The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1843-11-21 00:00:00

ADJOURNED QUARTERLY MEETING OF

COUNCIL

This Council met, pursuant to adjournment, on Tues-
day, and at eleven o'clock a very full meeting was assem-
bled. On opening the proceedings,
The MAYOR rose to state that the first business of the
council was to proceed to the election of a Mayor to suc-
ceed himself in that office; and before sitting down he had
to communicate to the council, that in consequence of
what had passed at the last meeting, he had himself lodged
in the hands of the Town-Clerk a formal resignation of
his office.
Mr. SANDs then rose, and was evidently labouring
under great emotion. He proceeded to state that at the
last meeting of the Council, of which the present was an
adjournment, he felt himself impelled from the circum-
stances which had occurred, to intimate his unwillingness
at that time to be elected to the Mayoralty, and to with-
draw any claims which he might have had upon their
notice. From circumstances which had since occurred,
he now recalled that withdrawal, and if elected by them
to the office of Mayor, would endeavour to fulfil the du-
ties of the office to the utmost of his ability.
Mr. JAMES LAWRENCE then rose, and in a few com-
plimentary remarks respecting the high character of Mr.
Sands, proposed that gentleman as Chief Magistrate for
the ensuing year.
Mr. Alderman CROOK said he had much pleasure in
seconding the nomination of Mr. Sands. He was a gen-
tleman of high standing as a merchant in this town. The
manner too in which he had discharged the duty of chair-
man to the Dock Trust was also a guarantee that, if
elected to the office of Chief Magistrate, he would dis-
charge the duties connected with it firmly, faithfully, and
impartially. He had, therefore, great pleasure in second-
ing the nomination.
The MAYOR said he had a communication from Mr.
Corrie, the receiver of the Town Dues, on the subject of
what had occurred at the last Council, and wished to
have the opinion of the Council if he should read it.
Mr. ISAAC HOLNIES thought it was the duty of the
Council in the first place to elect the Mayor. He would
therefore object to any papers being read until the Mayor
had been elected.
The MAYOR said he had also received a communication
from a committee of Merchants upon the same subject.
Mr. TOULMIN thought the Council had nothing to do
with communications. It was their duty to proceed at
once to the election of Mayor.
The MAYOR.—But these documents bear on the elec-
tion ; and, notwithstanding what Mr. Toulmin states, I
feel it to be my duty to state that such papers are in my
possession. (Hear.)
Mr. BLACKBURN thought that as the papers had re-
ference to the subject they ought to be read. He would
however be glad to hear the Town-clerk's opinion upon
the subject.
The TOWN-CLERK said he thought the Mayor perfectly
in order in having the communications laid before the
Council.
Mr. BUSHELL thought that as no direct charge had been
brought in that council against Mr. Sands, it was nothing
but the duty of the Mayor to bring the matter before the
Council.
The MAYOR.—Is it the pleasure of the Council that I
should read the documents ? (Cries of " Yes, yes," and
" Read, read.")
Mr. SHUTTLEWORTH (the Deputy Town-Clerk) then
read the letter of Mr. Corrie to the Mayor, dated the 6th
of November, and which accused the house of Sands,
Turner, and Co. of being in the habit of getting bales
passed as trusses, and chests as boxes, in order to evade
the dock dues. The letter has already appeared at length
in the public papers, and therefore it is unnecessary to
publish it again. The next letter which Mr. Shuttlervorth
read was another from Mr. Corrie to the Mayor, in which
he more fully entered into the charge against the house of
Sands, Turner, and Co. Mr. Corrie stated in the letter
that he complained of the system so far back as the year
1834. He particularly noticed a complaint which he made
in that year to a Mr. Blake, who was in the employ of
the Messrs, Sands, Turner, and Co. Some of the trusses
