The Sun.
London, England, 1850-05-14 00:00:00

LONDON, TUESDAY

emasculate a Bill which they could not venture
openly to reject, and to render it worse than useless,
so that it may prove a curse rather than a blessing to
the community.
We have already emphatically warned its friends
against the attempt to place any restriction on the
wholesome discretion now allowed to the presiding
judge of ordering the debt or damages, as the case
may be, to be paid by instalments. A suggestion
was thrown out that the power should be taken away
if the defendants, or any of them, were within the ope-
ration of the bankrupt laws. It was also proposed that
the power to give time should be limited to two or
three months. And the Attorney-General thought
" that if the power should be so limited, the rule
should apply to all debts whatever under or over 201."
A distinction was also attempted to be made between
book debts and those on bills of exchange or promis-
sory notes. These various matters are to be fully
considered on the next discussion, and if, unfortu-
nately, the House should be induced to accept there,
it is impossible to calculate the extent of the mischief
that may arise. A fearful instrument of oppression
will be placed in the hands of creditors, which
may be, used with the most tremendous effect,
and which may occasion the ruin of many small
traders, who, if they received a little indulgence
could honestly liquidate every demand.
But why, or for what purpose, should this change
be introduced ? Has it ever been even suggested
that debtors have been unduly favoured, or unreason-
able time been granted to persons who had the ability
but not the will to make full satisfaction ? We have
never heard of such a charge being preferred against
any of the Learned Gentlemen who have been ap-
pointed to office under the 9th and 10th Vic., cap. 95,
and we believe that in the great majority
of instances the leaning (if any) is the other way.
Before time is given inquiry is invariably
made, not only into the actual resources of the de-
fendant, and his means of liquidating the demand,
but also as to the circumstances under which the debt
was originally contracted; and any fraud or even
strong suspicion thereof is most stringently punished.
Under the 98th section the debtor " may be examined
upon oath touching his estate and effects, and the
manner and circumstances under which he contracted
the debt, or incurred the damages or liability which is
the subject of the action in which the judgment has
been obtained against him, and as to the means and
expectations he then had, and as to the property and
means he still hath, of discharging the said debt or
damages, or liabilities, and as to the disposal he may
have made of any property." And the person ob-
taining the summons, and all other witnesses whom
the judge shall think requisite, may be examined
on oath touching the above inquiries, and (sec. 99)
" If the party so summoned shall not attend, or if
attending shall refuse to be sworn or to disclose
any of the things aforesaid, or if he shall not make
answer to the same to the satisfaction of the
judge, or if it shall appear to such judge that the de-
fendant has obtained credit from the plaintiff under
false pretences, or by means of fraud or breach of
trust, or has wilfully contracted such debt or liabi-
lity, without having had at the same time a reason-
able expectation of being able to pay or discharge the
same, or shall have made any gift, delivery, or trans-
fer of any property, or shall have changed, removed,
or concealed the same, with intent to defraud his cre-
ditors, or any of them; or if it shall appear that
the party has then, or has had at any time since
the judgment obtained against him, sufficient means
and ability to pay the debt either altogether, or by
instalments, and if he refuse or neglect to pay the
same," &c., &c., such party may be committed to
prison for any time not exceeding 40 days, and (sec.
103) such imprisonment shall not operate as a satis-
faction for the debt.

Here, then, we find that an investigation as
searching as any that could take place if the
defendant were seeking to obtain the benefit of
the Insolvent Acts before the very same
judge must be instituted in every case
before time will be conceded, and that it is only to
the honest but unfortunate debtor that any indulgence
will be shown. What object can there be in driving
such a person to prison, and compelling him to be-
come an insolvent? If he can escape the ordeal pre
scribed by the statute; if, on inquiry, be should not
be found worthy of punishment, why should the cre-
ditor be allowed, for the gratification of his own vin-
dictive feelings, or mere caprice, to incarcerate him,
to the mutual injury of both? It is contrary to
reason and justice that it should be sanctioned or
allowed, and we call upon the representatives of the
people strenuously to resist these mischievous, im-
politic, and oppressive provisions, that will be sub-
mitted for their adoption.

