The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-13 00:00:00

OMIT litt;

LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 1845.

The House of Commons met at Four o'cl3cl:.

After the transaction of private business Mr. E.
ELLICE complained that the income-tax was charged
upon the funds of Benevolent Secieties where the in-
come was under 1501.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER promised to

make inquiries with a view of providing a remedy for
the evil. The Right Hon. Gentleman, in answer to
Mr. T. DUNCOMBE, stated that no copy of the Divi-
dend Book of the Bank of England had been sent to
the office of the Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes.
Sir J. GRAHAM, in answer to Mr. T. DUNCOMBE,
expressed that after Easter he might be able to in-
troduce a satisfactory Bill for guarding against the
recurrence of explosions in collieries.
The second reading of 0 e Smoke Nuisance Pre-
vention Bill was, after a short conversation, deferred
until the 2d April.
On the order of the day for the third reading of
the Property-tax Bill being read,

Mr. WA KLEY drew the attention of the CHANCELLOR
of the EXCIIEQUER to the unjust surcharge, to the
amount of 24,0001., which had been made upon Mr.

FIBLDEN.

The ChANCELLOR of the EXCIIEQUER had not been
aware of the circumstance until that moment, but he
would advise Mr. FIELDEN to appeal from the deci-
sion of the local Commissioners to the Commissioners
of Stamps and Taxes.

A short discussion ensued on the subject of the ap-
pointment of local Commissioners, and on the motion
for the third reading of the Bill being put,
Mr. SPOONER moved the insertion of a clause for
the purpose of enabling persons engaged in business,
and employing members of their family in that busi-
ness, to deduct the value of such labour from his pro-
fits before being assessed to the income-tax.
Mr. MuNTz seconded the motion.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER felt bound
to oppose it, for he believed that at present every re-
lief was afforded to parties engaged in trade, except
such as would operate injuriously on other classes
With respect to the other amendment of which the
Hon. Gentleman had given notice, to enable a trader
to deduct local and eth.r rates, he had no hesitation
in saying that a trader under the present law was
justified in deducting local rates levied on those por-
tions of his premises which were employed in trade.
Mr. SPOONER replied, and the House divided, when
there appeared—For the clause, 39 ; Against it, 131;
Majority against the clause, 112.

Mr. SPOONER then moved the insertion of the fol-
lowing clause :

" And be it further enacted that from and after the
passing of this Act it shall be lawful for all persons
chargeable under schedules D and E, who may haveeff,!eted, or may hereafter effect, any insurance or in-
surances on their respective life or lives, to claim deduc-
tion from the amount of the annual premium paid for
such insurance or insurances ; and whenever such de-
duction so claimed shall reduce the net annual income
below the annual sum of 1501., the parties so claiming
shall be entitled to exemption from payment of duty."
Lord JOHN MANNERS seconded the motion.
Mr. WARBURTON Opposed the proposition of the
lion. Gentleman, because it would be impossible to
carry it out.

The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER considered
the scheme to be impracticable.
After a few words from Mr. HAWES and Mr.
AGLIONBT, the House divided, when there appeared
--For the amendment, 26 ; Against it, 87; Majority
against the amendment, 61.
Mr. WAKLEY, in moving the amendment of which
he had given notice, would tell the Government that
the country expected that the pledge given should be
redeemed, and that the tax should cease at the
end of three years. He believed that the amend-
ment which he was about to submit was necessary to
render the tax palatable even for that time, and he
would, therefore, move the insertion of the following

