The Sun.
London, England, 1818-01-09 00:00:00

AIENWCITY OF Tilt METROPOLIS.

Yestetday a Meeting was held at the Crown
and Anchor Tavern, in the Strand, to consider of
the most advisable steps to be pursued .for the
immediate relief of the destitnte, and the ultimate
suppression -of rnendicity in the metropolis.
Mr. WILLIAM's, being called to the Chair, 'ob-
served, that though placed in that situation by the
kindness orilie Meeting, lie much regretted that
some person of More bonsenoence than himself
had not been chosen to preside on such an occa-
sion ; for hUregarded the objects which had in-
duced them to assemble, as the most important
that could 'engage the attention of the friends of
humanity mid rieir country. He should not now
attempt to deicribe the measures which might be
calculated to accomplish the 'great object the
Meeting had in view. This was Hot the time for
details; but the Committee, the appointment of
which it was intended to _propose, would be able
to enter into the most Minute considerations,
and would soon come Torsisid with a well-digest-
ed plan. For the present, it was sufficient to
state, that 'the objects 'for which the Meeting had
beets called, .were the "relief 'of immediate and
pressing distress, and the enforcement of the laws
of the country with regard to menviicity. The
Duke of Notthumberland, he had hoped, would
have' beers present at this Meeting .; but he was
sorry to state that, a letter had been received from
his (Grace, stating that in consequence of 'a loss
in his family lie could not attend.. He had rea-
son to hope, hoWever, that another. occasion
ivdidd arise in which his Grace might have an.
opportunity of appearing in that room, in support
of the benevolent purpo. s of the meeting. He
trusted, that the -Gent/erne') who might be dis-
posed to speak on the business submitted to the
consideration of the Meeting would avoid, as
much as"possible, all extraneous matter , that
they would confine themselves strictly to the dis-
tress of the 'Metropolis, and the means of afford-
, ing -direct and immediate relief,: above all, he
hoped they ivould avoid any thing like political
di,cussion ; for certainly nothing. could be more
injurious to the humane object they all had in
view than any attempt to mix politics with
charity.
Mr. MAR.:EN, in rising to move the first resolu-
tion, knew that it would not be necessary for bins
to take tin ninth of the time of the meeting. That
to relieve the distress of our fellow-creatures was
the duty '6l every Member of society' was a truth
which he did not need to urge to those who had
there assembled. He should have been glad that
sonic person of higher rank and consideration than
himself had taken the lead in this business ; but
he could not say that he expected any one pos-
sessing more experience Would have come forward,
for he had made mendicity the subject of his par-
ticular attention for many, years, and he knew
what 'the duty he had now to perform was. It
did not require great talents or elinpience to in-
duce a British public to listen to the voice of lin-
, Inanity. He had often made successful appeals
in favour of distress, for he had laboured in thii
cause for many years. But, notwithstanding all
that had hilliest() been done, the state of mendi-
' city in the Metropolis had alarmingly increased.
Thousands of poor creatures were now suffering
the drepe,t distress ; and, so far from its being
true that they lived luxuriously, the fact was, that
the majority of these miserable beings died pre=
maturely, for want of the common comforts of
:
life. lu this statement he was supported by the
opinion of a rntlemati of great experience among
the poor in the populous parish—of
St. Martin-in-
the-ffelds. A Committee would be proposed, for
the better effecting the objects of the nieetiug.,--
lie should not enter into ally minute details of
what he thought ought to. be the duty of that
Committee, but sonic points which would be
important for their consideration might now be
mentioned. It would be most material to take
care to check imposture. • He knew many beoevo,
lent persons who were deterred from giving cha-
rity. Even Ladies, possessing the kindest dispo-
sitions and the warmest feelings of humanity, had
had their feelings steeled against charity by the
frauds which had beet! practiSed upon (heel. It
would therefore be necessary for the Committee
to discritninate with the greatest nicety in the ap-
plication of relief, that those who subscribed might
be assured, that . their money was bestowed on
proper objects: To execute the business of the
Committee proper regulations would be necessary.
He had always found that much was to be accom-
plished •by a judicious division of labour, and in
this business a natural division presented itself, to
which the labours of tiro Committee might be suc-
cessfully applied. Beggar's were either parochial
or belonged to' no parish. it was extraordi-
nary that the majority of Mendicants met with
in London were parochial, and about one-
third of them act rally belonged to parishes of
the Metropolis. • The labour of one division of the
Committee would be well employed in sending these
paupers to their respective parishes. With re-
gard to those who have no parishes, they
naturally disided themselves into Irish, Scotch,
and foreign paupers. The Irish paupers were
rely oufnerous. A subscription, he. thought,
might be made among their countrymen, for
the
,purpose of • defraying the expence of re-
turning them to their country. From their nuns-
bets they made a very heavy pressure on some
parishes, particularly that of St. Giles. Of Scotch
paupers there were but few ; the people of that
country being sober and industrious, were seldom
met with as 'mendicants, and the Scotch Society
would willingly assist the Committee in finding
the means of conveying such as
.were found
in a state of 'necessity to SCotland. There re-
mained, then, only to be provided for by the.
Committee such of the foreigners as might have
no claim on any other source, for relief. Of
them a considerable number were seamen, and
the Committee would be assisted in its labours
respecting them by die Society established at the
City of London Tavern. He was convinced that
the fullest co-operation might be relied on as soon
as the plans of the Committee were Cully digested
and promulgated ; and to convince the meeting
cf.the assistance which might be expected, he re-
ferred to a list of the subscribers to a charitable
institution, of which lie was an active member,
containing the names of persons of the highe‘t rank.
But though they might telynputi the fullest tuppi)rt

