The Sun.
London, England, 1844-07-11 00:00:00

REPORT.

"In accordance with the assurance given by the Chair-
man of the last general meeting of Shareholders that,
as the question of allowance of interest to customers on
current accounts had received, so it would continue
to receive the best consideration of the Board, the Di-
rectors have now to inform the Proprietors that, after
mature deliberation they came to a resolution in Feb-
ruary last, That from and after the Ist of March, the
interest allowed by the bank to customers on their mini-
mum balances be one per cent., except on accounts, the
monthly minimum balance of which on the average of
the half-year shall be under two hundred pounds ;' and
it is a source of great gratification to them to be able to
add that, with but few exceptions, the alteration was re-
ceived by the customers of the bank with that feeling of
liberality which evinced their intimate acquaintance,
with the extremely depressed state of the money mar-
ket, and their willingness to concede a fair remunera-
tion to their bankers.

" By the accounts which accompany this report,
it will be perceived that, after providing for current ex-
penses, bad debts, rebate of interest, &c., the net profit
for the half-year ending the 30th June last, amounted
to 16,040/. 7s. 2d.
" Although this sum alone would not be sufficient for
the purpose, the Directors have not hesitated to declare
a dividend for the half-year at the rate of 61. per centum
per annum, free from the deduction of income-tax, as
the ' Guarantee Fund' (after taking from it sufficient to
make up the deficiency) will still le ave to its credit the
aura of 89,218185. I Id., being only 612/. ss. 53. less than
on the 30th of December lat.
" The Directors cannot close their report without ex-
pressing the deep regret they feel at t'se loss they have
sustained by the recent decease of their much-esteemed
friend and colleague, Joshua Scholefield, Esq., M.P.
This lamented event will render it necessary to call the
Proprietors together again shortly for the purpose of
electing a successor.
" The dividend will be payable on and after the 18th
instant."
The SECRETARY then read the statement of accounts
for the current half-year.
Mr. T. MooRE observed that the sum charged for
current expenses was larger than it had been during the
preceding half-year.
The CHAIRMAN replied, that it had been as large a
gum on previous occasions. On the 30th of June, 1842,
itwas 11,709/. 10s. 103., a larger sum than during the
present half-year ; but of course the amount would vary
according to circumstances. He moved that the report
be received, printed, and circulated among the Pro-
prietors.
Mr. BORRODAILE wished to know if the serious losses
which it had been stated the bank bad suffered in con-
sequence of their connection with Call, Thompson, and
Co., were included iu the sum allowed for bad debts ?
The CHAIRMAN said it was not thier back, but another,
which had suffered those losses. The London Joint-
stock Bank had no connection with Cali, Thompson,
and Co., and had never suffered any loss, as had been
stated. In making the allowance for bad debts the
Directors were carelul to err on the safe side,
Mr. G. B. Ilanarsoel asked if the number of new,
accounts opened since the reduction of the interest was
equal to the average of new accounts opened during the
same period of former years?
The CHAIRMAN could only state generally that a
large number of new accounts had been opened, and
new accounts were being opened weekly.
Mr. G. B. HARRISON—Can the Chairman assure the
meeting that the number of new accounts has not de-
creased since last year ?
The CHAIRMAN—There are a great many more new
accounts new than there were at that time.
Mr. G. B. HARRISON would not go deeply into the
matter, but he thought there was a want of courtesy in
the suddel manner in which the circular of the Di-
rectors hld been issued so soon after the last

smeting at which the feeling exhibited was decidedly in
opposition to the reduction of the interest.—(Hear,
hear, and No, no.) Had he pressed his amendment on
that occasion he felt certain that he should have carried
it, and many persons had left the room under a decided
feeling that the Proprietors were not advocates for an
alteration. It was with some surprise, therefore, that he
nad received the circular of the Directors within a month
after that meeting. He had no wish to limit the power
of the Directors ; he had no doubt that they had been
actuated by an intention of doing what they considered
the best for the interests of the Shareholders ; but he
thought they would have done better not to have re-
duced the interest until an absolute necessity arose for
so doing.
Mr. Alderman HUGHES HUGHES defended the course
which had been adopted by the Directors. He had never
listened to any information with greater pleasure in his life
than he had listened to the statements contained in the

