The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-17 00:00:00

TIIK SUN, LONDON, NWEDN'ESDAY MORNJNG, DECEMBER 17, 1845.

There had been no less than 6,000 vessels, with slaves
on bran', seized since 1819, and yet the importation
of slaves from the coast of Africa had not de-
creased. We had given twenty millions of money
in order to put an end to slavery, we still kept a
large fleet at great expense on the coast of Africa,
and we were still called on to pay a Ugh price for
our sugar, under the pretence of putting down the
slave-trade, although, as he before remark d, we
used slave-grown coffee and tobacco without any
scruple.—(Hear, hear.) If we were to go on interfering
with every other nation and taking care of everybody,
we should soon be in a position where our interference
would be useless. They had heard a good deal about
the reduction which would result from the repeal of the
corn-laws, but if such a reduction of necessary expenses
fol:oe ed, then he did not see why the pay of the army
and navy, and of the cabinet and the judges should not
be reduced also.—(Laughter and cheers.) Now they all
knew then there was to be some change in the Ministry.
He had some doubt about it.—(Hear, hear.) For he
believed that Lord John Russell would not be able to
form an Administration.—(Hear, hear.) lie was no
party man, and he cared not whether Whig. Tory, or
any one else wasjn power—(A laugh)—and, if he was
satisfied he was doing right, he cared not whom he
opposed. He had been charged with doing great
wrong in advocating the repeal of the corn-
laws ; and it was said that great evil would
arise from such a measure ; but he had Cone
all in his power to obtain redress for his constituents.
He was convinced that all who lived by the operation of
labour were robbed of one-half by the corn-laws—
(Hear)—and he, therefore, left it to the meeting to my
whether he was wrong in supporting, as he had done,
the repeal of the corn-laws, knowing as he did, that re-
peal would not produce immediate benefit—that it would
produce very great distress—but that distress would
oblige all parties to do something to relieve it.—(Hear.)
That might be said to be doing evil that good might
come from it ; but it was what everyone did every day.
Now, as he said, the Ministry was to be changed ; but
whatever Ministers might be in, they might promise a
great deal, but let not those whom he addressed believe
them.—(A laugh) All parties promised wonders, and
some had done wonders. The Tories had done wonders.
—(Hear, and a laugh.) For instance, they put on
5,000,000/. of taxes, and then said " Look at the revenue."
—(Laughter.) There was another means of putting the
hand into a man's pocket, and bringing up the revenue—
he would not say what it was—but it was about equally
as justifiable.—(Laughter.) However, the oftener the
Ministry was changed the better for the people of this
country. —(A laugh.) No change took place without
concession. Ministers who now come in had:to bid for
their places. His own opinion was that the Whigs were
not conversant with the principles of government, and
that they did not understand the interests or positions
of the people ; and that the Tories were quite on a par
with them—(Laughter)—and, therefore, the only way
to expect anything from them, was by rubbing them
against each other, and so rub off the surface of their
skins, and eventually they might get some good from
them.—(Laughter.) His Hon Colleague seemed to
think with him upon all points but one ; but he could
not understand how he, knowing how the landed inte-
rests were robbing them in their position, was so timor
some, and could not go the whole hog.—(Laughter.)
But of this he was convinced, that his Hon. Friend and
colleague wished them well ; and, as far as he (Mr.
Muntz) was concerned, he must say, that as long as he
represented them he must do it honestly, and would do
all in his power to ameliorate their condition.—(Loud
cheers.)
RICHARD SPOONER, Esq., M.P., followed, and com-
menced his address by saying as his Hon. Friend had
read an extract from one of his addresses, he (Mr.
Spooner) must beg leave to read an extract from a speech
which he delivered in that hall when they first placed
him in the important trust of representing them in Par-
liament. The words he used were these, "I have told
you before, I do not approve of the present corn-laws.
I told you I never had supported them, that I never
would support the present corn laws." These were the
words which he used, and his opinions were unchanged.
The present corn-laws he never did support, and the
present corn-laws he never would support ; but he would
tell them at the same what he had told them before, that
an immediate and total repeal of them would inflict upon
the country generally, and that borough in particular,
misery so intense, that he could not conscientiously con-
sent to their sudden removal. The Hon. Gentleman
then repeated the arguments which had been used by
Mr. Muntz in favour of an unconditional removal of the
corn-laws, and concluded his address (which was listened
to with mingled expressions of dissent and approbation)
dissenting from the resolution.
Mr. Councillor JAMES BALDWIN said the question
before them was the repeal of the corn-laws and the im-
mediate opening of the ports.—(Hear, hear.) It was
his opinion that if they (the people of England) were
fairly represented in Parliament, they would not be
compelled to meet there that day to demand their just
and lawful rights.—(Cheers) He agreed with the Hon.
Member, Mr. Muntz, upon every point which he had al-
luded to. Mr. Muntz and his colleague seemed, from
their speeches that day, to have an inclination to assist
them in carrying out the repeal of the corn-laws ; and
from that time he (Mr. Baldwin) would forget all poli-
tical differences which he had had with those gentlemen,
for he thought they both had their country's cause at
heart. It was his opinion, if the corn. laws were not re-
pealed very speedily, inevitable destruction threatened
the land. A famine of no ordinary character was im-
pending, and unless the ports were opened lied the corn-
laws repealed, starvation was their lot.—(Hear.) Let the
people of England express their determination to a man
that the corn laws must and shall be repealed, and he
would be bound that no Government could stand against
them, and till then they would not repeal them. It had
been said by the opponents of free-trade that the reports
respecting the potato crop were greatly exaggerated,
and that there were scarcely any injured in many parts
of Ireland. Now he would say, do not believe these
statements, for they were false. He moved the follow-
ing resolution :
" That this meeting cannot view, without deep con-
cern, the advanced prices of all articles of food, arising,
as they believe, from the operation of the corn-laws, ag-
gravated by the insufficient corn harvest of the present
year, and the partial but too extensive failure of the
potato crop ; and are convinced that a deficiency of
nutritious food must be accompanied, as on former oc-
casions, by a decline in trade, and by widely extended
difficulty, distress, and disease among the industrious
classes of this densely populated borough, and of other
parts of the United Kingdom."
Mr. LUCAS CHANCE seconded the resolution.
Mr. Alderman Plumes moved the following resolu-

