The Sun.
London, England, 1842-08-12 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY.EVE.NING, A.UG UST 12, 1842.

THE METROPOLITAN NEW PUB-
LICANS' PROTEt TION SOCIETY.

The seventh Anniversary Dinner of the Metropolitan
New Publicans' Protection Society took place yesterday
at Highbury Barn Tavern. Upwards of 1,100 sat down
to an excellent dinner, and both the large rooms of the
tavern were full.

On the table, in frrnt of the Chairman, was placed an
elegant silver salver and silver cup, which were presented
to Mr. Bishop, the Secretary, for his services in the cause
of the Society two years ago.
Mr. ROBINSON, one of the trustees of the Society, took
the Chair. •

Toast-master, Mr. Wheeler, of the Freemasons' Ta-
vern.

As soon as the cloth was removed, NonNobis Domine
was given by " the professionals," at the conclusion of
which seine little amusement was caused by two or three
persons at the end of the room applauding vehemently,
and loudly calling encore.
The first toast given from the Chair was " The
Queen," which was drank with three times three.
Band—" God save the Queen."
The CHAIRMAN then gave " His Royal Highness
Prince Albert and the rest of the Royal Family." Drank
with three times three.
Glee—" Here's a health to the Prince and the Queen."
Mr. PENRY then proposed " The,health of Lord Mont-
eagle, the patron of the Society," which toast was re-
ceived with loud cheers.
Mr. PENRY then produced letters, apologising for non-
attendance from Mr. Aglionby, Mr. Hume, dr. Hawes,
Mr. Grote, Mr. Alderman Humphery, Sir James Duke,
Mr. Ewart, Colonel Thompson, and others.
Glee—" Life's a bumper."
JAMES BISHOP, Esq., the Secretary to the Society,
then rose and said—Mr. Chairman, the toast that I ant
about to offer to your notice 'is one that you, I, and
every one of us feel alike interested in. It IS that of tlue
" Metropolitan New Publicans' Protection Society."--
(Loud cheers.) I will, in as few words as possible, en-
deavour to show you that the Society has some claim
upon every one connected with or interested in -a free
trade in beer. Gentlemen, I must go back a few years,
but I shall not be many minutes in coming to a conclu-
sion. In the year 1830 the beer trade was thrown
open. In 1831 a small protection society arose—small,
indeed, for the protection of parties connected with the
beer trade. Other societies in other parts of London also
started, having a similar object in view, and after
a very few months the little societies became
connected, and all the societies became one. In 1832,
two years after the Bill had passed, opening the trade in
beer, my Lords; thought it was time to begin to makeex-
periments in legislation upon it. A Bill was brought into
the House of Lords, limiting the hour for the sale of
beer to seven o'clock in the everting—of course no one
could want it after that time.—(A laugh.) Their Lord-
ships thought that no one could possibly want beer after
that time. Of course, it' that Bill had passed, they would
have followed it up with another, limiting the hours of
labour to six o'clock, so that the working man might
have from six to to seven to enjoy himself. I now come
to the year 1833. Their Lordships having failed in their
object, my Lord, the Marquis of Chandos, in the House
of Commons, tried his lucky hand, and be moved for a
Cotnrnittee to inquire into the conduct and manage-
ment of beer-houses. Well, my Lords' Committee was
to inquire into the conduct and management of beer-
houses, but so artfully framed that no one was on that
Committee who knew a straw about the matter. The
Committee of the Metropolitan New Publicans' Protec-
tion Society looked upon the members forming the Com-
mittee of the Marquis of Chandos with some apprehen-
sion. I believe that some few friends that we then had in
Parliament suggested that the Committee would be a
great deal better if it was extended, and it' the members
of it were men who knew something about the working
of the Bill. After a great deal of trouble we got that
