The Sun.
London, England, 1857-03-05 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 5, 185".

THE liOTHSCHILD FAMILY.

father and mother of the bride, whose example he en-
joined the your, g coup'e to emulate as the best mcde of
insuring a happy existence here and attaining a blissful
her,aft-r.

ed to offer to your consideration a toast which claims it,
not only upon its intrinsic merits, but f,r the largeness of
the constituency I represent. (Laughter.) P,-snit ly it may
be said that as lam not among them I am but cut Wed to rt -
present them ; but I had the honour to conduct two of
them into this saloon, and it is to the amplitude of
their dresses, and not to any desertion on my part, that
I owe my banishment to this small borough. (Great
laughter occasioned by its being observed that the hon.
member was seated by himself at a smell table in the
centre of the room). However, I can truly say they
have my sympatkies. (Laughter). TLeir number is to
me rather an ominous one--it is the number of 16.
(Roars of laughter). Faithful to my duty, and looking
at these bright stars rather in the light of an astrologer
than a prophet, I should say that they have well per-
formed their duty in revolving round that constellation
which I regret to say has become a fixed star. (Re-
newed laughter). Before dinner we all saw the cere-
mony of breaking a wine glass, and I have had a small
piece as a memento presented to me. Might Ibe per
mitted to suggest that, in carrying out that feeling of
entente cordiale, which is so much prized in this country.
16 other young gentlemen nosy be imported to break 16
other glasses with my constituents. (Cheers). The
bridesmaids is the toast lam about to give. (Cheers).
I was almost going to say I was sorry I was not in a
state of life to take one of them myself. (Laughter).
But if I am not, I see many around who are willing and
anxious to do so, and if any one should cone for war! I
should be most happy to propose their heaith. (Cheers).
On this occasion I will ask you to give it with three
times three, and ne cheer more for the ladies who ex-
pelled me. (Laughter and cheer).
Baron ALFRED ROTHSCHILD responded for the brides.
maids in an amusing speech, and immediately afterwards
the guests rose and retired into the ba!:-rootn.

Yesterday afternoon a marriage was celebrated with
great pomp and splendour at Gunnersbury-park, near
Chiswick, the country seat of Baron Lionel de Roths-
child. The contracting parties were the representatives
of the two great—or, rather, greatest—firms of the
Rothschild fwnily—the bride being Miss Leonora, the
eldest daughter of Baron Lionel, and the bridegroom
Baron Alphonse, the eldest son of Baron James Roths-
child, of Paris.
Tee wedding repast was laid out in two large rooms,
one of which was specially built on to the dining-room
for the occasion. Both were decorated with exquisite
taste and splendour. The walls were covered with large
mirrors, with ornamental trellis-work between, up which
were twined long garlands of artificial passion-flowers,
lilies, wreaths of orange blossoms and other emblematic
Flora suited to the occasion. The outer saloon was
lighted from the roof, which was entirely composed of
glass, over the panes cf which were strained flutings of
white and pink silk in the form of a Maltese cross. The
subdued roseate hue thus shed into the chamber beneath
produced a most beautiful effect. Tables were rareed
along the whole length of both apartments, and, be
that in this age of progress tables torn instead of groan-
ine, we should have expected them to remonstrate at the
weight of silver which was piled upon them. Great
centre-pieces, epergnes, candelabra, race-cupe, and mas-
sive tankards, 11 twer-vases, and the chefs d'rurre of
Sevres, Dresden, and Worcester strewed the board in
rich profusion. The wedding-cake, a very marvel of
su,ear architecture, was in the centre at the top, upon a
salver, which for size and weight might have done duty
as a shield for Achiles, while behind the seats of honour
rose up a beauffet of gold plate—a background quite in
keeping with the gorgeousness of the whole scene. The
covers were laid fur 140. Only the plate of the family
was used. We cannot hazard a guess as to either its
weight or ve!ue, but it must be enormous.
The bridal presents, both in quality and variety, were
more than sufficient to have stocked an eastern bazaar ;
so a mere glance at the most prominent must suffice.
Breakfast services, as usual, distinctly prevailed, there
being some five or six of them, all of silver, except one
set from Mrs. Moutefiore, which was of massive stan-
dard gold enriched with the most elaborate chas-
logs. To this-princely gift succeeded a long row
of candlest;cke, gold and silver filagree, and enamel
ivory workboxes, lace, fans, jewelled buttons, Prayer-
books, bound in gold and jewelled, escritoires of buhl and
marqueterie, more breakfast services, and a lace parasol.
The latter was in a kind of jewel-case ; the handle was
covered with serpents of rubies and diamonds, and the
tip of each rib was formed of an oval-shaped emerald and
large pearl. Arranged on a table by themselves were the
jewels, a dazzling pile, all given by different members of
the Rothschild family. Close by these, and in a well-
merited place of honour, were some humble but beauti-
fully-worked little presents from the scle.ltrs and pupil
teachers of the Jewida free school.