FREE TRADE.

The following circular, which was drawn up at the
close of the meeting at Guildhall on Monday, was cir-
cu:ats-d in the City ;
" Ask the advocates of the Anti-Corn-law League
why they prouoAe a, fr.-e trade in corn and give their
votes in Parliament in support Of a monopoly in gold, by
supporting Peel's monetary measures ? •
Free trade in corn necessarily involves an immediate
removal of all protection in every branch of our national
manufactures.
" The promoters of the League, who are for the most
part cotton manufacturers, think they can afford to
abandon the protection they enjoy of 10 to 15 per cent.,
because they have so extensively substituted machinery
for human labour ; but let it be remembered that the
manufacturers of silks, of woollen cloths, of iron and
other hardwares, of linen, of paper, of ribbons, of cutlery,
of glass, or watches, of jewellery, of shoes, of lilts, of
gloves, and of the va:ious articles of British production
on which our industrious at tizans depend for their daily
support, are still protected from toreign competition by
duties varying from 15 to 30 per cent. ; and let it be
well pondered how, if free trade in corn be declared and
these duties be abandoned (as they must be), the work-
men in the above-mentioned trades will find means of
support for themselves and families when their wages are
reduced one-third or more.
The only way in which the case can be fairly and
honestly met, is by repealing the existing money laws at
the same time time that the laws which protect corn and
other productions of British industry are repealed ; this
would put producers on a safe footing. By the money
laws, which fix the price of gold at 31. 17s. 10171. per
ounce (its natural value as adopted in countries not •in
directly taxed to an enormous extent as Great Britain is),
the whole of the taxes by which the interest of the Na
tional Debt is paid (amountiag to twenty-seven millions
annually) will, ns they have done since the fatal mone-
tary Bill of 1819, come out of the pockets of the pro-
ducing classes, instead of being carried forward in price
to the consumers. _

" Though tli. laws which protect native industry were
removed, still there would remain taxes by customs and
excise, amounting to full thirty millions, levied upon
producers. When this mode of taxation was greatly
extended, as it was during the Continental war, the
great William Pitt saw that, with a gold equivalent cur-
rency, such taxation could not be carried forward in
price to the more wealthy consumers, who were by the
Legisluture intended to bear it ; and therefore he adopted
the plan of making the currency of the nation convertible
into gold at its market price in such currency only.
Under this fair, reasonable, and enlightened system
of money, the nation flourished beyond example,
and the wages of labour were liberal and sufficient for
workmen and their families. It was because taxation by
customs and excise were intended ultimately to reach
the more wealthy consumer through the producer, that
it was called indirect ;' but by the unseen and most
unjust operation of the Act of 1819, this species of im-
post, which amounts to three-fourths of the total revenue
of Great Britain, was, for the most part, rendered' direct'
upon the industrious classes.
" These statements are proved demonstratively in the
tracts and pamphlets of the Society for the Emancipa-
tion of Industry,' a society consisting of gentlemen who,
perceiving the enormous wrong inflicted by the action of
the currency as it now exists, associated themselves with
a view of disabusing the Government, the Legislature,
and the producing classes, and of promoting a Parlia-
mentary inquiry into the truth of what they aver.
" Considering that free trade in gold was the remedy,
and that free trade in productions of British industry
under the existing currency was a delusion and a fraud,'
which would aggravate beyond endurance the misery of
the producing classes, the Committee of the Society f•r
the Emancipation of Industry respectfully addressed the
following, among other questions, to the Council of the
Anti-Corn-law League :
" If ' gold,' the measure of value, be excluded from the
law of-supply and demand, and its price be fixed, as
it now is, does it not inevitably follow that all prices,
whether of commodities or of labour, must be regu-
lated thereby ; and is it not to the fact of gold'
being fixed at the low price of 31. 173. 10id. per
ounce, the price it bore before taxation was so largely
imposed, that the present low and unreinunerating
pi ices for commodities and labour in this highly-
taxed country are to be attributed ?
" The Committee of the Society, not having received
a satisfactory reply to their first questions, offered to
appoint an equal number of gentlemen to meet Messrs.
Cobden, Villiers, mid Bright, for a fair discussion of.the
question raised by the Society ; but this was ineffectual.
"It is hoped, therefore, that those who regard the wel-
fare of their fellow-countrymen engaged in production
of every kind, will cease to give ear to the doctrines of
the League, until they have consented simultaneously
to pray for a free-trade in gold as well as in corn. In
confirmation of these statements, an immediate perusal
is recommended of a tract entitled The Case of the
Industrtou, Cjasses Briefly Stated,' published by the So-
ciety, and sad by Mr. Samuel Clarke, Pall-mall, East."

