The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-18 00:00:00

On his return home his mother was living in Brandon-
street. Witness saw him every time he returned from
sea, as he always called. Up to the time that he last re-
turned from sea he had always conducted himself quietly
and properly like any;other man. Witness had observed
of late that his conduct and character had very much
changed. Other members of the prisoner's family had
been unfortunate in the state of their minds. His father
had been subject to fits of insanity. The prisoner had
a brother that died about two years since. Had a sister
named Sarah, and saw her up to the time of her death,
which occurred about 12 years since. She used to com-
plain of her head, and used at times to be quite uncon-
scious. Had heard something about the brother that
died, but never noticed anything himself'. Witness was
separated from his father before his death. His death
occurred through his being thrown out of a chaise.
Was present when his father imagined that there were
devils in the drawers of his room. No representation
made by Fitzgerald was the cause of his telling the pri-
soner to seek for work. No such statement was made
to the prisoner. His attention had often been called to
the prisoner's conduct about three or four weeks before
the murder. Has told the prisoner to do things, end he
has answered in a peculiarly indifferent manner. His
Rife remarked it also. Has heard that tha prisoner had
set the bed on which he was lying on fire.
Re-examined by Mr. BODKIN—His father was never
placed under any restraint for any insane fits. He
managed his business himself, and sometimes employed
50 men. The prisoner, up to three or four weeks before
the murder was like any other man, but from that period
to the time of the murder his conduct was not that of
a man in his sober senses. Had never seen anything in
the prisoner's conduct before Fitzgerald's death that
could induce him to swear that he was not of sound
Mind, but he had remarked to his wife that his
conduct was not that of a man in his senses. The pi-
sorter was always of a violent temper. Did not tell Fitz-
gerald to look for work, as he always kept him.
By the COURT—His brother knew that he did not
intend to discharge Fitzgerald. The other, men did the
same work as the prisoner and Fitzgerald.
Julia Quennell stated that she is the wife of the last
witness. Remembers the prisoner coming on the bight
of Saturday, the 22d of September, to be paid his wages.
Had a conversation with the prisoner about something
that he said. That was in the presence of her husband.
On telling him something that Fitzgerald had said of
him, he appeared very much dejected and hurt. Fitz-
gerald had made a statement to her the day before.
By Mr. CeamesoN—The prisoner had appeared very
much dejected for six months before the murder, but for
three weeks before it, witness could not get a proper
answer. Has noticed the prisoner to sit by himself'
with his eyes fixed on the ground apparently quite lost
to himself. For the last three weeks before the murder,
he could not give a proper answer. Her husband was
always very attentive to him. There had been no cause
for his apparent dejection. Witness could not tell what
to make of it, and spoke of it to her husband. Has
heard her husband talk of his father, who was deranged
during his lifetime.
Re-examined by Mr. BODKIN--The prisoner on his
return from his voyages always appeared to be cheerful.
He used to answer of late in a gruff surly manner, and
sometimes not answer at all. Ile used, however, to do
whatever he was told to do.

James Parkes stated that he is a plane-maker, residing
in Timothy-street, Newington. On Saturday, 22(1 of
Nov., he was at the shop of a Mrs. Tubbs, in the New-
cut, Lambeth. It was about eight o'clock. The pri-
soner was there. Ile came up to the shop, and took a
pistol which was banging at the door, and examined it.
Ile pulled the trigger, and the cock broke. Wit-
ness heard that 5.z. 6d. was the price of the pistol.
The prisoner paid 2s. for the damage done. He came
into the shop after breaking the pistol, and purchased
another, for which he paid ss. The pistol produced is
like the one that he purchased.
'William Welling statad that he is an oilman, residing
at No. 1, Amelia-place, Walworth. Knows the pri-
soner, who has dealt with him for some time. On
Thursday, the 27th of November, at about four in the
afternoon, the prisoner came to his shop. He purchased
a pennyworth of gunpowder. He asked for the best.
John Marne, a gunmaker, residing in the Walworth-
road—On Wednesday, the 26th of November, he sold
a quarter of a pound of bullets to a person. Can't say
whether the prisoner was the person. The person was
dressed in a different manner to the prisoner. Saw him
before the magistrate, and his dress was then like
that of the man who bought the bullets. They were to
fit a pistol exactly like the one produced. It was dusk
when he came into the shop. It was about five o'clock.
The evidence of this witness closed the case for the
prosecution. _ _

Mr. CLARKSON then rose, and said that in the observa-
tions he was about to make he would not attempt to deny
that the prisoner was the person who fired the shot.
There was another duty imposed on them, which
belonged to them alone—a duty which he ex-
pected them to discharge, uncontrolled by any-
thing they had heard, or with respect to anything
that they might] hear on the subject ; and unless the
evidence they had heard did not leave a shadow of doubt
on their minds, that at the time of the commission of the
offence the prisoner was an agent answerable for his own
actions. Although the law left it upon the prisoner to show
that he was not fit to judge of his own actions, he
(Mr. Clarkson) hoped that he would be able to show
them, on his behalf, that such was actually the case.
The Learned Counsel then proceeded to comment at
some length on the evidence which tended to raise a
question as to the prisoner's sanity. At the conclusion
of his address,

The Lord Chief Justice TINDAL proceeded to reca-
pitulate the evidence in a general manner, commenting
on the various facts as tending to prove the prisoner's
insanity.
Thejury then consulted for a short timo in the box,
and then requested to be allowed to retire.
The usual officer having been sworn to keep them in
safe custody, they left the Court.
After an absence of twenty minutes the jury returned
into Court. On their names being called over,
The foreman of the jury delivered a verdict of Guilty.
The usual proclamation of silence having been made,
the Learned Judges put on their black caps.
The Lord Chief Justice TINDAL then addressed the
prisoner as follows Samuel Quennell, you have been
found guilty, by the verdict of a jury of your country-
men, of the crime of murder—a crime which has always
been, with the exception of the crime of treason, regarded
as one of the very deepest dye by the laws of England,
and against which the punishment of death has
always been enforced. It is my duty to say that the
jury have come to a proper conclusion on this question.
There are circumstances in this case of great
aggravation—as the crime was not committed
under the influence of sudden anger, or cir-
cumstances of provocation; and unknown almost to the
unfortunate victim of your crime, you reserved to your-
self the preparation of the instruments of death, against
which the deceased felt quite secure. Under these cir-
cumstances, it is my duty to impress upon your
mind the sentence of the law, which will as-
suredly be carried into effect. Exert yourself
therefore to employ the little time allowed you to pre-
pare for that great change which you assuredly will
shortly undergo. It only remains for me to pass upon
you the sentence of the law." His Lordship then passed
sentence of death in the usual form ; and ordered the
prisoner into the custody of the sheriff of the county of

:Surrey.
The prisoner, who seemed quite unmoved during the
passing of the sentence, was then removed.

