The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1838-03-23 00:00:00

SUGGESTIONS

As to Pacts which it is desirable to collect, and upon which Parties
having information to give are requested to communicate to the
Mercantile Committee on Postage, 6, Freeman's-court, Corn-
hill.
The House of Commons' Committee now sitting is ap-
pointed—
" To inquire into the present rates and mode of charging
postage, with a view to such a reduction thereof as may be
made without injury to the Revenue; and for this purpose to
examine specially into the mode recommended for charging and
collecting postage, in a pamphlet published by Mr. Rowland
Hill."

The members of the committee are, Mr. Wallace (Chairman),
Mr. Poulett Thompson, Lord Visc. Lowther, Lord Seymour,
Mr. Warburton, Sir Thomas Freenuantle, Mr. liaikes Currie,
Mr. Morgan John O'Connell, Mr, Thornely, Mr. Chalmers,
Mr. Pease, Mr. Mabony, Mr. Parker (Sheffield), Mr. George
William Wood, and Mr. Villiers.
The proposal advocated by Mr. Hill is.—
That all letters not weighing more than half an ounce be
charged one penny, and heavier packets an additional penny,
for each half-ounce to a qua►ter of a pound, to be paid in ad-
vance.

It is desirable to show to the Parliamentary Committee that
the Revenue would not suffer BY ALLOWING THE WHOLE OF
THE REDUCTION PROPOSED BY ➢lr. HILL.

The average of the present postage (taking all chargeable
letters) is sixpence halfpenny per letter.
The average cost of the actual carriage to any post-town in
Great Britain is about one-tenth of a penny; and even allowing
the whole present cost of the Post-office establishment, the tax
is above 200 per cent.: a rate of tax which experience has de-
monstrated always produces an evasion of the law.
No law is so extensively evaded as this; and so general has
the practice become, that even the best-regulated minds do not
think they-are committing offence by violating it.
It is proposed tb call witnesses to prove—
The great extent to which the practice of violating the law by
the irregular conveyance of letters and evading postage is carried,
and to give evidence of those modes, taking care to protect
parties who may furnish this testimony.
That this correspondence, if the reduction be made, would
immediately be transferred to the Post-office.
In addition to the very great increase in the number of letters
which would thus be transferred to the lawful channel, and to
changing the habit of breaking, into the habit of OBEYING the
law, it is proposed to show—
That reducing the postage upon all communications under
half an ounce to one penny, would produce an immense increase
to the Post-office revenue; and, by the increase of business,
lead to a great augmentation of the general revenue.
It is known to all commercial men that correspondence cre-
ates business, and that business re-acts, and again produces cor •
respoucience, and involves of necessity, a consumption of articles
which increases the general revenue.

As instances of direct increase in the number of letters, which
may with certainty be caculated upon, if the postage is reduced
to one penny, it is proposed to show—
That all invoices and letters of advice would be despatched
by the post.
That letters of inquiry, letters of explanation, letters pointing
out or supplyinc, omissions in orders or directions, would be
greatly multiplied.
That letters would be written to secure accuracy and expedi-
tion upon many smaller points which are allowed to lie over
until more important matters occur.
That innumerable circulars accompanying prices currrent,
and letters inquiring and advising of the state of the markets,
would be forwarded by post, which are now either not written
at all or but rarely written, and that to stock, share, and Imo-
duce-brokers, and to intermediate agents of all kinds, as well
as principals, a very great increase in the number of ccinmuni-
cations by post would necessarily result.*
That this will lead to the publication of prices current, or
market statements, in all the principal marts of trade in the
United Kingdom, for immediate transmission to parties inter-
ested therein ; and to the collection of these statements into
other lists and tabular statements, useful in new combinations
for many purposes, and that the whole will result in a great in-
crease of correspondence through the Post-office.
That with regard to stock, share, and produce-brokers espe-
cially, correspondence creates business, and that with them, as
with others, cheapness of postage would increase correspond-
ence; for their clients are peculiarly anxious to be advised daily
of the state of the markets, the opinion of those in whose judg-
ment they place confidence, as to their purchases and sales, and
that their correspondence would thereby be largely increased.
The shares in joint stock property, and the scrip or other
documents respecting it, would be transmitted to the buyers by
post, instead of being sent as they now are, when the buyers re-
side in the country, by parcels.
That the facilities thus afforded by increasing the number of
transfers, which bear an ad-valorem duty, would lead to the in-
crease of the general revenue. •
That to auctioneers the proposed reduction would open the
means of conveying particulars of estates offered for sale into
those channels which they know to be likely to afford pur-
chasers, and to furnish copies of their advertisements, particu-
lars, and catalogues, to the various classes and trades interest-
ed in the purchase and sale of particular descriptions of
property.
1 hat between all houses and trading companies having branch
establishments or travellers, the communications would be
greatly increased, as letters would be written immediately the
occasion for writing occurred.
That orders for small parcels of goods, or even for a single
article, would then be transmitted, to the great convenience of
the retail dealer; whereas now such orders are not sent, or the
wholesale houses are obliged to charge the postage upon them.
And that, to the very numerous classes engaged in those trades
into which silk, cotton, and woollen enter, this would be a most
important convenience, and the cause of very great additional
correspondence. . _ _