GRAND ENTERTAINMENT BY THE LORD MAYOR
To THE JUDQLS. The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress
have issued cards to a large party for the 28th inst. to meet
her Majesty's Judges, the Masters in Chancery, the ser-
jeants at law, the Queen's counsel, and others in the legal
profession.
THE GREAT CENTRAL GAS CONSUMERS' COMPANY.
—Yesterday, on the re-assembling of this committee, Mr.
Cardwell in the chair, Mr. Croll, the engineer of the com•
pany and member of the Institute of Civil Engineers, was
under examination during the day. He stated that the
area of the city of London was nearly one mile, and its pre-
sent consumption of gas per annum was about 500 million
cubic feet, of which amount 51 millions, or a tenth, was sup-
plied to the public lights. Last year the City companies
charged 6s. where they now charged only 4s. The diameter
of the mains of the Chartered Company would have to be
enlarged if the reduction in the price of gas brought a cor-
responding increase of consumption, and if they had to lay
down new mains, the old ones being wanted for the
gas at night, inconvenience would result from their
being obliged to do it by day instead of doing it,
as the new company proposed, by night. The new com-
pany would be enabled to obtain their coal from the
Blackwall Railway -at 2d. per ton less than the City
Company, and at 2s. 6d. per ton less than the Chartered
Company; the latter having to cart their coals to their works
front the Regent's-canal. The witness, after explaining at
considerable length his patented improvements for the puri-
fication of gas, for which he had received the Telford medal,
was cros-examined by Mr. Burke, and deposed that the
/ay ng down through the public thoroughfares of the 64
miles of main necessary for the new company's supply,
would occupy three months, working night by night between
seven in the evening and eight in the morning. Three miles
per week could be completed, and six if necessary. Believed
it might be done without, as had been the case in Dublin,
impeding the public thoroughfares. Mr. Burke intimated
that at a future stage of the proceedings he should object to
Sir James Duke (one of the members placed on the com-
mittee, as having a constituent interest in the question)
voting, on the ground of the absence of the Hon. Baronet
during certain portions of the evidence. Sir James Duke
said he had been unavoidably absent, but he should read the
evidence carefully; and the committee adjourned to this day
at twelve o'clock.

BUSINESS NECESSARY.—The experience of life
demonstrates that a regular and systematic business is es-
sential to the health, happice,s, coutentmeLt, and usefulness
of man. Without it, he is uneasy, unsettled, miserable, and
v. retched. His desires have no fixed aim, his ambition no
high and noble ends. He is the sport of visionary dreams
and idle fancies-. a looker on where all are busy, a drone in
the hive of industry a moper in the field of enterprise and
Ir.bour. If such were the lot of the feeble and helpless only,
it were less to be deplored; but it is oftener the doom and
curse of those who have the power to do without the will to
act, and who need that quality which makes so many others,
but the want of which unmakes them—the quality of vigour
and resolution. Business is the grand regulator of life.--
Eliza Cook's Journal.

The following account of violence and scanda-
lous conduct at the Somerset County Protectionist and
Conservative Association meeting, at their dinner, at the Old
Down-Inn, on the Ist of May, 1850, Sir John Cox liippis-
Icy in the chair, is stated to have :aken place as per _Bath
and Cheltenham Gazette, (a Tory paper), of the Bth of May,
1850 the usual toasts, Mr. W. A. Green stood up,
for the purpose of proposing the healths of Mr. Miles and Mr.
Pinney. A burst of disapprobation from every quarter of the
meeting showed that there was no probability of Mr. Green's
proposition being entertained ; and after consi 'erable confu.
sion, Mr. 11. Blandtord, who sat on the side of the room im-
mediately opposite Mr. Green, rose from his seat? mounted
the form, strode across the four tables which intervened be-
tween him and Mr. Green, seized him by the collar of his
coat, and, with the assistance of others, ejected him from
the room, amidst the cheers of the meeting." Query, What
sort of a man must the chairman be? Who is this H.
lilandford ? Neither Miles or Pinney were present.—From
a Correspondent.