which he then complained of contained from 102 to 105
cubic feet. He told Mr. Blake that he should inform
Messrs. Sands, Turner, and Co., of the circumstance, in
the hope that system would be changed. Mr. Blake af-
terwards called at his (Mr. Corrie's) office, and stated
that other merchants were in the habit of getting their
goods passed in a similar manner, and referred to the
houses of Mr. Wm. Brown, and Mr. Wm. Rathbone ;
but he (Mr. Corrie) on referring to the accounts of those
gentlemen, found that there was no authority whatever
for the statement. Mr. Corrie concluded by stating that
he had no alternative, in the proper discharge of his duty,
than to bring the matter before the Mayor and Council.
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE inquired the date on which Mr.
Corrie first discovered the system.
The MAYOR replied that it was in the year 1834.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE inquired from the Mayor when
lie received the first communication from Mr. Corrie.
The MAYOR replied that he received the communica-
tion on Monday morning, the 6th.
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE.—At what time ?
The MAYOR.—About a quarter before ten, my usual
time for coming to the Town-hall. My clerk told me
when I came that Mr. Corrie had been there.
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE.—Was it there waiting, or was
it delivered after that time?
The MAYOR.-It was delivered in the course of the
forenoon, if I recollect aright.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE.—It had been said that the
Mayor presided over a meeting at the Town-hall on Sun-
day week. As such a report had gone forth, he should
like the imputation removed from the character of the
Mayor.
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE said in what he had stated he
had no intention whatever in casting any imputation upon
the Mayor.
Mr. G. 11. LAWRENCE.—WeII, but I wish to ascertain
whether there is any truth in the report that the Mayor
did preside at such a meeting. (" Hear, hear," from
Mr. Birkett.)
The MAYOR.—I can only say, that I neither attended
any meeting, nor heard of any, until Monday morning.
(Hear, bear.)
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE.—I never entertained the
slightest suspicion that you did.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE.—It is a subject of so much
importance, that I thought I was right in alluding to it.
(Hear, hear.)
Mr. BusMELL.—There was another communication.
The MAYOR said he had received a communication from
Mr. Wm. Brown. (Cries of " Read, read.")
Mr. SHUTTLEWORTH then read a letter, signed " Wm.
Brown," chairman of the committee who had investigated
the charge, and informing his worship that he had much
pleasure in forwarding to him a copy of the resolutions
which the committee had adopted. The resolution was
to the effect that the committee, after investigating the
matter, were of opinion that there was not the slightest
ground for imputation upon the character of the firm of
Sands, Turner and Co. for the manner in which they had
been in the habit of passing their goods ; and there was
nothing in the act of parliament which defined what was
a bale and what was a truss, neither did it decide the dif-
ference between a chest and a box.
Mr. H. HORNBY said, that before he proceeded to
address the Council, he wished to learn from the Town-
clerk, whether, if no other candidate were nominated,
and they proceeded to the vote. how they would act if the
noes were in a majority.
The TOWN-CLEax said that the matter rested with the
Council themselves, but the question must be brought to
the vote, and if the nays had it, some one else must be
nominated.
Mr. H. HORNBY said be felt it to be his duty, though
a painful one, to oppose the election of Mr. Sands ; and
though he entertained nothing but a friendly feeling to-
wards that gentleman, that could not induce him to
swerve from what he conceived to be right. He himself
had come into the council without any object of self-inte-
rest, and was sufficiently rewarded if his conduct met with