That it would lead, in all trades requiring extended publicity,
to au immense increase in the postage as a mode of advertising,
because a thousand circulars, with a letter on the fly-leaf, could
be despatched for £43s. 4d. to parties thought by the senders
most likely to become the purchasers. This would be particu-
larly the case with publications addressed to men of science,
and to particular classes or sections of society, and yet would
not supersede the more extended appeal to the public through
the medium of advertisements. .

That to all religionsand charitable institutions, particularly
to those having branch societies, it would afford most essential
aid in bringing their works of benevolence directly to the
knowledge of those whom the societies thought especially likely
to promote their objects, and facilitate their opportunities of
communicating with their influential members, committees,
officers, and subscribers.
That to all scientific, and particularly to statistical, geologi-
cal, and guardian societies, and to authors and publishers, upon
all subjects, the means of collecting facts and information, and
ascertaining the views of other men of science or of similar
pursuits, would be of the highest value and importance, and
largely increase their communications through the Post-office.
That authors would then be able to correct their own works
when passing through the press; and as the proofs would be
forwarded to them in sheets, the letters and packages, and the
additional revises, would be very numerous.t
That the ()Teat number of persons who are constantly seeking
to arrest public attention on subjects which occur to them as of
great religious, social, or political importance, would be able,
at a small expense, to convey their views to those whom they
desire to interest.

That to architects, engineers, medical men, and, indeed, to
all professional men, haring the charge of public works, or hos-
pitals, or institutions of any kind, it would be highly useful and
convenient; they could have, at an unimportant expense, re-
ports from their subordinates by every post, and the institutions
and works themselves would be benefited by the constant com-
munication of the superior minds to the acting subordinates, of
plans, drawings, and directions.
That great advantage would be taken of the reduction of post-
age by the legal profession, for the transmission of many docu-
ments now sent by coach.
That all insurance companies would very considerably in-
crease their correspondence by a wider distrill•ution of letters,
prospectuses, advertisements, and circulars; snaking inquiries,
transmitting policies, receipts, &c.
That to all joint-stock companies, benefit societies, savings'
banks, and provident institutions, it would afford great and
desirable facilities for communicating with their shareholders,
committees and members; and that letters would be sent to the
shareholders and members, announcing meetings, dividends,
calls, and other matters, in addition to public advertisements
required by their acts or charters of incorporation.
That the proposed reduction would open a most extensive
increase of communication through the Post-office, to the im-
mense number of persons interested in the many great national
measures and inquiries before Parliament, its numerous com-
mittees, and government commissions, particularly as a large
proportion of the many witnesses, and other persons in attend-
ance upon them, are brought from the country, and would be
daily communicating with home.
That an enormous increase would take place in what may be
called FAMILY OR DOMESTIC CORRESPONDENCE.

That the masses of the rising generation are necessarily
obliged to go forth from the family roof as apprentices, clerks,
shopmen, travellers, teachers, domestic servants, and labourers
of all kinds; that they often settle in marriage in places distant
from their parents and relations; and that, to immense num-
bers of these, the present rates of postage prevent communica-
tions with relatives and friends.

That a great increase would arise in letters of advice and
affection between parents and children, and from senior rela-
tives, and amongst all the members, relatives, and friends of
the same family; and from the very large class whose business
avocations take them frequently from their houses; and out of
the ever-changing incidents in life, such as sickness, accidents,
rejoicings, and the infinite number of domestic incidents which
occur among near and dear relatives, and are deeply interesting
to them all, and the more so when distance intervenes.