LIE AGRICULTURAL PROTEC-
TION SOCIETY AND THE CORN-LAWS.

ion :
" That as the Houses of Parliament are not at this

time assembled, and as there appears to this meeting a
most urgent necessity to adopt promptly and fearlessly,
those measures which may prevent the ravages of fa-
mine in the United empire, and also to afford a supply
of seed for the next year, this meeting would respect-
fully, but firmly urge upon the consideration of her
Majesty's Ministers the absolute and imperative neces-
sity of opening the ports of the United Kingdom for
the admission of all kinds of grain and provisions duty
free, preparatory to the abolition of all protective duties."
The Rev. Mr. Strati then came forward, and was re-
ceived with great cheering; after which, he said he rose
for the purpose of seconding the resolution proposed by
Mr. Philips; and, while on his feet, he would make a
few observations. He said—This is a righteous, a hal-
lowed agitation—now, it is hoped, near an end—an agi-
tation against monopoly and class-legislation—an agita-
tion for the rights of the working masses against the un-
just encroachments of the privileged few—an agitation
for peace and commerce against war and oppression. Ho-
nour be to those men who have carried it on with su.yli
talent and energy during the last seven years. Their re-
ward is now near. And the men of Birmingham, whose
hearts have ever beat true on the momentous question,
are now called to lift up their voice for the last time—to
come in at the death of the monster monopoly. That
voice, on all great questions, hath often been heard all
over the world—let it be heard again. . . . But God Al-
mighty himself, in the partial failure of the fruits of the
earth, speaketh from his throne, to rebuke the wickedness
of man, and the nations hear it, and tyrants tremble on
their thrones. In this way, out of evil the benignant
Parent of the universe, in his wondrous working,
will educe good. What man would not do, God, in his
providence, will do ; and that which is lacking in one
part of the earth the other will supply ; and thus all
nations will be united in one golden bond of eternal
amity—cultivating the arts of peace, &c. Is it not a
fact, that the continental Powers have opened their ports
to let in the corn, and the fat Dutchmen, puffing at their
pipes, are laughing at the expense of Jelin Bull ; yea,
even the Russian autocrat no longer fights against Pro-
vidence ; nay, the very Turks have been snored at the I
cry of their oppressed poor ones. To what depth hath
our favoured country sunk ! Whet shall we say for
England ? What evil spirit hath come over us ? Are
the Turks Christians, the Christians Turks ? No, the
thing will be done ; the proud must be humbled ; the
men of station must serve those whose labour maintains
them in their places, or give way to others. God him-
self is working ; the curse will come on those that
withhold the corn ; :but the blessing will descend on
the head of him that selleth it—" For the oppres-
sion," &c. All men know what these laws are, and
what a fearful amount of suffering they have caused.
Are they not impolitic, unju t, un-Christian ? Sound
policy will instantly blot' them from the statute-book,
and that for ever. Justice weigheth them in her ba-
lances, and they are indeed found wanting, and Chris-
tianity, accustomed to bless, uttereth ag tinst them her
deepest and darkest curses. Not a word can he said for
them on the score of policy, justice, or religion. These
three witnesses all agree in their condemnation.
A memorial to the members of her Majesty's Govern-
ment, in accordance with the resolutions, was then
adopted.
A Mr. Nexoet said Mr. Spooner had not stated in his
speech whether he would support the repeal of the corn-
laws in Parliament if it should be brought before him.
He should like Mr. Spooner to answer that question.
Mr. SPOONER said he would never support the present
corn-laws, nor did he ever support them.—(Groans.)
Mr. Is/mow—That is not answering the question. I
as)e you again, will you go for a total repeal of the corn-
laws?—(bear, hear.)
Mr. SMITH here said that he could not allow Mr.
Nixon to proceed, for it was out of the erclitiary course
of proceeding,—(Great dissatisfaction.)
The Chairman having vacated his seat,
Mr. MUNTZ said he rose with pleasure to propose a
-4e of thanks to the Mayor, who, he was sure, had
ru '1 i mpartial ly.
acted wisely aue the resolution. In answer to
err. SPOONER seconue_ 1--eged to say he would
Mr. Nixon's second inquiry, ne~ewas
not pledge himself to support any Mean.
brought before him, if he thought it wroug,
mingled with hisses.)
The meeting then separated.

Lord Stanley left town yesterday morning on a visit
to the Marquis of Exeter, at his seat, Burghley Uol}se•

_ .
the cultivation of our own soil should be abandoned."
Many able statements have been made and written by
Practical men to refute Luis assertion.

And, lastly, the petition declares that the ruin of
the cultivators of the acs would be tit' itteviable
consequence of carrying cut this dncrine. Has
not toe r&ii already place, according- to
their own sho,Aing, under the present laws, and which
the numbers of farmers sold up can testify ? As to
the labourers, the condition of this class speaks for
itself, notwithstanding the farce carried on at the
dinners given to them by those who, by their own
admission, and it is a fearful one for any man delibe-
rately and after mature inquiry to make, that corn could
be sold at a much cheaper rate in this country, and thus
evidently compelling the poor and industrious workmen,
and their own lab.-air. rs among the number, to expend a
large proportion of their hard-earned gains !or the fan-
cied prot:,ction of what is called the " agricultural in-
terest," besides directly interfering with that wise and
beneficent -ystew ordainial by the goodness of Provi-
dence, whereby one country is made to abound in one
commodity and another in another—all more or less
s•rvlceahle to the necessitits and comforts of human life.

