The Sun.
London, England, 1845-10-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TTIU,RSDAY EVENING, OCTlOl3Eirt 30, 1848.

Cabinet Council is to be immediately held for the purpose of
either opening the ports for the free admission of
.corn, or of
summoning Parliament to consider - the propriety of so
doing. I trust this report is well founded. It would he a
wise and prudent act on the part of the Government; and be
assured, if the ports be once opened, we will never permit
thein to be closed again.—( Hear, hear.) In my opinion, the
extension of the commerce of this country should be at the
present moment the great practical object of every British
statesman. For this purpose not only should all protecting
duties be abolished, but other means should be adopted to
increase the number of our customers, and to create new
markets for our goods.—At this moment Mr. Bright, M.P.,
came into the room, having just arrived from Manchester by
the seven o'clock train, and was received with loud and long-
continued cheers.]—lt is with this view that I have ever
been in favour of emigration. It is with this object that I
have always considered colonies to be of great value and
importance to our country. Ido not value them as means of
increasing our empire. /donot consider them of importance
because by them the extent of our dominions
is enlarged, and the number of our subjects is
augmented; but I look upon them as communities planted
for the purposes of trade, as bodies of our countrymen sent
to distant regions to develop their resources, to reap their
varied productions, to exchange, those productions for our
manufactures, to become prosperous and wealthy, and to aug-
ment her wealth by commerce.—(Cheers.) We have planted
colonies in every portion of the globe. Men of our race are
rapidly spreading themselves over the vast north ern continent
of America, are menacing the Spanish color-lie? of Central
America, and already grasp in their imagination the pro-
vinces of the south. During the last half century, the pre-
viously unknown lands of the southern hemisphere have been
invaded by Englishmen ; flourishing communities are spring-
ing up in Australasia; emigrants are settled on the shores of
New Zealand; and at no remote period an Anglo-Saxon
people will rule as sovereigns throughout the islands of the
Southern Seas. I cannot over-estimate the influence
in our commerce of this fact, that some of the
richest portions of the earth's surface are now
being inhabited. by men of our own race, who have carried
along with them the arts and civilisation of Britain, who have
wants, feelings, and interests similar to our own ; who will be
ready and willing to purchase our goods, and who will create
great and daily increasing markets for our manufactures.
Whether they remain subjects of the British empire, or
whether they become, like the United States, independent of
us. in either case they will be equally the colonies, and equally
useful to us. In their infancy, colonies require some care and
protection from the parent country, but they soon reach that
maturer age when they should be left to themselves, to their
own self•government, and when all control over them should
be merely nominal.—(Hear. hear.) Gentlemen, England is
indebted for the position which she now holds among the
nations of the earth to her free institutions—to her ships,
colonies, and commerce ; and by that means, with unfettered
trade, she will long be able to maintain that position.
Before I conclude, there is another question to which I must
refer, not only on account of its intrinsic importance, but be-
cause its discussion formed a prominent feature in the late
contest for this borough—l allude to the question of religious
liberty and equality. To the opinions which I expressed on
that subject, and to the approval which they received from
yourselves, I was mainly indebted for the large majority by
which I was elected.—(Cheers.) In my opinion, there is no
principle of greater importance to the peace and well, being of
society than that of religious equality. There is nothing
which more closely marks the progress of a nationin know-
ledge and 'civilisation than the degree of liberty which is
permitted in matters of faith. No attempt to call a man to
account for his religious belief—to blame, or even to praise
him for his conscientious convictions ; to force him, either by,
punishment or by reward, to acknowledge any set of doc-
trines as true, is a proceeding wholly at variance with sound
reason, and with the spirit of the age. It is an
attempt to return to the policy of times long gone by,
when the Roman Catholic Church was at the summit of its
power, and endeavoured to put down every opinion of which
it disapproved.—( Hear, hear.) In saying this, let me not
be supposed to speak with want of reverence or of respect
for the ancient Church of Rome, or in any way to deny or
undervalue the important services which in times long past
it rendered to the human race. It preserved, amongst the
barbarian invaders of the Roman empire, the remains of
ancient civilisation and literature.—(Hear, hear.) It formed
the only bond of union between their scattered and hostile
communities. It taught their feudal chiefs that there was
something nobler and better than brute force.— (Cheers.) It
inculcated peace, charity, and equality amongst them. It
was the civilising- -principle of the dark and middle ages.—
(Hear, hear.) All knowledge, all learning, and all philosophy
were confined to the members of its hierarchy, and amongst
them there were very many acute and profound thinkers,
able reasoners, illustrious statesmen, great moralists, and
learned divines. It aspired, however, to a dominion, not
only over the actions, but over the feelings and reason
of men. It did for a moment reach this summit of
power, and constituted a theocracy. No one dared to
think, to act, or to reason in opposition to its will; no one
dared to hold opinions in science, philosophy, or religion, in
opposition to its decrees ; and the mightiest monarchs of
Europe were at its feet. From that moment its power began
to decline. The sovereigns of Europe resisted its temporal
authority. With the progress of learning and investigation,
with the discovery of the art of printing, and with the con-
sequent facility of acquiring knowledge, the infallibility of the
Church of Rome in matters of science began to be doubted,
its decrees in religion were questioned, and the Reformation
commenced. The great principle of the Reformation was the
right of private judgment and free inquiry. The Reformers
protested against the authority of Rome; they contended
that reason, that argument, not the will of Rome, should
guide a man in his religious belief. And then for the first
time in history the principle of religious liberty and equality
was proclaimed. Alas, it was little attended to, or put into
practice.—(Hear, hear.) It was soon lost sight of in the con-
flict of sects who demanded liberty to disagree with Rome,
but refused a like liberty with regard to themselves.
Each sect persecuted its neighbour with a fury more intense
in proportion to the smallness of their doctrinal differences.
Thus Calvinists persecuted Lutherans, and Lutherans Calvin•
ists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Nonconformists, and every