That, if such letters could be transmitted for one penny each,
they would be multiplied to an almost inconceivable extent, as
most of them would be written by the female branches of fami-
lies, who are now almost debarred by heavy postage from cor-
respondence, and that the ability to frank the letter for one
penny, would be a strong additional reason for much of this
correspondence, arising, as a large portion of it would, from
motives of affection, duty,, and friendship.
That these certain causes of increase—certain as far as it is
possible to predict certainty by anticipation—will multiply the
correspondence through the Post-office, at a moderate compu-
tation, tenfold; and, as nearly the whole expense of collecting
will be saved, there can be no rational fear that the direct
revenue from postage will lie decreased.

* Vide the Evidence of Joshua Bates, Esq. (Baring and
Co.), and other Commercialists in Fifth Report.
t Vide Fifth Report of Commissioners.

REDUCTION OF POSTAGE.—The select committees of the
House of Commons, for the reduction of postage, of which Mr.
Wallace is chairman, sits three times a week to take evidence
on this important subject. The principal part of the testimony
during the last week was given by witnesses brought forward at
the suggestion of the London mercantile committee, which is
busy seeking for the best evidence throughout the whole of the
united kingdom. It is said the evidence proves at once the
frightful exrent of illicit conveyance of letters, comparatively
unknown to the Post-office, and the wants of the community
for a great reduction of postage.—Morning Herald.
A FASHIONABLE ON DIT.—It is currently stated in the fa-
shionable circles, that. " England's richest heiress" (Miss
C****s B*****t) has found a successful suitor in Lord Fmn,
grandson of the premier duke of England. It is further said that
a duchess ( mother of the wealthy Duke of S d has been
instrumental in bringing about the match, and that the families,
who have not until lately passed a visiting raid, pay visits daily.
The noble lord, besides being an M.P., is handsome, and it will
be recollected by our fashionable reacers, had the honour of open•
ing the ball, at St. James's palace, with the then Princess Vie-
tllia, in May last.—Lundon Paper.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE SUSCRIBERS

TO THE
DEAF AND DUMB SCHOOL.

Yesterday, at Eleven o'clock, the annual meeting of the sub-
scribers to the above institution was held in the Royal Institu-
tion, Colquit-street. The meeting was very numerously
attended, the theatre of the institution being nearly filled, the
great majority of those present being ladies. The pupils of the
institution were ranged on the two bottom rows of seats. At
the appointed hour the Rev. Rector Campbell was called into
the chair.

The CHAIRMAN briefly opened the business of the meeting
by calling upon Mr. Radcliffe, the secretary, to read the report.
It commenced by congratulating the subscribers to the institu-
tion on the manifest improvement iu the state of the school
through the new master, Mr. lihind; it enabled them to recom-
mend the school as in every way calculated to fulfil the objects
fur which it was established. Mr. Rhind had introduced the
practice of articulation, being convinced by an experience of
10 years that it was a powerful adjunct to the acquirement of
written language. The school was regularly improving iu num-
bers and importance. An alteration had been made recently
in the management by opening the school on Sunday mornings
fur instruction in religious exercises. A gymnasium had been
erected which had been found highly beneficial to the health of
the pupils. And by making the exercises there a reward for
good conduct had dune away with the necessity of punishments
as well. The school contained 49 pupils, 39 boys, and 10 gills.
The ❑umber of pupils in December, 1836, was 46. Since that
time 119 pupils had been admitted into the establishment, 70 of
whom had received full instructions. The committee recom-
mended the institution to the charitable subscriptions of the
public.
A Gentleman on behalf of the Treasurer then read the state-
ment of the accounts, from which it appeased, that including a
balance of £541 handed over from last year's account, the
total receipts had been £l2Bl ss. Id. The outlay of the insti-
tution for various items was £943 14s. 9d, having a balance on
hand of £337 10s. 4d.

The Rev. J. C. PRINCE rose to move that the report and
treasurer's accounts be received, printed, and circulated.
Mr. WILLIAM KAYE seconded this, which was unanimously
carried.