These shirt sighted protectionists would render trade
and commerce a ease rather than a blessing to man-
kind.—Your obedient servant,

Rossie Priory, December 13.

IRELAND.

KINNAIRD.

AGRARIAN OU FRAGES IN CLARE AND
LINIERICK.

The Limerick Chronicle of contains the fol-

Lowina:--

On Wednesday evening last, at an early hour, a gang
of five men armed, and partly in disguise, entered the
cottage of John Higgins, steward to Henry Spaight,
Esq., of Corbally, near Quin, county Clare, where, in
his absence by threats they obtained an old musket and
sword, his servant boy having contrived to secrete a
serviceable gun. They withdrew after beating the ser-
vant, and the same party, it is supposed, soon after
attacked the house of John Hanneen, who was compelled
to surrender a case of good pistols. Higgins and Hanneen
lest no time in swearing informations of the Whiteboy
outrage before Mr. 11. Spaight, who with constable
Meredith went in pursuit of the marauders, and ap-
prehended Patrick Brassil and Michael Cody, whom
Hanneen identified as being of the party, and they
have been committed to Ennis gaol.
" Thursday evening last, about seven o'clock, a party
of five armed persons, three dressed in women's clothes,
ru.-hed into the house of Denis Keogh, on the lands of
Ballycollen, the property of D. J. Wilson, Esq., Belvoir.
When they entered, Keogh ran into a room, and they
put out a candle which was burning, and ordered the
people in the house to silence two dogs then barking ;
the dogs not ceasing, one of the fellows fired and shot the
dogs between two men who were sitting by the fire, and
both of whom miraculously escaped being ki led. Im-
mediately after this, the persan who appeared to be the
leader, asked the man of his party how he dared to fire
without orders. They called for a gun, which Keogh's
son said was in a room, when two of them ran in to seise
it. Before going away they said they understood there
were people there surveying and dividing land, but they
warned them from taking any man's land, or any man's
house, and that if they did they should mark the
consequence; and •as for Wilson, let him pull on for a
while, but it shall be a short while.' The leader attempted
to disguise his voice and talk with an English accent.
They afterwards called at the house of a man named
Meany, and ordered him not to quit it on any account.
" In consequence of the Whiteboy attack on the dwell-
ing-house of Captain Welsh, at Roonatd, a meeting of
the gentrn magistrates, and farmers, was yesterday
held at the Petty Sessions-house of Doonass, Sir Hugh
Dillon Massy, Bart., in the chair, when a large subscrip-
tion was entered into for the apprehension and convic-
.

tion of the parties concerned in. the outrage. The ma-
gistrates also applied for an extra police force, in order
that a regular and constant patrol may be kept up in
that district.

" Last night an armed party attacked the house of a
blacksmith, named Connell, at Aherina, county Clare,
beat him in a severe manner, and cautioned him to quit
his place of residence.
"A threatening notice was sent through the Pallas
Post-office to John Switzer, steward to the Rev. A.
Champagne, at Miltown, indicating that certain and im-
mediate death would ensue if he failed in giving up his
situation. It will be recollected that this man was
beaten by the Rockites recently, and that in consequence
a police station has been formed at Miltown.
" Thursday last a Rock notice was posted on the gate
of henry Ross, Esq., of Beagh, near Pallaskenry,
threatening him with death, if he did not discharge his
steward, also threatening the steward (who is a strictly
honest man, and careful of his master's business) with
immediate death. Mr. Ross is a most benevolent gentle-
man, and gives employment to a number of labourers,
who were in a miserable condition : but this is the re-

turn he receives for his liberality. The notice was
signed 'Molly Maguire.'"

THE IRISH PREsS AND THE LATE

MINISTRY.
The Orange organ, the Evening Mail, thus announces the
event :—"England is left without a Government—athreatened
war with America—our foreign relations in a most ticklish
condition—lreland ripe and ready for rebellion—and at a
moment when difficulties beset us at home—and all this is
the work of the "heaven-born" Minister—that discreetest,
wisest, best of men—Sir Robert Peel. The sensation pro-
duced here is one of universal joy at having got rid of Sir Robert
Peel, and each Protestant congratulates his fellow, as though
some glorious victory had been achieved."
. The Irish Whig organ, the Dublin Evening Post, says—"lt
owed its dissolution to no Parliamentary confederation—it
was prostrated in no disastrous debate. It committed sui-
cide. It fell by its own hands. Of course we are delighted
with the result. Of course we glory in the discomfiture of
the public enemy, and we are rejoiced beyond measure that
they fell by their own suicidal hands. But scum euique—Let
Wellington have the honour of the deed as well as Peel."
The Freeman's Journal, the daily repeal organ, thus closes
an article on this subject We have devoted so much space
to the details that we have not left ourself es room for the ex-
pression of the thoughts which crowd upon us as we contem-
plate the effect of those changes on Ireland. We look upon
them not without hope—hope that good will come to the
universal people—hope that the people of Ireland will show
at the coming elections that they contend for principle, not
for men."