report on the subject of the reduction of the interest. It
would have been a declaration of insolvency if in the
present state of the money market they had held out
the law of giving two per cent, for money when they
could obtain any amount of capital they chose at one-
and-a-half per cent. If, as he understood, the number
of accounts which had been withdrawn in consequence
had been under ten, he should like to ask the question
whether the number of accounts withdrawn, or the
number of new accounts was the greatest ? Ile had at
the last meeting drawn their attention to this subject,
because he felt that the nearer they approached to the
legitimate manner in which banking was carried on in
the City the better. Amore wise and judicious course
could not have been adopted. The Directors had acted
well and wisely, and if ever a vote of thanks was due to
them, it was due to them that day.
Mr. GREGORY thought the question hinted at by
the worthy Alderman was a most important one, and
he would at once ask, if the number of the old accounts
withdrawn since the alteration had been less than the
new accounts opened ?
The CHAIRMAN believed that the accounts withdrawn
on that account did not exceed three or four, while the
new accounts exceeded one hundred. He could assure
the meeting that the accounts had greatly in-
creased since the alteration.—(Cries of " Hear.")
As to the time at which the alteration had been made,
the Directors, after what had taken 'Awe at the last
meeting, had felt it their duty to give the subject their
serious consideration, and, in consequence, they had
made the alteration.

Mr. BORRODAILE cc:nsidered the alteration as good for
the Proprietors and bad for the depositor. It was not
keeping good faith with the public, when money was dear,
to offer them this interest to induce them to become
customers Of the bank, and then when money became
cheap to turn round upon them with this alteration.
Major BucnANAN reminded the meeting that the
Scotch banks, on the model of which they were formed,
were frequently altering the rate of interest allowed
according to the state of money market.
The CHAIRMAN had recently received a notification
from the British Linen Company, a 'Scotch bank, of
their intention of reducing the rate of their interest.
how wit; it possible by any legitimate banking in the
present state of the money market to pay the expenses of
.their c;stablishaunt, if they allowed their customers
2 per cent,?

Mr, G. B. HAniusoN—lf money is high, do the Scotch
bank.; give more than two per cent. interest ?
The CHAIRMAN—Yes.
Mr. G. B. IlmtrasoN--That was not the case here.
If a depositor were to ask, when money was high, for
more than his two per cent., he would be refused, and
referred-to his contract, and if so, the bank ought to
abide by it when money was cheap.
The CHAIRMAN—If he were to transfer his money to
the deposit account be would be enabled to get all tie
interest he was entitled to.
After a few words from Mr. John Hackblock and Mr.
Alderman Hughes Hughes, the report. was ordered to Le
. re rived.
The CHAIR3IAN had sent for a statement of the num-
-ler of accounts before and since the alteration, which he
would read .to the meeting. The number of accounts
up to the Ist of January, 1844, was 2,589, and en the
tat of July, 1844, it was 2,704.
Mr. T. Mooag, in referfuce to a motion of which he
had given notice, would ask if J. P. Darthez, jun., Esq.,
Director of the Bank, had returned to England ?
The CIIAIRMAN—NO.
Mr. 'l'. Moonn v ould ask when he had last attended
as a Director ?

Mr. Alderman II onEs III:ouEs rose to order. It
was not a meeting for the election of Directors, and the
question could not, he apprehended, be entertained.
- Mr..T. MoortE had given regular notice of a motion
which-.he would n3Wpropose:—" That if any Director be
absent from England for any period exceeding six
mouths, he shall be disqualified ; and the Directors shall
give notice for filling up the vacancy, in conformity with
the provisions of the deed of settlemen.."
Air. T. S. Samintoox seconded the motion.