Dr. RALPH said the Almighty might be pleased to afflict, as
he did, numerous individuals. But though shut out of many of
the blessings of the outer world, the deaf had many comforts
inwardly from which others were debarred, thus creating a
beautiful balance of good and evil. He concluded with moving
"that the thanks of this meeting be given to the committee and
officers for the last year," and read a list of persons who were
appointed to act for the present year, which will be found in
the advertisement in another column.

Mr. BROOKS brietlly seconded this, which was unanimously
adopted.
Dr. SCOTT said he had been requested to move " the thanks
of the meeting to the ladies who have formed the committee for
the past year." When they considered the very tidy appear-
ance of the young girls belonging to the charity, there could be
no doubt of its bearing ample testimony to the care which the
ladies had bestowed upon them for the last year. When they
considered the importance of the objects of the institution in
rescuing the pupils from the depths of moral darkness, in
which, otherwise, they would be lost, there could be few ob-
jects to which female exertions could be applied, more fitting
of the example which the ladies so constantly and generally set
to mankind. Among the innumerable inventions brought for-
ward every day, setting before them the great strides of every
branch of science, he could not but think that recent ages had
produced nothing in the way of knowledge so ennobling to
mankind-30 extensive, so valuable in its effects, as that society
which they saw before them. It had for its object the with-
drawing the shadow of moral darkness from a large portion of
the rising generation—of leading them from absolute darkness
of intellectual light, into the brightness of a moral and intel-
lectual sunshine. A very large portion of the aids for this pur-
pose waS to be traced to the sincere co-operation of the ladies
to whom he begged to move the thanks of the meeting for their
valuable services, and also to nominate their successors on the
committee.

The Rev. ROBERT DAVIES said he had great pleasure in
seconding the resolution. He had visited the institution re-
peatedly, and h►s first impression of gratification on doing so
had been so strong that it had never been effaced. He had
been led to rejoice at this addition obtained by the community.
He could not let.' the opportunity pass without expressing his
high opinion of the talents of the master, and his satisfaction at
the reciprocity of good feeling which existed between the mas-
ter and pupils. He had no doubt that the attentions of the
ladies' committee had been exceedingly advantageous to the
interests of the institution, and had much pleasure in seconding
the resolution.