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sir,—l have just read the form of petition which it is
reposed by the "Agricultural Protection Society"
should b adopted by the different agricultural societies
throughout the country, and I cannot refrain from mak-
ing a few observations on it, self-evident to any one who
has impartially studied the question of free trade, as
aff-sting the agricultural interests.
First, then, as to the "declarations made by several
leading members of her Majesty's Government in the last
session of Parliament being calculated to destroy all con-
fidence in the stability of the present corn-laws." It cer-
tainly is not owing to such declarations, or, at all event-,
not solely to them, that the stability of the corn laws has
been shaken, but to the clear insight the country gene-
rally has obtained of the injurious effect of these
laws, owing, in a great measure, I believe, to the
judicious means adopted by the League for dis-
seminating information on the subject. This sta-
bility the Agricultural Protection Society never can
restore, therefore the sooner the question is set at rest,
in the only way it can be, the better both for the farmer
and landlord. These gentlemen protectionists seem
fully aware that the present uncertainty is the greatest
bar to the improvement of the land in England, which
it aeff
DEATH FROM HYDROPHOBIA.—On Wednesday a
, died from the effects of the above
improvement is capable, by means of capital and skill, poor woman named Mary Garrett, aged 60 years, residing in
About six months since the de-
of being carried to a very great extent, for lam satisfied I 3_,1:.
ceaseddrea cii:uiwaaannsd
made fatal
am tapol
rwaednsye
n. t
av young -pu b one of her
that not only the produce, but in many instances the
rent also, might be greatly increased, and in this lam neighbours; after having
borne out by the opinion of many practical agriculturists, refused to eat, whereupon the poore
wdoays in heru possession. it
it man
induced
brought into it the
as well as by my own observation. dam, in hopes by that means
, might be induced to partake
Secondly, the petition states " that the frequent of food; and while in the act of offering it something to eat
diminutions of protective duties which have occurred the dam bit one of her fingers. Time rolled on, and no fur.
since 1815 have led to the total loss of a vast amount of ther notice was taken of it, until the Friday night previous
farming capital." That there has been a great loss of .to
uhresrt dhaatth s,h‘
bevhen she complained to several of her neigh-
capital in farming no one can deny; but it may be clearly arm of the fin erwas very
much afflicted (received a ain in the
proved that the loss occurred when the laws f'ramed by
However, it was notu which sLe had the bite.
untilrif the following evening that the
the landed proprietors, with the view of protecting and first symptom of the hor
encouraging agriculture, were infu/loperation, and not in It commenced by a shivering,violeniu dirase mades eitswagruaergicea.
consequence of the slight modifications which have been dreadful state of agony until Wednesday and h
morning, about five
made during the last 30 years ; these modifications, o'clock, when death put an end to hersUfferings.-rFaterfitrd
which have been forced upon the Legislature, are the chronicle.
best proof of the inefficiency of tht se laws. It is itr- EFFECTS OF INTEMPERANCE. On Monday, Mr.
possible that the framers of the petition can forget the Wakley, M.P., held an inquest at the Wolfe, on Norwood
precise years during that period in which the cry of Green. about a mile from the Southall station of the Great
agricultural distress has prevailed. The assertion that Western Railway, on the body of John Sandford, aged
~ the production of' grain by the improvement of the thirty-nine years, whose body was found in the Grand June-
inferior soils of this country has very nearly kept pace t!io.u, Ctiatenadle,eneesa4rdthat house. It appeared from the evidence
with the rapid increase of our population," is a fallacy ll t
Tanner, of Norewowdas a brick-moulder in the employ of Mr.
On the evening of Wednesday last,
which the petition asserts, and which the importation he left the ?*
brick-fields hiswith fellow workmen at dusk,
.
from abroad, during the last few years, contradicts. and accompanied them to the Prince of Wales public-house
The third paragraph in the petition refers to the prices where they remained until half-past nine o'clock at night,
of grain in foreign ports ; here also is a fallacy. Nor having each during that perio drunk no less than two
can we possibly calculate what the price wiii be from what gallons of beer. Deceased then left, and was not again seen
it has been whilst grain has been lying as a drug on the alive. The next morning the body of the deceased was
hands of the producers ; that the price nevercan be lower found in the canal. The jury returned a verdict that the
in these ports is certain ; the probability is, that it will deceased was found dead in the water of the Grand Junction
he higher, from the great demand there would be to Canal but usth how he came therein there was no evidence before
them to
esipply our now half-fed population, which is in-.
THE Ir.
creasing at the rate of 1,000 per day—to say nothing of ESTMINSTER REFORM SOCIETY.—On Mon-
da evei •
a proportionate increase taking place throughout Europe 3
committee
Charles-street
of the above body was held at Stannard's Hotel,
increase the price. I am convinced that the market considerationreet, filovent-garden, for thearrtpose of taking into
at sts should he led in the present
could not be supplied with foreign wheat under 455. per crisis, in consequence resolution havingep
quarter, and no land should be cultivated for wheat at a previous neet ofof
the
s
ocietv, to cai beenuhl. agreed to
lc meeting
which cannot produce from 35 to 40 bushels per acre i of the electors of tiliii.egcity of Westminster,- for the
and, taking the rent at from 40s. to 50s. per acre, lam petitioning her Majesty to open the ports, &c. Tirrppnsteouotf
prepared to show, from my own experience, that whei e having taken the chair, stated that since they were last as-