CLERKENWELL.--(THIS DAY.)
James Fisher, 7,413 badge, was charged with the following
outrageous conduct to wards Mr. William Elmar Adams, of
No. 11, Phoenix-place, Liverpool-road.
Mr. Adams deposed that on the previous night, having
been at the Princess's Theatre, he went up to the prisoner
and said he would give hiM a shilling to convey him thence
to the turnpike in the Liverpool-road. He drove him to the
gate, where he got out.

Mr. GREENWOOD—YOU got out just at the turnpike.
Witness—Yes, just before we passed through it.
Mr. GRBENWOOD —Did you not consider that was cheating
the toll- keeper. Witt ess said as he had not passed through
it, he did not. Ile might have driven through the gate if
he liked, for there was nobody there that time of night.
Witness proceeded to say that without any provocation the
prisoner knocked him down, rolled him in the mire, tore his
hair, and called him bad names. Witness cried murder and
police, and policeman 396 came to his assistance.
The prisoner denied having attacked the complainant in
the first instance, and said he had promised to give him 25.-
M. GREENWOOD told the prisoner that, even supposing
what he asserted was true that the complainant had
promised 2s. instead of ls.—he might have summoned him,
instead of treating him in so brutal a manner. lie would
sentence him to 14 days imprisonment.

MARLBRO'-STREET.-(THISDAY.)
Mary King, a respectably dressed woman, was charged
with attempting to drown herself. From the statement of
Thomas Devall, deputy superintendent of the Royal Humane
Society, it appeared that about half- past nine o'clock last
evening, he observed the prisoner at the head of the Serpen-
tine River, in Hyde Park, walking to and fro. She appeared
to be in great anguish of mind, and was wringing her hands
and crying. Suspecting that her intention Was to commit
suicide, the officer watched her for a considerable
time. At length she walked to the north bank of
the river, and taking off her bonnet and shawl;
threw them on the ground. The officer had then ap-
proached within a yard or two of her, but screened himself
behind a tree from her observance. After looking anxiously
around her to see that no one was watching her, she went.
down on her knees, and commenced saying her prayers. She
concluded by imploring the forgiveness of God for what she
was about to do. She then rose up and instantly
rushed to the water's edge, and lifting up her
arms, was in the very act of throwing herself
Bice downwards into the river, when the officer, who had
followed closely behind her, seized hold of her clothes and
drew her on to the bank. On being questioned as to what
induced her to attempt her life, she at first refused to say,
but after she was given in charge to the police she said it
was distress of mind that had driven her to do it. She also
stated that she was married, and that her husband resided at
No. 9, Barnes-terrace, Lambeth. She had no money in her
possession.

Mr. Fitzpatrick, the chief clerk, asked the prisoner in what
manner she was distressed? The prisoner said her husband
ill-treated her. lie was a sadler, and possessed property.
The husband here stepped forward, and said his wife was
of intemperate habits, and that caused them to disagree; but
he never ill-treated her. Last night, while sitting at supper
with her two grown-up daughters, she took.oll her wedding-
ring, put it on the table, and wishing him good night, went
out. Lie took no notice of her, as she was in the habit of
behaving very unaccountably.
The priscner said she was now very sorry for what she had
done.

Mr. HARDWICK, after admonishing her, gave her into the
charge of her husband.

AFFRAY AT BLACKFRIARS PIER.
Yesterday another affray took place on the newly-erected
City pier, at the north-eastern corner of Blackfriars-bridge.
The circumstances arose out of the dispute now pendine-
between the Navigation Committee and the Directors of the
Watermen's Steam-packet Company, some particulars re-
lating to which, elicited at the Mansion-house on Tuesday,
appeared in this journal of yesterday's date. Upon the
occasion referred to, Mr. Newbon, the solicitor to the Steam-
packet Company, made an ineffectual application to the
Lord Mayor for a warrant against ore of the officers placed
on the pier to prevent the landing of passengers conveyed by
the Watermen's boats at Blackfriars. Mr. Newbon's applica-
tion was made for the purpose of testing the question legally,
no violence having been practised upon him ; but in the pre-
sent case it is to be regretted that a very respestable inhabit-
ant of Woolwich was made the subject of brutal ill-treatment
by the officers on duty, and at the same time had a very
narrow escape from drowning.
The question between the disputants may be thus briefly
described :—Shortly after the establishment of the Water-
men's Steam packet Company, the Directors obtained from
the free watermen of Blackfriars the privilege of calling
with their boats at the pier erected by the latter. The 'Wool-
wich Steam-packet Company's boats never called at Black-
friars, the directors selecting Temple-bar pier as the land-
ing-place for their passengers in the City district. The
Watermen's Company continued to enjoy the same privilege
up to the erection of the new pier ; and upon the faith of
their arrangement with the proprietors of the pier a very
large number of season- tickets have been issued to passen-
gers accustomed to land at Blackfriars. During the summer
season the Watermen's boats run three times every hour
between Woolwich and London, viz., at the hour, twenty
minutes past, and twenty minutes to the hour. The Wool-
wich Steam-packet Company's boats, during last season,
ran twice every hour, the period of starting from the
respective termini differing occasionally, but being generally
fixed at a quarter past and a quarter to the hour. The Water-
men's Company have recently taken two of their boats
off the station, the boat leaving at the hour only running at
present. In consequence of this boat frequently arriving at
Blackfriars-pier about the same period as that belonging to
the opposition company, the directors of the Watermen's
Company, a short time since, received a notice from the Na-
vigation Committee, informing them that unless they con-
sented to alter the period of starting their boat, it would not
he allowed to call at the new pier. A long correspondence
has taken place between the Navigation Committee and the
solicitor to the Watermen's Company on the subject. No
satisfactory arrangement, however, has been agreed upon,
and since Monday last a body of about 30 or 40 policemen
have been stationed on the pier for the purpose of preventing
vi et arniis any passengers by the Watermen's boats from
landing at Blackfriars.
The directors of the Watermen's Company, on their part,
have instructed the captains of their boats to tender their
passengers at the pier as usual, with the additional order
that if the pier-master refuse to receive the warp, the boat
is at once to proceed on its destination. This has been done
in order to satisfy the season-ticket passengers that the di-
rectors have done all in their power to land them at Black-
friars.