Mr. Alderman HUGHES HUGHES hoped the motion
would receive no support.
_There were many gentle-
men sitting there as Directors, of whose services he
should be very sorry to be deprited because they might
happen to be detained in the country by sickness, per-
haps for more than six months. With regard to Mr.
Darthez, no one had ben more useful to the Bank than
he had ; and his absence in Spain might be productive
a much good to the Bank, as he might induce many
bpanish merchants to join them.
The'Custnmati said that very severe indisposition had
occasioned the absence of Mr. Darthez.
Mr. T. MooßE—But not for two years. It was now
three or four years since he had been present.
The CHAIRMAN—NO, ttr? years.

_ - -
Mr. T. AtooßE always liked to offer the most stre-
nuous opposition to the commencement of abuse or mis=
inanagemeiit, and it certainly was a great abuse that a
Director should be absent from his post for three or
four years, more particularly in a back, where the Di-
rectors were the only check upon each other, as they had
no auditors. Now, what check could Mr. Darthez be,
r. siding as he did at Cadiz, upon his brother Directors.
No doubt Mr. Gladstone had this very case in his eye,
xhen lie introduced a clawc in his Bill to prevent this
occurring in any new companies. The n'entleman in
question was a most respectable man ; be did not deny
it. He had been of great use to that Bank he admitted,
bat still he thought there had been a little management
on the part of the Directors to recure his re-election. A
letter had been read on that occasion, stating that
be was coning to England. Now, it did not appear

that he had the slightest intention of coming to England
at al!. The 20th clause of the deed of settlement
directed that if a Director should be absent without
leave from the Board for three months, he should be dis-
qualified. It might be asked why he did not oppose his
re-electiOn? He did not know of it until it was too late.
He could not help thinking there had been some manage-
ment to procure his.re-election:
A PROPRIETOR---IS there anything in the deed of set-
tlement about the allience of Directors ?
The CHAIRMAN—No Director can be absent without
leave for more than three months, but the Board has
power to give leave. .
Mr. V. KNIGHT thought six months too short a time
to fix. He agreed in the principle of Mr. Moore's motion,
but he thought the term might be advantageously en-
larged to one, or even to two years; and knowing, as he
did, the. value of Mr. Darthez, he was quite willing that
that gentleman should rot be affected by the resolution.
Mr. Alderman H. .lICCHES objected to the motion
being put on a point of order. The motion went to
make an alteration in the deed of settlement, and that
could not be done at a meeting like the present, and
without going through the necessary preliminary forms.
AMBROSE MOORE, Esq., a Director, rose to repel the
charge of mismanagement in this matter which had been
brought against the Direction by 'Mr. T. Moore. The
only object they had in view was to show their respect
to a colleague who had been of the greatest service to
the establishment. What would have been said if the.
Directors had availed themselves of the power, after his
absence for three months, to exclude him From the Direc-
tion? But Mr. Derthez had been reelected since his ab-
sence. Why had not the Hon. Proprietor on that occasion
proposed another candidate; he had had on that occasion
seventeen clear days to get up a little management on
his own account,.and yet he had not thought proper to
avail himself of it by proposing another candidate.
Mr. H. NICHOLSON—In what way did Mr. Darthez
offer himself fur re-election ?

The CHAIRMAN—By letter. He is obliged to do so.
Mr. BORRODAILE had •no doubt but that the pret=ent
discussion would produce a good effect. The Directors
had had an opportunity Of hearing all that had passed
on the subject. No-doubt they would well consider it,
and he should be inclined to leave the matter entirely in
their hands. ' -
The CHAIRMAN observed that as Mr. Moore had
pointed out one clause in Mr. Gladstone's Bill, he thought
he might p. lot out some others which were most absurd.
o,e was that banks were to strike a balance every month.
Why, if that were the case in the bank the whole of the
time of the clerks would be taken up in striking
balances. Another absurdity was, the requiring the
names of two Directors on the back of every bill. The
Bill would require to 13:, greatly altered in Committee.
Mr. V. KNIGHT theught they could not entertain the
motion without altering the deed of settlement.
Mr. SQUANCE, the solicitor to the Company, on being
called on, gave as his opinion that the motion could not
be entertained in its present form at that meeting.
Mr. T. SAMBROOK, who had seconded the motion
merely to raise the discussion, would not object, if the
mover saw fit, to his withdrawing it.
Mr. Alderman HUGHES HUGHES hoped it would be
withdrawn.