The CHAIRMAN said he could not propose the resolution
without saying a few words himself; because, connected as he
was, with the institution, as one of the members of the corn-
mittee, he might be supposed to feel very much the influence of
the ladies. He was only expressing the feelings of the com-
mittee in saying that the institution could not go on without the
ladies. He might be allowed to say—he was only expressing
the sentiments of every married man, when be expressed his
own—that they none of them could do without the ladies.
They derived the greatest comforts of their life from them.
Without their assistance, and kind care, and superintendence,
this institution could not go on; he, therefore, had much plea-
sure in joining in seconding the resolution. (Loud applause.)
The resolution was carried unanimously.
Mr. RICHARD RATHBONE rose to move that the thanks of the
meeting be given to Mr. Sandbach, the treasurer, who had been
exceedingly attentive to his office, and therefore he thought be
should not be allowed to retire without the thanks of the meeting
being given to him. He had received a note, a few days ago,
from Mr. Rhind, the master, suggesting the propriety of forming
a small museum for the pupils. A few specimens of art might
be collected without much expense if the want of them were
made known. He had tried to put down a few articles which
would be acceptable. Pictures and engravings of all kinds of
objects: men, women, and children; plates and drawings of
machinery; instruments and tools of all kinds; specimens of
shells and natural history ; sea-weeds, wooden bricks for build-
ing bridges, &c., &c., would be found very useful to the pupils,
and he hoped such things would be freely given. Many indi-
viduals possessed things of this kind which had grown useless to
themselves' ,and if contributed they would have very good effects,
and would be missed by nobody.
Mr. RADdLIFFE begged to second the resolution which was
carried unanimously .
This concluded the business of the meeting. The thanks of
the meeting were given to the Chairman, who briefly responded,
and the examinations of the pupils commenced.
Mr. RHIND, the Master, briefly addressed the company. He
expressed his embarrassment at being called forward to address
a public meeting—a position so unusual for him, and his feeling
of the heavy responsibility which rested on him. He had felt
considerable encouragement in the performance of his duties,
by the tcontinual attentions of the Rectors to the institution,
from whom he had always experienced the most ready cu-ope-
ration The instruction of the deaf and dumb could not but be
a subject of lively interest to every contemplative mind. It
was imagined by some persons that when they were able to
speak with the fingers it was all that was necessary to commu-
nicate with the deaf and dumb, and to teach them. But this was
a mistake; because they were instructed by signs, their natu-
ral language. Although they learned every thing by the fin-
gers, this, of itself, communicated no ideas to the mind; the
meaning of words must be explained to them by signs, in their
own language.
Mr. RHIND then called up the first or lowest class, consisting
of little boys, about eight years of age. The first thing they
taught them was to learn to write. The deaf and dumb when
they spoke always expressed the idea by the countenance. Mr.
Rhind then expressed several short words by signs to the pupils,
which they wrote with chalk on a board placed at the back of
the platform. He then called up the second class, who were
advanced to short and easy sentences, such as " what is your
name ?" " are you fond of school ?" &c., which the children
wrote with great readiness on the board. One of the boys, on
being asked what he learned, replied, he " learnt to write, and
read, and cypher, and understand Latin." Several similar
questions were put to them, and their ready answers ap-
peared to give much satisfaction. He then called up the
third, or head class : it consisted of about an equal num-
ber of boys and girls. One of the boys was nearly grown
up, as were also one or two of the girls. they were asked ques-
tions of a more abstruse nature: as, " What is sugar ?" to
which a girl answered, " Sugar is a sweet substance obtained
from the sugar cane." " Where does the sugar cane grow ?"
"In the West Indies ?•" " What is tea?" " Tea is a plant
which grows in China?" " How is tea made ?" "The leaves
of the tea tree are picked, dried, and packed in boxes, and
brought to this country by ships: it is infused by pouring boil-
ing water upon it, and used for breakfast and in the afternoon."
This was the written reply of a remarkably intelligent-looking
girl. A number of questions of a similar kind were put to, both
boys, and girls, which they
.answered in a similarly satisfactory
manner. The master said, in order to prove that these questions
were not prepared, he should be glad if any of the company
would ask them questions. A number of questions were then
put to them, some of which they answered, and in some of which
they failed. They were then questioned on subjects of a religi-
ous character, in which they showed a pleasing and remarkable
proficiency, readily finding required texts in answer to such
questions as, " Whom does the Bible say created the world,"
&c. Several questions were then put to the boys to test their
knowledge of geography, as, " Where is Oxford ?" " the Isle of
Man ?" "the Isle of Wight ?" "Which is the largest county ?"
" Which the smallest ?" and each of these questions were rea-
dily answered, and the places pointed out on a large map. They
were then asked, " for what Staffordshire was famous ? for what
Devonshire? for what Durham ?" and readily answered, " For
pots, cyder, and mustard." Several historical questions were
then put to them, which they answered very satisfactorily; as,
" Where was the battle between William the I. and another
king ?" " Hastings." `• Who was that king ?" " Harold,"
&c. The proficiency of the pupils was then put to the. test in
articulating open sounds as the vowels, and also the sounds pro-
duced by their junction with consonants. The manner in which
this is taught to the pupils is very extraordinary, they having no
ear to guide them. The thumb of the pupil is placed against
the larynx of the master whilst he is pronouncing the required
sound, and the sounds are learned by the different vibrations of
the master's throat. The manner of surmounting this extraor-
dinary difficulty was exhibited by the master, a pupil putting
his thumb on his (the master's) throat, and he followed him in
number of open sounds with much ease.
The Rev. CHAIRMAN wished to know the practical utility of
this?

Mr. RHINO said he was convinced that it assisted the pupil in
learning by the association of ideas. They were continually
repeating their lessons over, when they could articulate, which
greatly assisted their memories. [We should imagine it would
be of the greatest utility to the pupils when they left school, and
were by any chance thrown amongst strangers. They would
by means of being able to articulate be able to snake their wants
known to those who did not understand the language of signs,
or of the fingers.]
A very fine intelligent looking boy, apparently about ten
years of age, then stepped forward to speak the following ad-
dress. Notwithstanding its length he repeated it with the
greatest exactness, and with remarkable precision in the pro-
priety of sound. ;
"LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,