The affray, to which the above is a necessary introduction,
occurred at a few minutes before two o'clock yesterday after-
noon. At that period, the Waterman steamer, No. 8,
approached the pier from the direction of Woolwich. As the
boat neared the dummy, the pierman, together with the
officers on duty, of whom there were at least twenty, rushed
to the spot in a body, and presented a formidable phalanx to
oppose the landing of any person. Several passengers went
to the gangway for the purpose of lauding, but the first who
attempted to leave the boat was Mr. Edward Smith, a re-
spectable boot and shoe maker, residing at 22, Richard• street,
'Woolwich. Mr. Smith was wholly unaware of the existing
objection to allow passengers by the Watermen's boats to
land at Blackfriars, and upon being repulsed by the pierman,
he inquired by what authority he was interrupted? No
answer was given to his query, and the next instant he
made another attempt to step on shore ; lie was then met
by a severe blow which took effect on his mouth and nearly
felled him. While in the act of threatening to give his
assailant into custody, he was dragged ashore from the
boat, and narrowly escaped falling into the water. 'He
was then taken off between two policemen, followed by
five or six others, to the station in Black Horse-court, where
he was charged by Thomas Ware, one of the pierman, with
assaulting him while in the execution of his duty. The
affray was observed by the passengers on the bridge, and
when the officers reached the street they were greeted with
groans and hisses by a mob of at least 200 persons, whose
sympathies appeared warmly excited in the prisoner's be-
half. Nor was this at all extraordinary, for the diminutive
figure and mild appearance of the accused seemed to eve
the lie to the asserted fact that he had been guilty of vio •
lence towards any party. On reaching the station the
charge was regularly taken by the inspector on duty, who
ordered the accused to find bail, himself' in 201., and one
householder in the same amount, to appear at the Mansion-
house this day. Mr. Smith represented the great inconve-
nience he had been put to, and the deep injustice of con-
fining him (a stranger in London) until he could obtain the
required bail. He was informed that there was no appal,
and, but for the accidental presence of a person who had
witnessed the whole affair, and who offered to become an-
swerable in the necessary amount, Mr, Smith would, most
certainly, have been locked up until he could have commu-
nicated with his friends at Woolwich.

1V Is TV COURT.
(Before the RECORDER.)
Elizabeth Sears was indicted for stealing a saw, a pair of
silver spectacles, and a box of sights, the property of Henry
Pocock, Bermondsey.
Henry Pocock said he was an engineer. The prisoner was
in the habit of being employed in his house two days a week,
in the capacity of a char-woman, for about three months
previous to the present indictment. Witness in the course
of that time missed a small hand-saw, a box of sights,
such as are used by opticians in their business, and a
pair of silver spectacles. The sights and the spectacles were
kept in a room to which the prisoner had access. Witness
asked about these at the prisoner's, but she denied having
seen them, or knowing anything about them. However,
after she had been taken into custody they were found in
consequence of the prisoner's information, in the possession
of an optician in King-street, in the Borough, to whem she
had sold them.
Thomas Taylor, cabinet maker, in the parish of St. Sa-
viour's, swore to having purchased the saw produced in
Court, and identified by the prosecutor as his, from the pri-
soner. She had a pair of spectacles on her at the same time.
The constable who took her into custody, said she had
refused saying anything to the charge. She wished to go
the prosecutor to tell him all, in hope he would R
forp-2the jury,
who ger.
:::ore The Learned RECORDE set the facts b.
who found her Guilty, but with a strr_;„l recommendation
to mercy.
This recommendation sr:ernea to take the Recorder by
surprise, who requested_ 'to know the ground on which it had
been made? The
foreman was understood to say the jury
were not satisfied there had been premeditation in the case,
The pri.daner was sentenced to two months' imprisonment
and kard labour.
aarlotte Brown was indicted for stealing Various articles,
the property of Robert Sorrell, hosier, 88, Strand.
John Scott, a shopman. with Mr. Sorrell, said that the
prisoner came into the shop on the 11th November, and
looked out goods to the amount of 61. 95., directing them to
be sent to Mrs. Parker, 31, Queen-street, close by. He him-
self went with the goods to that address, and made inquiry in
several adjoining streets, but could find no such name. Had
not seen her again till the 29th Novembers when he saw her in
the shop of Mr. Farmer, who had sent him information, and
he had her taken into custody. A brown silk purse, beaded,
was shown him, which had been found on the prisoner, and
which he had NO doubt was the property of his employer.
There had been but one such purse in the shop at the
time. It was missed immediately after prisoner leaving) and
the box in which the purses were kept had not been opened
to any other customer from the time it was shown to the
prisoner till it had been found on her person.

The female searcher and the constable who had taken her
to the station-house, were then called to speak to some of the
same facts.
The jury, after a short consultation, found her Guilty.
A verdict of not guilty had been returned immediately
before on an indictment of a similar kind, though of
a more adventurous character against the same individual.
Three other indictments for shoplifting were not tried. She
has been already convicted of the like offence, and sentenced
to three years' imprisonment and hard labour.
One of the police force informed the Court that the pri-
soner was the greatest shoplifter in London. She had been
in nearly every shop in London, and the policemen seemed
to say they had abundance of materials of previous con-
viction, although wherefore they were not used did not ap-
pear from his statement.
The prisoner is a widow, with a young family of two or
three children ; her own age does not exceed twenty, and she
is respectable, even handsome in her appearance.
The sentence of the Court was that she be transported
beyond the teas for seven years. The prisoner was taken out.
of Court seemingly under a painful feeling of her present con-
dition.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

FROM THE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS DAT.