Mr. T. MOORE did not object to withdraw his motion,
and hal the discussion gone on he should not have ob
jected to the substitution of twelve months for six. Not-
withstanding all that bad been said, he could not help
thinking there had been a little management somewhere,
although each individual Director might disclaim all
knowledge of it. He was but an humble in-
dividual himselr, but for all that, if be were
taunted, he might get up a little management out of doors.
With, regard to Mr. Gladstone's Bill, it should be
recollected that amone, its provisions were the following:
—That all future banks should have auditors, and that
one-fourth of the directors should .go cut absolutely
every year, and remain out. These were most whole-
some provisions. He then withdrew his motion.

G. H. FosTzk, Esq., a Director, felt called upon
to answer the statement of the Hon. Proprietor
about management. On the last occasion he had stated
that he thought the thanks of his colleagues and himself
were due to Mr. Darthez ; that ho had written to that
gentleman, asking him if he intended to offer himself for
re-election and enquiring whether he might be expected
in England soon. He had then said he was happy to
state that he had received an answer, in which Mr.
Darthez offered himself for re-election-, and ex-
pressed his intention of soon returning to England.
Ile had hoped to have seen him before this,
and he trusted, from what he had heard from other
quarters, for he had not heard from Mr. Darthez him-
self, that they would soon see him amongst them.
The motion was then withdrawn.
Mr. Alderman HUGHES HUGHES then moved that the
especial tha,,ks of the Proprietors are justly due, and
are her( by respectfully presented to the Directors for
their valuable and efficient services.

Mr. T. MOORE seconded the resolution, which was
carried unanimously.
Tha CIIAIRNAN, in the name of the Directors and
himself, returned thanks.
On the motion of Mr. RICIIARD Grim, the thanks of
the Proprietors were given to Mr. Pollard, the Manager,
and the gentlemen employed under him, in conducting
the affairs of the bank.
Mr. POLLARD returned thanks.