The Chief Rabbi then congratulated the pair, and
offered up a supplication for the poor of the Land of
Promise. The wine cup (symbol of joy and sorrow in
blended union) was again taken by the bridegroom, who,
after tasting the contents, threw the cup on the ground,
which shattered it into a thousand pieces, thus d«-noting
the precarious nature of life and joy, and commemorat-
ing also that great sorrow sti.l held sacred by the Jew—
the destruction of the Temple.
The ceremony concluded, the bridegroom removed
the veil from his bride and sal'ited her. The young
baroness was also saluted by her parents, and by the
fair silt,-rbood in at'endance upon her.
The gallery in which the bridal presents were displayed
was the chief point of attraction up to the hour appointed
for dinner. It wool) he impossible otherwise than by a
catalogue of great names, and jewels rivalling the wealth
of the Indies, to give an idea of the splendour and num-
ber of the gifts collective displayed in this gallery, or to
enumerate the donors. One sot of jewels alone, the
gift of the bridegroom's father, was said to be worth
30,000/.

•
The bar quet was announced at half-past 6 o'clock, at
which hour the company entered the salle a manger at
a given signal, in the fol)wing order :

The Bride and Bridegroom.
Baron James Rothschild
Baron Lionel Rothschild
Count Persigny Duchess of Bedford.
Count Kielmausegge Duchess of Wellington.
M. Van de Weyer Baroness Nath. Rothschild.
M. g. Pierre ... Baroness Mayer Rothschild.
Lord John Russell Lady Anthony Rothschild.
Sir Anthony Rothschild
Baron Mayer Rothschild Lady Rachel Butler.
Lord James Butler
Hon. H. Fitzroy
The Right Hon. E. . Ellice Lady Lyndhurst.
.

The bride appeared with her husband f,r a short period
among the uoinpAny, but presently roil., d, and at 10
o'clock the happy pair left Gun;.er:bury for the Willes-
den station of the London and North-Western Railway,
where a special engine and carriage awaited to convey
them to Cheddington, en route for Meo tmore, the ne ly -
erected mansion of Baron Meyer de Rothschil I, under
the Chilterns, in the c-unt7 of Bucks.

Lord Lyndhurst.
Mr. De Lane Lady Molesworth.
The Rt. Hon. B. Disraeli
Mr. De la Grenee Mrs. Disraeli.
Earl of Air1ie......... Lady Caroline Mame.

General Ashburnham
The Hon Mr. Dillon
The Hon. F. Cadogan
Mr. Moncton Mines
Mr. B. Osborne
Mr. Alfred Montgomery
Mr. Salomon Rothschild
M. Bonrepos
mipsal :atiorsaddsn:yy.
itHxtH)
\Oofeiial:sr
..oyeoc
O'Hara.
Boyle.
0.
a..
Miss Grenfell.
Lord John Hay Lady Louisa Boyle.
M. Natty Anselmo
Mr. de Saisset
Mr. Joseph Montefiore
Mr. Newton
- .

The ball was kept up with unflaggi, g gaiety until after
two o'clock, and even at that hour many lingered, un-
willing to leave the fascinating scene.
Amid the bospitallties of the day the host and hostess
had not forgotten their humbler and poorer friends, who
were generously feasted ; and the feeling of the neigh-
bourhood was shown in the numerous flags hung out at
the houses along the road, and the festive appearance
assumed by the whole vicinity.
The superb trousseau of the bride, airnirable for its
exquisite taste as well as its extensiveness, had engaged
the entire skill, and almost exhausted the elegant fancy
of Madame Roger, of Paris, dressmaker to the Empress.
The recherche costumes of the bridesmaids, appropriately
adapted as to enhance each character of beauty in the
fair wearers, were designed and made by Mit James, of
Somerset•street, Portman-square.