TIMES.—The announcement of the approaching and in-
evitable repeal of the corn-laws is already travelling fast and
far over the world. The widening wave of public excite-
ment is circling round the globe. Wherever men labour, or
congregate, or converse, this coming change intrudes upon
the common occupations of their lives, and they lift up their
heads to be spectators of its accomplishment. The repeal of
the corn-laws will prove to be an event of the utmost im-
portance to our foreign relations. Its effects at home have
doubtless been exaggerated by the fears of its opponents and
the hopes of its friends; for, in a state of society constituted
like that of England, no single event, however important,
produces a decisive or permanent change on the great inte-
rests of the country. But with reference to our intercourse
with foreign states the case is different. The immediate ob-
ject of the measure is to promote the interchange of oommo-
dities with foreign nations, and to bring the multifarious po-
pulations of the earth to one great market. Such a result as
that is the greatest to which a statesman can aspire, for it in=
chides the questions of peace and war, the progress of improve-
ment, the destruction of prejudices, the spread of civilisation,
and the diffusion at home and abroad of a larger measure of
prosperity and knowledge to mankind. At this moment,
therefore, we turn our eyes with the deepest interest to our
allies, our dependencies, our competitors, our customers, and
even our adversaries in all parts of the habitable globe, in
anticipation of the effect which this event must produce upon
cur relations with them and upon their own social condition.
At this very moment the ;passions of the American demo-
cracy, and especially of the western states, are probably in-
flamed with extraordinary violence by the language of the
Man to whom their votes have intrusted the destinies of the
Union and the peace of nations. We have lately received
evidence, though not yet of a formal official character, that
Mr. Polk, in resuming his diplomatic intercourse with the
republic of Mexico, has thought fit to designate England
as " the common enemy." It is needless to disguise our
expectation that the message will be framed in very
intemperate language with reference to this country
and to the Oregon territory ; and to such language
the Ministers of the Crown, whoever they may be,
will know how to reply. But the vigour of their
reply will be heightened by the contrast offered by the
policy of the two States at the present moment. A more
niernorable spectacle has scarely occurred in the annals of
free nations. A more signal contradiction has never arisen
between the two great systems of constitutional monarchy
and of popular government. On this side of the Atlantic the
greatest aristocracy and landed interest of the world are gra-
dually surrendering long-cherished convictions and the tena-
cious prejudices of interest to the influence of more enlarged
views of the public welfare, and to the demands of public
humanity. The vast majority of those who have earned the
respect of the people of England by their talents, their
patriotism, and their public services, far more than by their
illustrious descent and their princely fortunes, are slowly, and
sometimes reluctantly, but nevertheless steadily, arraying
themselves on the side of truth, and acknowledging no law
but the general interest of the country. Here, in this state,
where party traditions are so deep and strong, party opposition
has already been reduced to the desperate struggles and the in-
effectual protest of a faction, and the opponents of years are
startled to find themselves at length enlisted in the same cause.
Nor is this unanimity of wise and good men dictated solely by
the pressure ofa present calamity at home. This cause is that of
peace and of civilisation at home and abroad, now and for the
future. In the United States, on the contrary, the Execu-
tive Government formed by the ascendancy of the Demo-
cratic party, seems ready to sacrifice every great interest of
the Union, and of its neighbours, to the miserable exigen-
cies of its own existence. Its whole conduct to Mexico is
an aggravated copy of the policy of Russia towards the
Ottoman empire, at the worst times, and before the rest of
Europe interposed to preserve the remaining dominions of
the Sultan. The American Cabinet mainly rests its popu-
larity, and its hopes of renewing power at the expiration of
four years, upon the reckless pursuit of worthless and unlawful
objects; and the people whose pride it once was to be known
to the rest of the world by their trading pursuits, their love
of peace, and their renunciation of the hackneyed crimes of
intrigue and ambition, are now hurried along in a course of
aggression which can :only terminate in war, unless it be
eflectually resisted by the Senate of the United States. Let
the nations judge between this picture and the other !
POST.—Notwithstanding the acuteness of an Evening
Contemporary, and its very interesting discovery that the
Morning Post would be willing now to accept of a moderate
fixed duty, in lieu of the present sliding-scale, provided a
Government could be formed with that policy in view— not-
withstanding all this, we do in reality remain of our old opi-
nionthat the Whig scheme of 1841 was a foolish one then,
and won't do now. The fact is that, however romantic and
impracticable the notion may seem to be to the modest gen-
tlemen of the Liberal school, we go not only for the whole
protection of British industry , which the present law allows,
but for something more. It is not less protection which
would satisfy us, nor a continuance of the present, but
only a more real and effectual protection than that
which now exists. We do not say that this is a matter
to be effected all at once, or by one Act of Parliament.
We do not say that no Government should be trusted
which did not promise to increase the scale of pro-
tecting duties. Much has yet to be studied upon the difficult
question of the best means of fully developing and fairly re-
warding the industry of the people. This, however, we say.
is clear, that neither the one nor the other is done as it
ought to be under the system of law and government which
now exists. We say, also, that in our opinion no Govern-
ment will be fully worthy of the earnest support of this
nation, which does not adopt as a principle that it is right
for the Government to do all it can towards more fully
developing the industrial capabilities of this nation, andtuni.
ing the reward thereof more towards the pockets of those
who do the work, than hitherto it has been turned. Amongst
men who call themselves "Liberal," the great object always
seems to be to serve the interests of the owners of capital.
Now, we would protect those interests too, but we would not
do so at the expense of the working people. We would
not depress the millions that the hundreds might make a
better per centage on their capital. We do not think
that the welfare of the capitalists is best promoted by
those who try to make them more rich by a process which
impairs the security of the general framework of society. A
man with eighty thousand pounds in a country where peace,
security, and good feeling reign, through the general com-
fort and contentedness of the population, is in very truth a
richer man—an owner of a more valuable property—.than the
possessor of a hundred thousand pounds among a people
whose condition is fast driving them to despair. Our delibe-
rate opinion is, that, having regard to the increase of know-
ledge in the art of producing food and clothing in this
country within the last thirty years, the people ought in all
reason and justice to be better off than they were thirty
years ago. The population has increased, but it has not in-
creased in anything like the saine proportion as the increase
of productive power. We say that were the nation managed as
it ought to be, the people at large would share in the benefits
which may be furnished by the new discoveries in the arts
of production. The very reverse is noturiously the
fact. It is notorious that as the national means of feeding
and clothing have become greater in proportion to the
population, the state of the population has deteriorated.
The mass of the people cannot now pay the taxation which
it paid without perceptible difficulty thirty years ago.
Luxury has made great progress. There are classes who
live in a much more profuse, though not more virtuous
manner, than they did thirty years ago, but the working
people do not live nearly so well. This fact, in a
nation which has been all the time advancing in wealth, is
in itself a condemnation of the system which governs the
reward of the peoples industry. During the last thirty
years the system which is called " Liberal," and which we
deeply regret that mercantile and manufacturing people so
generally approve, has been continually making progress.
During all that time the protection of British industry has
been in various ways undergoing diminution. The nation
has been getting richer—the masses have been growing
must which
bring regards
poorer. If this go on, the end will be either the complete
debasement of the British working people, and the ruin of
Britain in that way, or the rage of the British people rising
eh eo
fLtihbee rpael
ospyl set, em,
into revolution, and producing ruin in that way. In either
ecvaeslela rtationawlertiltnh. and not the

DEATH OF A RETIRED CUSTOM-HOUSE OFFICER BY
FIRE.—On 'Wednesday Mr. Baker held an inquest at the
Bricklayers' Arms, Gloucester-street, Mile-end-road, on the
body of Mr. Frederick Greenwaller, aged eighty years, a
retired Custom-house officer, lately residing
,in Gloucester-
street. On Friday evening last he was sitting by the fire •
side, when a noise was heard as if a heavy body had fallen,
and when one of the witnesses went up stairs, he found the
deceased lying on the hearth with his trousers on fire. He
was much burnt about the lower parts of his body, of which
injuries he died on the following day. At the time the acci-
dent occurred lie had
a great quantity of sovereigns in his
pockets, and on the mantel-piece was a bank note of consi-
derable value, which he placed in a box containing lucifer
matches. There was no evidence as to how the deceased set
himself on fire. The jury returned a verdict of 14 Accidental
death."