The thanks of the meeting were then unanimously
voted to the Chairman for his able conduct in the chair ;
and the compliment having been acknowledged by the
Chairman, the meeting adjourned.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.
FROM THE EVENING PAPERS OF THIS DAY.
STANDARD.—Grievous was the descent of the
House of Commons from the consideration of Mr.
Cowper's proposition to the Committee upon the
Gamblers' Protection Bill. This is a Bill upon which
we have no opinion, and in which we take no in-
terest whatever. We certainly should not grieve to
see the scourge fall heavily upon the aristocracy
of the turf and the gaming table. The aristocracy,
generally, would be the greatest gainers by the inflic-
tion; but then one does not much like to see a restive but
not repentant gambler filling his pockets by writs and
declarations merely as the substitute of horses, or dice,
or cards, " made safe." It is a matter in which one
ran afford to be quite impartial. We must protest, by
the way, against calling horse-racing a many sport ;
there is nothing manly in it—rowing, yachting, fox-
hunting, wrestling, &c., are manly sports, because in
them men perform the whole, or at least the princi-
pal part ; but what manliness is there in lending
at a noble horse running with the smallest attain-
able weight of humanity upon his back ? Who-
ever considers the extenuated specimen of mankind
in the saddle, except to ashertain whether he has
or has not sold his employer for a bribe? There is no
manliness in all this, or if there is, it is a manlineSs in
which the subscriber to " a Derby," who has handed
over his sixpence, with the price of his pint of beer, in
a Spitalfields' pothouse, has as much right to boast as
the king of the course, and owner of half the horses in
the field.
GLOBE.—The new tariff determined on by the Bra-
zilian government has reached this country. Although
not published by official authority, the source whenee it
has been derived gives assurance of its accuracy.
The increased scale of duties, thus imposed by the
Brazilian government on the manufactured produce
of this country, clearly shows the absurdity of main-
taining a system of restrictive duties *upon the
produce of foreign States. As a nation, Britain is de-
pendent for her commercial prosperity on the demand for
our manufactures by foreigners ; yet, with a folly which
exposes our legislators to reprisals by other countries,
and their acts to condemnation in our own, we find
them labourinn to uphold a system of •restriction
which provokee retaliatory tariffs by foreign States !
The Brazilian tariff at present in operation, levies
a nominal uniform duty of 15 per cent. on articles of
British manufacture imported into that country ; in
practical operation, the real amount of duty thus im-
posed amounts to 21 per cent. ad valorem. The tariff
now proposed will come into operation in November
next, when the commercial treaty with England will.
terminate ; under its operation the duties will vary in,
amount ; but their combined effect will be to increase,
to a considerable extent, the duties now payable upon the'
principal articles of export into this country. We give
in another column the rates of duty to be charged upon,
different fabric:. A duty, ad valoienz, varying from 30 to
60 per cent. upon the bulk of the exports from this
country, will, as regards many articles, be a practical
exclusion of British Manufactures from the Brazils; and
cannot fail to work an incalculable amout of mischief to
our trade and commerce. For this we are indebted to
the combination of class interests, which compels Sir R.
Peel to a course of commercial impolicy that he has vir-
tually denounced in Parliament, and which, we believe,
he would willingly abandon for a more generous and.
healthful se-were, were he not fettered by his political
in
terests
who The tenacity with which the
who are " protected" at the expense of the community
cling to each other, is easily accounted for. They
derive strength from union, and supply a cogent
argument for reiterated and constant resistance
to the monopolies to which they belong. The
separation of one member of the confederacy would
leave one restriction less to be appealed to as a
justification for others ; add something to the number
and strength of those interested in freedom of trade; and
take something from the mass of interest enlisted on
the side of restriction. The corn-laws, for instance,
are not merely to ba viewed as the cause of those evils
which directly and immedialy flow from them. They
are to be judged, not merely by the evils which they
do, but by the good which they, prevent from being
done. If the landlords had no longer a monopoly of their
own, they would no longer uphold the monopolies of
others. It is not the interest of landowners that Bra-
zilian sugars should be excluded from consumption in
this country. Nor would they assist in effecting that ex-
clusion, but that, by thus assisting the classes which de-
rive an interest from that exclusion, they may purchase
their aid in preventing the introduction of foreign corn
to the British market. The same may be said of the
British-colonial interests. They would gladly admit
foreign corn to the British markets, because that ad-
mission would be beneficial to themselves. But were
they to detach themselves from the confederated band
of monopolists, they would lose the advantages which
they derive from the union of protected interests. The
landlords would no longer uphold the cOlonial monopoly :
their support is obtained by the aid which the other
protected interests afford to the existing restrictions on
the importation of corn.

TRIAL OF THE RIOTERS AT LEEDS.—This trial
terminated on Tuesday last, having occupied four days of
the borough sessions, and twice as long as the other thirty-
six cases put together. Of the military, four were found
guilty and eight not guilty ; of thu civilians, four were found
guilty and three not guilty. The sentences on the former
were different periods of imprisonment ; of the latter, one
was fined 4!., the others were sentenced to short periods of
imprisonment.

DIPER/AL PARLIAMENT.
(THIS EVENING.)

HOUSE OF LORDS.

Their Lordships met at Five o'Clock.
Lord SAN-pox appeared at the bar with a message from
the. Commons, praying. their Lordships to allow the
Earl of Fortescue to attend and give evidence, before
the Postage Commitiee of the House of Commons.—
Leave given. _ - •

Mes—sengers from, the Commons brought up several
Bills.

DISSENTERS' CHAPELS BILL.

The Earl of RADNOR presented a petition against
the Dissenters' Chapels Bill; also petitions in favour of
the Bill. The Noble Lord took that opportunity of
complaining that copies of the evidence taken before the
Committee on Gaming had nut been circulated generally.
The copies had only been circulated amongst the mem-
bers of the Committee.

Earl FITZHARI)INGE presented a petition from
Gloucester against the Dissenters' Chspels Bill. _ _

Lord CAM-PBELL presented a petition in favour of the
The Noble Lord took that opportunity of alluding
to a rumour which had gained ground, that many Noble
Lords had
_changed- their opinion on the subject of this
Bill.