MERCHANT SEAMEN.—From a return just issued
.
oofftsl
el ea
air eecne iiput sthaen dmpearcyhmaneint
st,s
soerfvitchee, Caonrdp ot
hraetiirown
dfoorwsße;ni Relief
Children, for the year 1849, it appears that the total receipts
were 26,939/. 10s. 7d. Of this sum nearly 10,500/. was duty
from London vessels, and 5,4451. was derived limn vested
property; the remainder of the receipts was contributed
principally by out-port vessels of ports under the manage-
ment
amountedei s
nt2lhiti
e,e.do
Seamen'st in t
ethehome
a2pr4goc oerl
asr2pirsoylolior.
rn
management.
epot
laiifietneawnta;.l
eitemTLh
Society,eholn expenditureenBtdon6lnal
h.nnevdd
bat balance
forl:eaeanoicurdetepistrto:
rpltwtesshnas; essoi4oyv
was
1,811. in
2,8 U/. 158. 10d.

THE BISHOP OF LONDON'S BILL 'OR A COUNCIL
or Bisnors.—When, in the reign of Elizabeth, a similar
demand was made upon the Legislature by Archbishop
Parker with that which is proposed by his Lordship, it
was met by this sagacious reply :—" No by the faith of God,
we will visa nothing before we know what it is, for that
w( re to make you popes: make you popes who lint ; for we
will make you none" (Speech of Sir Peter
'Wentworth,
1571). And hereupon the Bill was lost.
DEFICIT AT AN ESTABLISHMENT ABROAD --The
deficit in the balance-sheet of an Admiralty officer deceased,
and who held a responsible post in a Government establish.
ment abroad, amounts, we understand, to 6,000/.—Ulired
Service Gazette.

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS.
CITY, TW O O'CLOCK.
The sales of Cotton at Liverpool yesterday were esti-
mated at 6,000 bales, of which 1,000 American were
taken on I.peculation, and 500 for export. The market
closed firmly, with an up ard tendency; Americans
were nearly p. per lb. higher, and other sorts were at
full rates.—ln Railway Shares a good business was done
at higher quotations.
The Colonial Produce Markets have been steady, but
are rather inactive.

The attention of the ironmasters has lately been called
to the circumstance of the Bank of England having be-
come partially engaged in the t. ade, and much dissatis-
faction is expressed upon the subject. We are told that
a memorial, addressed to the President of the Board of
Trade, and signed by all the leading iron and tin-plate
manufacturers in the kingdom, is about being presented,
representieg that the works belonging to the Governor
and Company of Copper Miners of England, now car-
ried on by the Back of England, are being worked un-
der a charter protecting the Bank from any and
all losses beyond the subscribed capital of the share-
holders—that the private property of such shareholders
is, by the said charter, exempt from liability in relation
to the debts of such concern, whil.t the capital em-
ployed, as well as the private property of the memori-
e subjected
eeecteryig
everydrn shilling to the liabilities in-
curred on of the respective works, and
which works are sow being carried on notoriously at a
loss, praying the interference of the board to restrain the
Bank from carrying on the same.
liste is
by suthb
Accounts of April 13 from llavannah furnish the par-
ticulars of various sales made in calicoes and shirting:,
which appeared to be in demand. There was no first
quality coffee in the market. Clean freight to the Baltic
was at 21. 15s. to 31, and to Great Britain 2/.los. to 2/. 15s.
There are in the letters, per steamer " America"
delivered this morning, some notices of the affairs of the
Pacific republics which appear to be of a date that will
anticipate the advises by the West India Mail steam'r
next to arrive. The Valparaiso accounts are to March 4.
They stars that " whila the agricultural districts in
Chili are so redundant in food, the mineral
districts are not less so in silver, copper,
and gold. The richest silver and copper mines
are found in the north provinces of Atacama. The
annual export. reaches four millions of dollars, and
with the facilities of a railroad, already commenced to
communicate with the ooast and Copiapo, fifty five
miles, the increase Will bo enormous. The mines are
found in the spurs of the Cordillera of the Andes.
They are of recent discovery, and surrounded with
deserts, which have rendered their being worked
extremely difficult, •as there is no food to
sustain either animals or man, and in many parts
a dearth of water. The circumstances of this railroad
deserve to be recorded. The name of Mr. William
Wheelwright is well known as a poineer of steam navi-
gation in the Pacific, who first opened up the inter-
course by steam between this coast and Europe some
years since. Mr. V. was invited by some capitalist and
wealthy miners to go to Copiapo and look over the
ground, with a view of forming a railroad. He
did so; reported favourably; and recommended a plan to
be adopted. In three days Bor 10 individuals of known
wealth came forward and subscribed one million of dol-
lars; and Mr. W. has already commenced operations,
and is daily expecting engineers from the United States,
to continue the work. Mr. W. has also received the right
of making a railroad between Santiago and Valparaiso,
a distance of one hundred miles. lie has had the route
surveyed, and reported practicable. The cost he esti-
mates at six millions of dollars. and no doubt his energy,
vigour of character, and intelligence, will accomplish it.
Besides these important ohjects, he has in hand the sup-
plying of water to the city, and also gas. Indeed, he
seems to have obtained the entire confidence of the South
American people, and possesses an influence which lie
exercises with discretion and prudence, keeping himselt
free from all political questions, which are the dominant
evil in Peru."