This is not all. The case was ordered to be heard before
the Lord Mayor this day, at 12 o'clock. Subsequently to the
occurrence of the proceedings above detailed, however, ap-
plication was made to his Lordship for summonses against
the captains of both the Watermen's boats, at present on the
station. The complaint against them was literally and
simply " for calling at Blackfriars Pier." The Lord Mayor,
on ascertaining that the summonses could not be served in
time to hear the case against the captains to-day, directed
them to be brought up on Friday next, to which day his
Lordship also ordered the charge against Mr. Smith to stand
over. _ _ _ _

Thus in, addition to having been dragged through the
streets as a felon (for such was actually the case, each police-
man grwri;ing an arm of the accused), Mr. Smith will be put
t'2, 'tile additional inconvenience and expense of travelling
from Woolwich to London and back, merely to ascertain that
he has to appear again on the following day.
Kinchin, the captain of No. 8, behaved with great circum-
spection throughout the affair, and on witnessing the treat-
ment to which Mr. Smith was subjected, jumped off the boat,
and accompanied him to the police• station,

Mr. Wakley,
n held an inquost at the university Col-
legeP"lslnica PATIENts Hi itosrrrALs.-;-Testerclay,
Hospital, on the body of Emma Willing, aged five years
and a half, whose
parents reside in Victory-place, Edmund-
street, Battle-bridge.
On Friday last, during the momen-
tary absence of deceased's Mother, g younger brother tiorti;-
menced playing with the fire, and in so doing ignited her
clothes. Though the flames were extinguished promptly,
deceased was fatally burned: and having been conveyed to
the above hospital, She died in it the next morning. The
Coroner instituted minute inquiries amongst the patients to
ascertain whether or not deceased had been threatened with
punishment to still her cries, by any of the nurses or hos-
pital authorities: Finding that she had not) he expressed
his satisfaction) and told the jury he Made the inquiry bey
cause he had seen in one of our hospitals a birch rod hung
up on the bed of a juvenile patient who had undergone a
painful and dangerous operation: The child could not look
116 pneivellkttlhaeWeitrliieostitthaaetelanggonthy might force from it. is instrument of torture placed to
Verdict—
" Accidental death,"
A PIECE or GoOD Lucx. Some days since a
gentleman in thiS city, being about to rSinote &OM one reg.
dente id anbthek, sent fiji a par otY wh TrAt the habit Of
purchasing books and other articles, and dealing them,
And telling him that as lie wished to clear away a quantity
Of old lumber that lay in the kitthen and underground cel-
lttr, he had better look at Dion and gee what he would give
as their value. The dealer accordingly, did So, and frotn
time to time purchased them for what he conceived they
WereavOrth: Among the, rest was an old iron box or safe,
Whiell hail lain fbr neglected in.one of the cellars and
appeared intrinsically worth very little. He o#ered f/. for
it, upon which the owner said he might have it, and directed
biin to Sake it away at. once: The aid of four men; who were
ht the house *as obtained to remove it, bUt they *ere un-
able to carry it, and four more had to be brought in, wlioa'e
united exertions placed it on a car, and it was conveyed to
the purchaser's house in Mallo*-lane. Before it was taken
Off the car a pawnbroker; from Blackpool, saw the chest
afterpos to,buy The original purchaser offered it,
some hi
for 37: 10s: : the pawnbroker would give
but 31., and as he could not get it for that weitt ?.:way. The
*eighty bargain *as then taken off the car, but the par-
Chaser nbt liking to ,put it on timber floor, left it in the
street for a couple of nights. On sending, however, for the
key, which could not be had when he bought it, it was found
by a label attached to it, that the contents of the box must
iia-ve been worth more than 205.; and accordingly a gentle-
man, on behalf of the owner, went to where it lavi but could
not open it from the rusty state of the lock. The services
of a locksmith were at length obtained, and when the box
was opened it was found to contain plate and other valuables
to the amount of, we understood, over 5001.—Cork Reporter.
DEATH Imorit iSCALDlNG.—Yesterday evening,
Mr. Baker held an niqUeSt at the William the Fourth
Tavern, Bethnal-green-road, on the body of Julia Osborn,
aged two years, whose parents reside in the above street. On
the morning of Thursday, the 4th inst., the deceased was
sitting in front of a large fire on which was placed a saucepan
of boiling water, and whileithe mother waslifting the saucepan
off the fire-grate, it slipped, and the contents fell over the
head, shoulders, and neck of the child, who expired on Satur-
day morning last. Verdict, "Accidental death."
The West Indiaman Duke of Blanchester, William
Scott Murray, master, bound to Jamaica, got on shore on the
Goodwin Sands on the 13th instant, and is now on her way
back to the river Thames, to discharge her cargo in the
West India Docks, preparatory to the Teasel going into dry
dock to be repaired.