gesses

Mr. HonGsoN proceeded to give the heads of a num-
ber of qnestions which he had proposed to the Town
Clerk to be put to Mr. Corrie and answered, but was
told that they could not be entertained. He proceeded to
give the transactions of several houses in 1812 and 1843,
and asked whether any remonstrance had been made on
the subject ; but could receive no reply. He no a, asked
the Council why Mr. Sands had been charged for having
entered 4299 boxes and trusses in 1843, whilst Messrs.
Taylor, Potter and Co. had shipped 5000 and upwards,
without remonstrance.
The MAYOR called attention to the fact that a portion
of the goods shipped by one of the houses named were
entered as bales and cases.
Mr. HODGSON proceeded to say, that if the goods
shipped by Mr. Sands had been spread over a great space
of time, he could have no proof of the charge now made,
and it was absurd and injurious to bring such a charge,
which it was utterly impossible to substantiate. He re-
marked upon the paltry amount of the dues said to be
improperly paid, and asked if it was dignified in this
council to listen to a charge so trifling, affecting the ho-
nour of a gentleman thought worthy by a majority of his
fellow-townsmen to fill the office of Mayor of the second
commercial city in the empire. Had such a charge been
made against himself, be should have taken quite an op-
posite course to that taken by Mr. Sands, and, appealing
to the law, defied any imputations which such a charge
could bring. He should support Mr. Sands with his vote,
and trusted, for the honour of this council, that Mr. Sands
would be elected, not only by a great majority, but unani-
mously.
Mr. JOSEPH HORNBY said that he thought the discus-
sion had now been carried quite far enough, and in order
to bring it to a conclusion he had another gentleman to
propose in lieu of Mr. Sands.
54r. AIKIN thought that as the matter relating to Mr.
Sands had not been disposed of, the time was not yet
come for Mr. Hornby to propose another person.
Mr. HORNBY would not take up much of the time of the
Council. Mr. Hodgson thought it sufficient evidence of
meeting the charge against Mr. Sands to implicate other
parties, but in his (Mr. Hornby's) opinion two wrongs
could not make a right. If other parties had com-
mitted similar offence, that was no justification of
Mr. Sands; and with regard to the investigation which
had taken place out of doors, he did not consider it of
much importance. He had not the slightest personal
feeling against Mr. Sands, but he thought it would be
much preferable that Mr. Sands should not be elected
until he had been acquitted by a committee formed in that
town-hall. It was all nonsense to suppose that bales and
cases were not known. Was it probable that Mr. Sands
did not know a bale from a truss, or a box from a chest ?
It was nonsense to suppose that. Mr. Hodgson appeared
to think that as the charge was not of much amount, it
was paltry and contemptible ; but if a poor man man were
to steal a small piece of bacon from a shop, he would be
punished for it. In his (Mr. Hornby's) opinion the
amount had nothing to do with it. Mr. Hornby then,
after a flattering eulogium upon Mr. G. H. Lawrence,
proposed that gentleman for the office of Mayor.
Mr. AIKIN thought it would be irregular to propose
another party till the present matter was disposed of. He
was however, anxious to reply to some observations made
by Mr. Ilodgson.
Mr. HODGSON here observed that he wished to make
an explanation with which the Town-clerk was acquainted.
The MAYOR.—What is it ?
The TOWN-CLERK said that Mr. Hodgson wished him
to explain respecting the alleged meeting at the Town-
hall on the sth of November. He (the Town-clerk) on
that morning was going from one room to the other, when
he met Mr. Corrie, who told him he had some matter of
importance to communicate. He 'Sold Mr. Corrie that
he would see him after he had come out of church.
They met after church time, and the subject was about
the charge against Mr. Sands. He the Town-clerk
then fixed that Mr. Corrie should meet the Mayor
a quarter before ten o'clock on the following morning.
That was the only interview upon the subject on the Sun-
day, and the communication was made to the Mayor on
the following morning at a quarter before ten o'clock.
Mr. AIKIN then rose and spoke at considerable length.
After replying to some of the statements of Mr. Hodgson,
he contended that it would be highly improper for Mr.
Sands to be appointed Mayor, whilst the present charge
against him was not disposed of, supposing Mr. Sands
were elected, the first thing he would have to do, would be
to appoint a committee which was to investigate the charge
against him. Mr. Aikin concluded by stating that he
conceived the council would be pre-judging the case if
they elected Mr. Sands, and under all the circumstances
of the case, he thought Mr. Sands would act the wiser
part by retiring at once. He should vote against him.
Mr. LACE rose to say that as his name had been fre-
quently referred to in this debate, he felt bound to say
that he still firmly adhered to the propriety of the advice
whish at first he had felt it his duty to offer to Mr. Sands.
He thought, that his election at this moment, with an
enquiry on the subject of a charge brought against his
conduct impending against him, would be placing
the Council in a position of some difficulty. He
had been materially influenced in the vote which
he should give this day from some remarks which he
had heard had been made out of doors. It was said
that he was privately of opinion that Mr. Sands was
morally guilty of the offence charged against him.
He distinctly denied that he was of such an opinion.
He believed that Mr. Sands was individually, actuated by
no unworthy motives in the course which he had pur-
sued, and that he had done only what he conceived he was
justified in doing. He (Mr. Lace) should therefore, not-
withstanding any opinions which he might hold upon the
subject, give his vote for Mr. Sands.
Mr. PARKER said it was his intention to vote for Mr.
Sands and no other. It was quite wrong that they had
not fixed upon the mayor at their former meeting. They
had, however, two candidates—(" No, no," from Mr. G.
H. Lawrence)—for the office of mayor. He had a great
respect for both, and thought both eligible for the office;
but he would give his vote for that man who had always
supported sound Protestant principles. There was no
man who would support those principles better than
Mr. Sands'. There was no man who had shown bet-
ter Protestant principles on the School question than that
gentleman had, although he was not a member of the Es-
tablished Church of England. He should therefore with
much pleasure support him.
Mr. BRAMLEY-MOORE said he would support Mr.
Sands. It was an old English maxim to consider a man
innocent till he was proved guilty. (Hear, hear.) He
thought, however, it was for Mr. Sands to say whether
he would accept of the office or not, and if he did, he
must take it with all its responsibilities. Mr. Moore
then went on to state that other houses had charges pre-
ferred against them as well as those of Mr. Sands, when
he was interrupted by
Mr. HENRY LAWRENCE, who considered him out of
order, on alluding to any other party.
The MAYOR said it would remain for Mr. Moore to
explain.
Mr. MOORE said he had heard of a similar charge against
Sir Thomas Brancker, and it would be for Sir Thomas to
say whether the charge was right or not.
The MAYOR thought Mr. Moore bad better retract, or
go further and explain.
Mr. MOORE said he would not proceed further; but
such a rumour was afloat in the town. It was not for him
to say whether it was true or not, but as Sir Thomas was
in the room, he could say whether true or false.
Sir THOMAS BRANCKER said that that wag the first
time he had heard of such a charge, and that there was no
truth in it.
Mr:Corrie had seen Mr. The MAYOR thought Mr. Moore had better retract the