The Earl of WICKLOW said he had been originally
opposed to the Bill, but as it had passed both Houses of
Parliament, he did not feel justified in attempting to
throw it out upon the amendments which bad been
made by the Commons. A somewhat noisy conversation
then ensued upon the subject, during which several
Noble Peers attempted to speak at the same time. The
petition was ultimately kid on the table. . .
The Earl of MOUNTCASIIEL presented several
petitions against the. Dissenters' Chapels Bill.
Lord BEAUMONT presented a, petition from Man-
chester in favour of the Bill.

Lord FOLEY presented two petitions against the
Bill. The Noble Lord said he did not concur in the
prayer of the petitions.
Earl FORTESCUE presented similar petitions.
SEES OF ST. ASAPH ANI) BANGOR BILL.
Earl POWIS then rose, and said that it was his in-
tention to withdraw this Bill, in consequence of the report
of the Committee which had been appointed on this subject
being against him. He had also since the last discussion
upon this Bill, been in communication with the Noble
Duke near him (Wellington), as to whether it was likely
that her Majesty's consent would be obtained for the pass-
ing of this Bill. The answer of the Noble Duke was thats
such consent would not be given ; And, under these cir-
cumstances, he (Earl Powis) felt constrained to adopt
the course which he had just intimated to their Lordships.
'The Bishop of SALISBURY recommended her Ma-
jesty's Golrernment to reconsider this question. He very
much regretted.that the Noble Earl had been compelled
to withdraw this Bill, for he felt that it it had been
passed it would-have been found to .be a very beneficial
measure. He trusted, however, that the Government
would in the next session of Parliament ihtroduce a Bill
themselves upon this subject. _

[LEFT SITTING.'

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

The SPEAREIL took the Chair at Four o'clock.

Lord OLIVE presented twenty petitions from South
wark, Hereford, and other places, against the union of
the secs of St. Asaph and Bangor.

POST-OFFICE.

Lord SANDON moved that a message be sent to the
Lords, requesting the attendance of Earl Fortescue on
the Committee on Postage.—Agreed to.
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE presented a petition from Mr.
Mazzini, stating that he had been informe I that certain
accusations were likely to be brought against him before
a Secret Committee of that House then sitting upon the
subject of opening letters. He felt it due to himself to
state that he was prepared to repel any charge which
.might be brought against him, and he hoped that if such
charges should be brought against him, that he would be
allowed to be examined before the Committee.

Lord LINCOLN obtained leave to bring in a Bill to
improve the drainage of the city of Westminster.
Mr. UAYTER moved for returns of all moneys re-
ceived by or on account of the Society of King's Inns,
Dublin, in each year, from the Ist day of January
1794, to the Ist day of January, 1844 ; distinguishing
the amount respectively received from students, bar-
risters' apprentices, attorneys, and the portion of
stamp duty received on attorneys' indentures ; also,
distinguishing the amount received under or by virtue of
statute law from that only received by order of the
benchers of the Society of King's Inns. Of the expen-
diture, ordinary and extraordinary, on account of the
Society of King's Inns for each year during the same
period, distinguishing'—. Of the expenditure,on account
of the Society of Kings's Inns, during the same period
attendant upon the dinner system, including servants,
'porters, &c. ; and distinguishing the expenditure
for wine and liquors from that of the culinary
department: Of the expenditure, on account of the So-
ciety of King's Inns on foot of their library during the
same period; distinguishing respectively the amount ex-
pended for buildings, books, officers' salary, &e. 6ln
detail, of all expenditure, during the same period for or
on account of the Society of King's Inns in the promotion
of legal education in Ireland, exclusive of any eipense
in relation to the library, buildings, and culinary de-
partment of the said Society.' Of the number of years
during which an allowance has been received by or
on account of the Society of King's Inns in lieu of copy-
right, and the annual and gross amount of such receipts,
with return of the manner and periods in which the same
has been eipended. Of all moneys and other property of
which the Society of King's Inn is now possessed, or to
whichit is now entitled, distinguishing how the same is
circumstanced, invested, or secured."—Ordered.
JOINT-STOCK COMPANIES REGULATION
_ BILL—INSURANCE COMPANIES.