I.ltyrinistAhler OF COLONEL REID FROM THE 2D
itEGUSIENT OF LIFE GUARDS.—COIOneI Reid, the recently-
elected M.P. for Windsor, has just, retired, upon halfpay,.
from the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 2d Regiment of Life'
Guards. It is expected that Major INl'Douall, who stands
next for promotion in the regiment; will succeed to the
vacancy created by the retirement el Colonel Reid. A step
in their respective ranks will also be obtained by the isenior
captain, lieutenant, and cornet.
The Countess of Lichfield and the Ladies Harriet
and Geraldine and the lion. Adalbert Abseil art ekpected
to remain in the French capital until the end of the ensu-
ing month, what they return to rejoin the Noble Earl; at
Graeffenburg.
SERIOUS CABRIOLET AtcitYkirr.--testerciay after-
noon, between tWo And three o'clock, Edward Middleton,
ESq., of Montague-square, was driving at a quick rate along
Park-lane, when in passing a coal waggon, the driver
dentally struck Mr. Middleton 's horse over the back With
his whip. The horse instantly set off at a furious speed; 'ant).
Mr. Middleton in his nlaem lost all control over him, and
leaped out of the cabriolet into the road, unfortunately falling
on his head. The groom descended froin behind the cabriolet;
and succeeded in stopping the horse without further mischief
being done. On examination, it was ascertained that the
injuries sustained by Mr. Middleton, though severe, were net
datigerons. "
FATAL ACCIDENT AT rcIN'CI 'TAME 'S bTAIRS, WAP•
PlNG.—YesteNay Mr", sager held an inquest'at the London
Hospitals bti 'View of the body of Mary Jeffreys, aged twenty-
four, whose death was caused by falling over the wharf ad-
joining King James's-stairs, Wapping. The deceased, who
had been six years in the service of Mr. Foster, a gentleman
residing at Wapping, on the 29th of September ult. had
holiday. She was returning home about ten o'clock at
night, when in mistake she turned down the thoroughfare
leading to King James's-stairs, which was near her master's
residence. On reaching the end she fell over the wall of
the wharf, which is unprotected, and was precipitated a
depth of about twelve feet. On being taken up, her left
ankle was found dislocated. She was removed home, and
from there was conveyed in a cab to the London Hospital,
where she lingered till Monday last, on which day she. died
f 7 cm exhaustion aritkinL; ?-1 OM the injury. It having been
stated by Mr. Foster that many accidents have occured at
the same spot, the Coroner, at the request of the jury, said
that he would write to Mr. Mellish, the vestry clerk, to have
some protection placed there. Verdict—" Accidental death."

The Earl of Pembroke's extensive stud and splen-
did equipages have been removed to Paris, and we hear the
Noble Earl contemplates a protracted residence in France•

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 18, 1845.

RAILWAY RESPONSIBILITY.
(From the Times.)
The railway drama approaches its denouement. Each day
developes sonic new effort of the actors to escape the toils
they have spread for each other. The more they struggle the
more the plot thickens, and the deeper becomes the interest
of the scene. There is a strange peculiarity in the perform-
ance. It reverses the established order of things, and inverts
the common proportion of numbers between the players and
the audience. Here we have on one side a crowded stage and
a whole community for the dramatis personce, on the
other a beggarly account of empty boxes, dotted thinly here
and there with a few critical and uneyrnpathising spectators.
For our own part we have but little pity for the sufferings of
disappointed speculators. They have not, for the most part,
any legitimate claim upon our feeling. Theirs is a common
case. A large adventure and great risk; enormous gains on
one side, ruin on the other. The throw of the dice has been
unlucky; but the gamester, though entitled by pre-
scription to accuse the fickle goddess he adores,
has no right to quarrel with the better fortune of
his fellow-worshippers, and certainly none to ask
assistance from the bystanders. We speak, of course, of
those only who have been playing with their eyes open. It
is a very different matter when the dice have been loaded
and the cards packed. Then all who see may interfere, and
it is the duty of all to expose the cheat. It cannot be
doubted that in the monster catalogue of railway schemes
there are many bubbles. Companies there must be which
never had an idea of proceeding beyond provisional registra-
tion, nor any object but to raise deposits and " rig" the
market. These are not bond fide associations. They have
flourished by false pretences, and are, in fact, fraudulent
and illegal. The public needs not to be informed, that the
promoters of such schemes can have no claims upon sub-
scribers which a court of law will enforce. Deposits that
have been paid to them may be recovered back; and de-
posits that are apparently due to them upon letters of al-
lotment, but which have not been paid, are safe in the
pockets of the holders. It is idle to talk of partner-
ship and liability to contribution and an equitable adjustment
of losses. There is no partnership where the contract has
been a fraud practised by some members upon the others,
and consequently there can be no claim to contribution. And
what equity is there in sharing losses where- there never
would have been an account of profits? But unfortunately
it is often difficult to prove fraud. There is a strong rule of
law that it shall never be presumed, and the burden of proof
lies always on the party who makes it his defence. It may
thus happen that bubble companies who have laid their
plans well, and so cautiously worded their advertisements and
prospectuses that no false pretences can be shown, will be
bold enough even to assume the offensive and to take legal
steps for enforcing the payment of their deposits. This has
often been threatened, and sometimes, we fear, with success.
The form of the threat hitherto has been a simple demand of
payment on a certain day. One company, however, has gone
a step further, and holds forth the terrors of a Chancery suit
as the penalty of non-payment. The circular of the Great
Welsh Central Railway Company is in these words:—
" December 10, 1845.

" Sir,—Upwarde of 400,000 shares were applied for in this
undertaking by yourself and others, persons of known sub-
stance and respectability. On the faith of such applications
the Committee of Management was induced to make very
considerable outlays, proportioned to the extent of the line
and the high estimation in which it was held by the public.
The deposits on a considerable number of the shares allotted
to other applicants, as well as on those allotted to you, have
not been paid.
" The expenses, considering the magnitude of the scheme,
will be but small, if borne rateably in proportion to all the
allotments, and as it would be manifestly unjust to throw
such expenses exclusively on those parties who have honour-
ably kept their engagements, the Committee have thought it
their duty to lay this case before high legal authority, and
are advised that every applicant to whom shares have been
alloted is legally compellable to pay the full amount of his
deposit.
" Acting under this advice, and with a view to a fair and
just apportionment of such expenses, the Committee have
directed me to request that you will, on or before Thursday
next, the 18th inst., either pay into the hands of one of the
undermentioned bankers the sum above specified, being at
the rate of 4e. per share on your allotment, and your average
ratableproportion of such expenses, or that you will forward
to me before that day the name of a solicitor who will under-
take to appear for you to a bill in Chancery at the suit of the
Company. Thus you may be spared the personal inconve-
nience and annoyance of being personally served with the
writ of subpoena.'
The " high legal authority" which is here alluded to is
probably that of Sir Fitzroy Kelly, who has, we understand,
given an opinion to the effect that the application for shares
and letter of allotment constitute of themselves a complete
contract, by which the applicant binds himself to become
a partner, to the extent of the shares allotted to him,
in a copartnership recognized by law—namely, by the
Joint-Stock Companies Act. This opinion certainly appears
to be quite irrespective of the issuing of scrip or the signature
of the Parliamentary contract. Such, we believe, is the
general impression among the lawyers who have viewed it
favourably. If it be correct, we can only say it is most un-
fortunate; for the extent of liability it imposes upon thou-
sands of imprudent individuals cannot be viewed without
alarm. It is, however, to be remarked, that the Solicitor-
General's opinion does not touch the case of a party, who,
having paid his deposit, applies for his scrip and offers to
sign the contract, but is refused the one, and not allowed to
do the other. It would certainly appear reasonable that
the law should make a difference between such a per-
son and one who refuses altogether to pay his deposit,
because he finds there is no chance of premiums in
the market. If the former has been the case of the
Welsh Railway, we are strongly inclined to doubt
their having been well advised. At all events, there are
some crumbs of comfort still remaining for the victims, which
we are at all times ready to distribute to them ; but,
be it understood, more out of pity than from any acknow-
ledgment of their deserts. It may so happen that the ques-
tion will be, whether the contract is one of present or futare
partnership—a question which, of course, depends very much
upon the terms of the prospectus, and the particular acts of
the parties. If the projected company be advertised to con-
sist of a certain number of shares, a part only of which are
allotted—a considerable portion being reserved—no matter
for what purpose, the individual who has agreed to take
shares in such a scheme may well be heard to say that the
partnership he contracted to belong to has never been formed.
There is no doubt that the original projectors are the parties