land is properly farmed, 455. per quarter is a remunerat- sembled important events had taken place by the resignation
ing price. I, of course, take it for granted that there is of the Peel Administration. A subcommittee was then
a demand for other agricultural produce, enabling the formed to take steps to convene the meeting ; but in con-
farmer to supply at a cheap rate the manure, which is sequence of the event he had alluded to, it occurred to him
that the committee might deem it advisable in the present
the principal expense in raising the wheat crop. when, state of the country to wait a short.time,e seeing what
But the greatest delusion under which the protec-
tionists labour is, " that by the abolition of the. circumstancesetreetively
lie mightand
tarise,not theyiler couldof
tthe
n s a
i, ablee to act more
corn-laws poor land will be thrown out of cultiva- called uPo'n several Noblemen, Members-or sub-committee had,
tion." I admit that in districts where wheat has been and other genthn en advocates of free trade, to solicit their
too extensively cultivated, to the comparative ex co-operation, but unfortunately they were all out of town,
elusion of green crops, which indeed has be. n with the exception of Lord Robert Grosvenor, and he was
the ease in this neighbourhood, some loss for a time happy to say that in the interview they had with that
may be experienced, and individually I may feel it • Nobleman, they found that he entirely coincided with their
but the ultimate result, even in this case, from' views as to the urgency of an imm-diate and total repeal of
the abolition of the corn-laws, would only force a change the corn laws.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. Geesin said thee he was
of system, which must in the end be advantageous both happy to corroborate the statement their Chairman with
respect to the declaration of Lordßobert Grosvenor, as he
to landlord and tenant. 'The profit on poor land depends The
was one of the deputation. Noble Lord stated that had
on the raising of green crops to rear and fatten sheep a fixed duty of 5s a quarter been allowed a few years ago,
and cattle, by which the land is, as the farmers. say, eh' I was to *graduate each year till the duty
"put into good heart," and rendered capable of producing', to. at shilling, that by this time the trade wouldhNevafs reduced
grain. Meat being principally consumed in the manu- Chairman observed, that while Lord John Russellre had
facturing districts, causes the farmer to he dependent on pledged himself a tote repealer, he could not be bound for
their prosperity, and when the consumption diminished the opinions of his coadjutors as a body. Arr. Austin said
to upwards of one-half, or from 160 head of cattle to that when they observed the country without a Government
70 per week, which was the case in Du idee a short time he thought it the most judicious course to defer the meeting
fora short time. It was then referred back to the committee,
since, owing to the high price of other provisions, and several of the electorsrecommending that the meeting
consequent depression o trade, the man farming pour be held
land must inevitably suffer. I therefore again -it on Monday !Watt . Henryrepeat Toe late Admiral H Raper, who died a few
that there never entered into the mind of man a more left to his son Henry,
egreeious error than the notion that poor land would be months since, since
been presented*basto him, in the year 1795, by sword which
thrown out of cultivation by the repeal of the corn-laws. Portugal, as reward for the great services hey
hadtl Court of
The fourth paragraph goes on to state, that capital them, which gift he desires may be always preserved in
has been invested in land, and in the improvement fenlily in the nature of an heir-loom. To his son Charles
thereof, "in consequence of the reliance upon the eon- Chancier Raper, late of the War-office, he had bequeathed* all
tinuance of protective laws." A certain amount of capital his copyright, in a code of signals published by him in
has indeed been invested but merely because there was 1828, and had also left to
hishim the patent he obtained
a prospect of profit to be derived; that in many instances for securing the same. T
t a
.his daughter Jane he has ba-
it has not turned out advantageously is owing either to queathed the policy effec e n own life in the Equitable,
in October, 1826, with all his accumulations
its not having been expended judiciously, or to the exist- pointed her residuary legatee. Her brother, di and also sp-
its
of' those very corn-laws, which, by causing fluctua- e shared the residue with his sister, but he died
was to
Lions of from 395. to 80s. or 85s. per quarter, induce lifetime of his father; he was also appointed an executoredin in
the
ruinous speeelettlens ill grain, anti impoverish the con- conjunction with the surviving and acting executor,
Robert
sumer. What T maintain is, that capiot had not 4egn Fiery Jones, Esie Til will Wag dated
, In December, 1833.
invested in land anything like to the amount it ought ta The personal property was valued at 4,000/, This highly-
have been. Why, when money was to be had at 2 and meritorious and discerning officer of her Majesty's navy was
2 i per cent., did capitalists not invest in the improvement an Admiral of the Blue,. and died in April last, at the ad-
of land, which would have yielded them a handsome re-
vanced age of seventy-eight.
turn ? Nothing prevented them, I believe, but the un- A. WEALTHY THIEF. A man named Robert
certainty occasioned by the corn-laws. It is nut the Taylor was committed for
ethwaor,emdonwtliatsh, yesterday, by the
ease, as stated in the petition, " that the doctriaes of fnrfoamgisttirtat es
oautndslio _
at a
f rniarliet-g'artieno.l ,I,,ehli,i,ng cabbages
those who advoolte a ' free importatioa of from corn in Us the
at the time eleven half-sovereigns,py•isniei had
have ii,.-: ref,;rence to these circumstances,'. or that they eleven pounds in silver, and it was ascertainedtatheabhoail
e are based entireiy on the principle t
inttha i corn can be 1 100 e in the savings' bank. He had been convicted twice
be grown this country, rev'o l • for etty felonies.
imported cheaper than it can p I
us
i)