clause :
" And whereas doubts have arisen whether the
landlord for the time being of premises charged
under Schedule (A) is liable to the duty charged
on the said premises under the said last mentioned
schedule, whether the said landlord shall or shall nut
have received the rent in respect of the said premises ;
be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted, that it shall
and may be lawful for the Commissioners for General
Purposes, acting for the district in which the said pre-
mises are situated, on appeal to them made for that pur-
pose by the said landlord or his agent, to discharge the
assessment, or such portion thereof, at the rate of seven
pence in the pound on such amount of rent as the said
landlord shall prcve to their satisfaction he has wholly
lost, and has not been able and is not likely to recover in
respect of the said premises, and on which he wculd
have been liable to pay the said duty, by way of deduc-
tion, in case the occupier for the time being, or any other
person for him, had paid the said rent."
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER opposed the
clause as unnecessary. The landlord had by law ex-
traordinary remedies for the recovery of his rent, so
that with common prudence he could not suffer loss.
If he did not exercise common prudence in the choice
of his tenants he must take the consequences.
Mr. WAXLET bitterly regretted the opposition made
by the Government to all attempts at modifying this
odious tax ; but, with the example of the fate of the
Hon. Member for Birmingham before him, he would
withdraw his amendment.
Mr. FOSTER then proposed the introduction of the
following clause :
" And whereas all persons, corporations, and compa-
nies carrying on any mines of lead, tin, coal, copper,
iron, or other undertakings, of the like nature, are now
chargeable urder schedule (A), be it enacted, that from
and after the passing of this Act the said persons, cor-
porations, or companies so chargeable in respect of all
such undertakings, shall be assessed for the same under
schedule (D), in like manner, and with the same option
of privacy, as other persons, corporations, or companies
chargeable under that schedule."
After a short conversation the clause was agreed to.
Sir R. H. INGLIS then moved the following
clause :
" Provided always, that the said rates and duties shall
not be assessed or taken upon any income whatever, ex-
cepting with respect to the sum by which such income
shall exceed 1501."
He knew what the result of a division would be, but
to avoid being taunted by any future Chancellor of
the Exchequer that the measure in its present forth
had been fully sanctioned by the House, he felt
called upon to put it to the vote.
The motion was seconded by Mr. SPOONER, and
opposed by the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. On
a division there appeared—For the amendment, 25 ;
against it, 59—Majority against the amendment, 34.
Sir W. CLAY could not allow the Bill to pass with-
out entering his protest against it. The Hon. Baro-
net, in the course of his speech, defended the miser

from the imputations which are generally cast upon
him, and gave it as his opinion that the miser was a
great benefactor of society, and was, therefore, by no
means the fittest person to be taxed.

Sir R. PEEL, in alluding to the parting malediction
of the Hon. Gentleman, declined entering into the
question of the comparative merits of direct and of in-
direct taxation. But he must say that if there were
in any country taxes which pressed upon industry,
and at the same time a palpable tendency to ac-
cumulate, then property might be directly taxed ;
and that if a tax on property were to be imposed, it
should be on income, and not upon accumulated
capital. He would not contemplate the discussion
which was likely to arise when the renewal of the
tax came again before the House. At this the Mem-
bers laughed, as well they might, and the Right
Hon. Baronet went on to observe that the House
would not expect him to say now what course he
might take upon that future occasion. He said,
already preparations were going on in the glass trade
—suppose then the thousands who were now un-
employed—and other thousands—should find employ-
ment—suppose the glass manufactures of this country
should come into competition with Belgium and
Bohemia—might not this country, on the same
ground as it now acquiesced in the income-tax, be in-
clined to try further the application of direct taxation,
if not exactly in this shape ? Was it therefore to be
expected that he should now pledge himself to the re-
peal of the tax in three years ?
Mr. HAWES thought they ought not to be called
upon to submit to an income-tax until the burdens an
industry had been removed, and indirect taxation
placed on a sounder basis.

Mr. J. S. WORTLEY supported the Government.

Mr. WARD said that while Sir R. PEEL always did
what he said, the Hon. Gentlemen on his (Mr.
WARD'S) side of the House, said a great deal, but did
nothing. He highly approved of the Budget of the
Government, and he came down that night to record
his vote in favour of the Income•tax.

After a few words from Mr. CURTEIS, Mr. DARBY,
Sir C. NAPIER, and Mr. TRELAWNY, the Bill was
read a third time and passed.
The Sugar Duties Bill was read a second time, after
a short discussion, and ordered to be committed on
Friday.
The Customs Export Duties Bill was reada second
time and ordered to be committed.