Committee extended by sixteen members. Those six-
teen members were the representatives of the largest
towns in England, who could call upon their constituents
to tell what had been the operation of the beer law in
England, in the large towns of England as well as the
rural districts. The Committee was to look to the
operation of the Bill, showing whether it had done good,
or produced harm. For this purpose the Committee met.
A resolution was proposed to admit evidence from towns.
Will you believe that that resolution was only carried by a
majority of two, that evidence should be received as to
the operation of the Beer Bill ? Here was the good
'effect of the addition of the sixteen members; or else the
evidence would have been confined to the rural districts.
But I believe the evidence from the rural districts was as
good as any, but it was necessarily confined. When the
Committee heard the evidence that the towns produced,
they made a Report, and in that Report these me-
morable words were included—" That it is essential
to public justice, that the hours of all parties dealing
in ale, beer, or spirituous liquors by retail, should
be a:ssimmulated.' —(Loud cheers.) This powerful
recommendation from a Committee, purposely called forth
to stop the operation of the Beer Bill, was nothing more
nor less than a fact. We come to 1834, and then we
find Sir Edward Knatchbull, taking up the question
founded on the Report of the Chandos Committee. Sir
Edward Knatchbull had it in view to amend the law re-
lating to the trade in beer. Sir Edward Knatchbull,
however, found considerable difficulties in his way, and
he gave up the Bill to Lord Althorp, declaring that he
knew nothing about it, and he would have nothing more
to do with it. The Committee of the Metropolitan New
Publicans' Protection Society, having worn out Sir
Edward Knatchbull, next applied to Lord Althorp, and
found in him an impartial, ready, and willing Minister
of the Crown, to attend and hear the right and wrong of
the question. He did attend, and in consequence of that
which we said, we got a Bill brought into the House. of
Commons- fora fre, trade in beer. Thus, you see,
have not been many minutes travelling over five years.
I trust that 1 shall bring even more important
matters under the consideration of this meeting
this evening, in order to show - that the Metro-
politan New Publicans'
,Protection Society is not
a mere name, and has not been a mere nonentity, but
working for those who gain a living by a free trade in
beer.—(Cheers.) In 1836 our worthy friend, Mr. War-
burton, proposed three or four very important altera-
tions. His Bill did not give equal time, because he said
he did not believe that the House was ready to give
equal time even then, but his Bill gave us eleven o'clock
at night, and many important concessions, which enabled
the beer-seller to carry on his trade without the fear of
the informer being at his door in the evening, and being
dragged before the Magistrates the next morning.—
(Cheers.) In 1837 Mr. Spring Rice, our present and
much respected patron, took up the question. He made
inquiries ; those inquiries convinced him that the appli-
cation of the beer-sellers of the United Kingdom for
liberty to carry on their trade in that manner which
public requirements demanded, was founded in justice.
It was upon this principle that Mr. Spring Rice took up
that Bill ; and he met with such opposition, that if he
had not been placed in the high situation he held,
he would have fallen a sacrifice to his good intentions,
or our Bill would have fallen to our opponents' artifices.
—(Cheers.) Permit me for one moment to relate an
anecdote concerning this Bill, which few, perhaps, have
heard. You, perhaps, all know that Mr. Spring Rice *as
the Member for Cambridge. The Chairman of his
Committee was Mr. Aiken, the large brewer, and who
keeps a large hotel in Cambridge. He eame forward at the
head of a deputation opposed to a free trade in beer, and
told Mr. Spring Rice that if he did not stop short in what I