denomination of Dissent, were equally intolerant, equally per-
secuting, when they had the power, and equally forgetful of
those principles of religions liberty and equality to which
they owed their existence. These times, unfortunately, can-
not be said to be passed, though I trust they are fast passing
away.--(Loud cheers.) The repeal of tho Test and Corpora-
tion acts, the emancipation of the Roman Catholics, the
majorities in the House of Commons in favour of the eman-
cipation of the Jews, the conduct of that House with regard
to education in Ireland, and the establishment of universities
in that country—all prove the progress of public opinion, and
that the most important branch of the Legislature is favour-
able to religious liberty and equality. Much, however, still
remains to be done to give practical effect to that prin-
ciple, and especially in the great matter of the education
of the people. The want of a good system of national edu-
cation is the subject of great and well-merited reproach to
our country. If any danger is to be apprehended from the
progress of free institutions, and from the growing power of
the people, that danger can only be averted by educating
and instructing:the masses.—(Hear, hear.) Therefore, both
the friends and the foes of the extension of popular rights
ought to be equally anxious for a good system of national
education. What has prevented it in this country ? What
has defeated the efforts of the friends of education ? I
answer, religious bigotry and intolerance, which have re-
quired that, in the education of the people, religious tenets
should be inculcated, and we cannot agree what those tenets
should be. The Church of England wishes that the people
should be instructed in its own peculiar doctrines; so do the
Roman Cathtlics ; so do the Dissenters. Thus a general
system of education is rendered impossible. We ought
to take example from a kindred people—from the in-
habitants of the New England States of America.
In those States there is as great a variety of religious
belief as in this country, yet there is one system of general
education. In the State of Massachussets, with' a population
of only 750,000 inhabitants, 100,0001. are annually raised for
the purpose of education. In one single city—Boston—the
education-tax amounts to 30,0001. a-year—a sum equal to the
whole of the Parliamentary grant for a similar purpose. Tha
law ordains that every district containing fifty families should
maintain a school', for which the inhabitants are required to
tax themselves. Perfect religious equality is preserved, for
the law prohibits in those schools the use of any books cal
culated to favour the tenets of any particular sect of Chris-
tians. What prevents oer acting in a similar manner? I
answer, bigotry, intolerance, and disregard of the principles
of religious liberty and equality.—(Loud cheers.) I thank
you for the patient manner in which you have listened to me.
Phave endeavoured briefly to explain to you what principles
will guide my votes with regard to the most important ques-
tions of the day, and I trust that my conduct in Parliament
will merit and receive your approval.—(The Hon. Baronet
concluded amidst loud and continued cheering.)
Mr. Ashton then sung a song, composed for the occasion
by one of the stewards, which was received with great applause.
Sir WII,LIAM MOLESWORTII rose, and said he had great
pleasure in proposing a toast. It was the health of their
worthy Chairman—a gentleman to whom he was under a
great debt of gratitude for his exertions during the recent
borough contest; coupled with which, he world propose the
Liberal electors of the borough of Southwark.
The toast was received with loud and general cheering, and
drunk with all the honours.
The CITAIRMAN briefly returned thanks.
The CHAIRMAN next proposed " Free Trade, and its
untiring advocates, the Anti Corn-law League."
Mr. BRIGHT responded to the toast. He said—When he
first received the invitation to attend the present dinner, his
answer was that he could not attend, as the Council of the
League had arranged to hold a great meeting on the same
evening, and at the same hour, in the Manchester Free
Trade Hall. A change in that arrangement had enabled him
to attend this night; and he was, therefore, exceedingly
glad to be present. The result of their election was mos,
important and cheering to the cause of free trade. He was
however, strongly of opinion that, wherever there was
large population and an extensive constituency, and where
no large proprietor or small clique had power to
exercise any undue influence, free trade principles
would be sure to triumph, and Members be elected in agree-
ment with them. They had had three candidates seeking
their suffrages, and yet not one of them had declared. in
favour of the protective system.—(Cheers.) Although the
editor of the Standard had been pleased to say that no po-
pulation in the kingdom was so savage and heathenish as
that of Southwark, he (Mr. Bright) viewed the abuse of such
an editor, acting under the corrupt influences of monopoly,
as only the writhings of defeat, and as proofs of the great
progress of free trade principles.—(Cheers.) They were
free traders in the borough of Southwark, though at the
present time there was not so much credit in being
so, as it was difficult to meet with any
person who was not. —(Hear, hear.) People were
now somewhat like what they were at the time of the triumph
of negro emancipation. They declared then they had always
been in favour of it, only they said they did they
exactly
agree with the course that was taken to obtain it.—(Cheers.)
It was said that the Anti-Cold-law League had used hard
language in denouncing the corn-law. He admitted it to be
so, but it was not half hard mnough, considering the diabolical
character of that law, which brought famine to the doors of
thousands, and was now about to press with the greatest
severity on the people of the British islands. The Hon.
Gentleman, after dwelling at some length on the injurious
nature of the corn-laws, commented on the recent
address of Lord Ashley as an evidence that the
corn-laws were doomed, and pointed out the great
progress the League had made in the recent county
registrations. By the additional votes gained, he stated that
North and South Lancashire, North and South Staffordshire,
and Middlesex, were safe from the power of monopoly. He
concluded by urging the electors of the borough of South-
wark to come forward and secure the county of Surrey to
liberal principles and free trade.
Glee—" Hail, smiling morn."
The CUAIInIAN proposed the health of "William Cooper
Christie, Esq., M.P., and the education of the people."
Mr. CmusnE returned thanks for the high honour done
him. He expressed himself in favour of education in its
broadest sense. He had advocated in Parliament the open-
ing of the national universities to all parties, without regard
to civil disabilities—a course which had been advocated by
the Hon. Baronet (Sir W. Molesworth) when there, where
Christie) hereafter trusted he should receive the
netoe
LeafstwheoirtrcHnonsaouidrabh,lee
haUl(ei"rair.•sta.
should/ Member.—(Loud m b e rb.
e—( L
mosto u dlicahvepeyr cheers.
0)
support the motion of the' Hon. Gentleman (Mr. Christie) for
a repeal of the tests enforced by the national universities.
He had a toast to propose. It was, "irbe Liberal electors of

