Star.
London, England, 1830-06-10 00:00:00

GENERAL CEMETERY COMPANY.

Yesterday a public meeting was held, at the Fteemasons' Tavern,
for the purpose of forming a Company for the establishment of a
Public Cemetery in the neighbourhood of London, with a view to
provide places of interment, secure from violation, inoffensive to
public health and decency, and ornamental to the metropolis.
Shortly after one o'clock, Lord Mictow took the Chair.
The noble CIIAINDIAN proceeded then to explain briefly the
objects of the meeting. lie believed that it had been lung a
matter of complaint, amongst all persons who had turned the
subject in their mind, that the interment of the dead of this
vast metropolis was not conducted in a mantlet satisfactory
in any point of view. By a reference to the prosptetus of
this Company, which had been circulated, an account would
be found of the vast number that die annually in this metro-
polis, and he believed that he did not go beyond the fact, when he
stated that the number interred within the limits of the metropolis
did not fall short of 40,000 a year. By the returns in 1824. it ap-
peared that the number of intetments in the year amounted to
27,000; and, considering the increase of population since, it was
but fair to assume that the number now amounted to 40,000. It
was quite plain that the present burial grounds within the metro-
polis were not at all adequate for the interment of such a vast num-
ber of bodies. The objectof the proposed company was to remedy that
evil, and to provide a better means for the interment of the dead, on
the plan of the cemeteries established in many of the towns of Europe,
i where much better provision was made for the burial of the dead than
lin this city. After the experience of what had taken place during
the last few years, great care had been taken to secure this company
against the malpractices which had disgraced other companies. It
was proposed that the shares should be 261. each; and it was pro.
posed by the gentleman with whom this scheme had originated that
the shares should not be transferable until 34ths of the amount had
been actually paid up. That precaution was taken with a view to
secure this company from becoming what was vulgarly called a
" bubble company,' and to establish it upon a solid foundation.
He conceived that the regulation and adoption of the plan ought to
be left to the decision of a committee emanating from this meeting,
should the principle of the proposed company, in the first instance,
meet with the approbation of the present meeting. He trusted that
In that case a great number of the individuals present would sub-
scribe to the undertaking.
The Marquis of LANSDOWNE, in proposing the first resolution,
" that the interment within this metropolis is highly objectionable,
leading to consequences injurious to health and offensive to de-
cency,^ said that he conceived that the object of this meeting was
not of a speculative character, but that it had a great public object
In view—namely, that of contributing largely to the police and to
the health of this metropolis, with regard to which we had been
hitherto so lamentably deficient. In support of an undertaking of
this kind he would refer the meeting to Liverpool, which was in
many commercial respects the rival of London, and which was so
much distinguished for its zeal with regard to every species of
public improvement. Within the last three years a most excellent
and ornamental public cemetery, which could vie with any one
established in any city of Europe, had been erected in the
neighbourhood of that place. Mas it fitting that this, the great
metropolis of the empire, where every possible accommodation could
be found for the living, should be found backward in adopting mea-
sures for the decent interment of the dead, in a way that would be
citifying to the feelings of those who remained behind them ? He
led that this plan would meet with the public support, partite.
laxly as it was freed from the least taint of improper speculation,
against which, as their noble chairman had mentioned, the most
effectual measures had been taken to secure it. The noble marquis
said he should give his cordial support to the undertaking, and con.
eluded by proposing the resolution.
It was seconded by the Rev. Mr. Helton, who observed that as
the public cemetery established in Liverpool bad been expressly
sanctioned by the present Bishop of London, who was then Bishop
of Chester, it was but reasonable to conclude that his lordship would
give his sanction also to this undertaking.
Lord RADII roc= suggested that it would be well to have some
detailed explanation as to the plan upon which the company would
proceed, and the objects which it had in view.
Mr. SNOT T ISWOODE accordingly proceeded to notice in detail
the objects of the proposed company. The unanimity of the meet.
ing, he said, as to the necessity of the measure in question, saved
him the trouble of dwelling upon that point. The committee, with
whom the meeting had originated, had been for some time occupied
with measures for remedying the evils arising from the existing
mode of interment in this metropolis, and the result of their labours
was the plan which was now proposed to the meeting for the forma-
tion of a general cemetery company. After noticing and refuting
the various objections which had been raised to the plan in question,
and after expressing a hope that they would be finally enabled to
accomplish something in this way worthy of the first city in the
world, the hon. gentleman concluded by moving the second reso-
lution, which was to this effect :—" That the only effectual say for
remedying this evil is, to establish a public cemetery without the
limits of the town, which, while it conduces to the public health,
will be ornamental to the metropolis."
Sir H. Parce, in seconding the resolution, observed that the ob-
ject of this meeting was to avert a great public calamity, and to
remove a great public nuisance, and he conceived that, under such
circumstances, it would meet the public support.
Lord RADSTOCK expressed himself favourable to the principle
of the plan, and hoped that its accomplishment would be secured
by a well-selected and respectable committee.
Sir J. D. PAUL proposed the next resolution, which was to the
effect--" That in the establishment of such a cemetery it was ad-
visable to avoid every expense tending to increase the cost of inter-
ment." A great nuisance, he said, existed, and their object was,
with the assistance of the meeting, to remove it. The possibility of
, the occurrence of a plague, from the existing mode of interment
I within the walls, had been alluded to. The plan of this company,
if carried into effect, would completely prevent the possible occur.
Fence of such a calm nil y. Another object of the proposed company
was to remove, or greatly lessen the heavy expenses at present at-
tendant upon funerals. the most discreditable thing amongst the
institutions of this country was the prevailing mode of conducting
funerals.—(hear.)
The resolution was seconded by Mr. B. Beau nosy T, and catried.
A gentleman expressed a hope that the plan would not be clogged
with anything like a compensation for the c!vrgy.
Mr. brovrtswoone said that it was nut at present embraced in
the plan, and that all these matters of detail would be the subject',
of futare discussion and arrangement.
Mr. DOUGLAS suggested that the cemetery, which it was pro-
posed to establish, should be disconnected from the national church,
and calculated to combine all sects and parties within it.
Lord MILTON remarktd, that the ground which would be se-
lected for the cemetery should, at all events, be consecrated, and
that ceremony, he apprehended, must be petfornied according to the
rites of the national church.