The Justices' Clerks and Clerks of the Peace 13i11
was read a second time after a short discussion, and
ordered to be committed on the 14th April.
The House then went into Committee on the Bas-
tardy Bill. All the clauses of the original Bill were
agreed to.

Two additional clauses, proposed by Sir J.
GRAHAM, were also added to the Bill, and the

[louse resumed. The Bill was ordered to be re
ported to-morrow (this day).
The house then adjourned.

A case occurred a few days ago at the Worship-street
Police-office, which strongly illustrates the great
utility of the police reports in the London newspapers,
and beautifully exemplifies the genuine and unostetnta-
tious character of English charity. Long may the
course of that charity continue its gentle, vivifying,
flow, unobstructed by the obstacles—undiverted -by. the
opposing direction which the cold suggestions of =tin-
ts rian economists may interpose to it ! There is a spevies
of private benevolence, which may be erroneous ink the
contemplation of mere doctrinal policy, and may am,,tint,
even, to absolute evasion of specific Acts of Parlia CO ent
fur the statutable regulation of specific charities, but
which has merits that are far beyond what the one can
conceive, or the other can control. These merits receive

their noblest testimony in the enthusiastic admiradtion
of a man's fellow-citizens, and their most cheering: re
ward in the impressive sanction of a man's own bosom.
Accident bad brought under the notice of Mr. 'Alic-
e AM, the magistrate at the Worship-street Police-cdffice,
a case of domestic privation and misery, in its jute usity
almost unparalleled, even in the appalling annals or me-
tropolitan destitution. An honest Spitalfields' wesrver,
one MUNIKLIUYSEN, bad long been suffering, tog ether
with his wife and family, undo- the extremity of pin ch-

in; distress. aggravated by the illness of one of their
children.. In spite of the want of continuous employ-
ment, of scanty wages for his labour when he webs! so
fortunate as to find an employer—in spite of the req4ire-
meats of his sick child—the poor man bravely bestir red
himself to bold up his head, and, in the midst of d.v sti-
tution and wretchedness, to shun the lower degradmtion
of becoming a chargeable parochial pauper. In this
determination he appears to have been sustained by the
devotion and fortitude of a very meritorious wife. :But
a deeper shade of desolation was yet to brood over tb eir
humble and mournful hearth. Their sick child dio3d ;
and in their inability to provide the means of defray ing
even the charge of its interment, except in the alter na-
tive of passing through the portals of tho workhoutse , to
subsistence indeed, but subsistence at the price of ;St pa-
ration, they had the courage to live on in their dreary
indigence, awaiting the better times which might enable
them to remove from that which, abject as it was,. had
yet been and still was their common home, the, -un-
buried corpse. A fortnight passed, and the child, Rrttich
had bccome of those who, in the language of Scripbare,
are " free among the dead," still remained a fere ful,
present embodiment of death at th© side and in the ;midst
01 the living. Disease, aggravated doubtless by this; un-
ngtural and horrid approximation of the survivors to ;the
deceased, seems to have been on the point of snatching
away another victim in another child of this sufferin g fay
fully, when the facts we have thus lightly sketched were