the borough of Southwark," and he hoped they would take
the advice of Mr. Bright, and not only be electors of South-
wark, but also become electors of East Surrey. • t
Mr. WiLsox returned thanks, and proposed the health of
the Committee of Sir William Molesworth, coupled with the
name of Mr. Voaseley.
Mr. VOUSELEY returned thanks.

The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of Mr. Lee Stevens
and the stewards of the days. Drunk with all the honours.

Mr. STEVENS briefly returned thanks for the kind manner
in which the name of himself and colleagues had been re•
ceived.

The CHAIRMAN proposed Mr. Herbert Sturmy, their elec
tion agent, in a highly eulogistic speech.
Mr. STURMY briefly acknowledged the toast.
The assembly shortly afterwards broke up.

MEETING OF THE ANTI-CORN-
LAW LEAGUE.
MANCHESTER, WEDNESDAY.
Last night a numerous meeting of the members and friends of
this body held their seventh annual meeting at the Free-Trade
Hall in this town. About one-third of the company was corn.
posed of women in the middle walks of life, who appeared to take
a warm interest in the proceedings. There were between 6,000
and 7,000 persons present.
Mr. GEORUIL WH,SON, Chairman of the League, took the chair.
He said that, if anything was wanting to convince him of the
attachment of the people of Lancashire to the cause which had
that night brought them together, that meeting supplied the defi-
ciency, for he believed that on no former occasion was their meet-
ing more numerously or respectable attended. It had been his in.
tention to lay before them the result of the recent registration, but
from some cause a portion of the necessary documents had not
reached him, though he should be prepared at their next meeting,
which he hoped would soon be held, to lay before them a de-
tailed statement of the result, and which would turn out to be
very satisfactory. Under these circumstances he would, without
further observation, call upon the Hon. Member for Stockport to
address the meeting.
Mr. COBDEN, M.P., then came forward, and was received with
loud cheers, which lasted for several minutes. He said, many bad
been the meetings which he had attended, but he might fairly say
that the present claimed pre-eminence over all others in its num-
bers, its intelligence, and, it looking at the platform, he should say,
its power, which constituted altogether the strength of the county
of Lancaster. As he came along the street to the meeting, he
could not help thinking what it was that thus drew them together.
There was nothing particular to announce; they (the meeting) had
probably nothing to communicate, yet there seemed to be some-
thing in the state of the question, and in the movements relative to.
it, which instinctively drew them together. There was either a
sense of impending danger, or a sort of presentiment of coming good,
that had drawn them together, and it should be thetr business that
night, by taking the soundings, by making observations as to the
state of the question, and its position, to see if some consolation
could not be drawn from the present state of affairs, and if possible
form some plans to realise the full amount of their objects out of the
dihenma in which their opponents were now placed. It
ought to be perfectly understood that they did not meet
these to exult over the calamity in which a large portion
of their countrymen were likely to be placed—over
the scarcity and famine which impended over the heads
of unhappy Irishmen. No, the object for which they
had laboured for seven years was abundance; "plenty" was
their motto, plenty always and plenty everywhere; and if there
should be famine or scarcity, they (the League) might, at all events,
claim to stand guiltless. Starvation seemed to stare Ireland in the
face; and what was the remedy to avert the horrors of such a
calamity ? Why "open the ports, and admit the bread of the
whole world to feed the people."—(Cheers.) That was the remedy
which an enlightened despot would at once fly to. Look at
Russia, Prussia, Germany, Holland, and Belgium! Those Go-
vernments at once threw open their ports in times of famine, and
in some cases actually stopped exportation of food in order to sup-
ply their own people with abundance. Why had not our Govern-
ment adopted a similar course ? Why had they waited to be
taught Christianity from the Turk, or humanity from the Rus-
sian ? Was it because the Government was less merciful, or be.
cause the Prime Minister was afraid the people would not stand by
him if he took so necessary a step ? If that were his doubt, they
had met there together to give him all the support they could
afford—(Applause)—and he hesitated not to say, that whatever
opposition the aristocracy might give, there was power enough in
the country to support him in that act of humanity. They sup.
ported him there in that magnificent meeting, and whatever
they said South Lancashire would say when he appealed to it.
They spoke the voice of the West Riding of York, and
Middlesex would endorse what he uttered in that hall. A
Minister with such support at his back, ready to eqercise it
whenever called on, was a criminal and a poltroon if he hesi-
tated a whit. He had a power such as man never had before.
His party could not do without him. Let anybody look at his
side of the House, and, with the exception of Sir James Graham.
it might be called a dreary waste of statesmanship. Sir Robert
Peel was, therefore, despotic with Isis party, and with the power
which he possessed he must be content to take the moral respon-
sibility of it, if he failed to take the only step which could avert
the coming danger. Many people began to say if Peel opened the
ports and corn came in, that would not settle the question ;
that was a point to which he wished to call particular attention.
So far he (Mr. Cobden) saw a disposition on the part of many of his
friends to throw up their caps, and consider the question as settled,
but he did not exactly see his way clear to a settlement of the
question by such a step. The ports had been opened in 1826, and
the sliding scale was passed in 1828, with all its iniquities. It was
not necessarily because Ireland wanted food that they should have a
repeal of the corn-laws. Ireland had been in a state of semi-
famine for the last 30 years. In 1822, 250,0001. was raised in
England to save Connaught and Munster from actual 'starvation,
and yet nothing was said about the repeal of the corn-laws, not a
word about relieving the people of Ireland by a repeal of the corn.
laws. What he wanted, therefore, to impress on the minds of
the meeting was, that when the ports were opened they should
put their backs against them and keep them open.—(Cheers.)
But were there not arguments to be. found at home ? He be-
lieved there were. People had been brought to the meeting
because they had got an idea that things were not looking so well
as they have been in Lancashire. True, they were not arrived at
the same state in which Ireland was, where a Commission of
learned doctors had just been sent over to see how much more
the patient could endure. The people of England were not yet
arrived at such a state of things, but they were fast on the way to
it. Oatmeal, which was a short time ago 915., was now 355., and
he believed that flour, which was is. Bd. a dozen, was now 9s. Gd ;
therefore, every man who was spending half. a.crown In bread was
just getting one-third less for It'than he did twelve months ago.
Every man would, therefore, have one-third less to spend upon
whatever else he used. This brought him to the old story, if he
had so much more to spend in what he ate, he would have so
much less to spend on what he wore, and consequently there would
be less work and less wages. The cause of all this state of
things would not be got rid of by the people of Lancashire throwing
up their caps, or because a Noble Lord wrote a very ambiguous
letter, or because another Hon. Gentleman made a speech that
could not be well understood. They must not throw up their
caps and fancy they were going to have the corn.laws repealed by
any such adventitious aid as that. No, it would have to be done
by their own right arm, if done at all. The Hon. Gentleman,
after some observations on the state of railway speculation,
in the course of which he designated Mr. Hudson the " King
of Spades," proceeded :—About three or four years ago, the
League put out some placards, stating that the pcpulation was
increasing at the rate of a thousand a day. He was passing
by one of these bills when he heard a man, with a shovel over his
shoulder, reading it on the wall say, " That's a lie, any how."
But that incredible fact at that time had been so well established
since, that even Lord Stanley and Sir James Graham admit it is
true, and confess it is necessary to, make some provision for the
increasing population. This was encouraging, and showed they
had only to persevere in their efforts to set themselves free. It
began now to be seen on all hands that the present corn-laws
could not stand ; but it also seemed to be very doubtful what kind
of law was to be got instead of them. The question was were
they to have another corn-law ?—(Cries of " No, no.") Another
sliding-scale duty?—(No, no.) Only think of the number of
corn-laws they had had during the last few years. The present
had been in operation nearly four,years, and now it was said the
people are to get rid of it. Why is it so ? Because there is a
prospect of scarcity, the people want food, and it stands in the way
of their obtaining it. It was a law at once unnatural, impolitic,
and inexpedient, and meant only to suit the pockets of those who
were interested In its continuance.—(Applause.) There would, he
had no doubt, be attempts made to cheat them; he believed
both the great parties in the House of Commons were willing to
indulge in the same fraud, and unless the free-traders stood
true to their principles, there would be either a fixed duty
or another sliding scale. He thought they had made out a
sufficient case, and therefore must stand by it without any attempt
to compromise. They did not ask to be benefited at the expense
of any portion of the community : he had all along repudiated that
idea, and he thought he had fully demonstrated that protection was
the bane of the agriculturist. That was what Lord John, Russell
said, and Peel said ditto to It. He did not hesitate to say that
whether the ports were opened or not they would continue to urge
until no ground was left to the monopolist, or until every rag and
vestige of the protective system was done away with.—(Cheers.)
The farmers had been told that they were robbing each other.
Since the close of Parliament he had had many opportunities of
consulting with that class of men, and had obtained a variety of
statistics and details on the subject, which went to show that the
farmer, instead of being a gainer, was a material loser by the Bo-
omed protective system. It had been proved to him that the more
extensive the farmer was the more he suffered from protection.
The large stock farmers were more injured by it than any other
portion of the community. They were the consumers of Indian
, wcehreeems ea,
dbeu t
toe
oe r
pbae; r
d,
eaanrd
boyf
pa
rl
ol
tother
nt.a x eldf at rhtai et 1
ce 0
us , forld bewhich
.
cthoerny,
monstratad, and he had no doubt it could, the cause of monopoly
would be hopeless. Protection had been in existence for
twenty.lve or thirty years, during the whole of which
time the farmers had been made the dupe of every block.
head who chose to cry out " protection." It was enough
to demonstrate the evils of those laws; they could not be abolished
unless the people were energetic in obtaining the power to carry
ttTooer rescue
twelve
de that o b
lmonths
ydivision
ago o
f t o
the qualify out their principles, which they could best do in the registration
ae vnresponded
to
the c
courts, They (the League) had called upon the West Riding of
oucantlyl; 2,000 people, to enable them
frotmheythheadmpuonto2po.3liosots,and
h free.
traders on the register.—(Cheers.) They had converted the ma-
jority that formerly existed in favour of monopoly of 1,000 into a
majority of 1,600 for free trade; and he asked them to go again
and qualify 2,000 before the 31st of January next. A contest
for that riding would cost each party 10,0001., and the expenditure
of,llooool. between the present and the latter end of January
would secure the division at the next election. He asked them to
put themselves in the same position as South Lancashire, where
of 3,900. After some allusions to
the free-traders had a majority
the state of the register in North Cheshire, and other parts of the
country, the Hon. Gentleman concluded by urging the meeting
never to relax in their exertions till success had crowned their
efforts. He sat down amidst loud cheers.
Mr. HENRY ASEWORTiI, of Turton, near Bolton, was the next
speaker. As far as he could judge, the meeting was assembled
together for the purpose of again talking of the injurious effects of
the present system of corn-laws, which had the effect of keeping
up the price of bread, a circumstance which, from past experience,
had ever been the means of crippling trade. Those who had paid
attention to the operation of these laws could not have failed to
observe that, whenever wheat was dear, trade was bad and wages
low. He then entered into an argument to prove this view of the
question, and concluded by urging the people of Lancashire to per
severe till their object was fully and fairly accomplished.