Mr. Grenfell
Mr. Dame Mrs. Nathaniel Montefiore.
Mr. Fitz-Maxse
Mr. Landauer
Mr. Alderman Salomons Mrs. Lucas.
Mr. Lichel.
Mr. Dolbecque
Mr. Nathaniel Cohen
Mr. Worms
Mr. Lionel Cohen Miss Wagg
Mr Poissat Mrs. David Salomons.
Baron Nathaniel Rothschild Madllo. Adele Rothschild.
Baron Gustave Rothschild
Mr. John Samuel Mrs. David Davidson.
Mr. David Davidson
Mr. Philip Solomon Mrs. de Symons.
Mr. de Symons Mrs. Solomon Cohen.
Baron Ferdinand Rothschild Madlle. Constance Rothschild.
Baron T. Rothschild Madlle. Annie Rothschild.
Baron Alfred Rothschild Madlle. Emma Rothschild.
Baron Leopold Rothschild
Mr. Arthur Cohen
Mr. Boyfuss
There were also included in the dinner party :
Mr. Benjamin Cohen, Mr. John Wagg, Mr. Bauer,
Mr. Lucas, Mr. Nathaniel Montefiore, Mr. E. Lauri,
Mr. Ginoux, M. Edmond Rothschild, M. Arthur Roths-
child, Miss Hannah Louisa Rothschild, Mr. Lagrange,
Mr. Cahan, Mr. Mathias, Mr. Roth, Mr. Marx, Mr.
Stern, Dr. Green, Rev. Mr. Ascher, Mr. Oppenheim,
Mr. Burtt, Mr. Cracroft, Mr. Tafforin, Mr. Mairardues,
Madlle. de Villiers, Madlle. Dupuis, Madlle. D'Arde-
villiers, Dr. Kalisch, Miss Barnett, Mr. John Abel
Smith, Mr. Fleming, Major the Hon. G. F. Boyle, Dr.
Quin, Mr. Lionel Herbert, Mr. P. Solomon, Mr. Alfred
Seymour, and the Hon Charles P. Villiers.
The banquet was all that can be imagined where wea'th
and taste combine to spread the liberal board, and a
generous hospitality unites with a happy occasion to
welcome friendly guests. The disposition of the tables
was such as an artist must have admired ; the feast itself
such as an epicure would not forget.

Shortly before 3 o'clock the guests who were invited
to be present at the ceremony began to arrive. Among
those who had the honour of receiving invitations were—
Hie Excellency the French Ambassador and the Conn-
tees Persigny, his Excellency the B-lgian Minister and
Madame Van de Weyer, his Excellency the Hanoverian
Minister, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the Duke
and Duchess of Wellington, Lord and Lady Lyndhurst,
anti the Hon. Miss Copley, Lord John Hay, Lord and
Lady John Russell, the Earl and Countess of Airlie,
Ytecount and Vi-countess Melgund, Lord James and
Lady Rachel Butler, Earl and Countess Craven and
Lady Elizabeth Craven, Count Carob, the Duo de Gram-
nsont, Lady Carolina and Miss Maxse and Major Maxie,
Lady O'Donnell and Miss O'Hara, Lady Hislop, Lady
Molesworth, Hon. Frederick and Lady Adelaide Cado-
gan, lion. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Fitzroy, Right Hon. B.
Disraeli and Mrs. Disraeli, Right Hon. Charles Villiers,
Hon. Arthur and Mrs, Dillon, Right Hon. E. Ellice,
Mr. J. A. Smitb, M.P., Mr. Monckton Milnes, M.P.,
Gen. Ashburnham, Mr. Bernal Osborne, M.P., Hon.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncombe, Le Comte de la Grenee, &c.
The chief members of the Rothschild family, both here
and in France, were, of course, also present.
The visitors aceiembled in the drawing-room, where
Dr. Adler, the Chief Rabbi, assisted by Mr. Archer and
Mr. Green, prepared to perform the ceremony according
to the rites of the Jewish religion. A velvet canopy,
supported by four of the bridegroom's garcons d'leonneur
was placed at the upper end of the room. The bride
groom was then led in by his neare,t male relatives, and
placed under the canopy. The bride, who Cll then had
retrained in her apartment, descended to the saloon, at-
t by no less than 16 bridesmaids, all attired alike
in white dresses, trimmed with light blue, and the bride
wearing the usual lace dress and orange blossoms. At
tho door of the saloon she was met by her mother, who,
assisted by the bridesmaids, completely enveloped her
whole figure and person in a veil which reached to the
ground, and which is worn in compliance with the
Scriptural verse in Genesis relating to Rebecca. She
was then conducted to the saloon with the same forms as
tte bridegroom, and placed under the canopy. The
Chief Rabbi, having pronounced a most eloquent exhor-
tation to each, the service was commenced in Hebrew.
The betrothed then drank of a cup of wine and water,
and the bridegroom, taking the ring, placed it on the
bride's finger, repeating in Hebrew slowly, " Behold,
thou art betrothed unto me, with this ring, according to
the rites of Motes and Israel." The marriage contract
was then read, and prayers resumed, the betrothed again
thank a glass of wine between them, and the glass being
hid on the ground empty the bridegroom crushed it
with his foot, all the relations at the same time wishing
(in Hebrew) that the marriage might he happy, and the
bridegroom he as irrevocably joined as the pieces of
glass were sundered. About an hour after the conclu-
sion of the ceremony the visitors sat down to the dinner,
for such, in fact, it was.