he was doing, let him look out for his seat for Cam-
bridge: His answer to Mr. Aiken was. "If my next
seat depends on that measure, I would rather lose it
than be coerced in that.—(Loud cheers.) I say that as
a Minister of the Crown I have a right to consider what
is good for all, and nothing that you can say will make
me swerve from it."—(Cheers.) That gentlemen, was-
the sentiment of one who is now patron of the Beer-
sellers' Protection Society.—(Cheers.)Well, Mr. Spring
Rice's Bill went on, notwithstanding at the time
there were delegates in London to oppose the Bill 1
from almost every town in England amounting
to forty-eight and they were kept in London,
at an expense of a guinea a day. Lord Brougham,
whose name we usually look up to with respect, on that
occasion said, that the beer-sellers were in a sinking
ship, and he warned any person from going on board.
Another name which we all respect, the Duke of Wel-
lington, joined Lord Brougham against the Bill. I be-
lieve when that was uttered by Lord Brougham, and
repeated by the Duke of Wellington, that few who were
in the beer-trade, but looked with apprehension at
their prospects. Did your Committee then sink under
those apprehensions ? No, they manfully stepped for-
ward, and we stemmed the current, and brought the
ship safe into port—a port of which you may say, " Thank
God, here we are safe from injury, and here we will
remain."—(Cheers.) The next name I come to in 1839,
is that of Mr. Pakington. He is no fool.—(Laughter.)
He is one that has beeen chairman of a Quarter Ses-
sions in Worcester. He made his brother Magistrates
form a resolution that it was expedient to petition the
Legislature that the consumption of beer should
be taken from the premises of the beer retailer.
Well, it little mattered what the Chairman of
these Quarter Sessions thought, or his brother Magis-
trates ; but Mr. Puckington took a deep-laid scheme to
overwhelm you. He got his brother Magistrates to pass
a further resolution, that a copy of that petition should
be sent, at the cost of the county of Worcester, to the
Quarter Sessions of every county in England, to be laid
before the Magistrates at the next sessions, for them to
sign, so that a focus of opposition might be presented to
the beer trade. How many do you think signed it ?
There are 550 Magistrates in England, and no more than
67 signed the petition—(cheers and laughter)—so that
the 'Magistrates of Worcester could not find a sixth part
of the Magistrates of the country to assist them. Some
of the remarks made by those who dia sign it were
singular. I take the Ipswich MagiStrates. They said
that selling beer at race-courses was a very great evil.
Mr. Pakington's first object was to raise the license
from 31. 3s. to 51. ss. In order to prevent this Mr. War-
burton appeared. Mr. Pakington also demanded that
twelve months' prior residence was essential to opening
a, beer- house. Now, Mr. Pakington introduced his
Bill, having the powerful aid of the squirearchy
and the House of Lords to back hint, so that
you may suppose your Committee had difficulties of no
common nature to contend with.—(Hear, hear:) Well,
Gentlemen, in 1840, when we met you, we had the
pleasure in this room of announcing to- you that her
Majesty's assent had that day been given to- the Bill
tinder which you now act.—(Cheers.) I hardly need go
further to *show,' that the Metropolitan New Protection
Society was deserving of the support of every one con-
nected with the trade.--(Cheers.) But the Committee
did not sleep here, for an attempt was made to prevent
persons holuing a license, whose name were not on the
rate-book. This point was strongly combated, and the
Commiseiouers of. Excise did HOt assume a hostile rati-
te*. on that occasion, but; gave way teethe representation:
of the Committee. Dtbeeetoee call upon you- in a bumper-
to drink to the. UctropolitUrt Pliblicaue Protection
Society-- (Itotd.elteenf.)-• Mr. Bishop then tookupthe
Bitver solveraactetip, asci It oldivtitesu tap tiai4.40411105