their approbation ; and he must therefore ex press his sen-
timents freely. The council were called upon to elect
as Mayor a gentleman against whom a grave charge
had been preferred, at certainly a most unfortunate and

a most extraordinary time. But the character of Mr.
Corrie, who brought it forward, was altogether unim-
pugned, and, he bad no doubt, been guided by a desire for
the public good. The first communication of that gentle-
man to the Mayor was received on the 6th November,
three days before the day appointed for the election. A
consultation was consequently held, and Mr. Sands
was advised to consult his friends; and he was advised to

withdraw as a candidate, and ask for a full and fairin;es:

tigation. Such a course would have put him (Mr.
Sands) in a more favourable position ; but it was or-
dered otherwise. An investigation out of doors had
taken place, and a report was made and published. He
(Mr. Hornby) considered the result of that investigation
as highly discreditable to the judgment of the parties who
had conducted it. They bad given a verdict of acquittal,
but on what grounds? On, in fact, an open and bold de-
nial of the injustice of the practice charged. The case
ought to be fully investigated by the council itself, in jus-
tice not only to Mr. Sands, but to Mr. Corrie, and to
the constituency of the town ; and if they acted upon the
investigation that had taken place, they would necessarily
leave an imputation on the character of Mr. Corrie.
Amongst the majority of the council there would be no
difficulty in finding a fit and proper person for the office,
and he hoped they would not act hastily and under ex-
cited feelings.
Mr. EVANS could not help concurring in Mr. Hornby's
observations. What must be the position of Mr. Sands
if elected, and an inquiry was to take place ? He should
think that by such an election they were rendering them-
selves highly amenable to blame. They were placing, as