"an,l co- r i';cr,o ion wben the I.,ganii,ltlon ti Corn•
nfift ee should be complete, yet it was absolutely ne-
cessary that; n i non gdin it bscri ptiOn-shonl dbe en-
tered ; and objectionable as gi alms in the
'street was in the opinion of many, he could nOt
discourage it, for charity mttst not be entirey
withheld until investigaticn took place, however
protnpt that investigation 'might be. He was
well convinced that there Were hundreds now in
the streets, who, if nor ieTie've'd "to-day, would
die to-snort ow. He had, thirefore, the cause of
wretched beings to plead, -atfd lie ova's sure
lie should not be suffered to plead in vain. _

_
Mr. HaaatsoN seconded the minion. He ob-
served, that if gross impoSitions were o.actised,
as was said to be the case, by paupers, it ‘vould be
for the Committee to investigate these frauds, and
expose them. lie entertained the liepe, that
through their labours, mendiciey would be com-
pletely pet an end to, and that the Society about
to be established would, as the, result of their first
labours, very soon have to request the public not
to give alms to beggars.
Mr. Hume; though not one originally concern-
etl in bringing about this meeting, had (in conse-
queoce of his application to the Gentlemen who
suggested it, to know what measures were to be
brought forward) been asked to propose the Re-
solution he was now about to move. With regard
to plans, it was not reasonable to expect, on such
a subject as ;his, any thing like agreement ; and.
in this case he had found as many plans as indi-
viduals. All, however, concurred in the convic-
tion, that the evil was great and general. Every
friend of humanity endeavours to give partial re-
lief within the circle to which his exertions Must
be confined; but general relief mast be the object
of :the -Committee. It was, however, very diffi-
cult to say what the plan of the Committee ought
to be. The distinction which had been. made
with respect to parochial and non-parochial beg-
gars was exceedingly proper, and would naturally
lead to the proper course of application for the
relict and removal of the latter. It was scarcely
possible to walk the streets without being assailed
by natives of Asia, in the most distressed situa-
tion, soliciting charity. It ought,. however, to he
known, that every person who brought any of the
natives of Hindostan to this country, were
obliged to give securities to the 'mount of 1,000
rupees, that those men should not be left desti-
tute in this country. One important part of the
duty of the Committee would therefore be to col-
lect untortnnate beings of this description, arid
ascertain what support they were entitled to. He
was confident, that on application to thelittlia-
House, a depik Would he established, to which
they might be transferred alail the investigation
was completed, a,+l the means of returning them
to their own country obtained. In this stay the
streets of the metropolis might easily be cleared
of a very niantrous class, at a trifling expence.
Natives of Africa formed another class of patiperS,
to which the attention of the Committee would
be flit eeted, aunt in .doing so they would daunt-
less he assisted in their hybours by the African So-
ciety. Ile should have been happy to have seen
fete Chairman of that Society p:irticipating in the
present Meeting, hot they could not doubt of his
co-operation, and the Committee, by communicat-
ing with that humane institution, would, in all
_probability, procure a proper asylum for every
African, who was really an object of charity, and
the means of sending others .who were destitute,
though ahre td labour, out of the country. The
seamen, as had been observed, might be referred
to the Society recently established for their re-
lief, The cases of the soldiers, or men who pre-
tended to have been soldiers, ought to be enquir-
ed into by a distinct section of the Committee,
with the view of ascertaining -Which of them had
pensions and which had not. If application were
firiade to the Duke of York, they might be assured
that • his Royal Highness would afford the Society.
every aid which might facilitate their labours. An
unoccupied barrack would be eXtremely useful as
a depot for this. description ut mendicants ; and
upon application to his Royal Highness •he hoped
that favour would be granted to the Cothmittee;
This, however, Must by constantly borne in Mind,
that it was impossible for the objects of the Meet-.
• Mg to be accomplished, without the establishment
of numerous local Committeesicommunicating with
one Central Committee, An immediate Sub-
scription was, however, absolutely necessary for
the most destitute objects, whom it would be ne-
cessary.to relieve, while the investigation of their
cases was going on. In theinean time he hoped
that the Public Papers, at all times for Ward in the
support of the public charities of the country, and
some of which had already been of great service
in promoting the views of the Meeting, would
give publicity to the intentions and aid the ,ob-
jects of the Society, for the formation of which
the Meeting had been .called. He concluded by
nwving, that a Society be formed, to be called
The Society for the Suppression of Mendicity.
The Rev. Mr. RUDGE, as Minister of a very
populous parish, considered it his duty to second
the measure.

