess-that I do not see any great pros-
pect of their immediate amelioration ; but at the
same time I do not think that on that account
that an inisilitution like this should be regarded
otherwise than with deep interest. Those who are in
employment, whilst feeling that their salaries are not in-
creased in proportion to their expenditure, should bear
in mind that there are vast numbers of their fellow-clerks
and labourers who are unable to obtain employment, and
are suffering from causes over which they have no con.
trol, and that it is the duty, and should be considered a
privilege by those whom God has blessed with compara-
tively easy circumstances, to extend towards them not only
their -sympathy, but substantial assistance. (hear, hear.)
This institution has not been formed on any rigid scale
of economy, but on the broad principle of bencvolence,
by trying to induce those who have the means of doing
sq of bcoming members, and by their small contribu
tions meet cases of severe distress and suffering of every
kind. Entertaining that feeling, as all appear to do, I
hope that notwithstanding the difficulties you have to
contend with it will go on and prosper. Toe time may
come when we may see a change for the better, and then
no doubt it would gladden the hearts of all to know
that, even in a time of adversity, means had been found
with which to increase the .number of annuitants. It
is with such feelings that I venture again to re-
commend this institution to your warm and cordial
support, and I tryst that it will receive that increased
support that the managers will be able to increase the
annuitants—remembering that an increase of annuitants
does not occasion a proportionate increased charge
against the institution, the present machinery being
capable of carrying out the objects of the institution
threefold without additional expense. (Hear, hear.)
Having ventured to make these remarks, I leave the
matter in your hands, trusting that you will feel with
me that the institution is deserving of support, and that
you will continue to support it. (Hear, hear.) I now
move "that the report and balance sheet now read be
received and adopted, and that the same be printed
and circulated at the discretion of the board." (Hear,
hear.)
Mr. PIKE, a member, seconded the motion with feel-
ings of pleasure, and congratulated them on the sue-
easeful and prosperous state of the affairs of the
institution in both departments. (Hear, hear.)
He appeared there as the representative of a
number of members to express his and their satisfaction
at the gratifying state of their affairs. (Hear, hear.)
One of the most valuable features of this department
was theannuities paid to widows and to decayed mem-
bers, and it had been a subject of great regret for years
past to bihi and his friends that the benefit of this de-
partment could not be extended so as to avoid all un-
certainty as regarded the result of the elections. To at-
tain that object he suggested that the present mode of
election should be done away with and left to the board,
by which the expenses of the May meeting would be
saved, great inconvenience to members got rid of, and a
great saving of expense, trouble, and anxiety to the can-
didates, as well as disappointment at not succeeding.
At the end of this year, after they had divided their bo-
nuses, he thought it was a favourable time for their al-
locating one-half of the profits, instead of one tenth, to
the benevolent fund. By getting rid of the elections at
least 511. a-year would be saved, which weed be suffi-
cient to provide for three annuitants. He also thought
that a portion of the balance, 675/., might be withdrawn
to meet the current demands Of the annuitants.

Mr. Coranterr seconded the motion and said that he
could bear witness to the advantages the association de-
rived from the services of those gentlemen, and he hoped
that that recognition of their services would stimulate
the principals of other firms to do likewise. (Hear.)

. ,
The CHAIRMAN said that he had received a letter from
Mr. Smith regrettirg that business elsewhere pre-
vented him from attending the meeting, but if he (the
chairman) thought it desirable he would leave it, at great
inconvenience, and be at the meeting. He and the
board thought that they could not, under the circurn-
stances, call on Mr. Smith to attend. As regarded Mr.
Hankey, he was al ways glad to attend, and nothing but
pressing business prevented him from remaining till the
conclusion cf the meeting.
The motion was carried unanimously.

Mr. WARWICK said that however much they must have
regretted the absence of Mr. Abel Smith, his absence
that night had been ably supplied by the hon. gentleman
then in-the chair. (Hear.) From the remarks of the
chairman he gleaned that there was a kind feeling en-
tertained by him towards that body of men who sup-
parted this institution, and every one who had
heard his remarks must hare been touched with their
truth, and which indicated to his mind that the hon.
gentleman must have entered with real sympathy into
the real position of the clerks not only of London but
of the whole country--(applause)—and that he had
placed his views in relation to them before the meet-
ing, in a manner for which they were much indebted
to him. (Hear, hear.) The report stated that the
benevolent department was not supported to the txtent
it should be, and its provisions warranted. That was
to be lamented ; but he did not know whether it was
to be attributed to the fault of the present subscribers
or of that body of clerks who were unconnected with
then ; but he hoped soon to find a change in that
respect for the better. He saw an item of
3001. in the balance-sheet, as donations to the
society. There was, no doubt, an excellent spirit
dictated the donors of that amount, but be doubted not
that circumstances had the effect of deterring many from
jJining the ass,ciation, believing thereby that it became
a charity ; and however much the class of clerks as a
bldy might hate to struggle against distre,, they
did not like to have recourse to mere charitable
institutions for assistance. He objected to the changes
that had been proposed, and although the members, no
doubt, felt every confidence iu the manager, he thought
it was oljtaionable giving them the exclusive selection
of annuitants, and that were they to do so they would
lose half the number of their subscribers, because many
who subscribed liked t) have a voice in the election of
candidates. (Hear, hear.) He objected to any change
being made in respect to the allocation of tha bonuses,
and in the amount of the balance carriectforward. The
report just read indicated the steady and certain deve-
lopment of those great principles of co-operation upon
which the association was mainly and entirely esta-
blished. (C 6( ers.)
The Chairman at this stage of the proceedings was
compelled to leave, and his place was filled by Mr. R.
H. Jones.