THE DEFEAT OF MINISTERS.

LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY.
The defeat of Lord Palmerston has creatad gt neral
regret here, even among the non-mercantile class.

MANCHESTER, NVEDNESDAY

The intelligence that Ministers ha i suff,red a defeat
on the China question, though not unex:4:ic!ed, has caused
a great sensation here, because it is generally xpected
that it must lead to a dissolution of Parliament &nd an
appeal to the country. The C -inservatives, the Free-
tradere, and the Ministeriali-ts have all large parties in a
community like this, and the event of last nieht has ne-
cessarily led to much discussion in all circles, but the
oily movement that has yet been made, so far as we
learn, has been by the Commercial Association. At a
meeting of the Council of that body, hell this morning,
it was determined to convene a special general meeting
of the Association for Friday, " to consider how far the
interests of commerce with China and elsewhere are
compromised under the existing state of affairs in that
country."

THE LATE DIVISIoN ON THE CHINESE
QUESTION.

The following is a list of the members who " paired
on the occas,ion

FOR GOVERNMENT. FOR MR. COBDEN'S MOTION.
Mr. Tancred (L) Mr. Blackburn (C)
Mr. Wyvill (14) Mr. Vaosittart (C)
Mr. J. Duff (L) Mr. Freshfield (C)
Mr. Rumbold (L) Mr. Buck (C)
Sir J. Mathesou (L) Sir G. Booth (14)
Mr. Bland (L) Capt. Archdall (C)
Mr. Henchy (L) Mr. Percy (C)
Mr. Esmond (14) Mr. Goddard (C)
Mr. Deasy (L) Sir G Forster (C)
Mr. Beamish (L) Mr. Baird (C)
Mr. Heathcoat (L) Mr. Long (C)
Sir H. F. Davie (L) Colonel Forester (C)
Mr. Atherton (14) Mr. Lloyd Davies (C)
Mr. Colvile (C) Colonel Lowther (C)
Mr, Collier (L) Mr. Lushington (C)
Mr. H. Baring (C) Mr. Francis B iring (C)
Earl Grosvenor (L) Sir P. Egerton (C)
Colonel French (L) Mr. Montgomer., (C)
Mr. Sergt. O'B. ieu (L) Mr. George (C)
Sir T. Acland (C) Sir W. Verner (C)
Sir R. Bulkel.ey (L) Mr. T. P. Willi ms (C)
Mr. Foley (L) Mr. Wilson Patten (C)
Mr. De Vere (L) Mr. Burrowes (C)
Mr. Heywood (14) Sir C. Burrell (C)

The bride and bridegroom sat t ,gether at the bead of
the principal table. On the right of the bride sat Baron
James Bothschil,i, Baroness Lionel de Rothschild, Count
Persigny, the Duchess of Bedford, the Belgian Minister,
Baroness Nathaniel de Rothschild, Lord J. Russell, and
Lady Anthony de Rithschild. 0,1 the left of the bride-
groom were—Baroness James Rothschild, Baron Lionel
de Rothschild, the Duchess of Wellington, Count Kiel-
wansegge, and the lion. Mrs. Fitzroy.
The scene when the guests were seated was extremely
brilliant.