The motion was carried unanitnnualy. •
Mr. ToottE rose next, to move the appointment
of a Committee. Ile observed, that when the Com-
mittee should be established, the proper course
would be to supply Gentlemen with tickets, to he
given to mendicants. Instead of besto3ving their
-ci(liilayriatiiof;a
yainprni7yiey,lwlilich was too erequently spent
they would give to the beg-
gar who solicited relief one of those-tickets, re-
ferring -him to a place Where his case would -be
investigated. To facilitate the investigation a list
of queries should be prepared. The result in ge-
neral would he the transfer of the mendicant to his
parish, or the assigning hint to some place to which
be v. as entitled to look fur relief ; for there was
scarcely any individual in distress who might not
be referred to some body.or institution oil which
he I a preferable claim- tor relief. The appeal
which was now made to the public rested oil the
best foundation, namely, that of economy to
themselves ; for whatever they subscribed ss,ottld
be applied for the purpose of lidding them of an
enormous burden, Ile therefore anticipated com-
plete success. lie regretted to see the room so
thinly atiendiql ott an occasion of so much im-
portance. When they recollected the numerous
meetings which a visionary had produced last
summer, the present attendance teemed to prove,
that the influence of romance wits much more

••
pOwerin! than that o roailcr of fact.
ever, he had nil cOnlidence in (n the .aceo:di'!':
trient Of the views Of the Society. lie tl:en mo:en
the '4.,ppoiriturent of a Committee.
Mr. Friefir,C seconded the 16.,olution, anci 01'"
served that it. Was .unnecessary
to contribute their aid, as their presence 11"-44
sufficiently declared their intentions. That men-
dicity constituted a great evil was manifest. 111'
only question was, how this 'evil tonic! be refue'
died. :-.le who could answer this question
feel peculiar satisfaction from the remeitibrance
it on his dying day. It they could nut compre."
bend the 'whole gigantic plan, yet thev,ought
do what they can. lie was one of those who ori"
ginated the measure, and he called upon o:lter
to .assist iii the tremendous ditty. The road fn.
military glory Was shut tip ; long might the tern'
pie of .Janus be closed, but the destitute crowd 3
tat lay at , its threshold called loudly for assist"
at-lee and relief.
Mr. TooKR moved that Mr. W. Williams' 1)6
pointed Treasurer.
• Mr. FttEND, in his seconding this Motion,
that this was a political question, and a political
question of the verY highest importance. It wrt-'nt
to- the root of all society., Society, according 1°
_the Scriptures, was connected together as ant
body ; when one Member was afflicted, all tent'
members suffered with it. Society Was a pyratall
whose. basis was the lower classes. If the. hasis
should be dimiGished, the whole fabric would
tumble down. This was only the beginning of
the measure ; if wisely conducted, it might
attended with the most beneficial effect's.
Mr. BLUNDELL moved, that Mr. W. H. Bodkill
be appointed Sucretary. •
Mr. liArtittsoN denied that their intention 18.4-'
political. They had no intention of inlet feri»g aq
way with. civil Government. He was anxious 11'
this shotN be distinctly understood, and Publishet'
He saw there Gentlemen who could state it better
than he, and lay it immediately before the public'
By doing so, they would essentially serve socieT
He, for one, did think that mendifity could
put down altogether. Ile concluded by mOvio4
thanks to I\lr. Oitey, for the gratuitous use of I'M
room. It mignt, indeed, be said rooms, for
Committee-room Was also given gratuitously. ii
took that occasion to say, that tV personkil
vices of tiose who could give inforiaailint (0' 85
sistanee would be more valuable even' than to4l-
- and he therefore solicited such Gehtleoreo
to put their names'in books provided for that pa'
pose.
Mr. IlowceoFT-said, they could now separate
with as much satisfaction as the occasion
The beginning was the most difficult thing. TOL
difficulty was now removed. It reinaiiied-dOt
every one should 'contribute for the object:- :'ll
view. Their business was not to deal out panic'
tic phrases, brit to tell simply, what were t'l“:11.
hopes, and what shotrld be their tiuleavours. 114
Wined Thanks to the Chairman.

