The Sun.
London, England, 1828-03-26 00:00:00

ST. PAUL, COVENT-GARDEN.

Yesterday morning, a Petty Session was held in
the Vestry-room of this parish, for the appointment
of Overseers. The Churchwardens and the rest of
the " late select," not having condescended to con-
sult any of the non-select, a respectable number of
the latter assembled to take into consideration fit and
proper persons to be recommended to the Magistrates
for the above office. Mr. Dow was unanimously
called to the Chair, and the names of eight ancient
snd substantial householders hating been submitted
by the Chairman and agreed to, Thomas Halls, Esq.,
the Magistrate, entered the room, and took his seat
at the table; he was followed by Sir Richard Birnie,
who approached the Chairman, and with great
petuosity,asked the Chairman, " Who are you, Sir?"
The CHAIRMAN—MV name is Dow, Sir. I have
been placed in the Chair by the Meeting; but now•
you have arrived, Sir Richard, I shall willingly re-
sign

-Without waiting to reply, the Worthy Chief
Magistrate seized him rudely by the right arm, which
was suspended in a sling, having been recently dis-
located, and said with great warmth, " Get out,
Sir; get out !"
Mr. Dow (retiring)—Gently, Sir Richard, you
don't consider my arm ; you give me great pain.

Sir RICHARD—I care nothing about your arm.
The Magistrate then seated himself, and the list
previously agreed to was placed before him, when
Mr. Roche, the Vestry Clerk, pressed forward ano-
ther list, privately agreed to by the Churchwardens
and the members of the late select. The Magistrates
were proceeding to appoint from the said select list,
when their attention was called to the former list.

Sir RICHARD—I know nothing about any lists.
Mr. CORDER—We are aware, Sir Richard, by
the 39th of Elizabeth, you have the right to appoint
without consulting the inhabitants; but allow me to
explain that—
Sir RICHARD—I'II hear no explanation.
Mr. CORDER—Then perhaps Mr. Halls will allow
me for one moment. I will not detain your Wor-
ships longer, as I know your official duties oblige
you shortly to attend at Bow-street, and—
Sir RlCHARD—Obliged, Sir ! I am not obliged to
attend. How dare you, Sir, presume that I am
obliged ? I can stay away all day if like.

Mr. CORDER--YOU have misunderstood me, Sir
Richard, I did not mean compelled when I said
obliged, although I presume under the Police Act—
Sir RICHARD--I tell you, Sir, you have no right
to presume. Where is your list, Mr. Roche ?
Mr. PHILLIPS then proceeded ably to argue that
the usual course where open Vestries existed, was
for the parishioners to be convened previous to the
appointment of Overseers, and to select certain old
and substantial householders, whose names should
be submitted to the Magistrates in Petty Sessions,
and as the Magistrates could not in large and po-
pulous parishes be presumed to be acquainted with
the inhabitants, they usually adopted the names so
recommended. Mr. Phillips cited authorities, and
quoted various precedents in support of this mode of
nomination.

Sir R. BIR.NIE—Is there any objection to the
names proposed in this list ?—(The Select List.)
Mr. WALKER—Yes ; the first nan does the work
of the " parish."
Sir RICHARD BIRNIE—WeII, SO much the better
for him. Besides he can't do it when he is iM office.

Mr. CORDER—There has been lavish expenditure
of our money, dinners with Champagne, Sauterne,
and rose water, &c. to wit, and we object to any of
the friends of such a system.
Mr. HALLS—I think the fairest manner, as well
as the proper mode, is for us to issue our precept to
the High Constable, directing him to furnish us
with the names of all those who are eligible to serve
as Overseers, and I hope in future that course will
be pursued.
Mr. PHILLIPS—The 54th George the Third says
the appointment may be made within fourteen days
of the 25th of March ; that will be affording your
Worships ample time to pursue that course.
Sir RICHARD—I object to it now; I think it too
late.

Mr. PHILLIPS suggested that a name from each
list should be taken.

This conciliatory proposition was however re-
jected, and Sir Richard proceeded to swear in the
two individuals recommended by the members of the
late Select. One of the new Overseers was asked
if he had served the office of constable. He replied
in the negative.
Sir RICHARD.—Psha ! What of that, neither
have I.

A Parishioner.—They made me • a constable
before I was in the parish four months, but I dare
say that they will never make me an Overseer.—
(A laugh.)
The Magistrates were then retiring, when Mr.
Dow remonstrated with the Chief Magistrate upon
his rude and offensive conduct to him. " Sir," said
Mr. Dow, emphatically, " I am as respectable a man
as yourself, but your conduct to me in coming into
this room was unmanly and ungentlemanly. You
treated me like a dog."
Sir RICHARD—Upon my word this is too bad.
Take down his words, Mr. Roche-•-take down his
words.

Mr. Dow, apparently in much pain, and under
excited feelings, said—You may be a Magistrate,
but I say, Sir, your conduct to me has not been that
of a gentleman. Mr. Roche may take down my
words, if you please, but I repeat, Sir, you have
treated me like a dog.
The Meeting then separated, apparently much
dissatisfied that the Magistrates should have so
strenuously supported the faction of the late Select.
We, the Undersigned, believe the above state-
ment to be correct, having been presentat the Meeting.
J. CORDER, J. CALLAHAN,
J. PHILLIPS, T. W. DOW.

A plan has been laid before his MAJESTY,
by Mr. Nast', and, we believe, approved of, for a building
in the square projected to occupy the scite of Charing-
cross, for the accommodation of the Royal and Antiqusria❑
Societies. The Geological Society has got the late Lottery-
Office is Somersvt-house..,fforniny parr,