the headtrtistee of a property, a gentleman accused of

. _
injury. He did not think, however, that they should vote
upon the simple question as to whether Mr. Sands should

be Mayor; for if that question was negatived, they would
be in effect saying that there should be no Mayor. He

hoped, therefore,-that some other gentleman—and he was
sine a_ fit one could be found—in whose behalf the mino-

rit of the council who were conscientiously opposed to
the election of Mr. Sands might have an opportunity of

recording their votes, would be proposed. ..
Mr. BUSHELL commented at considerable length on
the letter of Mr. Corrie, the spirit in which it was writ-
ten, and the peculiar time at which it was sent. Why

were Sands and Co: alone alluded to, when the writer

has admitted that others pursued the same practice. It
could not be that they were the largest shippers, for
they were not. Then it appeared that a clerk had ver-

bang remonstrated with Mr. Sands so far back as nine
years ago. Mr. Sands returned a proper answer, which
was " I can manage my own business, and if I am wrong

you can set me right by charging

the higher duty

This was not, however, done

Sands rising to honour and distinction. He saw him
elected Chairman of the Dock Committee, and just when

gness to retract the

he saw his foot upon the very threshhold of the Mayor-

statement

lty—just when he saw hirr

bout to be still more 'ho.

nourea than before, he came up with this c

respect to the gentlemen who'had conducted the inves

gatron tie entertained for them the highest respect, and he Air. HENRY LAWRENCE rose to explain, in answer to
could not admit that they had acted discreditably to their a remark of Mr. Aikin's, that he gave no opinion at the
judgment in acquitting Mr. Sands of the charge. He con- last meeting, and voted against the adjournment.
eluded by expressing a hope that they would, by electing Mr. EVANS remarked that, notwithstanding the opin-
Mr. Sands, stamp him with the same high and honoura- ion of the Mayor that he was precluded from addressing
ble character he had borne throughout. the Council, having spoken previously, he considered
Mr. G. it LAWRENCE said there were other parties on himself now entitled to do so, a substantial motion hay-
' their trial to-day besides Mr. Sands. There was Mr. ing been made which he rose to second. He could not
Corrie, a man of integrity and judgment ; and though he do this without animadverting upon the character of the
preferred the charge at a critical moment, he considered gentleman whom he seconded ; and as he was a conser-
that it was time to put a stop to the practice. He (Mr. vative his praise would not run to any length.
Lawrence) believed that Messrs. Sands were the only The TOWN-CLERK thought that the whole being One
house that had systematically carried it on. (Cries of question and Mr. Evans having already spoken, he could
" No, no.") He had never thoUght higher of Mr. Sands, not, with regard to propriety of proceeding, be permitted
whom he highly respected, than when he declined to be to speak again.
nominated until the matter was fully investigated, as ad- A long and somewhat irregular conversation arose,
vised by Mr. Lace and Mr. North, and he regretted that some members impugning the Town-clerk's law, and
determination had not been adhered to. He had a great others maintaining that any other course would lead to
respect for the gentlemen who had engaged in the inerean- an endless debate. The question having been decided
tile investigation ; but he could not acknowledge this that Mr. Evans could not be heard further,
decision. The case ought to have been investigated by Mr. SHAND expressed his opinion that no fraudulent
the council. If they elected Mr. Sands Mayor they could intention on the part of Mr. Sands having been imputed,
not afterwards put him upon his trial; neither could they the Council might fairly proceed to his election, and it
with propriety charge other town dues than he had been must be borne in mind that if, as it had been said, the
paying. They had been told in the papers of Sunday election of Mr. Sands must be considered as a verdict of
meetings in the Town-hall on this subject, but he knew of acquittal, so his rejection must be regarded as one of
no such meetings.
condemnation.
Sir T. BRANCKER alluded to the alleged Sunday meet- Mr. TURNER said it was not his intention to speak at
ing, and showed that there was no truth whatever in the all this morning; but as a particular friend of his was
assertion. He was much pleased when Mr. Sands said now proposed, he could not refrain from seconding his
that he would net be nominated until the charge were nomination, and felt perfectly convinced that Mr. George
investigated. It could not be wiped away but by the Hall Lawrence would well and faithfully discharge the
council themselves investigating it. For himself, nothing duties of that high office.
could induce him, were he so circumstanced, to take that Mr. BLACKBURN had voted for the adjournment at
chair until an investigation had taken place; and he the last meeting from a feeling that it was but just to give
thought Mr. Sands would stand in a better position next to Mr. Sands an opportunity of vindicating the charge
year for the honour to which he aspired. He (Sir T. B.) which had been brought against him by the Receiver of
would not, however, vote against him, but would retire the Town Dues. He was never of opinion, however, that
if the votes were taken. the council would be in a much better position to
decide