•
Mr. flumF, in seeomiing this .
ed , what he had
that
tin eattl
very -important, I3,►tli they were lsef~tY~
them on this subject. There ‘.....ticiiyyeas 914
great measure suppressed. The eyi;i4*
cheering and encouraging.
The CHAIRMAN said, lie had been unwilling.; (14
ct".!te) ptehrea rChair, no( e
I.s);"josre thel:e 7,l‘lvea:t gt:ct,j;
cause be
.wished a Genileman of greater name
s.tiperior talent to preside in a hush:vs..; of rlt
importance. By the next time they met be trls
assured that they should. have not only a Oc'l"`—,,,'
Man of rank and talents to Ft..side, but that
could select one from many who should apply t`,
the Chair 'which he now occupied: The Meeti"
then broke up.

DREADFUL ACCIDENT PROM A i'OtECAt
A horrible occurrence recently took placeiiii
France. The wilit of a lamer Soiry 5,1(4°,"(,'
two 'infants, one of which she, was the parent, -
other given her to nurse. They were put to siceP
in the same bed. In the course of 1"s-
-month, the child at nurse ira.; t,,und
la its bed, with the face eaten away "1
one sale. The attention of the family 11*i
been called by the cuing of the. other. WV
the child was taken out of the tied, it appe:o44
the right band anti part of the wrist hail bel
taken away. `The.littly ertnitlrr was losing °v
its blood. Upon‘ examining, aspole-cat or (etc"
Was found stretched between the two eltilileo'
with its janAs all bloody. . The persons in dr
house succeeded kiiling it. The tirlimal
it appeared, estahlished itself in tie
liasse. It is thought evraordinary that sd
an animal should come into an inhabited
Surely these children could not have been, the, 011
killed, the Other horridly mangled, without pie'
Mr,. cries. How blanicable,are the mothers ore'
neglect the cries of little innocents, whose panes
Might be in general removed by a livle tenpernesg
and care. A little attention would' hare saved the
one of these children frou] death, the other froili
dreadful mutilation.

MUTABILITY HUMAN PORTUtZE.-,-1‘101291e111
L All.ltENt, fOrtnelly 90 celebrated. a Clown, 0114
distinguished tor his uncommon feats of aGtivill,!,
and who was possessed at one time of considerabi
property, has been so reduced in his circumstances'
that yesterday he ,:iplied to the ISlagistrats •°c,
.U,llOll-11an, for an miler to the Overseers °
I.4lMbetit (his patish) to grant him retiet or I'l
receive him into the workhouse. The Maws'
hates instructed hint in the mode of application to
the Parish Officers, and directed hint to retwn 11'
Union-Hall, iu case he was not relieved, *lO
they would issue the necessary order.

COAL M.A.I: I: ET, JAN. 7.
Ships at Marlict. ships sold. Prit.., •
s?_ Newcmtlo ..
... lai . 36s. 6d. w .15. R. Ca.
Is' yin to
..... ,t .. • ....... 37%. 04i, bo. 39,. Od'
1 Elgin 'Main CoaL ......o„
. s. DJ. to —5.

.1)1E1).. •
On Slimily last, Mr. Thomas (olel)atch, of Paradise-A"0`).
Islington, in the 77th year of his age.
Yesterday, at his house, at IsEnqton, In his 73,1 year, Jo1:3
Stevens, Lsq.
Ou the al Mt ult. at Ills chamliers in tlfe ToMple, in 111 t,
year of his age, ;Myles WalLe: Esq. barrister-at-law..

LONDON: Prilitt (2, Iry .1. . r.:sTA of No. 29, t"vt:4,t
(Hnioud-street, QUeeri-s,:uut:e; and published
. SCRIPPS, Of No. 7, illoltori-strcet, Twi,,
Oilice, No. 112, Strand; wh,re Advciliseoicr,h,
&c. (1w:1-paid) must

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