counts.

Mr. BRIONT, M.P., next addressed the meeting at considerable
length. He contended that the present state of feeling in the country
and the wide-spreading distrust which now prevailed were owing to
the apprehended scarcity which threatened the country, and urged
the necessity of the people averting the famine that threatened
Ireland and England too, by demanding an immediate repeal of the
corn-laws; and concluded a speech which occupied 55 minutes
in delivering with this emphatic declaration ;—.We war not with
any right of any man, we war with a law which all men are be.

ginning to doubt, and which most intelligent and good men hate.
We want to substitute for that law the original charter by which
men have a right to live and to earn, and to enjoy the fruits of
their earnings.. " And God said, Behold I have given you every
herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth, and
. .

every tree, in the which is the fruit of the tree yielding seed, to you
it shall be given." Was the Scripture written only for our first
parents ? Was it intended only for those who should inhabit that,
to us, most distant land, or was it not an universal premise and
benediction ? Was it not given by inspiration that mankind, till
the end of time, till the world should be wrapped in flame, should
trust in him who gave that promise, and if we thus believe how
dreadful our abandonment of duty, how awful the crime, not less
than even that of those who made the corn-laws, if we step back
lkom that duty, if we fail In the work we have set ourselves, which
is to abolish the law that restricts the bounty of Providence, and
to establish the original and heaven-given law which will give
plenty to all the earth.—(Cheers.)
On the motion of Mr. J. Brooks, seconded by Mr. W. Rawson,
a vote of thanks was carried, with loud cheers, to the gentlemen

who addressed the meeting; also to the chairman; after which
th 2 meeting separated.

LA W INTELLIGENCE.
PREROGATIVE COURT, Oct. 29.
(Before Sir H. JENNER I' UST.)
FREER P. PEACOCKS.