TURNING TH.: FIRST TURF ON
THE BEDFOLtD AND BIRMINGHAM RAIL-
WAY.

On Saturday afternoon theavorks of the Bedford and
Birmingham were commenced at about the centre of the
lire, and extensive arrangements were made for the ce-
lebration of the event. It had been previously decided
that the ceremony should be performed on Wednesday
last, but from some circumstance it was unavoidably
postponed, which was unfortunate in one respect, inas•
much as it prevented the attendance of his Grace the
Duke of Bedford, who had acceded to the wish of the
Directors, that he would commence the works by re-
moving the first earth. The spot appointed for the
ceremony was that portion of Brogborough-hill
situate near the farm of Mr. Turney, in the parish of
Husborne Crawley, and about four miles from Woburn.
On arriving at this place, about two o'clock, we
found a large concourse of people from Bedford, Woburn,
Arnpthill, and the surrounding villages; and a profusion
of flags and standards planted along the lands in the
direction of the proposed line. A carriage and four
with postilions in scarlet livery arrived, and it was then
announced that the Duke of Bedford was unable to at-
ti nd, having been suddenly summoned to London to at-
tend the new Council. In order, however, that there
might be no delay in the proceedings, the Duchess of
Bedford consented to officiate for the Duke, and Lord
Alford attended to assist her. Her Grace was conducted
to the site of the proposed works, where she was wel-
comed by the Directors of the Bedford Railway, Mr.
Theed Pearse, the secretary, the deputations of the Lon-
don and Birmingham, and the Eastern Counties lines,
Mr. Scott, the engineer, Messrs. Grissell, Peto, and
Jackson, the contractors, and a large party composed
principally of the county families and clergy. Her
Grace's arrival was announced by a salute of cannon,
which was followed by three cheers from the assembly,
and a band of music struck up as her Grace was con-
ducted along the temporary platform.
Mr. THOMAS JOHN GREEN, of Bedford, the Chairman
of the Directors, then formally announced to her Grace
the nature of the works, and went into detail of the great
advantages that were likely to accrue to this part of the
kingdom by the formation of this line. He invited her
Grace to do honour to the proceedings by commencing
the works, and handed her the spade. The Duchess
curtsied, and, taking the spade, pressed it into the
earth.

Lord ALFORD then took the spade, and turning to
the company, said—l cheerfully and cordially assist in
commencing the works of a railway which, I am sure,
is calculated to be of immense importance to the
town and county of Bedford.—(Cheers.) I think
it is a matter of peculiar congratulation to you all that
the county of Bedford, which has hitherto had no railway,
is now about to have one formed that will open a line of
communication with the metropolis and some of the most
important parts of the kingdom. I am of opinion that
very great advantages will quickly be experienced by
this line to all persons resident in and connected with
the county. We have hitherto been considered very
quiet people in these districts, but I have no doubt when
we have a little more co►nntunication with other parts,
we shall receive considerable benefit from the attrition.
There is another feature in the affair which gladdens
me, and that is, that a large quantity of work will, by
this railway, be provided throughout the winter for the
labourers of this county.—(Hear, hear.) I hope that
the exertions of the Directors will be crowned with the
success they deserve, and that all their expectations
will be more than realised. I shall now commence
these works, which thole around me will, I am sure,
carry out successfully.—(Loud cheers.) His Lord-
ship then took off his hat and great coat, and
began diggirg the clay most diligently until
he had filled the barrow, amidst cheers and en-
couraging bravos. Having filled the barrow he wheeled
it away along the platform, and led the way to a
splendid marquee. The cannons were again fired off.
flags waved, and the national anthem was played. On
I arriving at the marquee, his Lordship. emptied his
barrow, and then deposited it, together with the spade,
at one end of the tent. The barrow was made of beauti
fully grained oak, grown on the Woburn estate, richly
carved and polished. On the front the arms of the
Duke of Bedford were carved in a very elaborate style,
and beneath them was a silver plate bearing the follow.
ing inscription :

" With this barrow

the works of the Bedford and London and Birmingham
Railway
were commenced by his Grace
the Duke of BEDFORD,
who turned the first sod on the 13th day of
December, 1845,
upon lands in the parish of Husborne Crawley,
and county of Bedford."

The spade, which had a handsome twisted carved oak
handle, was made of electrotyped silver, with the arms
of the Duke in frosted silver, and some emblematical
chasings. It bore a similar inscription to that on the
barrow.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
ROLLS' COURT, Dec. 16.

The Court was engaged during the greater portion of
the day in hearing unopposed petitions. These were
for the roost part prating for the payment of certain
moreys in Court to the credit of different causes—an
arrangement having been made between the litigants
for receivers to be relieved from liabilities, having com-
plied with the necessary orders of the Court, and fur
guardians to be exempted from their duties, their wards
having attained their majority. These cases were of
interest only to the parties concerned.