Just as dinner was completed, and while the ices were
being served, a pretty incident of the day took place in
the presentation, by the baroness, according to the old
and hospitable custom of the family, to each lady (they
were 80 in nuiWzier) of an exquisite bouquet, composed of
choice flowers, for the composition of which not only had

the floral stores of the baroness's conservatories munifi-
cently contributed, but the whole of the Parisian mar-
kets had been ransacked of their finest camelias.
After the banquet, the Rev. A. Greene chanted in
Hebrew grace after meat. When this had concluded—
The FRENCH AMBASSADOR rose and spoke as follows :
—Si je suis heureux d'avoir k complimenter la jeune
Mariee, comme awl de sa fainide, j'avoue que, comma
Ambassadeur de France, jeprouve quelque embarras.
C'est qu'en effet, Repre•entant d'un pays attache A l'al-
liance anglaise, je ne devrais rien fairs qui puisse fire
desegreable A nos Allies ; et cependart voil3 quo j'en-
courage de ma presence, et meine de rea car de, l'enlbve-
went, au profit demon pays, dune des p:us brillantes
perles de cette ierin de belles jeunes filles dont l'Ang-
leterre est si fibre. (Cliter?.) Ce
qui augments ma
respoeeabiliti6 c'est que l'exemple pent devenir conta-
gieux. Ce n'est pas impueement que mes jeunes corn-
patriotes verront arriver Is Paris une des plus charmants
produits de cette eitreation anglaise qui sait all;er dunemanibre si adiniralYe le naturel et
Is siropliciti l'in-
strue•i,,n la plus brillante. Il ya, peat-etre, un moyen
de tout concilier ; c'est que l'hrureux Epoux, qui va
donner 3 mes compatriotes un exempla si seluisant,
prornette de rainener sa jeune femme le plus souvent
possible au milieu de sea awls d'Angleterre. Maintenant
je voudrais adresser mes vceux It Is jeutie Manes ; maim
que souhaiter une joule femme tout It la foie nee et
warier) dans une fainille qui a retrouve la lampe mer-
veilleuse des Mille et une Nuits. Car avec cette ;puis-
sance magique, quell de irs, quills caprices tame, see
perms et son Mari ne poerront its pas satiefaire I j
Et si le cceur de la jeune femme rests, comme 'en suis
convain9u, au milieu des plaisirs du monde, toujours bon
et compatissant pour l'iofortune, qu'ai je besoin encore
rfe faire un souhait ? Est ce que see deux excellentes
retires ne lni out pas dej3 appris, comment,
,quand
it
s'agit de faire le bien, la plus petite main pent s en'arger
assez pour puiser dane des coffres iedeuisables? (Cheers )
Mais pnisqa je ne peux faire aucun veep que le talisman
d'Aladin ue reticle euperillu, je me vois f orce d'en pru v..
ter un au monde des chimbres • mais n'est pas moins
naturel et retlisable—c'est que le roman de la jeune fille
se continue comme finissent les Cjntes de Feels. Je
na'aripte je ne veux pas retarder plus long temps le
moment pour lee convivea de saluer It jeune Mariee, et
je me late de porter le toast impatiemeient attendu—
" A Madame la Baronne Alphonse de Rothschil i." His
Excellency was Very loudly
cheered on resuming his
seat.

MARKET NEWS.— (This Pay.)

CORN EXCHANGE.
GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN
For the week ended March 5, 1857, made up from the Re-
turns of the Inspectors in the different Cities and Towns in
England and Wales, per Imperial Quarter.
WHEAT BARLEY OATS RYE I BEANS PEAS
55s 5d 45s 3d 23s 8d 39s id 388 lld 39s bd
TIIE SIX WEEKS' AVERAGES.
WHEAT I BARLEY I OATS I RYE I BEANS PEAS
56s 10d 45s 7d 23s 4d 39s 4d Ds 9d 39s 4d
ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK.
Wheat, 108,805 ; barley, 68,121; oats, 17,204 ; rye, 181 ;
beans, 8,358 ; peas, 2,010 quarters.

The BUID• EGROOM, in responding to the tout, said on
such an occasion he might be excused for want of words
to express the cordial thanks of himself and his wife for
such kind wishes for their happiness. He hoped
and he trusted that God would bless their union.
(Chews.) He knew that his beloved wife could not
but feel the loss of her parents ; but to insure her
welfare would be the great object and tender care of his
future life, whieh he devoted to her. (Cheers.) To her
parents he hoped his gratitude for having given him
so great a blessing would be shown in his conduct to
her. To his dear friends now present—grateful as he was
that they had honoured him on this occasion—he should
feel still more grateful if they would come to see him at
his own home. (Hear.) He could say no more, hut, in
conclusion, would invoke the solemn blessing of Provi-
dence on that day. (Cheers.)