Guatemala is stated to bs progressing greatly in com-
merce and other eletnents of prosperity. Its principal
prc duce is cochineal, which is cultivated with diligence
and brought to great perfection. In two days (our ac-
counts are to February 14) there arrived at the
capital a convoy of 2,000 mule-loads of goods,
with a large quantity a merchandise imported
at Ysab2/. The Government of Guatemala has
concluded a treaty of amity with Great Britain
and several other European nations. The other states
of Central America which have separated from her, ex-
cept Costa Rica, appear to be discontented.
The deficit in tie revenue of New Grenada for the
payment of the national debt is 500,000 dollars on the
year, but economies were to be effected in the expendi-
ture. The dates are March 3, fromßogata.

Whether there will be a satisfactory issue to the
Savings' Banks question is yet a matter for the future,
but the parties named by the Chancellor of the Exche-
quer to consider the question aro generally approved of.
The Stamp Duties arrangement under the new Bill,
will yet be a difficult task, and the Stock Exchange are
still dissatisfied with some of the proposed clauses, and
have been representei by a deputation which went up
yesterday. An equitable adjustment of the Stamp
Duties is highly desirable, and, with proper considera-
tion and attention to the suggestions of practical men,
could, no doubt, be effected.
The English Funds have been very firm again, and
fully maintain yesterday's advance. Consols have re-
alised 96 to 96-1 for transfer and 96k to I for Account.
The New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. have been 97
to and the Three per Cents. 95fr Bank Stuck has
been steady at 206, and India Stock at 267 i. Exche-
quer-bills are 68s. to 71s. premiure.
The Foreign Securities are looking up. Mexican 29
to 29i. Peruvian 72 to k fur money, and 71i to 72i for
next time. Veni zaela Bonds are 34i, and Brazilian
87i. Spanish Three per Cents. have been 37i 11.
Dutch Two-and-a• Half per Cents. are 55i.
Railway Shares are still very buoyant, and the quota-
tions have further improved forCaledonian,GrentWestern,
and one or two others. There is nevertheless some
fluctuation, owing to the settlement to-morrow.
QUARTER TO THREE.
... 96i
961- 1

Consols ... ...
Ditto, Account, June 12

OtiE
PRICES OF BRITISH FUNDS O'CLOCK.
;am LOC k

CLOSING
PRICES.
206

31 er Cent. Reduced Arne ..... :: 951414 951/4
3 net- Cent. Console Annuities... „.„, 961/41A 96 961/4
3 per Cent. Annuities, 1726 95 95%
r..N. 3 per Cent. Anne....... 97 97% 97 97
ta,ng Anne. to expire Jan.lB6o -16 sq
India Stock 2671/4 2671/4
u‘ii!-L Bonds, 1,0001.... ..... ..... .
Ditto under LOOM • .......
:onsuls for Account 96A % 96 'A
:xchequer Bills. 140. le 2J
1,0001. June 6B 71 p
5001. June
Small. June

ONE CLOSING
PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS. O'CLOCK. PRICES.
'raziluan isonth; 87;,,, 871/9
Buenos Ayres Bonds, 6 Der Cent._ 52% ex d
Chilian Bonds 6 per Cent .....
Danish Bonds, 1825,3 per Cent.
Ditto 5 per Cent..... _ 98
Equador Bonds ... 3% 3'3
al,..ovican, 5 por Cont. 1846, with Coupons--
Ditto, Ex Jan. Coupons ........, 2914% 2) 2914
Ditto, Account
Peruvian Bonds, 4 per Cent
Ditto, Account
Ditto Deferred
Portuguese 5 per Cents.
Ditto, 4 per Cent.
Eussian Bonds
. .