Mr. O. CARDEN moved the next resolution to this effect,
—" That this meeting approves of the principles upon which
the General Cemetery Company is fouaded, and recommends
to all who feel an interest an the public welfare, and in the
provemcnt of the public taste, to forw4rd the objects of it."—
The object of this company, he said, had engaged his attention
since 1825, and he trustei that it now stood a fair chance of being
finally carried into effect. He had had several interviews with the
Bishop of London on the tiubject, and he could state that his lordship
was decidedly favourable to the plan.
The resolution having been seconded by Lord RADSTOCR, was
carried.

On the suggestion of Mr. Foss the following resolution was she
proposed and agreed to s.—" That this meeting approves of the
resolation of the committee, that no shares of the company shall be
transferable until S.Oths of the amount shaU be paid up."
Thanks were then voted to the noble chairman, and the meeting
separated.

Sir Thomas B. Lethbridge, bart. is at present, and has
for some time past, been labouring under severe indisposi-
tion. The worthy baronet has not been able to attend
his duty in Parliament for the last three weeks.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT.
HOUSE OF &DS, JUNE 9.
The Earl FITZWILLIAIII presented !Wilt
against Slavery, and in fasor of the emancipation of 'he J... 5.
Lord TEENHAM preened a petition from :sad-iary, inry
fora reform in Parliament.

The Earl of SHREWSBURY took the oaths and t. at.
blildmay's Divorce Bill and Boydelrs Divorce EX, wt.te
second time.
Mr. Cobb, from the Margate Pier Company, presnted the
account for this' year.
The House then adjourned.
HOUSE OF (7'7OIII7tINS, JUNE 3
At four o'clock the SPEAKER counted the atunthet r-.
present, when there being only 18, an adjournment of c..31r,: took
place.