made known to the sitting magistrate. The relieving
officer, dispatched by this functionary to institute personal
inquiries into the case, confirmed the statement which
had been made in every particular. The attention of
some few charitable individuals had been draw, ) the
case by the published reports, and they were not win
sending in some charitable contributions. (' hese
contributors it is to be observed that their fi toare
seems to have been to give their assistance pr,___etly ;
their second, to keep their own names secret. There is
no test that we can imagine of genuine benevolence so
certain as the absence of all ostentation in its exercise.
The last of the contributors, to whose case we would more
especially refer, was a gentleman who, having in person
addressed a question to the magistrate as to the truth of
the statement he had read of the misery of the MUNIK
HUYSEN family and been satisfied on that head, drew
forth five sovereigns and begged they might be applied
to the relief of these poor people. Whilst he was in the
act of conferring with the magistrate, and de-
clining to give any name with his alms,
the bereaved mother made her appearance ; and it was
in the course of her narrative to Mr. BINGHAM that the
fact was learned, for the first time, of the other child's
apparently impending dissolution, the dt ad body of its
brother being still, after the lapse of a fortnight, un-
removed from the room in which itself was languishing
in mortal sickness. The generous stranger, overcome
by the tale-of these accumulated distresses, presented
other five sovereigns for the use of this afflicted family,
and hastily quitted the office. After his departure the
funeral arrangements were immediately made, and it
may be, though we fear of this there is but slender hope,
that the other child has not yet been snatched away to
share the same grave.

We feel so much and such pure pleasure in recording
these prompt responses on the part of the more fortu-
nately situated classes of society, that we gladly cite
them, as furnishing incontestable answers to those
sweeping imputations of apathetic and reckless
selfishness which are too commonly cast upon
them. Such instances as these are by no
means rare, though few will, probably, be found
to surpass, in spirit and genuineness, the un-
ostentatious humanity of the anonymous Samaritan,
who, having " done good- by stealth," may " blush to
find it fame." We owe no apology for directing public
attention, however, to his good deeds. We have done
so in the earnest hope of inducing others who may have
hitherto forborne to " learn the luxury of doing good,"
in thus ministering to the wants of the most unfortu-
nate of their fellow-creatures, to apply themselves to
like active efforts of benevolence. We have done so
with a view of urging those who have alrasdy embarked
in a similar career of relief to that vast class of cases of
extreme domestic affliction and privation, which is sup-
plied from the more miserable quarters and suburbs of
this metropolis, to persevere unflinchingly in the path
they have opened. We have done so in a sort of wil-
lingness to_believe, if possible, that other declining ar-
tisans, such as poor MUNIICHUYSEN, may be encouraged,
like him, to face with constancy the most untoward and
continuous misfortunes, in the desire and struggle to
avoid that sort of self abandonment which, we fear, is,
in nine cases out of ten, the first and the irretrievable
step towards social debasement. This social debase-
ment, for some reason or other, is always identified in
the idea of that most deserving class of the extremely
indigent who are most averse to enter the workhouse,
with the mere fact of the throwing themselves upon
parochial relief ; and the idea is, unhappily, but too well
justified by all observation and experience of that other
and more extensive class which most unhesitatingly
resorts to that source of subsistence.

We have intelligence from Madrid to the sth inst. One
of the papers gives the following extract of a letter from
Vittoria, of the 2d inst.:—" Individuals implicated in the re-
cently frustrated conspiracy are daily discovered. The ser-
geants have avowed all. It is said that next week some of
them and an officer will be shot."

The Three per Cents. clOsed at 331 for cash, and 341 at 60
days ; the Five per Cents. at 25a at 60 days.

The defeat of the Freneh Ministry on the pensions forms
the leading topic in most of the Paris journals. The Oppo-
sition are rejoiced at the result, and regard it as another un-
doubted proof of the utter helplessness of the present Cabinet.
The Ministerial papers are greatly dissatisfied with the con-
duct of certain Conservative Members who deserted the
Ministry for the purpose-of throwing out a Bill which, from
all accounts, would not have been pressed through the Cham-
ber of Peers. "A strong difference of opinion" says the Journal
des Debate, " had arisen in the ranks of the majority
relative to one of the clauses of the Bill. This dissent con-
tinued to the end, notwithstanding the chance which ex-
isted of the matter being fully re-argued before the Chamber
of Peers. For this we are most concerned, for' assuredly the
satisfaction which certain Conservatives saay feel in carrying
out their individual opinion, by separating themselves from
their friends on a secondary point, does not counterbalance
the inconvenience of affording the Opposition one of those
little successes which, for want of better, it makes the most
of, as loudly as it can." The Constitutionne/, in fact, admits
that several of the Conservatives were hostile to the mea-
sure; and their Conservative feelings, therefore, caused
the defeat. It was not, however, considered a vital
question, the Conservatives, according to the Globe, only look-
ing at the law itself, and putting all political considerations
out of the question, voted for or against it according to their
personal impressions.