RIOTS AT MANCHESTER.

-
MANCHESTER, THURSDAY EVENING, 7 O'CLOCK.—The
town remains in a dreadful state of excitement, and the '
news received from all the neighbouring districts renders
matters much more gloomy. Last night General Wade '
arrived, to take command of the troops in the district,
and it is understood that despatches have been sent off
for two more regiments. At three- o'clock this morning
a mounted exp:ess arrived at the Town-ball, with the in-
telligence that the colliers and excavators were coming
in a body from Harpurhey, and shortly afterwards a
meeting of the Magistrates was held, which was attended
by Colonel Martin, of the Dragoon Guards, who strongly
advised that the mobs in question should be met outside
the town. This advice was, however, overruled, but a
strong detachment of cavalry,- two companies of 'the
Riles, with 80 police, 'and 200 special constables, along
with two pieces of artillery, were sent up to
open space in Aneuates,
take possession of the
commanding the two main entrances into the town in this
direction. Some thousands of persons had assembled, and
the Riot Act was soon after read, but without any effect
in causing them to disperse. Thispart of the town was
in a stale of feverish anxiety. News was brought here
about noon that all the mills were stopped at Stockport,
where 1,000 special constables were sworn in to protect
the peace of thetown. All the works were also stopped
at Oldham, the work-people having gone on to Rochdale,
froM which place an express was sent over to Leeds for
the Dragoons, who Were expected in the town.
• Soon after three o'clock this morning. the inhabitants
of. Salford were alarmed by one of the most terrific out-
breaks of fire that has occurred for many years. The
fire engines-promptly attended, accompanied by strong
detachments of military. It was found to have taken
place at a steam saw-mill, and damage was done to the
extent of 600/, the whole of which is covered by
insurance. Soon after five o'clock the town was in
motion towards the disaffected parts. A large meet-
ing was held at six o'clock in the fields at Granby-
row, when the Riot Act was read, and the assembly
was dispersed by the military, consisting of Cavalry, and
two pieces of Artillery. After these had retired, a fresh
attack was made upon Messrs. Birley's mill, in defence
of which several of the police were seriously injured,
some so severely•as to render their immediate removal
to the infirmary necessary. The mob were, however,
effectually routed after a stout resistance. During the
morning crowds of idle vagabonds have, been wandering
about the town in large gangs, begging bread, and ob-
taining money by threats, if other solicitations fail, from
persons who they met with in the.streets; and at several
of-the smaller shops in Chorlton, Medlock, and Huline,
they resorted to open plunder. Most parts of the town
are comp'etely under mob law, as the police are only
stationed in concentrated bodies.
Yesterday evening the police lock-ups and- station-
house at Newton was completely destroyed.
At one o'clock to-day a meeting was convened at the
Town-hall, pursuant, to the following notice :
" PUBLIC NOTICE.
" The Magistrates particularly. request the attendance
of mill-owners, merchants, and others at the Town-hall,
at one o'clock, to confer on the measures to be taken for
the protection of property and preservation of peace.
(Signed) " NV. NEILD, Mayor."
The MAYOR, in opening the business of the. meeting,
said, that neither himself nor the Magistrates, were pre-
pared to offer any suggestions to the notice of the Meet-
ing, but that he would briefly state what steps. had been
taken. . They had gone early on that morning to the
Granby-row-fields, where they told the mob that they
had come to the determination not to allow such meet-
ing. They did not wish to interfere with tke liberty of
the subject, but they had resolved, not to allow of such
illegal proceedings. They had resolved to dispense as
far as possible with military aid,- and had, 'therefore,
sworn in a large number of special constables. He would
leave, however, to the meeting to decide upon what
further steps to adopt and suggest, and he should wish that
they would appoint a deputation to confer with the Ma-
gistrates, who would wait below to confer with them.
Mr. Hoomeswoaris said that, sinking all distinctions,
it would be necessary now to act with. unamity. He was
of opinion that every mill was adequate for its own de-
fence, and he would suggest that they should swear in all
their hands as special constables, the authorities fixing a
certain time for the resumption of employment, sa't to-
m( rrow morning. They must, however, be well sup-
ported by the military and police in case of danger, and •
by all means unanimous. Appearances were now of a •
most e kerning character!, sad is one ball hpar half the
property In-MaiiChester would bedosffoled.
Sonic other gentlemen having addressed the meeting, a
deputation was appointed to confer with we Magistrates,
and the meeting adjourned till font, o'clock to receive
their decisions. • ,
At two o'clock. news came into the town that all the
workmen in the employ of Lord Francis Egerton. M.P.,
as carpenters, carriers, &c., at Worsley, had turned out,
and that the colliers were also expected to follow. If
so, upwards of 2,000 persons more will be out of employ-
ne nt. It was also ascertained that all the mills were
closed at Staley-bridge, Glossop, Mottram, &c., where
there is no military force, nor even adequate police pro-
tection. Shortly afterwards the following proclamation
was issued : _