Mr. DAVID HonGsoN was compelled against his in- upon his claims at this meeting; and so it appeared was
clination to rise for the purpose of expressing his senti- the case. He felt, therefore, surprised that Mr. Sands
ments upon this subject. He felt that there was a very should offer himself for the office, whilst a prima facie
great singularity in the coincidence as to time of Mr. case against his fitness was still undecided, and was con-
Corrie's communication, and he felt inclined to think that vincedthat he would better have consulted his honour,
there was some lurking cause for that coineidence some- and satisfied the public mind, by allowing another gentle-
where. The charge had been called a grave one, but it man to occupy the chair, and presenting himself for elec-
was also an indiscreet one ; to decide it, however, was tion, with a cleared reputation, another year. As between
beyond the powers of this council. It must go before a the two candidates, he certainly had a leaning towards Mr.
legal tribunal to decide what was the law of the case, and G. H. Lawrence; and in forming this, he was influenced
it was not at all competent for any committee, or any body by the liberal views which Mc. Lawrence had entertained
of men, to decide upon a question of law, and purge a on the subject of the Corporation Schools. For his views
man's honour as if they were deciding a Newmarket bet. on that question alone he should vote against Mr. Sands.
Nine years ago Mr. Corrie had brought this question be- He (Mr. Blackburn) would never give his vote for
fore the Finance Committee, and their answer to him was any man who would be a party to inflicting the
"get what you can !" They had no definite law upon the gross hardships of excluding the poor Catholic child-
subject ; and instead of this council visiting Mr. Sands rep from the Schools of the Corporation. If Mr. G. H
conduct with reprobation, the council ought to thank him Lawrence then could assure him that he bad not, as was
for affording them the opportunity to determine what was reported, retracted the opinions which he entertained 12
the law. The council cannot be afraid of submitting these months ago, he should have his support. If he could not,
claims to the decision of the authorities of the land. It, he should walk out when the votes were taken.
is discreditable for them to attempt to settle any such Mr. BIRKETT said he felt sorry that the charge had
question amongst themselves. Mr. Hodgson remarked been brought forward against Mr. Sands in such a man-
upon the impropriety of information having been with - ner, but he doubted not he would, when the proper inves-
held from him at the Town-office. tigation took place, stand higher with the public. After
The MAYOR explained that be had felt it his duty to alluding to some expressions of Mr. Blackburn, and de-
give such instructions to protect the property of the bur- daring that in introducing politics or religion he had
never thrown the first stone, he stated that he should
• have had no difficulty in giving his vote to Mr. Lawrence,
I yet what had been said by Mr. Blackburn had decided the
question in his mind. If Mr. Lawrence was to be brought
forward it should he by the majority and not the minority
of the council.
Mr. CHALMERS said there was no ground to suppose
that Mr. Carrie had been instigated out of doors to bring
forward the charge; but the only question they had to
consider was whether the practice was right or wrong.
The investigation could only be legitimately gone into by
the council. He agreed with Mr. Blackburn, that if Mr.
Sands were elected it would be tantamount to consider-
ing him guiltless.
Mr. G. H. LAWRENCE expressed a hope that his friend
Mr. Hornby would withdraw his (Mr. Lawrence's) name.
He should not himself vote against Mr. Sands. He only
thought that, after what had happened, it would be more
advisable for that gentleman not to come forward on this
occasion ; but that was a matter for his own consideration.
He (Mr. L.) had not withdrawn any of the opinions be
entertained on the school question. He entirely agreed
with the views of the Government on the subject, and
regretted that Sir J. Graham had been baffled in his
attempt to introduce his system in the manufacturing
districts.
The Council then proceeded to the vote, for both can.. didates, and Mr. Sands was elected by a majority of 35 to
19. The voting was as follows :
For Mr. Sands.—Councillors D. Hodgson, Shand, R.
Houghton, I. Holmes, Blundell, Edwards, Tinne, Rae,
Toulmin, Aspinall, Sothern, Royden, G. G. Hornby, W.
Birkett, Wood, Boutfiower, Bushell, Kilshaw, Rigby,
Lloyd, Jones, Parker, Plumpton, Glazebrook, A. Lace,
Trotman, Harhord, Sheppard, and Smith; Aldermen R.
Houghton, J. Lawrence, Crook, Bramley.Moore, Moly-
neux, and Chilton-35.
For Mr. G. H. Lawrence.—Councillors W. Thornhill,
Chalmer, Blackburn. Preston, H. Holmes, Aikin, H.
Hornby, J. Holmes, Stewart, H. Lawrence, J. Hornby,
and Leigh; Aldermen Barclay, Turner, Freme, Holt,
Moon, and Evans ; and the Mayor-19.
Mr. SANDS was then sworn in, and inducted to the
chair. He said that no one regretted the enquiry that
had taken place more than himself; but he had a perfect
consciousness that his house had acted right. He was
himself (as they all admitted) perfectly unconscious
that they were wrong. His anxious desire was to dis-
charge the duties that devolved upon him to the satisfac-
tion of the council and the town at large ; and he besought
the support of the members, in order that the business
might be so conducted as to maintain the high honour
and dignity of that body.