We regret to learn that a fatal duel took place in the Bois
de Boulogne, on Tuesday morning, between M. DE BEAU-
VALON, one of the editors of the Globe (Paris paper), and M.
DITJARRIER, the director and principal proprietor of the
Presses The parties fought with pistols,' and on the first
fire M. DIE BEAUVALOX'S ball struck N. DUJARRIER in the
right eye, and having penetrated into the brain the unhappy
man fell dead on the instant. The seconds on the part of M.
DUJARRIER were M. DE BOIGNE and the son of General
BERTRAND, and on the part of M. ins BEAUVALON, the Count
DE FLAIR and M. DR Quivicuitrts. The cause of the me-
lancholy quarrel is not known.
The Revue de Paris states that the Duke do BROGLIE was
to leave Paris on Thursday for London, to enter upon a con-
ference with Dr. LUSHINGTON, relative to the right of search.
It aCds--" The right of search is to be declared suspended
fur a time, and a certain number of cruisers of both nations
are to be stationed at the usual points of arrival and depar-
ture of the vessels presumed to be engaged in the trade."
The Constitutionnel contains the following paragraph rela-
tive to the affairs of Switzerland :—" We have received news
from Zurich to the 9th instant. The French Ambassador
had employed, more rapidly than was expected, the dis-
patches taken to him by Count CIIAPPEDELAINE. On the 6th
he informed the President of the Diet of a note from M.
GWIzoT, couched, it is said, in terms similar to that of Lord
ABERDEEN, of Feb.ll." The Diet was not to meet until the
10th, to resume the discussion on the free corps.
General SONNENBERG had disbanded a great portion of
the troops levied by Lucerne on the sth inst.
THE BOURSE--TUESDAY, MARCH 11.
First Highest Lowest Last
Pries. Price. Price. Price.
8865 10
8865 10
8865 8
8865 10
French Five per Cents ..... . 117 30 .• 117 80 .. 117 30 117 30
ab— Cents.ar•e:g: ..1095 "1085 ..1085
Bl'lt rek,we el
L,PerooooBnf.
610542%50 610524%50 610524%50
.. 103% .. 103 X,
Spanish Active •••••• • • •• 39 .. 3934 .. 3934 •• 2934
Bitigiglianan
Four
-and
6(00063423150
116063%34
106%
106%
..• 40X, .. 40% .• 40% .. 40%
Passive. . • • • • • • • • ..
Portuguese rive per Cents •• 6734 .. 6734 .. 6734 •• 6734
.. 101 75 .. 101 75 .. 101 75 .. 101 75
Roman . .... •• • • 10534 .. 105% .. 1053 •• 105.4
BAILW.AI tillAltEls•
St. Germain ...... . • • .1150 ..1150 ..1150 ..1150
Versailles, MB. .• • • • 610 .. 627 50 .. 610 .. 625

L.ll .. 400
Rouen ... ..... ..... .. .1160
Rouen to Havre..
Orleans .. • . • • • . —.1315

.. 40J
..1160
.. 970
-1345

.. 397 50 .. 398 75
"1150 ..1150
.. 950 .. 970
..1315 ..1345

Strasburg to Bale-- •••••• 330 337 50 •• 330 .. 336 23
A.Agnou to Alarsoilles••••••1085 ..1125 ..1085 ..1125
Bordeaxx to Teete ........ 2i5 .. 240 ..
A2a3cso
16
St. Germain . .. 240
Paris to Scoaux
itAIL.
—ACCOUNT,m ..1150
Versailles, R. 8... ..... 610 .. 635 .. 610