A splendid collation was prepared in the marquee, and
her Grace-was conduced to the head of the table, and
supported on the left by Lord Alford, and on the right
by Mr. Thomas John Green. The parallel table was
presided over by Mr. Henry Littledale, one of the board
of Directors. About two hundred ladies and gentlemen
sat down to the luncheon, which comprised a great pro-
fusion of delicacies. Amongst the company were Mr.
William Astell, M.P., Sir Edward Codrington, Mr.
Henry Stuart, Mr. W. B. Higgins, the high sheriff of
Bedfordshire; Captain Newland, Captain Boldero, Capt.
Moore and party, Captain Leech, the Rev. T. Tylcote
and party, the Rev. W. Joikyn and party, the Rev. W.
Hedges, Dr. Meshatn, Mr. J. Harris, Messrs. Wm. Routh
and J. Henderson, directors of the Eastern Counties ;
Isaac Eiger, Theed Pearse and party, &c.
Lord ALFORD rose, and, in the name of the Duchess
of Bedford, proposed the toast of " Prosperity to the
Bedford and London and Birmingham Railway."—(Loud
cheers, and three times three.)
Mr. T. J. GREEN then proposed the health of her
Grace the Duclwas of Bedford.—(Loud cheers.) They
could not but regret the unavoidable absence of the Duke
himself,lbut it was a great satisfaction to find him so
kindly and ably represented.—(Cheers.) The company
would, he was quite sure, join him in thanking her
Grace for her condescension upon this occasion.—
(Cheers.) He need say no more to induce them to do
justice to the toast. They were now in the centre of the
county which had had repeated benefits conferred upon
it by the noble house of Russell, and they had this day
added another proof of their kindness.

The company rose and drank the toast, and then gave
three rounds of cheers.

The Duchess bowed to the company on receiving
these marks of attention.

Mr. T. G. GREEN then proposed the health of Lord
Alford, who had used such strenuous exertions to pro-
mote this work, and who had so kindly assisted her
Grace in this day's proceedings.—Three times three.
Lord ALFORD returned thanks. The well-known
talents and energy of the Board of Directors, in con-
junction with the assistance of the Company of the
London and Birmingham Railway (the best conducted
railway in the world), were quite sufficient to satisfy all
that the work would be carried out to the great advan-
tage of the county of Bedford. As far as his individual
services were concerned, he begged to say that they
might always b- commanded to promote this important
undertaking.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. ISAAC ELDER proposel " The health of the
Duke of Bedford," which was responded to with three
times three.

Mr. H. LITTLEDALE proposed " The 'health of th•
Con tractors."—(C heers.)
Mr. PETO acknowledged the toast on behalf of the
contractors. It had been his good fortune to be present
at the opening of many public works, but he could say
with truth that none had commenced so auspiciously as
this.—(Loud cheers.) He hoped that long before the
time allowed for the completion of the contract—the 31st
of July—they should have the pleasure of handing over
the works to the Directors fully completed.—(Cheers.)
Mr. HENRY STUART, M.P., proposed the health of Mr
Thomas John Green, and the Board of Directors.—
(Cheers.) Three times three.
Mr. T. J. GREZN acknowledged the toast. There had
been delays about the works which had rather prejudiced
them in the eyes of the public, and created a doubt
whether the undertaking would be carried out ; but the
Directors themselves never had any doubt, although
they had been subject to delays which they could not
avoid. Now, however, they had fairly launched their
boat upon the waters and had the cordial co-operation
of the London and Birmingham Company, no exertion
would be wanting to complete the undertaking.
Mr. ISAAC ELDER then proposed the health of Henry
Stuart, Esq., M.P., wha had given his valuable assist-
ance to the Bill in its progress through Parliament, and
had otherwise rendered the directors much service.—
(Cheers). . _ _

Mr. H. STUART, in returning thanks, said the line
itself possessed such Merits that no opposition could
reasonably be offered to the Bill. Its advantages were
so apparent that no impediment could be thrown in the
way to prevent the Bill being passed.—(Hear, hear.)
He would be very happy to render his services to further
the works in any way in his power.—(Cheers.)

Mr. T. J. GREEN said he lamented the absence of the
Directors of the London and Birmingham Railway, but
they had the benefit of the attendance of a deputation
from the Eastern Counties Railway, with which this
line would be connected. He, therefore, felt great
pleasure in proposing the health of Messrs. Wm. Routh
and J. Henderson, the Directors of the Eastern Coun-
ties.—(Cheers.)
Mr. W. RoUTE returned thanks.
The health of Mr. Pearse having been proposed and
responded to,
Capt. MoonE proposed the toast of " The Ladies ;"
the band played an air, and the Duchess then retired,
followed by the remainder of the company.
On her Grace entering the carriage, another salute
was fired, and the contractors requested her Grace to
accept of the barrow and spade, and they were placed in
the carriage. Three cheers were then given, and her
Grace took her departure, the company soon afterwards
dispersing.

CITY POLICE AT THE NEW PIER, BLACKFRIARS.
—Monday evening, at twenty minutes past four o'clock, the
steam-boat Waterman No 6, from Woolwich and Greenwich,
attempted to land her passengers at the above-named pier,
but were obstructed and resisted by several policemen and an
inspector. The police lined the front of the barge lying
broadside to the river. and when the passengers attempted to
effect a landing, they were either struck or pushed back by
the inspector and his men. The inspector pushed one pas-
senger back, and told him he might be thrust into the river
and drowned, if he attempted it again. The police were
repeatedly asked under what authority they so acted. It
was stated at the time the pier was in mama of erection that
it would be the greatest Accommodation on the river, the
bAAts of All companies receiving equal accommodation.
Lord Wharncliffe, in answer to inquiries on Mon-
day in Curzon-street, was stated to be rather better.
'The Dowager Countess Grey, Lady Carolina Bar-
rington, and the Hon. Captain H. Cavendish Grey, are pas.:',7.
ins the winter at Nice,