liable to pay all expenses. In the absence of any express
promise on the part of the so-called shareholders, these are
not chargeable for contribution. It has been said that if
persons set a scheme afoot, and assume to be directors or
managers, all the expenses incurred before the scheme is in
actual operation must, in the first instance, be borne by them.
When it is in operation, the expenses and charges of manage-
ment will be borne by the concern ; and then it may be fair
that the preliminary expenses should be paid in the same
way, for then the subscribers have the benefit of them.
There is no lack of decisions on this point, and "Nickels v.
Crosby" may be worth an attentive perusal. It may, how-
ever, be urged that what the Committee of Management seek
to establish in the case under consideration is not so much a
partnership, as a contract to pay an ascertained sum for the
purpose of carrying out a certain undertaking, the specific
performance of which contract will be enforced by a court of
equity. This is probably the real state of the case. If se,
we advise all those who are sought to be charged to remain
perfectly quiet, and to keep their money in their pockets.
Let these projectors try their luck in Chancery. If they do,
we promise ourselves the sport of seeing "the engineer hoist
with his own petard."

GREAT MEETING

OF THE

ANTI-CORN-LAW
LEAGUE

IN COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE.

The first great aggregate meeting of the League took
place last night, iu the Theatre Royal, Covent-garden.
It has been our lot to visit, as the faithful chronicler for
the public information, every meeting of the League
that hes taken place within this spacious building ; but
we must confess that, of all the demonstrations we ever
witnessed in favour of free trade, and the principles pro-
pounded by the League, the one of last night, exceeded
all. We had anticipated an immense meeting, in conse •
(pence of the lately-published opinions of Lord J. Russell,
Lord Morpeth, and others, in favoue of a repeal of the
corn-laws, but we were astounded by the demonstration
of last night. Long before the opening of the doors every
avenue to the theatre was choked up by masses of
human beings, all anxious to obtain admission ; and when
the doors were opened the rush was tremendous, and
the house in a very few minutes was filled to suffocation
in every part. The arrival of Mr. Cobden, Mr. Villiers,
Mr. Pattison, Mr. Milner Gibson, and other influential
and prominent members of the League, was hailed with
loud plaudits. The theatre, before the commencement of
the meeting and through its duration, presented one of
the most magnificent spectacles it is po,sible to imagine,
On the platform we noticed the Hon. C. P. Villiers, M.P. ;
R. Cobden, Esq , M.P. ; John Bright, Esq., M.P. ; T. C.
Grainger, Esq., M.P. ; Henry Metcalf, Esq., M.P. ;
Howard Elphinston, Esq., M.P.; Benjamin Smith, Esq.,
M.P. ; Thomas Milner Gibson, Esq., M. . ; James
li
Pattison, Esq., M.P. ; Arthur Pattison, Esq. ; W. J.
Fox, Esq. ; William Metcalf, Esq. ; Adam Smith, Esq.;
Captain Cogan ; John M'Clode, Esq. ; W. A. Wilkin
son, Esq. ; P. A. Taylor, Esq. ; Norman Wilkinson,
Esq. ; ])r. Stoner • William Leaver, Esq. ; Colonel
Gardner ; Dr. LAI) ; George Stephenson, Esq. ; A.
Stone, Esq. ; IL Fowler, Esq. ; Henry Staples Foster,
Esq., Cambridge ; J. Phillips. Esq ; Henry Lloyd
Morgan, Esq. ; Rev. S. Luke ; J. A. St. John, Esq. ;
Boyle St. John, Esq ; Wm. Mortimer, Esq. ; Wm.
Pollard, Esq., Hertford ; B. M. Roberts, Esq. ; J. Per-
ratt, Esq., Somerset ; J. Somers, Bridgewater ; J. Col-
vervvall, Somerset ; Alfred Levibond, Middlezoy, Bridge-
water ; Sir Wm. Baynes, Bart. ; T. M. Robinson, Esq.;
J. M'Call, Esq., Manchester ; Hugo Reid, Esq. ;
Hills, Esq., Stilton ; F. Scheer, Esq., Cherapanot,
Estrinorburg, Siberia ; Ralph Ricardo, Esq. ; James
Brotherton, Esq. ; John Moss, Esq., Derby ; P. Davy,
Esq., Crediton ; H. L. Keeling, Esq. ; Sylvanus Par-
tridge, Esq. ; Robert Price, Esq. ; and Summers liar-
ford, Esq.
At seven o'clock, the time appointed for commencing
the business of the meeting,
Mr. COBDEN came forward, amid tremendous cheering,
and stated that Mr. Villiers had kindly consented, in the
absence of their friend Mr. Wilson, to take the chair.—
(Cheers.)
C. P. VILLIERS, Esq., M.P., took the chair amid great
cheering and some confusion, and cries of" Open the doors
of the boxes," occasioned by the extremely crowded
state of the house. When silence and order had
in some measure been restored, he said—
Ladies and Gentlemen, a person has been di-
rected to open the doors of the boxes, which
some persons seem anxious should be done.—Xheers,
and cries of " That's right.") Ladies and gentlemen, the
only purpose for which I have to ask your attention for
one moment is to explain the reason why I should oc-
cupy the chair this evening. It was only a few minutes
before I entered this theatre this evening that I was in-
formed by my friends around me that the gentleman
who has so frequently, and so efficiently, presided as
chairman of these meetings, was seriously and
suddenly indisposed ; and the gentleman who in-
timated that to me, stated that it would be convenient
if I would supply the place of our friend Mr. Wilson
for the evening. Ladies and gentlemen, when the re-
quest was made to me to preside over the meeting, I
had some misgivings that it would be no easy duty to
discharge, and I at first declined to discharge it ; but
subsequently I assented to occupy the chair this evening,
and I do so upon the principle which I—(Great noise and
confusion, occasioned by the over-crowded state of the
house, and the anxiety of parties to obtain admission.)
Ladies and gentlemen, this confusion does not
arise from any spirit of disrespect to the
meeting or its object, but only from an over-zeal on the
part of persons to obtain places where they can see and
hear. Ladies and gentlemen, I knew it would be no
easy task to preside on this occasion, and I really did
assent to do so when the request was made to me for
no other purpose than that which, for the last six or
seven years, has always actuated me with respect to the
Anti-Corn-law League—namely, to cordially co-
operate with them whenever my humble services
could be made available.—(Great cheering.) I
remember the difficulties that beset the repeal of the
corn-laws before the establishment of the Anti-Corn-law
League, and I have been always of opinion, that if some
such powerful, intelligent body was not originated, there