-1165
.. 633

390 .. 400 •• 300 400
Rouen ... .
Rouen to 947 50 .. 975 •• 947 50 .. 970
Orleans ......... • . •.......1310 ..1347 ••1300 —1345
Strasburg to Bale 330 338 75 •• 330 . 337 50
Avignon to Marseilles 1080 ..1130 ..1070 ..1130

We are assured, in a communication from what
(without mentioning names) we may call the highest pos-
sible official source, that the rumours which we published a few
days back of intended changes in Sir Robert Peel's Government
are without foundation. We are authorised to declare that Mr.
Goulburn takes a statesmanlike, and not a religious view of
his position in respect of the Bill for admitting Jews to muni-
cipal offices. He is satisfied that the Bill will pass whether
he opposes it or not : he retains his position that the Bill is full
of mischief for theconntry ; but is that any reason, he asks him-
self, why he should inflict on his country the additional mischief
of the loss of his services as Chancellor of the Exchequer?
Mr. Gladstone is to reunite himself to the Government, suc-
ceeding Lord Ripon as President of the Board of Control.
We regret to hear that the Right Hon. Gentleman's health
has been so far impaired by the frequency and zeal of his
Is.te. volupteer defences of the Government, that he is not

likely to be able to attend llTispiace during the discussions
of the Jew Relief Bill. The Right Hon. Gentlemen will
employ that time in recruiting his health, that he may after-
wards apply himself wore vigorously to the dispatch of the
official business which Lord itipon has, for some time past,
been allowing to accumulate at the Board of Control.—
Chronicle.

THE LITERARY FUND.—The annual meeting of the
members of this Institution was held yesterday in the chambers of
the Corporation, Great Russell-striet, Sir William Chatterton,
Bart., in the chair. The report stated that the sum dispensed,
during the past year, to distressed authors and their families, was
9551., and that the total amount applied to this purpose since the
formation of the Society was 31,183/. The Committee felt happy
to announce that her Majesty had granted the Institution the privi-
lege of bearing the Imperial Crown as an addition to its armorial
bearings, with the title of the " Royal Corporation of the Literary
Fund." The Marquis of Lansdowne was re-elected Prepident, and
the vacancy, caused by the death of the Earl of Mountnorris, was
filled up by the appointment of the Archbishop of Dublin. After
the adoption of the report Charles Dickens, Esq., Fraser Tytler,
Esq., the Rev. Dr. Mill, Sir Harris Nicolas, Mr. Sergeant Talfourd,
William Brockeldon, Esq., and Edward Gandy, Esq., wire elected
members of the Committee; and, thanks having been given to the
chairman, the meeting separated.

THIS DAY'S NEWS.

BANK of ENGLAND.—(THIS DAY.)
The usual half yearly Court of the Governor, Directors, and Pro.
prietors of Bank Stock was held this day at the Bank of England,
for the purpose of declaring a dividend.

William Cotton, Esq., Governor of the Bank, took the chair at
twelve o'clock.

After the minutes of the last meeting were read,
_ . .

The GOYERNOR said he had the honour to acquaint the Court
that this was the half.yearly General Court appointed by the bye.
laws to consider of a dividend. The Court of Directors
having considered the state of the banking ac.
counts, were of opinion that a dividend might be
made if the Court thought fit of 3i . per cent, interest,
and profit for the half year, ending the sth of April next, deducting
therefrom 7J. in the pound on account of the income-tax. The
Court were aware that a change had been made with regard to the
making up of the accounts, and that, under the new system, now
the accounts were made up to the 28th of February, and the re-
sult of the profits between the 31st of August and the 28th of
February, enabled the Directors to recommend a dividend ibr the
last half-year, making an addition to the rest of 9,7271. He had
now to move that a dividend be made; and as many as were of that
opinion would signify the same by holding up their hands.
In answer to a question from Mr. FIELDER,
The Goyeamoit stated that every year the amount of the sum
for the redemption of capital was larger than the year before,
Mr. HAMMOND wished to know how the new system was found
to work ?

The GOVERNOR said, that there was some labour and expense in
putting the Bank in a condition to work the new system, but they
found no citliculty in working it.

