The Sun.
London, England, 1868-10-15 00:00:00

THE CONGREGATIONAL UNION.

The Congregational Union is still at work at Leeds. At
one of the meetings Mr. Baines, M.P., made what he
called an avowal and a disclaimer. The avowal was, that
Congregationalists unanimously approved of the measure
proposed by Mr. Gladstone, and carried by so large a
majority in the House of Commens ; and that that
measure was in accordance with their views of religious
equality and the voluntary support of religion. And
the disclaimer consisted in utterly denying that
they were actuated by any want of loyalty to their Pro-
testant faith, by indifference to the interests of religion,
by any wish to see the Episcopal Church in Ireland less
efficient for religious teaching, or by self-interest in any
form or degree, except only the interest which they had
in the triumph of justice and the peace and pros-
perity of the empire. Their animating motive on
this occasion had been a wish that justice should be done
to the people of Ireland, and thus peace and union secured
to the kingdom ; but their disinterested and sincere con-
viction wa,s,th at true religion and Protestantism itself would
gain, and not lose, by the change. Therefore they did not
apologise for the position they had taken up, but con-
sidered it altogether honourable and worthy of a great
religious body.
The ministers, members, and delegates assembled for
the second time in session on Wednesday morning. The
Rev. Dr. Raleigh presided. Before the chief business
was proceeded with, the Rev. H. Allon, of London, said
an invitation had been addressed to the members of
the Union that they should hold their next
annual assembly in Wolverhampton. He moved
that the invitation be accepted, which was agreed to.
A paper was read by the Rev. A. Hannay, of West
Croydon, on " The Claims of the Temperance Movement
on the Churches." The Rev. E. R. Conder, of Leeds,
moved " That this assembly cheerfully recognises the
claims which the temperance movement has on the Congre-
gational Churches of this country, being convinced that
the prevailing habits of intemperance impede the evange-
lisation of the people, and frequently bring dishonour on
the name and profession of Christianity. They would
earnestly commend the subject to the prayerful considera-
tion of the pastors and officers of the churches, so that they
may wisely employ such measures as are adapted, under
the divine blessing, to reclaim the intemperate and pre-
serve the young and inexperienced from the ensnaring
influence of intoxicating drinks." Mr. W. H. Conyers
seconded the resolution, which was spoken to by Mr.
Baines, M.P., and Mr. Samuel Morley. Mr. H. Wright
reported from the reference committee that they had re-
ceived two memorials—one from the Central Association
for Suppressing the Sale of Intoxicating Liquors on Sun-
days, whose office was in Manchester, and the other from
the committee of the British Temperance League at
Bolton. He read the latter, and said the other would be
sent to the Congregational ministers, as it appealed to them
to preach on the subject next Sunday, or on the first con-
venient occasion.

THE PRESENT POSITION OF TRADES

SOCIETIES.

At a meeting held in the metropolis, on Tuesday, of
vides unionists, the present position of trades unions was
taken into consideration. The meeting was called for the
purpose of adopting such measures and taking such action
as may secure the passing of a bill which will place trade
societies on a footing of social equality with other
associated bodies. Some action on this point had
evidently (said the circular calling the meeting) become
necessary " by reason of the insecure position in which
the recent conflicting decisions of judges have placed
rade societies." A large number of trades were
represented at the meeting. The chair was taken
by Mr. Spelling, of the Vellum Binders' Society. Among
those present were Professor Beesley, Mr. Lloyd Jones,
Mr. Crompton (barrister), &c. The first resolution was as
follows :—" That this meeting, composed of representa-
tives of various societies in the metropolis, having fully
considered the bill which has been prepared for the purpose
of obtaining legal protection for the funds of trade
societies, and which was brought before Parliament
by Sir Fowell Buxton, is of opinion that it is sufficient
for every legitimate purpose, and should receive the
support of every well-meaning member of the House of
Commons."

Mr. APPLEGARTH, carpenter, explained that the mu
which formed the subject matter of the resolution, having
repealed the Acts G George IV., c. 129, and 22 Vic.,
c. 34, provided in the third clause that if any person were
guilty of personal violence for trade purposes, such as
endeavouring to force any journeyman, manufacturer,
workman, or apprentice to depart from his employment,
he would be liable to imprisonment for any term
not exceeding three months, with or without hard
labour. The fifth clause simplified the conspiracy law, and
provided that on the trial of any person for conspiring to
commit an offence against the third section of the Act, it
should not be lawful to give evidence against the accused
of any act committed or dune by any other person, unless
evidence be first given that the accused was accessory
before the fact to such act, or that such act was contem-
plated by, and part of, such conspiracy. The other clauses
made provision for the punishment of those who
embezzled the funds of the society. Mr. Lloyd Jones
and Professor Beesley took part in the long discussion which
took place. Mr. Odger suggested that the meeting should
be adjourned ; that the bill should be improved if possible,
but not abandoned. The consideration of the question
was then adjourned.

THE DERWENTWA.TER ESTATES.—The Dement-
water romance is still engaging the attention of Northum-
berland. Popular feeling is evidently in favour of " Lady
Amelia." Meetings have been held, at which the impor•
tance of having a quick decision was insisted upon. Sub-
scription lists have been opened to defray the legal
expenses. She is still very unwell. No change has taken
place in the position of either party.
THE EASTERN FISHERIES.—There has been 4
considerable improvement in the size and quality of the
herrings landed at Great Yarmouth during the last few
days. Prices have varied very considerably from day to
day. The Lowestoft boats are now settling their accounts
at the close of a successful North Sea voyage, previously
to commencing the home fishery. Most of them have done
extremely well.

REMARKABLE DISCOVERY. —A short time ago two
lizards, one 54 inches long and one other 34 inches, were
discovered in an iron mine at Brixham, Devon. They were
found in a fragile earthly substance, close to limestone, at
depths of 80ft. and GOft. from the surface. The mine is
about 800 yards from the sea. For several days the lizards
were perserved in a small box, partly filled with soft mine
d6bris, and afterwards placed in a globe of water. Both
now appear to be well. The colour on the back is black
with small white spots ; the belly is of rich gold colour with
black stripes.

PROPOSED VISIT OF MR. JOAN BRIGHT, ALP.,
EDINBURGH.--It is expected that Mr. John Bright,
M.P., will be able to visit Edinburgh on an early day, to
be presented with the freedom of the city, which the
town council on Tuesday resolved to confer upon him,
"in recognition of his distinguished position as an orator
and a statesman, and especially of his brilliant and suc-
cessful services in the promotion of free trade. The cere-
mony of presenting the burgess ticket to Mr. Bright will
take place in the Music Hall ; but we understand that
Mr. Bright has consented to address a public meeting of
the citizens in the evening, and that the Circus in the
Lothian-road hal alr9d,y been engaged for the meeting,—

Scotsman.