To.day this cause was again brought on for hearing. It appears
that Sir Thomas George Apreece, Bart., late of Washingley Hail,
in the county of Huntingdon, and of Margate, in the county of
Kent, deceased, died on the 30th December, 1842, aged 51. He

left behind him a sister, Mrs. Amelia Peacocke, who will be en.
titled in distribution, if it be established that the paper propounded
be invalid. The deceased was possessed of large landed estates in
the counties of Huntingdon, Essex, Leicester, and other parts of
England, of the value of about 200,0001. and of a personalty of
about 20,0001., exclusive of large amounts laid out in the Govern.
ment annuities. The deceased left several other relatives, among
whom are the Rev. Thomas H. Cole, a natural brother, &c. The
sums invested in the Government annuities were 18,7001. and
28,0001., the dividends on which were never, as alleged, regularly
received by him, the arrears at the time of his death amounting to
about 7,080 L, and having also in his banker's hands about 12,0001.
The deceased committed suicide by shooting himself with a pistol,
on the 30th December, 1842. The will in dispute was executed
in the shop of a hatter, in Fleet-street, which is within a short
distance of his legal adviser's. The will bears date on the 23d
June, 1836, and by it the whole property is directed to be realised
and bequeathed to St. George's Hospital. The validity of the
paper is opposed on the ground of the insanity of the deceased.
Her Majesty's Advocate, Dr. Addams, and Dr. Harding were
in opposition to the validity of the will, and Dr. Phillimore and
Dr. Jenner in support of it. For the force and validity of the
paper, it was contended that the deceased had, up to the period of
the execution of the paper, managed his own affairs. Against
the paper there are a multitude of eccentricities pleaded. The
deceased is alleged to have been at all times strange and eccentric,
even while a boy ; that in later years he believed that his heart
and stomach were of a different construction from those of other
people, and betokening premature decay. When out in the
rain, as it was his habit to be, both by (`ay and night, it was
the deceased's constant practice to take off his hat, and stand
for some considerable length of time with his head uncovered
and exposed, evincing and expressing the comfort he received there.
by. That on a stormy or rainy night happening In the year
18361 the deceased set off late for the Horse Guards, com-
plaining bitterly of the (supposed) necessity of the journey,
and that he walked all the way from Blackheath to the
Horse Guards, though followed or attended by a carriage
driven by his coachman, and also by a groom mounted and leading
a saddle-horse. That as soon us he got to the Horse Gaurds,
without calling anywhere, he turned about, and persisted in wa king
back again to the foot of the hill, near to Blackheath, attended as
before, a distance, in the whole, of not less than ten or eleven
miles, notwithstanding that it rained heavily and incessantly. That
upon his arrival at the foot of the said hill, and not, before, he was
prevailed upon to get into lila carriage.
In the course of the arguments against the will, it was contended
especially by Drs. Addams and Harding, that the.bequest to a public
charity of the whole of so large a property was contrary to the ac •
knewledged feelings of the deceased—that he was fond of boasting
of his family and pedigree—that his ancestors had been knighted
by Queen Elizabeth, and, notwithstanding all this, in one line he
had left the whole of his property to St. George's Hospital, in-
cluding estates that had been in the family since Henry the Eighth.
The reply remains to be heard.

SECONDARIES' COURT, Oct. 29.
(Before Mr. Secondary POTTER.)
TURNER AND OTHERS V. THE EXECUTORS OF POORE.

IMPORTANT CASE OF BREACH OF COVENANT.—This was an
action to recover damages for breach of covenant. The damages
were Lid at 2,0001.
Mr. KENNEDY (one of the Judges of the Sheriffs' Court, Middle-
sex), appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. RYLAND for the de-
fendant.

Mr. KENNEDY said this was an action for the breach of several
covenants in a lease. The defendants having suffered judgment to
go by default, they admitted all the breaches, and the jury, there-
fore, had only to estimate the damages. The plaintiffs were execu-
tors of a Mr. Turner, and the defendants executors of a Mr. lames
Poore. Mr. Turner had, during his lifetime, leased to Mr. Poore
premises at Brixton, leading to Tulse.llll, for a term of twenty-
one years. The lease was made in September, 1841, and the
several breaches would show the general negligence. The cove-
nants were to paint the outside once every three years. At the
time the action was brought, that covenant had been broken,
although something had been done subsequently. The lessee
was bound to insure—he did not. There was a covenant
not to build, yet he had done so, and it was not
a question whether it was detrimental or ornamental, for
the covenant had been broken. There was a covenant not to
demise or assign without license, yet it had been assigned to a Mr.
Bedford, of whom he did net say, or wish to be understood as im.
puting, was an undesirable tenant; but a written notice had been
served on him to repair, but he had refused, and the premises were
sublet to a very objectionable person, inasmuch as they were allowed
to go on in waste and dilapidation. The very object of the cove.
nant was to bind the lessee, and it was clear that this covenant had
also been broken, and the covenant for payment of rent had been
broken, as Mr. Poore died in December, 1844, and a quarter's
rent had become due since that time. The premises consisted of a
house, garden, and about two acres of ground, inclosed with a fence,
and to this the' attention of the jury would be more particularly
directed, for besides the covenants for specific objects, there was
a general one to paint and repair when need should require, and
necessary for the occupation of a tenant at rack-rent : these were
ordinary covenants in a lease. The land in question had, 20
years ago, been an open field, and had been bought by Mr. Turner,
the testator, who inclosed the whole, making the whole of value,
and when he let it, the party taken was bound by all the cove-
nants, especially in re-letting, assigning which in this case he
could not do, however capricious the lessor might be in refusing to
grant a license to du so. The premises had been let at a low rent, in
consideration of the lessee being bound by the strict covenants.
Negotiations had been pending, but they were ineffectual, and the
case thus came before the jury.
Edsell, examined—Knew the premises five years before Mr.
Poore took them. Had worked in the adjoining premises, another
house and garden completing the frontage of the land, part of Mr.
Poore's field running down the lane behind. The fences were
very good in 1841. A bed-room had since been built over the
stable ; it could be seen from the road.
Cross-examined—Believed there was a dispute as to who was
bound to repair. The fence was post and rails, and lattice.work.
Mr. Whitehead had the premises before Mr. Poore, and repaired
them.