The motion declaring a dividend of 34 per cent., deducting the
inoorne.tax therefrom, was then put, and carried unanimously.
The GOVERNOR said that the dividend warrants would be deli-
vered and paid on Monday, the 7th of April next.
Mr. Witussis proposed the following vote of thanks
. _

_ .
" Resolved,—That the best thanks of this Court, be given to the
Governor for his conspicuous talent, zeal, and assiduity to the
interests of the Bank of England; snore particularly, for success.
fully carrying out the working of the new system, as established
pursuant to the last Act of Parliament for renewing the privileges
of this Corporation."
Mr. HAMMOND seconded the resolution.
Mr. CooKe concurred, with great pleasure in the object of the
resolution.

Mr. HAMMOND begged leave to say a very few words. As a very
old Proprietor of the Bank, he could not permit this resolution to
go forward without expressing his entire concurrence in it; for he
was well acquainted with the zeal, the ability, and the assiduity
which the Governor and Deputy-Governor brought to bear in the
management of the affairs of this great great corporation.—(Hear,
hear.) Indeed, he believed that there could not be found in it two
men better qualified for the offices.—(Hear, hear.)
➢lr. FIELDER felt the fullest confidence in the conduct and abi-
lity of the Governor and Deputy-Governor for the last three years,
and he had no doubt but that all who now heard him felt equal
confidenee and satisfaction. But there was one point to which he
wished to call the attention of the Court. He would ask, would
it not be well, a short time before the election of the next Gover-
nor, Deputy. Governor, and Directors, to advertise the names of
the gentlemen whom it was intended to put in nomination for
those offices, in order that the Proprietors might have an opportunity
of judging far themselves as to the fitness of these men Y He
merely threw this out as a suggestion,
The GOVERNOR said, in answer to a question from a Proprietor,
that the amount of the rest prior to the declaration of the dividend
was 3,573,5241. 4s. 2d., and subsequent to the declaration of the
dividend it amounted to 3,079,0251. 9s. 9d.

. .
The resolution was then put and carried unanimously, as was
also a similar vote to the Deputy-Governor.

The Goimallost rose to return thanks. Before doing so he
begged to say, in answer to a question that had Just been put in re.
ference to the rest, that heretofore the sum announced as the rest
was not the current amount, because it contained cnly a statement
of the interest paid in at the different periods in the interim pre.
vious to the regular time for declaring the rest ; but now, and in
future, under the new system, the sum stated as the amount of
the rest would be the correct and actual amount. Having answered
that question, he now begged to thank the Court for the very un-
deserved honour they had conferred upon him. The Court were
aware that it was at their request he had allowed himself to be put
in nomination for this year—(Hear, hear)—for he was well aware
that the duties of the office would demand his most anxious care—
knowing, as he did, that very important measures, affect-
ing not only the welfare of this establishment, but that
of the country generally, in connexion with it,
would be brought before Parliament this year.—(Hear, hear.) He
would be glad indeed that some member of their body, possessed of
more ability and talent than he could boast, had been chosen ; but
having discharged his duty, as he had. been told, satisfactorily, he
did not resist the request that he should continue in the chair for
another year.—(Hear, hear.) But though deficient in talent, yet
he could say with sincerity, in the words of the oath he had taken
when last placed In the chair, that be had done his duty to the ut-
most of his skill and power.—(Hear, hear.) He felt bound to say,
however, that much of his success had been owing to the very
cordial and efficient assistance for which he was indebted to
those who acted with him.—(Hear, hear.) He should also add
that he had found that a plain, straightforward, unreserved mode
of dealing In his communications with the Government was the
only foundation that could be relied on with security and certainty.
—(Hear, hear.) That was the course that had been taken, and
he congratulated the Proprietors on the successful results.

The DEPUTY-GovEnama next returned thanks in a few words,
and expressed the satisfaction it afforded him to see the Court so
unanimous in their approbation of the conduct of their Governor.