In answer to a question from Mr. DIAWETT—,-
Mr. GLADSTONE said that the present Bill was in-
tended to apply to all future insurance offices. Exist-
ing insurance offices would neither be obliged nor per-
mitted to place themselves under the regulations of the
Bill ; it was intended to require existing insurance-6m-
panics to furnish such particulars for registration as
should suffice to verify the fact of their existence at the
time of passing this Bill.
ASSESSED TAXES COMPOSITION.

On the motion of Sir G. CLERK, the Assessed Taxes
Composition. Bill was read a third time.

In-answer to a question from Captain PECHELL,
Sir G. CLERK said the present measure was a mere
continuance Bill

COLONIAL POSTAGE.
The Colonial Postage Bill was read a third time, and
passed.

DISSENTERS DISABILITIES.

Mr. CHRISTIE said he had given notice of an amend-
ment to a Bill, not now before the House, for the purpose
of enabling Dissenters to practise as advocates in the
Courts of Doctors' Commons. The Bill had been dropped,
aed the opportunity of putting the amendment was taken
away. Besides the disabilities to Dissenters practising
in the courts of Doctors'-commons, they also laboured
under further disabilities as to admission to the Inns of
Court, which had the privilege of calling to the bar,
shorter residence being demanded of graduates of the
Universities than of Dissenters. lie quoted the opinion
of Sir 11. Peel at Tamworth, in 1834, on this subject,
and asked whether the Government had taken any steps
towards exercising their influence with the authorities of
those Inns for the removal of the disabilities and disad-
vantages under which Dissenters laboured ?
Sir R. PEEL said his attention had not been called to
the question since the period the Hon. Member had
alluded to. He believed that the difference as to resi-
dence before being called to the bar, was
not applied as between Dissenters and the mem-
bers of the Church of England, but between those
who had taken degrees and those who had not.
His general opinions on this subject were in. conformity
with those which I e had before expressed, but he thought
it would be for tbe benefit of all parties that whatever
was done should be done with the cordial consent of the
presiding authorities instead of attempting to force
compliance by legislation.
Mr. FERRAN D wished to know from the Right
Honourable Baronet (Sir James Graham) whether
he had any objection to lay on the table of the
House the evidence taken before the coroner at Bolton
' in relation to the loss of life from the bursting of a steam
engine?
SirJ GRAHAM said he was not aware that it was in
the power of any authority to compel the coroner
to produce the evidence taken in his court, but
be would make inquiries on the subject, and if the
Hon. Member would repeat the question, he would en-
deavour to reply to it.
Mr. WODEHOUSE wished to call the attention
of the. Right Honourab!e Baronet (Sir James Gra-
ham) to the case which had occurred at the
last Spring Assizes in Norfolk. Two persons named
Knowles, after being tried before Lord Abinger,
and sentenced to 15 years' transportation, had re-
celre_ a complete pardon and returned home. He had
no right whatever to ask on what ground the royal
mercy had been extended to these parties ; but the Lord
Lieutenant of Norfolk was placed in a situation of pecu-
li
ar responsibility ; it was his bounden duty to maintain the
public
,peace, and if the Government wished it he was
sure the affair would be placed in their hands without a
sigh. If the Lord-Lieutenant were indeed to retain his
situation he wished to have an answer to his question
frcm the Right Hon. Baronet. They asked no more
than justice—they wished for nothing vindictive.
Sir J. GRAHAM said he was placed in a somewhat
embarrassing position, as the Hon. Gentleman' had sat
down without asking him any question—(Hear, hear)—
although he had made a kind of attack upon himself for
the mode in which be had administered his office. With
respect to the cases under consideration, he had given
the advice which he had done because he felt satisfied
that the ends of justice imperatively demanded it.
He had received from the Noble Lord the Lord Lieu-
tenant of the ccunty of Norfolk the greatest assistance,
and the Noble Lord and himself had discharged their
respective duties in the most harmonious manner.