Mr. Thomas Hudson, surveyor, had let the premises, and
thought 551. per year very cheap for it now, with the addition of
the bed-roont and a water-closet.
Cross.examined—The fences require repair, but had not made
any professional calculation, and could not make a rough estimate
of what would be the amount required to repair. Mr. Bedford was a
highly respectable man in the City of London. Witness only
wished he had twenty houses and Mr. Bedford wou!d take
them all.
Mr. Williamson, a surveyor—Did :not survey the house. The
fences appeared to have been neglected, part on the south side

(alongside the adjoining premises), and sheep•hurilcs had been put
up ; all the defects appear to have existed for some years. To set
the fence in order it would take 411. 17s. 6d. The palisading
could not have been part of the original fence, but put up some
years after.

Richard Dove, baker, of Brixton, had seen great part of the
fence down for two years.

Mr. RYLAND said this was one of the most hasty and uncalled-
for actions which could have been brought, and never would
have been commenced, if Mr. Turner had not been an
attorney and executor, and could, therefore, have law at
trade price. It was clear that the question of fences

had been a debateable point even in the lifetime of
Mr. Poore, and, without that, there was not a tittle of evi.
dence as to any damage being sustained. It was true the pre-
mises had not been insured the first year, but the place was not
burnt down, and, if it had been, he would have been bound. It
might have led to a forfeiture of the lease, and so would the non-
payment of rent ; and if it was an action of ejectment, or to get rid
of a bad tenant, he could have understood such breaches being se
up, but Mr. Poore died in December, 1844, and no rent was due
till Lady-day, 1845, and the action was brought in April. A sum-
mons had been taken out before ajudge, and an offer made to pay
the rent, and ls. for the nominal damages, but it was refused by
the plaintiff; and the judge had no power to make the order. Yet
the damages had been laid at ..,000/. The question was, whether
any real damage had been sustained. Mr. Hudson thought the
building the bed-room over the stable an improvement. Half a
farthing would be sufficient damage on those counts. The house
had been put in repair, and Mr. Poore had laid out 2001. on it.
Mr. Berry, the defendant's attorney, proved the proceedings
before the judge.
Mr. Burgess, a builder, proved he built the additional room and
water-closet; they were entire improvements. His bill amounted
to 1641. 12s.

The Sitcom)Aav considered that in an action of breach of
covenant, the defendant might show there had not been any damage.
Henry Arcent did work to the amount of 601. in 1842 to the
house and fences, and left them in tenantable repair. The disputed
part he would repair for SL, and make the whole serviceable for 2W.
That would make it better than it was before, and he would be
well paid. The old fence was some oak, some deal, and some ma.
hogany—in fact, something of everything,—(Laughter, )
Arcent, painter, did painter's work to the value of 131, in
1842.

Samuel Crabb did similar work in 1843 to the amount of 41.
Mr. John Pearce, bricklayer, did work to the amount of 21.

inside and out.

Mr. Richard Ray, clerk to the Sun Fire-office, proved the house
had been insured in April, 1842, and up to the present time, in the
sum of 5001.

Mr. Butler deposed to a conversation between Mr. Poore and Mr.
Hunter, who said he did not know to whom the &nee belonged, but
would make inquiry,
_ _ _

Mr. KENNEDY replied, and said, after no plea had been put in,
it came with a bad grace from the defendants to say no damage
had been done, as they might have settled the action in a very
summary way by Paying what they thought due into Court, and
the plaintiffl► would have continued the action at their peril. It
was clear they could not accept one shilling nominal damages.
As far as the insurance went, they claimed no special damage, and
although they were entitled to 10/. for work done after the action,

proving that the house was out of repair, yet they would forego it
from a spirit of equity, as there was no substantial damage. They
would admit that a large sum had been expended, but that was
the conditions on which the lease was granted at a low rent.
—. . _

The place, however, bad not been painted within three years, and
by leaving it another year damage consequently ensued. He urged
that the evidence of the dispute as to who was bound to repair the
fence was very loose.

The SECONDARY said that was the main point. If there was
a real dispute defendant could not be charged with a breach of co.

venant. The dispute, however, appeared to be only as to part.
The jury must, at all events, give nominal damages on all the

Thejury consulted for half an hour, and then said they were all
agreed but one. They were then locked up, and ultimately gave

a verdict for 131. 131. rent, and 201. for repair of the fences, and

nominal damages on the other counts.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
BOW-STREET.

CAUTION TO RAILWAY PROJECTORS.—ShortIy before the closing
of the Court on Tuesday evening, Mr. Baldwin, M.P. for Totnes,
accompanied by a solicitor, waited on Mr. Twyford for the pur-
pose of applying for a summons against the registered projector and
the registered solicitor of a railroad, the name of. which did not

transpire, to attend at this Court, and show cause why they
continued to use his name in the list of the provisional committee,
without first obtaining his sanction for so doing. Mr. Baldwin
said that he had written repeatedly to the parties, disclaiming any
connexion with the project in question, and, as no notice was taken
of any of his communications, he was driven to the necessity of
seeking protection under the Act of Parliament, his name being
still made use of against his will, and, ad the law was perfectly
clear upon the point, he hoped the Court would assist him in
checking a system that had become very prevalent.
The Solicitor pointed out to the Magistrate the 7th and Bth of
Victoria, chap. 110, the 65th clause of which enacts, " That, as
great injury has been inflicted upon the public by companies falsely
pretending to be patronised, or directed, or managed by eminent or
opulent persons, now, for the purpose of preventing such false pre-
tenses, be it enacted, with regard to every company, or pretended
company whatsoever, whether registered or, not, and whether now
existing or not, that if any person shall make any such false pre-
tences, knowing the same to be false, in any advertisement or
other paper, whether printed or written, and whether published
in any newspaper or handbill, or placard, or circular, then every
such person shall forfeit for every such offence A sum not exceed-
ing ten pounds."

Mr. TIVTFORD said, that as the clause distinctly provided against
such improper practices, he could have no hesitation in granting
summonses against the parties.

MABYLEBONE.

BURGLARY.—Yesterday Charles Mitchell, alias Darby Kelly,
James Burke, alias Mulder, and John Grogan, all of them con-
victed thieves, were charged with having been concerned in a bur-
glary at the house of Mr. Clarke, cheesemonger, &c., No. 5, &tbs.
bury-street, Portm3n.market.