MILD:IIA DIV‘ /RC E.
Council having been called in thiscase befaret; le Lords on Tuesday,
—Mr. F. POLLOCK said, My Lords, I hate the honour to upper
at your Lordships bar, on behalf of C-ept. 31thinsaj. who is is..
petitioner for the relief which it is the object of *lsis hill to obtain.
It will not be necessary for me to detain your Loreist.ips with st:y
lengthy statement. AU the circumstances which usually concur to
induce the House to pass such a bill as the present are peereetly
clear in this instance, and free irons objections. Capt. 31ildmity ,
' my Lord., was married in the East Indies, on the I Ws Jose,
to Mies Mary Ann Catherine Sherson, who was about the ic,ot
age. The marriage had been deferred some time, on accoun: •• •
the early age of the parties, and until he attained tweisty.une
For some years, Captain Mildnsay and his wife lived happily te.
gether, indeed, down to a late period, no other intetrop-
! Lions to their happiness; arising, except the occasional aO.
since of Captain Illildmay, when the professional service so
which he was engaged required his attendance. There are f. ut
children the issue of the marriage. As 1 laic just stated, my
Lards, Capt. Mildmay and his wife were in the enjoyment of much
felicity, until a very recent period. I allude to the latter part ut
the last year, when it appears that the claims of' his professional
life rendered it necessary for bins to be absent in Ireland. Probsbly,
before that period nothing of a criminal nature had transpired be•
tween his wife and the gentleman named in the BilL He was in.
troduced into the family, being a connection, in some way, of set
friends. On one occasion he was observed to quit her bed.wout.
It will hardly be necessary for me to state more or the criminal rn,.
ceedings than this transaction. Some suspicion attaching to lota,
his conduct was watched, and he was seen leaving Mrs. Blileinsay's
bed-room. The servant who witnessed this improper conduct
thought it right to acquaint Captain 31ildmay with the fact. Mea-
sures were subsequently taken to apprise the friends of the hely en
her misconduct, and she subsequently left her husband's root. At.
action was brought in the Court of Common Pleas, when dammtes
to the amount of 400 L were awarded by the Jury. Proceedings
were likewise taken in the Arches Court o± Canterbury, and the
usual divorce was obtained. lam nut able to state to your Lord-
ships that the damages have been actually received ; fur as soon as
the gentleman was served with the proceedings of the action, he ktl
the country, and has not, us I ant informed, yet returned. These
are the circumstances of the ease relating to the marriage, to the si.
tuation in life in which the parties move, and the adultery, which 1
believe will be most completely established. I trust that when
your Lordships shall have heard the evidence, you will consider
Captain Mildmay entitled to the relief he seeks by the Bill.
Mr. Samuel Skinner was the first witness called. He was in the
Bast Indies in the year 1818, and was acquainted with Captain
Midway, who at that time held a Lieutenant's Commission In the
22d Dragoons. He knew that Captain Mildmay was married to a
Miss M. C. Sherson. He was not acquainted with her before the
marriage. He had not seen het since she was in England. He had
seen Captain Mildmay that day.
Mr. T. Hardy produced a copy from the book which contains
the entries of the marriages of parties that take place in India. H
had examined the book at the India House, and the paper he pro-
duced was an accurate copy of
.Captain 111ildusay's marriage wills
Miss Sherson.

The LORD CHANCELLOR.—That will not do. You must
have the original book. An officer from the India House always
attends here with the book when evidence of that description is
wanted.

Mr. POLLOCK.— Perhaps your lordship will allow inc to proceed
with another part of my cue ?
The LORD Ctrawczwia...—Certainly.
Mr. Hardy was again called. He produced an examined copy
of the judgment against Edmund Knapp, in the action brought in
the Court of Common Pleas.

This was put in evidence.
Mr. Warren said that he had ICTVtd the order of the House, with
• copy of the Bill, upon Mrs. Mildmay.
By the LORD CHANCELLOIL—i raw her at a house in ft
street leading out of High-street, itlary-la-bonne. Knew that
it was Mrs. Mildmay whom I saw, because Mr. IVileatley intro.
duced me to her. 1 do not know Mrs. Mildmay from any other
circumstance.