was not any prospect of success for the cause of the
corn-law repealers—(Cheers)—and because I earnestly
desire to see the repeal of the corn-laws, I have thought
it my duty to place my feeble services when they were
required, at the disposal of the Anti-Corn law League.
—(Great cheering.) Notwithstanding the errors
said to have been committed by some of the gentlemen
composing the body of the Anti Corn-law League, I am
of opinion now, that if our opponents should come to their
senses, and consent to the abolition of the corn-laws be-
fore the people are maddened by starvation and want,
it would be the measures that have been adopted by the
Anti-Corn-law League that had brought about so glorious
a consummation.—(Cheers.) One of the reasons for which
I so sincerely regret the absence of our respected friend
Mr. Wilson is, that I know it was his intention to detail
to you the extraordinary exertions which have been
made by our friends, and those who represented
the League in the provinces, and which afford clear and
indisputable proof of the extent to which conversion to our
opinions and conviction of their truth has gone.—(Cheers.)
I hope it is satisfactory to our friends to observe that,
wherever they go, or their names are mentioned, their
valuable services are duly appreciated and gratefully
acknowledged.—(Great cheering.) Gentlemen, it would
probably have been one part of the address of my friend
Mr. Wilson to congratulate you, as I do myself, most
cordially, upon the accession of strength we have lately
received to our cause, in the conversion of some of the
most eminent statesmen existing in this country to the
principles and views propounded in this theatre by the
Anti-Corn-law League.—(Loud cheering.) We do
learn now that those persons who alone could be referred
to by the Crown to form an Administration, have come
to the conclusion that they would be no longer
parties to withholding one of the most obvious
rights of the people of this country —the plain
right of feeding themselves.—(Cheers.) We have now
the only men who can, in the present state of affairs, be
called to the councils and the assistance of their Sove-
reign, recording their opinions in favour of free trade,
and condemning the existence any longer of a duty on
foreign corn.—(Cheers.) Lord John Russell, there can
be no doubt— (Great cheering)—is a free trader, and in
favour of the repeal of the corn-laws. He has, in a bold,
manly, clear and intelligent way, made that manifest to
the world.—(Great cheering.) You have all, no-doubt,
read his recent address to the electors of the City of
London, by which he has plainly shown what his
opinions are, and leaving no doubt as to what his inten-
tions for the future are also.—(Cheers.) It was with no
rurprise that I read that Noble Lord's address, be-
cause I cannot but recollect that in the last
session he voted with the motion that I made for the
repeal of the corn-laws ; and by the speeches that he
made also during the last session he exhibited himself
perfectly alive to all the injury and miscief
that the corn-laws had produced—(Cheers)—and pre-
dicted that a time might arrive when they should be
precluded from calmly considering the question of the
repeal of the corn-laws, and that when scarcity came
they would be obliged at once to act, and repeal those ob-
noxious laws. I did not therefore read this address with
surprise when the emergency arrived.—(Cheers.) All
believe that that emergency has arisen, and that, unless
something be done, an that without delay, it is obvious
the people of this country: will be put to considerable
privations.—(Cheers.) Lord John Russell has come
forward at a most opportune moment to declare that he
will be no party to obstruct the procuring of food
for the people.—(Loud cheers.) Gentlemen, it has
been asserted—it has not been contradicted—
and it has received the strongest confirmation,
by the resignation of Sir Robert Peel, that he has
brought his great mind to the conclusion that the peo-
ple ought to feed themselves.—(Tremendous cheering.)
How this conversion and conviction has been brought
about is matter of indifference to us.—(Cheers.) It
may have been the bad potatoes—(Laughter)—or the
good arguments that have been used in favour of a repeal
of the corn-laws.—(lncreased laughter.)—Be that as it
may, the fact of such a conversion and conviction has
been announced, and it is for the people to turn that
circumstance to the best account.—(Cheers.) This
seems to be the great difficulty: we have arrived at a
crisis, and nobody knows what will be the result.—
Now, I say, that ",if these public men are true to you,
and you are true to yourselves, there can be no difficulty
about it.—(Cheers.) If Lord John Russell is of opinion
that the corn-laws ought to be abolished, and
he has been summoned to the councils
of his Sovereign and commissioned to form
a Government, let him declare that ho will form it on
the principle of abolishing the corn-laws.—(Great cheer-
ing.) If Sir Robert Peel has been properly represented—
if he has really been convinced that the corn-laws ought
to be abolished—then let him come forward and strenu-
ously and faithfully support Lord John Russell.—(ln-
creased cheering.) If we can be thoroughly con-
vinced that these two men, of these two parties,
are really earnest and honest in this purpose,
it becomes the duty, as it is the interest, of this great and
powertul and intellectual association—the Anti-Corn-law
League, to devote their energies in support of Lord John
Russell and Sir R. Peel.—(Great cheering.) Now Ido
believe, if we can found the common ground of the total
abolition of the corn-laws for each of these parties to stand
upon, the month of February will not pass over before
we shall relieve the statute-book of one of the foulest
blots that ever stained it.—(Great cheering.) If I
might be allowed to offer one single syllable of advice,
it would be, let the people depend upon themselves, for
of this I am assured, that if the people of this country
depend upon anything—upon any person or persons—
with more confidence and reliance than upon themselves,
they run the greatest risk of being deceived and disap-
pointed.—(Cheers.) The time has now arrived, the pre-
sent is the moment.—(Cheers.) We have got these great
parties in such a state of confusion—we have got these
public men in such a fix—(Great laughter)—that if we
only do justice b ourselves in this cause, nothing will
prevent our succeeding.—(Cheers.) This is the moment
When every person—when all men are required to make