It appeared from the evidence that en the same morning, stout
three o'clock, the prisoners were taken into custody by Sergeant
Harrent, and other officers, for a murderous attack upon a man
"tamed Francis, in consequence of information received tvith re-
gard to a burglary at the house above alluded to. The prisoners
were searched, when a copper French coin and a brass imitation
penny piece were found on Grogan and Burke. These pieces . had
been stolen from Mr. Clarke's house, an entry into which had beers
made by a back window. Three tills, all of them empty, were left
upon the counter, and it was further stated that numerous articles
of silver plate had been carried oft'. A constable of the D division
stated that a few hours prior to the robbery being discovered the
prisoners were seen together in the immediate vicinity of Mr.
Clarke's premises.

Inspector Brown said, that in the course of a few days the
officers would, in 'all probability, obtain some information as to
the stolen plate; and, in order to atrord time for inquiry, the pri-
soners were remanded till Tuesday next.

Utica DISTILLATION.—Yesterday Wiliam Caleb Thomas was
charged with the illicit distillation of spirits, for which offence he
had, under 7th and Bth Geo. IV., cap. 53, sec. 32, rendered him-
self amenable to a heavy penalty.
Frederick Pargeter, an officer of Excise, deposed that on the
previous evening, between five and six o'clock, he entered th•
house, No. 2. Payne-place, Kentish.town, the lower part or
which was inhabited by defendant, Witness found in the two
kitchens a forty-five gallon still, containing a quantity of molasses'
wash, and some spirits had just before bean run off. The two
kitchens were fitted up in such a way as to lead to the supposition
that the illicit trade had been carried on for a long while. The
prisoner, on being given into custody, said that the house he in-
habited belonged to a beer-shopkeeper in the Newington.road.
The prisoner was fined 301., and In default three months' im-
prisonment.

QUEEN'S COLLEGE,BIRMINGIIAM
ANNUAL DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES.
BIRMING:IAM, TUESDAY.—To-day a most interesting ex-
hibition, in connection with the above highly valuable and
important institution, took place at the Town-ball. The
occasion was the distribution of prizes to the students, and
' the result was highly gratifying to a numerous and most re-
spectable as,emblage of noblemen and gentlemen of the dis-
trict. The hour appointed for commencing the proceedings
was one o'clock, but before that time several gentlemen of
distinction, accompanied by the professors of the College,
assembled at the institution in Paradise-street, and proceeded
to inspect the whole establishment, including the newly-
erected church, museum, and other interesting portions of the
building.
Shortly after one o'clock a numerous body of the inhabi-
tants being assembled in the Town-hall, the company who
had visited the college were conducted to the meeting, and
amongst those who formed the procession were—The Lord
Bishop of the Diocese, Lord Dartmouth, Lord Lyttelton,
Thomas Phillips, Esq., mayor ; David Malin, Esq., high
bailiff ; Dr. J. B. Davies, J. B. Melsnm, Esq., Sands Cox,
Esq., Dr. Backhand, Rev. V. Thomas, Rev. G. Garbet, rural
dean; Alderman Vauvart, H. Luekcock, Esq., J. Bourne,
Esq., late high bailiff ; Wm. Chance, Esq., Mr. Alderman
Room, Dr. Booth, and most of the aldermen and town coun-
cillors of the borough. There were also a great number of
ladies present.
Lord LyrreuroN, as President of the College, opened the
businessin a very appropriate address. With. respect to the
institution which had that clay convened theist together,
lie feared no contradiction when he said, that it would be a
most erroneous opinion which should describe that institu-
tion merely as a medical institution. He considered the ob-
ject of that institution was no less for the general education
of the man than for providing instruction for the physician
and surgeon ; and it was on that account that many had felt
the warmest interest in its success, and had considered like
himself that theycould freely and fairly take part in the ma-
nagement and care of such an establishment. The object which
ie had within its scope was the education of medical stu-
dents; and he must be allowed to speak with frankness upon
that which needed no lengthened observations to demonstrate
—namely, that medical students had been for a long period
in a peculiar state of disadvantage from the want of sach
institutions as the present. It was well known that all ab-
sorbing attention to medical science, unrelieved by the
thoughts and reflections upon the great truths of religion,
had a tendency to materialism and irreligion ; and hence
the great necessity which existed for that admirable system
upon which the education of the Queen's College was
based. The Noble Lord, at considerable length and ability,
enforced this view of the subject, and, in conclusion, ex-
pressed his determination to afford all the assistance he
could to the gentlemen engaged in promoting the interest
of the Queen's College.
Lord DArersrotim then rose to move the first resolution,
one of thanks to the Governors of the College for their
exertions in behalf of the institution.
The Rev. R. KENNEDY seconded the resolution, which was
put and carried unanimously; after which
Dr. J. JOHNSTON returned thanks for the compliment paid
to his father.
The LORD BISHOP of the Diocese next briefly addressed
the meeting, on the occasion of presenting the Warnford
prize of gold medals, for essays, to Mr. C. E. J. Tipton and
Mr. J. V. Hughes.
The Jephson prize of 20 guineas was presented by Dr.
Booth to Mr. G. Wilmhurst, to whom it was awarded after a
severe examination in all the branches of medical science.
The gold medal for regularity and good conduct was next
presented to Mr. J. V. Hughes and Mr. J. P. Badley ; after
which the celebrated
Dr. BUCKLAND addressed the meeting, and delivered
a very powerful address, in pointing out the great advan-
tages which medical men derived from the pursuit of the
study of chemistry; and after dwelling upon this subject, he
took occasion to advert with very considerable effect to the
present alarming state of the potato crop. It was a question
of humanity, which required the instantaneous application
of all the medical skill and science which could be brought
to bear upon it. It had been too notorious for some weeks
past that a gangrene had seized upon the potato crop, that it
was almost universal. It extended all over Europe, and it was
felt in the United States. It was felt in the first instance, in
Belgium, and then all over France and in Italy. It was his
lot a few weeks ago to be present at two meetings—one, a
meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of Paris, con-
vened by the Government of France for the purpose of con-
sidering the extent of the mischief done to the potato crop in
that country and the remedy which it became the Govern-
ment to apply. At that meeting Professors Poncha, of
Rouen, and Payen, of Paris, were present; and the next-week
they printed a document in which the subject was treated
with a vast amount of skill. He (Dr. Backhand) had re-
ceived, within these few days, the result of an investigation
of the potato disease in Scotland, in which Dr. Johpston had
been summoned to institute a chemical investigation
into the nature of the disease, and it was only that
morning lie received intelligence which confirmed his worst
fears of the nature and extent of the malady. It ap-
peared that the Government of England had sent a com-
mission, composed of scientific men, chemists, and others, to
confer with the Royal Agricultural Society of Ireland upon
the alarming state of the malady in that country, and lie
knew that a potato hospital would be immediately esta-
blished in Ireland. The object of this hospital was not to
cure the eaters of the diseased potatoes, but the design was tb
cure the potatoes themselves of the fearful disease which had
seized upon them. There was, he believed, yet a remedy if
the disease was taken in time. It was now unnecessary to
go into the cause of this alarming disease, and he would at
once say, first of all they must remove the potatoes from the
ground, store them wherever they might—barns, warehouses,
and every place that could be made available for holding
them must be used. Infected potatoes must not be al-
lowed to touch the sound ones, for there was contagion
in them; and so long as sound -potatoes were kept dry
there was no danger of them. The diseased part of the
potato is 'innocuous to man or beast if mascerated or steeped
12 hours in clean cold water, and then changed and washed
again in other water, before they are boiled. The starch
then in the most decayed and putrid portion of the potato
was perfectly good. Alter the first twelve hours' steeping,
the rind was to be taken off. The diseased part must be pared,
and the parings washed twice in cold water, there being
twelve hours, as lie had said, between each washing; then
they were to be dried and set by for the use of cattle.
The day before he visited Lord Ashburton, where lie ate a
portion of those potatoes, the starch of which had been
preserved, and which were perfectly sound. He had seen
reports of pigs having died from eating potatoes which had
been given to them, but if proper precaution had been
used such results would not have followed. He believed
it was not a new disease. He believed it existed at
all titres, only not to such an ' extent as at present.
He would, therefore, impress upon all concerned in the care
of potatoes the absolute necessity of keeping them dry. In-
struments were now being made in Paris and London by
means of which the starch could be separated from the
potato, but where the vegetable fibre remained, let it be
washed and preserved. He would again impress upon those
who had buried their potatoes, the necessity of removing
them at once. They ought to be put into straw, and every
means taken to preserve them and keep them dry. He re-
gretted to state that one-third of the potato crop in Ireland
was lost, and with them the food of 2,000,000 of the people
of that country had perished. The Government must inter-
pose, science must interpose, between the dead and the
living, and by the goodness and mercy of God the plague
may yet be stayed.
. The address of the Learned Doctor was listened to with
marked attention, and produced a strong effect upon the
audience. Several other gentlemen addressed the meeting,
which did not terminate till late in the evening.