The LORD CHANCELLOR then inquired whether Mr. Wheatley
was in attendance ? and being answer.d in the negative, observed,
that he must be called, or better evidence produced, to identity
Mrs. Mildmay with respect to the proceedings.
Mr. Warren, to some further questions put by the Loan CHAN.
CEEEoa, nowsaid.—l was the solicitor in the action. I Dave not
yet entered up execution. I expect the amount of damages very
shortly. 1 have seen Mr. Knapp's solicitor on the subject.
It was now near five o'clock, when the LOUD CHANCELLOR
said—The evidence respecting the adultery will not be long, I ap.
prebend, Mr. Pollock ?
Mr. Pos.Locx—No, my laird.
The LORD CHANCELLOR—As your CAW is d.feetive in other
parts, let it be again brought before the House, when you can sup.
ply those deficiencies.
Mr. POLLOCE said, he had understood the first witness would
have spoken more as to the marriage. But if their Lorchhips
leased, lie would have the witness from the India House, and Mr.
heatley, when the case came before the house the next time.
The Lotto CHANCELLOR inquired when that evidence could he
supplied, and was told to.morrow (this day.)
The further consideration was then postponed to that period.
WEDNESDAY, Jodi& 9.--The examination of witnesses was re-
sumed in this bill to-day.
Mr. Wheatly was called to prove that Mrs. Mildmay was the per.
son whom Mr. Warren had served with a copy of the bill.
Mr. Henslow, the solicitor of Mr. Knelt, deposed that Mr. Kamp
had not been in this kingdom since the verdict had been got against
him by Captain Mildmay.
The Rev. Mr. Ricked, fellow of Merton College, Oxford, was
in the habit of visiting Captain and Airs. Mildmay. They lived on
the most affectionate tams.

Henry Light had been in the service of Capt. Mildmay. Last
year recollected his muter having been absent from home 1h the
month of October. His mistress remained at home, at Southamp.
ton. After having gone to bed one night, he heard a noise at the
hall-door, and having got up he saw his mistress standing outside
her bed-room, as if listening: shortly after his mistress went down
stairs, and witness went to procure a light, while he was doing so he
heard some person going into his mistress's room. Witness waited
for nearly two hours on the staircase, when his mistress came out
of her bed-roam, went down stairs, and opened the hall-door. Sbe
did not see witness. Mr. Knap immediately after came out of the
bed-room, and, having seen witness, he ran. Witness pursued him
and cried out .• You need not run, for I know you perfectly well."
Mr. Knap said nothing, but ran off. Witness knew Mr. Lisp
before
Mary Ann Tegg bad been Mrs. Mildmay's maid for eight years;
saw Mr. Knap, from her bedroom window about three o'clock in the
morning, running away from the hall door.
CTONs examined by the LORD Cita)* chit. Lone—She knew Mr.
Knap before, from having often seen him waking with her mistress
in the town of Southampton. He was about 23 years of sge. and
rather handsome. She had got out of bed in consequence of the
noise which she had heard in the house. She never mlw Mr. Khap
at Ceptain Alildmay's but emu. Captain and Mrs. 3i itumay had,
up to that period, lived very happily together.
The Loan Cuancthson observed that the evidence of the
adultery wu very satisfactory, and, in his opinion, Captain AI thlmay
had made out a sufficient use to entitle him to the indulgence which
he sought for. He therefore u:oved that the bill he DA a second
time, which was agreed to, and the bill was ordered to be committed
to-morrow.

It appears from a Parliamentary paper that the net
revenue from the duty on candles in England and Scot-
land last year was 489,059/ Is. 9d. In 1800 it Alas
only 269,593/. 10s. 4d. From another Parliamentary •
paper we learn that the quantity of corn spirit consumed
in England, Ireland, and Scotland, in 1829, was
22,690,270 imperial gallons.
The subscriptions for Mr. Hone are going on favour-
ably. In the list now published is the name of the Duke
'of Bedford, who has sent 201. His cause has been
warmly espoused by the provincial journals, more than
,20 of which have inserted his appeal gratuitously, with
offers to receive and remit subscriptions. The aphorism,
"he gives twice wPogivee quickly," could not receive a
more cogent application than the nt instance, for the
funds are required to enable Mr. Hone to commence busi-
ness in his new undertaking, where he is already placed
with his family, liable to rent and lazes, and other claims,
but gaining nothing until his outfit is completed.

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