The Right Hon. B. DISRAELI rose and said—We have
heard, with an emotion which has been felt by all, the
wishes expressed for the health and happiness of the
hero and heroine of this memorable day. But there are
others present who are entitled also to our affectionate
repeat. Under this roof are the heads of the name and
family of Rothschild—a name famous in every capital
of Europe and every division of the globe—a family not
more regirded for its riches than esteemed for its honour,
virtues, integrity, and public spirit. The father of the
bridegroom has resided in Paris for many years, and
in that capital the united influence of Lis talents
and his virtues has accomplished great designs. Many
of us have witnessed the responsibility of his cares
and shared in his cordial hospitality, but on all occi,
alone we have found him alike remarkable for that
joyous spirit which forms so distinguishing a feature
in his character. The wisest monarch of this world
has said that there is something more precious than
rubies, and I am sure he has found that treasure.
Those who are acquainted with the Baroness James
Rothschild know the cultivated mind and command-
ing intelligence which she possesses, and how much she
adorns the life of which she is the soul and inspiration.
The parents of our bridegroom are not only guests under
this roof, but guests in this country. lam sure you
will give them such a cordial expression of our good
will that when they cross the waters which separate us
from an ally, so much cherished, and wbo is so well re-
presented in this country by Count Persigny, they will
carry back wiih them our feelings of admiration and
gratitude. It is with these feelings I now propose
" The health of the Baron and Baroness James Roths-
child."
Baron J. ROTHSCHILD expressed his acknowledg-
ments in a few concise words, and said he should be very
happy to welcome all his kind friends at his own home
in P..ris.
Lord JOHN RUSSELL proposed the health of the Baron
and Baroness Lionel de Rothschild, to whose public and
private virtues he paid a wtli -rnfrited compliment,
which was received with much enthusiasm.
Baron LIONEL DE ROTHSCHILD, in a speech replete
with great felling, expressed that, much as he felt the
parting with a beloved child, he did so with sure confi-
dence in the happiness that was in store for her.
(Cheers.)
am depot-
' Mr. BERNAL OSBORNE now rose and said—l

IiOYAL BRITIS'H BANK.