The GOVERNOR, in reply to a question, said that ne application
bad been made for a new Corporation, but that there would be
one made to the Crown for a new Charter.

The SECRETAEItthen read the minute, and the meeting ad-
jotuned.

LONDON JOINT-STOCK BANK

(THIS DAY.)
A general meeting of the Proprietors of this Bank was held this
day at the office in Princes-street, for the purpose of electing a
Director in the room of Mr. Derthez, resigned.
Some additional interest seemed to be felt in the proceedings, in
consequence of misunderstandings which had arisen out of charges
alleged to have been made by Mr. Meek, one of the candidates,
against the Directors at a meeting in 1841. The attendance was
♦ery numerous.

Captain LocuNoe, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, took
the chair at twelve o'clock. In opening the business, he stated
that a vacancy had occurred in the Direction, and two gentlemen,
William James Lancaster, Esq., and George Meek, Esq., had been
proposed as candidates.

On the question being put to to the meeting from the Chair,
Mr. MEEK entered into a statement and defence of considerable
length, in reference to what he had said at the meeting in 1841,
and which was made the ground of opposin his election to the
office of Director.

Mr. HACKLOCIL then addressed the meeting, and read extracts
from short-hand notes of Mr. Meek's speech at the meeting in
question, and contended that, after such observations on the part of
that gentleman, the Shareholders would act imprudently in elect-
ing him to fill the •acancy in the Directory. The Honourable
Proprietor was interrupted several times on the ground that he
was introducing that which was irrelevant to the object of the
meeting.

Ultimately Mr. Meek resigned, and W. J. Lancaster, Esq., was
unanimously elected as the new Director.

vote of thanks was given to the Chairman, and the meeting
then adjourned.

LLOYD'S SHIPPING.-(THIS DAY,

- z
LONDON, 31.usen 13, P.M.—Strong Northerly breez e and hazy.—
There was a fall of snow last night accompanied with a severe frost.
SHIELDEI, Mnacu B.—Put back Friendship, of Whitby, with bow-
sprit sprung, having been in contact.

. .
DAV.T24OI.7TIT, MARCH 12.—Wind E —Arid. Bristol packet, Llanelly,
for Rouen, with loss of bulwarks &c., and other daunage, having:been
struck by a sea off Portland.

Dessea, 314ne1! 11.—The Mary Day drove trona her anchor in a
heavy gale, and went on the rocks west of Cateraig Harbour ; cargo
discharged—vessel expected to become a wreck.
—SToevroN,l Martel' 11.—The; Mary Wilson, Led:3lmila, of and
from Shields, on running for the Tees, on the 7th inst., struck ou the
North Gar and became a total wreck—crew drowned.

WtvENnorr MAkcit 12.—The Rhoda, of and from London, to
Hartlepool, has put in hero with considerable damage, having been in
contact with the Barbara of Sunderland.

TONNAGE DUES AT MADEIRA.

Advices have been received at Lloyd's from their agent at Madeira,
announcing that the Portuguese Government had issued and put into
operation; on the 21st of February, a decree, by which all vessels
going there will henceforward be charged a tonnage duty, under the
name of " Health-01110e Fees," of 30 rs., eqnal to 1340. per ton, and
15 rs. per ton for bill of health at departure, if the vessel be Portu-
guese, or any nation having treaties with Portugal. All others were
to be charged 50 re. per ton on arrival, and 20 re. per ton for bill of
health on departure. In all cases the bill of health at departure to
be charged at the above rates till it amount to four dollars, after
which no more, however large the vessel be. The above decree had
been received with much opposition, and very strong representations
from the merchants and others, were to be terwarded immediately to
Lisbon, opposing the measure.

CORN AVERAGES.
GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN
For the Week ended March 8, 1845, made up from the Returns of the
Inspectors in the different Cities and Towns in England and Wales,
per Imperial Quarter.
Wheat .. 45s Od I Oats 2le 7d I Beans
Barley ... •• . 32s 2d Rye .... •

~34s td
. 35s 5d