Ditto, 414 loci. Cent —
Ditto Scrip — 3 p
Spanish 5 per C:,iit. 184 U
Ditto. 3 per Cent
Ditto, Account
Venezuela Bonds, 21-Ai per Cent
341/
Ditto, Account 3441 2
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch 21i per Cent., 12 Guild. .. 5514 66
85%
Ditto, 4 Der Cent. Certificates_ 851,4

OLOSL.
N •
PRICES OF PAID.
RAILWAY 811 ARES BUSINESSAT ONE O'CLOC
8 ,i .. 6
Do. New 10/. Pref. ... .. 10
!:astern (.3ounties... ..... 20 .....• 7%•••••
uitto,Eactonsion, 5 per
Cent., No.l 6/.138. Q 5/1 3 .... p."'"' ......
Ditto ditto, No. 2...61. 13a. 4d... 'A 1)•"' •.•.•.•P R 1c753.8 4
Caledonian 5O
K DONE .
Eastern Union, Class A
(late E. U. Shares) 25
Do. Scrip (6 per cent.) 20
• East Lancashire ...... ... 25
East Lincolnahirr, guar.
5104141,4,1-4. —53
:rest Northam
Cent.
22
••
3rD?
aoot..:virk2eBl3AetrernDCee.nfe.,r..r..7l:4!..E.
Ditto, New 171_ ...... 15 - ' .....
Hull and Selby .50 ••••••
....
Ditto, Half Shares ... 25
Lancashire& Yorkshi: tOO -
101422)A L.
' ' '
........
...

% P
1,

1614

re L.
Do. Fifths,., i) 10% di5.........10% dis.
•.. ..... .
Do. Thirds ....,_
Leeds and Bradford 5,) . ..... 90 ti9t •• ..... 89%
London &Blackwall...ll/. 6s. 3d...
L -,ntion, Brighton, and
oDoit.t4l)ol. N.
tewmiciaLt.eira 121 79% South Coaq... .....100 ..... . SO
London and N We,tern 100...... 10-24 IA % 102.., 102
101/2
London &S.West9rn .. no —.. 59 th 60
vlancneAer,Buston,and
Matlock 5 ..... --
Aanchester. Sheffield
end Lincolnshi: e -100 ...... 13 'es.
.......... 101 iit 11 ..........
1%
Ditto. New ler. Pref.. 10 ...... 7
Midland ............ ....-100 •••••• 83:3A 93
On_ 504 Shams
..... 2 lis.. ..... ...
Norfolk .. ......
Do. Guaranteed 5 lisi pc. 5 ...... '4%1 .5,,~
North itriti.,ll - ... 25 ...... ' C's '" "" 7.k
Ditto Preference .• 5 ...... 5 4,;:a ... .....
North Staffordshire ... 171,1 ...... 714 ••• • ...... •••• 71,-4
Oxf«vrd, Worcester, and
Wolverhampton . 50 ......
Preston & W yre ......... 25 ••• -
reading, Guildford, and
Reigate ................ 15 ..... 151 m 15 •• •
Scottish Central .... ..... 25 ...... 12%
Shropshire Union ...... 6%. ..... " ••• .... •••
;oath Rait•q-, .. ...... R3 4,...... 131 n 3
DI., Registered No. 4 10
Soith Wales ............ 47 .....• 18%•••
i ork. Newcastle, end
Berwick. ...... ....... .. 25 ...... 13%1-- ..... 13
Do. Newcastle Eytten, 20 ...... 8 ''ia 8 e%•..••• 814
3'
D-. G.N.E.Prefennce 8 ... - 1 '4,>•••
Yor4 mud North Midland So ...... 16 ',ii, k/f4 ..... .....
Ditt,-4 Preference, ...... to
..... 7'2•••
FOREIGN RAILWAYS.
Boulogne and All:della... 20 ...... 6
Dutch Rhenish ..... .... 8 .4. .-
Namur and Liege ......, 20 ... e. •••••• ••
Northern of France
Orleans and Bordeaux.. 7 .....• 2%............ 24
Paris and Rouen . ... 2O ...... ••• •• •

13
7
33
13/4

12%
13%
4t4
18%