DREADFUL SHIPWRECK OF A
HULL AND HAMBURGH STEAMER.
_ _ _

By the General Steam Navigation Company's steam-ship Nep-
tune, Captain Whittingham, commander, which arrived at Black-
wall yesterday afternoon from Hamburgh, intelligence was received
in the City of the shipwreck and loss of one of the Hull and Ham.
burgh steamer., called the Margaret, commanded by Captain Raw.
Boson, accompanied by a great loss of life. From the few parti.
culars that have been brought over, it appears that during the
whole of last week the coast was visited by a most fearful storm,
the wind blowing a continual gale from the north to the north-
west; and the destruction among the coasting-traders is stated to
have been very great. The Margaret steamer left Hamburgh for
the port of Hull on Friday, the 19th instant, having her usual
number of passengers and a full cargo of merchandise, the weather
at the time of her departure being what is termed moderate.
By the time she had arrived off Cuxhaven, near the mouth
of the Elbe, it was blowing a gale from the north-west, but
_

the captain thinking it would not be of any duration, the pilot
left the vessel at that port, and she proceeded on her
passage, and was last seen from Heligoland, passing through the
usual track. Nothing further was heard of her until Sunday
morning last, when the General Steam Navigation Company's
steamer Neptune, on the point of starting with the mails from
Norden, learned that the unfortunate steamer had been wrecked
off that coast, and that sixteen of the passengers and three of the
crew had perished with her. From another source it has been
aseertained that the ill.fated vessel, after leaving Heligoland,
coul.l, in consequence of the gale, have only made lee way, and
eventually, it is supposed, she was driven on a dangerous sand,
called the Memmett, near Juist, at the eastern entrance of the
river Meinm. According to the accounts, she struck before day.
break on the morning of the 22d, and, therefore must have been
encountering the gale for three days. It appears that the moment
she took the shoal the sea, which was running terribly high, swept

several persons overheard. The long boat was launched, and
attempts were made to reach the shore, but owing to its
crowded state and the violent serf, it ;capsized, and every
soul in it met with a watery grave. Those who re•
mained on board the vessel, after being exposed to the most
severe privation for a number of hours, were saved. The steamer
became a complete wreck, but as the tide receded, considerable
quantities of her cargo were got out of her hold. The Vivid
steamer, Captain Agars, which reached London.bridge last evening
from Hull, reports that when he left the Humber fears were enter-
tained, from the length of time the Margaret was over due, that
some accident had happened to her. The Queen of Scotland
steamer had arrived at Hull from Hamburgh before the Vivid
left, and had seen nothing of the Margaret, although she did not
start from Hamburgh until some time after her. The Queen of
Scotland, it appears, met with a most boisterous passage, and a
number of oxen which were on the deck were obliged to be thrown
overboard for the better safety of the vessel. The Margaret was

the property of Mr. Pinners, of Hull, by whom she was built some
years ago. She was of about 250 tons burden, rigged as a three.
mast schooner, and was worked by a screw propeller, being the first
vessel of the description that has been engaged as a passenger vessel
from that port. She bad a very rakish appearance, and from the
quantity of canvass she carried, was considered a perfect clipper.
Within a few miles of the spot where the Margaret was
lost, viz., off Norderney, a ship foundered about the same time,
and every soul belonging to her was drowned. Another vessel,
belonging to St. Petersburgh, named the Mehala, was lost on the
previous day on the same sands, and the captain and one of his
crew perished. In addition to those deplorable disasters, theliam.,
burgh Mail announces the loss of no fewer than nine other vessels
on the Dutch coast during the storm.