Mr. REYNOLDS moved a vote of thiinks to the wadi•
tor 4, Messrs. Galbart, Pollard, and Smee.
Mr. LINTOTT seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.

Mr. LLoin said he had much pleasure in proposing a
vote of thanks to the Board of Direeiors for their owe!.
lent management of the affairs of the Benevolent Fund
during the past year. He felt certain that every gentle-
man present felt satisfied that the directors had given
their best attention to this branch of their affairs.
(Hear, bear.)
Mr. TOOLE seconded the motion, and expressed an
ppinion that the association would go on increasing.
The motion was carried unanimously.
The Calliourt, in acknowledging the compliment,
said that it was the earnest desire of the board to do all
the good they could for the association, and all sugges-
tions made by members at the annual meetings received
the earnest consideration of the board, and where found
practicable were cfirried out.
The proceedings then terminated.

r It was stated that among the donations for the prst
year were two of one hundred guineas each by Messis.
Cox and Co., army agents, and Sir S. Scott and Co.,
bankers. At the conclusion of the meeting some new
subscriptions were handed to the secretary by gent'e-
men who declared their intention of promoting, to the
extent of their power, the objects of the above excelent
institution.

Mr. MINTON was averse to the changes proposed by
Mr. Pike, as being likely to damage the progress of the
association. He differed from Mr. Warwick that their
acceptance of donations kept subscribers away, and re-
marked that he should like to see a much larger sum
every year in Vie balance-eheet under the head of dona-
tions, and urged on the directors and members,to in-
crease it all they could, and offered his services to ac-
complish that desirable object. He suggested their
having a diensr or hall like other benevolent societies as
a insane of increasing their income.
Mr. PARR was of opinion that an advantageous change
might be made with reference to the election of annui-
tants, and the sum raised from 151. to 201. He wished
alio to see a larger amount for donations annually in
their list, and c ,uld scarcely be:ieve that clerks abstained
from joining the association from the charitable charac-
ter it gave it, when in reality it was a charitable institu-
tion. He tboaght the members of the institution might
be increased by altering the form in which the advertise-
ments were couched. By it the public were led to be-
lieve it was a class association, into which none but
clerks were admitted, whereas it was for the benefit of all
trades and profe,sions. He hoped soon to see this
society have Echo( Is and asylums in connection with it,
as many class societies had.
Mr. Hennes called the attention of the meeting to the
necessity of the directors making application to the
16,000 Government clerks in London to become mem-
bers of the association. He was opposed to their re-
ducing their bonuses, because large bonuses were a great
temptation to persons to join associations. He was not
disposed to place the election of annuitants in the hands
of the directors—though he did not doubt their in-
tegrity.
Mr. LLOYD, after regretting Mr. Hankey's absence,
suggested that it was advisable that the directors should
bring as many of the trustees as possiLle to the meeting,
in order that they might see and hear how the associa-
tion was progressing. He was much gratified to find
that the funded property produced almost sufficient with
which to pay the aunuitants. Ile had always considered
that the only legitimate course to be adopted was to
bring the amount of the annuities within the interest of
their funded property. He considered they bad much
cause for congratulation. Ile approved of the present
plan of election, for it induced many persons to become
members to be able to vote.
Mr. REYNOLDS was averse to placing the elections in
the hands of a board of directors, and the proposed divi-
sion of the profits. He wished to see a larger number
of subScribers.
The CLIAIRM/LN said that the directors bad distributed
10,000 circulars amongst the clerks at the Government
offices, as well as personally canvassed, and what the
result may turn out remained yat to be seen. A. dif-
ference of opinion appeared to exist as to money matters
connected with the association, and he considered it
much better for the meeting to rely on the directors in
carrying on the affairs of the association. After 16
years' operations, he congratulated the members on their
position, and that the principles with which they s'arted
rernalnied intact to this hour. (Cheers.) With regard
to their increasing the amount of the annuities, that
would be a question for discussion when they met to re-
vise the rules. He then alluded to the lea • fact
that that one of their members had returned a donationg
made to him with
joioiendtetrheest,asasnodoiarteiomerkthederethwaast,
ewvheerny
t he would never require its assistance.
tphraotbagbeini
ittlye cat
an
(Hear, hear.) Nothing would give. him (and he felt
certain it would also his brother directors) greater dis-
comfiture than for the election of ad i
nnuitants to be placed
in the hands of
m more
ee
than one (He
occasion,e
a
r
,
h ebaort. )
he Itha hada
been
always
set his face against it, because it would be placing them
in a most unfortunate position. He was for leaving as
little as possitle to the discretion of the board. (near'
hear.)
The
reportCll w,
was then put to the meeting and carried
unanimously.
Mr. W
reference to the annuities, said that he had great p, e
in proposing the next resolution; having
reference
sure in submitting it to the meeting, the only regrwearbm
felt being at its limited extent. Having taken ant,
he
interest in the association from its commence
`certainly did regret that they were not inmence
'llabepofelt (from
grant a larger amount for diatribution-7§tt went,
to