" PRESERVATION OF THE PEACE.
" The Magistrates earnestly invite the co• operation
of the peaceable and well-disposed inhabitants of the
borough to aid in the maintenance of• public pease, and
the suppression of the present riotous and disgraceful
proceedings.
"The Magistrates call on all the respectable inha-
bitants to attend forthwith themselves, bringing with
them the respectable persons in their employ, at the
Town-hall, to be sworn in as special constables, to assist
in the protection of property and the Maintenance of the
" By order of the Magistrate*
" NV. NEILD, Mayor:"

Between one and two o'clock to-day a very serious
affray took place in the Oxford-rotid, near to the spot
called Little Ireland. It was reported at the Town-hall
that a mob of some thousand persons were engaged in
breaking open provision shops and destroying the win-
dows and property of the shopkeepers. Four policemen
and about forty pensioners, commanded by Sub4nspec •
tor Dale, were dispatched to the spot, where they, how-
ever, found that the rioting had ceased.
They were about
taking another direction to the Town-hall, at Chorlton-
on-Medlock, when the mob, considering it a retreat, as-
sailed them with stones sod other missiles. The pensioners,
fearing the inequality of numbers, immediately took to
Right, leaving the Inspector and his four policemen to
the mercy of the mob. They, however, fought their
way as well as they could to some private houses, where
shelter Was given them by an old woman. The mob
immediately broke into the house. and, dragging the
unfortunate policemen out, beat them in an unmerciful
manner. One of them, Samuel Bagnall, aged 66, was
dreadfully cut about the head and shoulders, and the
ruffians, after leaping upon his body several times, left
him for dead. Sub-Inspector Dale and the other men
also suffered severely. It is not probable that any of
the men would have escaped with their lives had not
the old woman who gave them shelter conveyed informa-
tion to the military, who succeded in capturing about
forty prisoners. Sub-Inspector Dale and Bagnalt were
conveyed to the Royal Infirmary, the latter without any
chance of recovery.
The two following proclamations were issued at five
o'clock

1% as a pitx)f of the sense etitena!ried by tl.e trade of they determitied on, and the meeting broke up, regretting that
exertions-of the Committee. snore energetic measures had not been adopted.
Mr.- STALWOOD proposed the next toast :—" The
Brewers of the United Kingdom." ,
Mr. HAwmts then gave "The Ladies," which was
drank with three times three, and one cheer more.
Glee—" Hares a health to all good, lasses."
Mr. ASIILEy, the Solicitorto the Society, prop9sed the
next toast, the." Public Press." He said, his business on
the part of the Society bad not been so great this year as
last, because the commons informer was nearly drivt:n
from the field.—{Cheers.) :During the whole year not
elle member of the Society had.been fined 405.; and he
believed that only six infOimations had been
Mr. BISHOP—The. Society comprises 400. members.
After this came the ball, which 'was crowded to excess
—to inconvenience. This is certainly not the" weather
fur dancing. yet, notwithstanding, the music. of " the
many twinkling feet" seemed to„ animate the whole
company, although at times her 'votaries got into a o
wall confusion. The bright eyes of the ladies shone
%% WI bewitching brilliancy, and doubtless many Were
t!te conquests made during the eveninir. Dancing was
kept up to an early Lour in the Morning, and the corn-
ranv separated apparently highly, gratified with the
multifarious amusements of the day.

SOUTH STAFFORUSHIRI.