"Permit us humbly and respectfully to solicit your patient
and indulgent ear, while we attempt to express, in words, our
gratitude for the kind support which you have hitherto afforded
to the School for the Deaf and Dumb, and entreat a continuance
of the same on behalf of our school-fellows, and all those who
are similarly situated to ourselves, that they may experience
corresponding advantages to those which we enjoy.
"Without your fostering care we might have lived in igno-
rance, and grown up a burden to society and useless to ourselves,
agrief to our friends and a terror to those around us; but through
your liberal bounty we have been rescued from mental darkness,
taught to distinguish right from wrong, and made capable to hold
intercourse with our inure favoured fellow-creatures, who are
not suffering under the privatio❑ of hearing and of speech ; and
by your generous. aid we have been enabled to read and under-
stand the Sacred Scriptures, from which we have been instructed
in our duty to God, our neighbour, and ourselves, and become
act' sainted with that Saviour, through faith iu whom ail who
believe, may obtain salvation.
"The institution has bee❑ established about thirteen years,
and contains, at present, forty-nine Pupils. Until a few months
since, I was unable to utter a syllable, now we are ALL learning
to speak, and I feel grateful to Almighty God for having put it

*

into the hearts of Christian people to provide Instruction for the
Deaf and _Dumb. We heartily thank you, kind friends of the
institution, for what you have done for us, and we hope that all
Deaf mutes may succeed in obtaining admission where they may
be taught how to be useful and happy in this life, and made wise
in those things which concern our evermsting peace."
The audience applauded the little fellow enthusiastically when
he had finished his task. The master said he was .0. remarkably
clever buy. A number of pencil drawings by the pupils were
then handed round the room, some of which, landscapes, by
thh female pupils, were far superior to many drawings we have
seen by boarding school young ladies, of finished education,
drawing included. Some of them were remarkably well exe-
cuted. The pencil drawing of a cow was also very well done
by one of the boys. The pupils were then asked by the master
to describe, by signs, ploughing, reaping, a horse, a lion, &c.,
in which exercises they were very perfect. Some of their signs
were very laughable, though highly characteristic.

The CHAIRMAN said he was appointed by the committee to
express the satisfaction they had experienced, as well as the
ladies and gentlemen present, at the examination. (Applause.)
Of course in exhibitions of this nature the pupils must labour
under great disadvantages ; and he had not a doubt that the
real merits of the institution were much better seen in the school
itself. At the same time what had been shown there that day
must be very satisfactory to all who had witnessed it, and be
very gratifying to every mind. He trusted they should all be
filled with a sincere desire to promote the interests of the insti-
tution by every means in their power. It had been very well
said by Dr. Ralph, that the afflicting dispensations of Provi-
dence had this manifest good effect of exhibiting to the sympa-
thy of our fellow creatures those who are afflicted; and in this
one particularly, one of the most afflicting dispensations of Pro-
vidence that could befit' human nature, enabled them to per-
form one of His commands, namely, imitate perfection. They
were told that they were to be perfect, even as their Father who
was in heaven was perfect, and by such institutions as these, by
the exercise of their particular care, they might be able even to
imitate his miraculous perfections, so far as poor fallible crea-
tures could do, by unstopping the ears of the deaf, and causing
the dumb to speak. It must be a sincere satisfaction to the
master to rescue his fellow creatures from their low estate. He
hoped in connexion with these few remarks, which he endea-
voured to impress on all who heard him, from his anxious' wish
to promote the permanent interests of the institution, that new
subscribers would give their names. Their subscriptions were
a £lOO a year short to meet the current expenses, and they had
to depend on donations and legacies. He was happy to say
that he had just received an account that Mr. Ogden had left
the institution a legacy of £5O. The institution appeared there-
fore to be very much in waut of annual subscriptions. If they
could get more numerous annual subscriptions of ss. or 10s.,—
or if each person now there would get an additional annual
subscription, it would raise the funds of the institution, and set
aside all doubt or difficulty, and they should be able to place the
institution in the situation which it was entitled to hold in the'
town; because he did not see why this charity should not be
placed on a level with any other charity in the town. It pos-
sessed claims of a very superior nature. He trusted they should
all do their best to rescue it from the position in which it was
placed. He concluded with thanking the company for their
attendance that day, and hoped they were gratified.
Mr. RHIND briefly returned thanks for the compliment paid
to him, and the meeting broke up about half-past one o'clock.