Yesterday evening a general meeting of the depositors
was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen-strees,
for the purpose of obtaining their assent to the compro-
mise proposed by the shareholders, and which bad been
approved by the committee of depositors. Resolutions
were also to be submitted to the meeting in favour of a
general Act of Perliament, by which the above object
might he effected. •
The laige.room of the tavern was crdwded by anxious
creditors of this notorious bank, and at 7 o'clock it was
proposed' that Mr. James Wyld, the chairman of the com-
mittee, should take the chair. Some opposition was
evinced by a small body of persons, led on by a Mr.
Dwyer, who said that the chair ought not to be occu-
pied by any one who was already committed to a parti-
cular line of action, and he therefore proposed that Dr.
Wakley should preside. Much noise and confusion en-
sued, when Mr. Dwyer at length became so excited that
be was obliged to be ejected by force from the room.
After con-ideiable delay, and after many irregular
speeches had been mace, the meeting settled down
quietly, and on a show of hands Mr. Weld was all but
unanimously called to the chair.
The CHAIRMAN said they were met to discuss an im-
portant question affecting their own interests, and he
hoped the proposition which was about to be submitted
to them would be discussed fairly and dispas-ionately.
It had been said that he was committed to a certain line
of conduct; be was certainly committed to one line of
conduct, which was to obtain for the depositors of the
British Bank all that it was possible to obtain for them.
(Cheers.) Mr. Wyld then entered into an historical de-
tail of all the prose dings; which had taken place from the
time of the failure of the bank on Sept. 3, 1856, to the
present day in the Court of Chancery, and iu bankruptcy,
rend with which our readers must be quite familiar.
After d scribing the contest between the assignees of
the creditors in bankruptcy and the official manager of
the shareholders in Chancery, and the fact that the as-
signees finally succeeded in getting possession of the
property, he pr ceeded to state that a divided of ss. 6.1.
in the pound was immediately declared, and that but for
the vexatious delays occasioned by the present disgraceful
state of the late a further dividend of 2s. or 3s. in the
pound would here been paid before this. He hoped that
would be done within the next two months, and if the
estate should turn out according to Mr. Colman's expec-
tations there was reason to believe that a further divi-
dend of Le or 2s. might be realised, and then the estate
would, he believed, be exhausted. But the committee
bad not confined their exertions to the distribution of the
funds already obtained ; they had endeavoured to effect
an arrangement. with the shareholders, which shoufel be
beneficial to the depositors, and at thel same time the
least onerous to the shareholders themselves. It was
found that some of the creditors were pursuing and ha-
rassing individual, shareholders, driving them into the
Bankruptcy Court, and turning their wives and children
into the streets, not for the purpose merely, let it be re-
membered, of obtaining payment of the debts due, but
to defray enormous law expenses. Others of the share-
holders—the wealthiest and the most dishonest, not being
attached to trade, were lying across the water, and thus
putting the water between them and their creditors.
What, then, did the committee do ? They adopted that
course which be believed time would show was the wisest
for them to pursue—they expressed themselves ready to
accept from the shareholders as much as they could get.
No doubt they were entitled to 20s. in the pound, but in
what way 'were they to obtain it I There were three lists
of shareholders--list A comprised the present sharehold-
ers, who were liable for all the debts of the Bank ; list B
consisted of new shareholders, who, under the advice of
ao able lawyer, said, " We are 74 in number ; we sub-
scribed t o this bank upon the strength of certain accounts
which were presented to us ; they were fraudulent ac-
count!, and we are neitber morally nor legally liable to
pay you, and we shall contest inch by inch our liability."
The third li,t were those who were not on the present
list, but who bad been shareholders during a period of
'three years. ft was under these circumstances that a
composition was proposed by the shareholders. A hat
Was handed to the committee with the amount of con-
tribution • pl cad opposite each shareholder's name.
That hat had ,been carefully gone through, and, after
the best knowledge that could be acquired as to the
circumstances of every shareholder, the committee
had come hto the conviction that the greater por-
tion of them, at all events, bad contributed to the fad
extent of their means. No doubt it the depositors in-
meted upon it they might ultimately get their 20s. in the
pound ; but though the demand might be just, yet it
might not be expedient to enforce it. The question they
had to consider was—was it worth their while to accept
a composition of 15s. in the pound ? (Cries of " Yes,
yes I" and "No no !") The committee bad not come
there to press upon the depositors a foregone conclusion;
they were asking for their verdict—aye or no. It was
absurd to suppose that any compromise could be carried
out without the deliberate consent of a large majority of
the creditors, and before that consent would be of any
effect it must be given under their hand and seal. They
bad already received 5.5. 61. in the pound. A. dividend
of 3s, would be paid in two months, and the solvent
shareholders proposed to pay 61. 6d. in the pound, mak
ing 15s. in the pound. For this 6s. 6d. he had required
a guarantee of 20,0001. bard cash, to be lodged in thee
joint names of himself, Mr. Lawrence, and Mr. Field,
That 20,0001. was to be paid over to the offieial as-
k eiguee, and he was to place it against the sail of the
directors. The object was that, should, after all, this
arrangement tail, the estate would still be benefited
to the extent of that 20,0901. (Cheers.). At the
present more than 10,0001. of that sum was
subscribed, and the whole arrangement would
be completed before the end of April next. (Cheers.) It
had been saul•that if they accepted tbie proposition they
would deprive themselves of the benegt of the principle
of unlimited liability. They won' I do no such thing.
But, in truth, the principle of unlimited liability was the
principle of humbug. (Cheers and laughter.) If everyi