- - - -
DUDLEY, WEDNESDAY NIGHT.—The turn-out of the
colliers in this district. is assuming a most extraordinary
aspect. Their conduct throughout has bee' very diffes,
rent from what it has been on former occasions. Acts of
violence are so few that they forto the exception to the.
rule which the colliers have adopted. They went about.
in large bodies, begging for their daily bread, and halting
exhausted the charity of the towns in the immedlita
neighbourhood, they have put the more distant country,
under contribution. Large numbers of them have been.
at Bridgnorth, Bewdley, Warwick, and other distint
tots ; and the contributions they receive are consider-
able, and enable them to continue the contest at home.
In order to check this the Magistrates issued a notice,.
that soliciting alms in a body was. illegal, and threatening.
:',hose guilty of the practice with imprisonment and trans-•
norta:ion ss vagrants. The numbers out of employ were
Coo great to be seared by this threat, and although It has
been carried in to execution in some few instances, begging.
.noes on as actively as ever.
The next step of the masters was to summon the work-.
wren before the Magistrates, for leaving their work with
out giving the regular notice of a fortnight, according to
the usage of the trade. ' Between forty and fifty sums'
amasses were accordingly lewd, and the men were only
personally served, and they all appeared at the Town-•
hall, in Dudley, to a man. There was no warrant neces—
Sary. Upwards of fifteen cases were heard on Tuesday,
and, on their conviction, they declined to work for the
masters, and were consequently committed to Stafford
Gaol. The scene of their departure was the most extra-
ordinary and significant ever beheld in the town of Dud-
toy. The market-place, in the front of the Dudley Arms
Ifotel, was crowded with colliers, women and children,
to betty en three and four thousand. The Dragoons.
firmed a line on each side of the street, keeping the
Middle clear. A:spring-cart containing several colliers,
driven by a constable, issued from the hotel gateway ;
the colliers in the cart waved their hats and -handker- •
chiefs, and cheered, which was answered by a waving of
hats and handkerchiefs, and most enthusiastic cheering,
on the part of the assembled multitude. It looked more
like the rejoicings at a victory than the commencement
cat a procession to a gaol. Yet such was their known
determination to keep the peace, that none of the soldiers
had their swords drawn ; they rested in their scabbards.
Two other spring-carts followed, accompanied with
similar demonstrations of feeling. Other colliers have -
been sent to Stafford for the same reason, from other
places ; and we hear that Stafford gaol is full.
To-day (Wednesday) two important meetings were
held—one of the masters, at the head inn in Dudley;
the other of the men, 'at Wednesbury. The former was
stttendeil by Lcrd Dartmouth; Lord Lyttelton,. Lord
Clive, all the Magistrates of the town, nd a very large
number of the most extensive masters of the district.
With respect to the meeting of the men, it was most
decidedly a formidable affair. At an early hour the
men in large bodies began to assemble at a place called
Hilly hall, a few miles from Dudley, and thousands in a
short time had congregated from Stourbridge, Lye
Waste, and the adjoining country. At about nine o'clock
they funned themselves into a procession four abreast,
and headed by a man mounted on a white horse, they
marched into Dudley. The utmost anxiety was felt as
they approached the town; and to meet any emergency
that might arise, Captain Bennett and his troop of Yeo-
manry Cavalry, and a troop of the 3d Dragoon Guards,
were put in immediate readiness to act. There was,
however, fortunately no necessity for their interference.
The men as above marshalled walked into the town
to the number, as was estimated by a military
gentleman, of 14,000, and proceeded through High-
street in a sort of dead . but sulky silence.
The hum and buzzing noise of their conversation
to each other was the only indication of their presence,
and they were repeatedly charged by the leader to. ob-
serve order and silence. In this manner they proceeded
through the town and to the road leading to Wednes-
bury, where the meeting was to be held. On the road
they were joined by thousands from Bilston and the surL
mending neighbourhood, some parties having music and
flags. On arriving at the ground there could not have
been less than 25,000 men, women. and children, all of
whom were interested in the proceedings. The interest
was increased by the arrival of delegates from the Scotch
miners, who are now turned out. The troops and
yeomanry were called - out, 'and every precaution taken
to keep the peace. A working man having been Called
to- the chair, the meeting was addressed by several
Chartists and others, after which resolUtions were come to
to stand out against the proposed reduction. The meet-
ing then separated in the most orderly manner. There
can now be no doubt of the fact that a most extensive
organisation has been eWeeted between the miners in
England and Scotland, and that nothing short of absolute
surrender, on the Part 'of the masters, will put an end to
this most -extraordinary and formidable- affair.