shareholder of the British Bank had been liablefor every
1001. share to the extent of 5001. he would have paid the
money, and all the depositors would have received 204.
in the pound ; but, as according to the present law every
shareholder found himself liable to the extent of 2,0001.
or 3,000 g. for each 100/., he was obliged to shirk his lia-
inlay by every means that the law enabled him to do.
The chairman here became suddenly hoarse, and was
obliged to resume his seat, which be did amid loud cheers.
Mr. R. TAILOR, in moving the first resclution, said
that unhandy in this metropolis there were many petti-
fogging lawyers, who worked mischief instead of good to
society. If these affairs had been intrusted to men et
business instead of to la=yers; the whole matter would
have been settled long ago, and they would have known
the worst of it. He strongly recommended the deposi-
tors to accept the terms proposed, and moved the follow-
ing rescletion :
" That, in the opinion of this meeting, it is essential
to the interests of the creditors of the Royal British Bank
that the proposed composition of 6s. 6d. per pound beyond
the assets in bankruptcy, should be accepted, and that
the shareholders should be required to pay the same by
instalments before April 30, next."
Mr. KAIN seconded the resolution.
Mr. \YAKUT, jun., then moved an amendment in
these terms :
"That this meeting is of opinion that it is not .zee-
client to accept any offer of a composition from the share-
holders of the Royal British Bank until an official -tate-
ment has been laid before the depositors of the actual
pecuniary resources of the shareholders, nor without re-
ceiving the most ample and satisfactory security for the
payment of composition, should any offer from the sbare-
holders to that effect be accepted by this meeting.
He believed there were shareholders who were able to
pay much more than the sums which it was proposed they
should contribute. He knew at the present moment a
shareholder who was on the board of a public company,
and who was di ivieg his carriage in the streets of Lon-
don. (Cries of "Name I") He had been asked to prove
this ; but he called upon the Curt of Bankruptcy to
prove i. 't These shareholders should be summoned be-
fore the commissioners, and an inquiry should be made
into their circumstances. This bad been done in two or
three instances by Mr. Linklater, but that gentleman
had applied to the commissioners 'to have inquiries car-
ried on in secret. How could the creditors in that case
know what these men were worth f Why was Mr. Hum-
phrey Brown not examined 1 (Cheers.) He was heard
in private because he could give some important infor-
mation. What was that important information 1 Let
it be produced. All these examinations ought to be pro-
duced. Everything ought to be known. Mr. H. Brown
alleged that he did not owe the estate anything, but Mr.
Colman proved that he was indebted to the bank to the
amount of upwards of 75,000/. He repeated that if pro-
per means were taken the depositors could get 20s, in
the pound. (Cries of " How I") He knew they could if
they could get hold of the shareholders who had the
money. (Laughter.) The question was whether they
would permit those men who had made over t ,eir pra-
perty to other persons, and who were evading their cre-
ditors by living on the other side of the water, to defraud
them, and whether they were, to allow themselves to be
led into a compromise by which they would lose a fourth
of their just demands I (Hear.)
Mr. KING seconded the amendment.
Mr. 'ANIMATER, having been loudly called for, then
addressed the meeting, and entered into& long statement
of the legal steps which had been taken to get the assets
of the bank out of the hands of the directors and to place
them under the control of the assignees in bankruptcy.
That great organ of public opinion, the Times, la-
mented the destruction of the property of the creditors
pltsced inthCehmasneclevryes,unodveerr
the
i tasdrobeininisgt
raattit, enm potfe dot to b
directorse
whose conduct the creditors had no control whatever.
If it had not been for that disgraceful state of the law the
depositors never would have heard of him or of a bank-
ruptcy in this case. He disclaimed all interested motives
in the course be hat; pursued, and declared that he felt
he should have neglected a duty he owed to the public
if he had sat,by aid suffered such vast property to be so \
mismanaged, and he therefore obtained an adjudication
of bankruptcy against the bank. This gave the creditors
that which it was desirable they should possess—a power
of distribution over their own property, equal rights, and
lastly,qu e eti oann, d a t hr
iagthwt ht
oi c hi
nhgen ci
roan siind
teor e dt
hae paramountf public
belonging to the Cunard Company, sails hence for New
a protection of their property for the general good ; and
LIVERPOOL, March 3.—The screw steam-ship Alps,
men who had brought a scandal and disgrace on the
, banking interests of this country. From that hour the
York to-morrow, with the mails which were towlrievhe
been taken out by the Collins steam-ship Baltic,
is being refitted, &e. On Saturday next a new line of whole proceedings of this bankruptcy had been under
steamers between this port and Canada, under the name the cootie' of the committee of depositors. He was
of the "North Atlantio Steam Navigation Company, quite content to await the result of time to expose and " I
will be opened by the departure, at 9 a.m., of the auxi- refute the egregious, scandalous and disgraceful misre-
liary screw steam-'loop Circassian, 1,500 tons, which presentations concerning this bankruptcy. (Loud cheers.)
will he despatched by Messrs. Weir, Cocbranee and Co. The present was a question for finally putting an end 1
for Portland, calling at St. John's Newfoundland, and , the differences existing between 4,000 depositors and
Halifax. A' new feature in connection with this line is 280 shareholders ; and it was for that meeting
the forwarding of telegraphic despatobes (to be received whether this should be effected by the em"P"lniseinPa
Pl-
- Liverpool by Messrs. Weir, Cochrane, and Co., and posed or not. (Cheers.) The learned gentleman' •
ley respecting
in New York by Messrs. Cunard, Austen, ands. Co.) for verting to what had been said by Mr. 'yak ley • be.
the continent of America, via the Bubmarine Telegraph the conducting of the examination°. .
f certain partial!
to
denied
t ni CbgnalltlY enle
from Newfoundland. fore the commissioner in !I ocere't