COMMITTEES, &C.

The following gentlemen were elected members of the
variionuasnccoememonit2tmeeitslfeoe.r_thseir T. B
ensuingraynecakr,erv, Messrs.. Bir-
iz.:
kett, Bushell, Freme, John Holmes, Hugh Hornby, R.
Finance
Houghton, jun., Gladstone, H. Lawrence, G. H. Law-
rence, Leigh, Moon, Shaw, and Smith.
Watch Committee.—Messrs. Aspinall, Hugh Hornby,
Trotman, Sothern, J. Lawrence, Hodgson, Boutflower,
Preston, Harbord, Rae, Kilshaw, Thornhill,
Turner, Smith, Parker, G. H. Lawrence, G. G. Hornby,
Stewart, Tinne, Thompson, J. Hornby, R. Houghton,
sen., Glaz-brook, and Plumpton.
Improvement Committee.—Messrs. H. Holmes, Tinne,
Stewart, Kilshaw, J. Lawrence, Plumpton, Turner, Bar-
clay, Edwards, and Hodgson.
Courts of Law Committee.---Messrs. H. Lawrence,
Stewart, H. Holmes, Lloyd, Molyneux, North, Hodg-
son, Plumpton, and Aspinall.
Markets Committee.—Messrs. Aspinall, I. Holmes,
Kilshaw, Toulmin, Sheppard, Boutflower, Evans, Rigby,
and Trotman.

Education Committee.—Messrs. Chilton, Molynemr,
Crook, Edwards, Harbord, Hodgson, R. Houghton, sen.,
North, Rae, G. H. Lawrence, Shand, Shaw, Thompson,
Bouttlower, and Glazebrook.

Gaol Committee.—The Mayor, Messrs. Aikin, Evans,
Hodgson, J. Holmes, H. Hornby, R. Houghton, jun.,
Turner, and Gladstone.

•
Town-hall Committee. —The Mayor, Sir T. Brancker,
Messrs. Barclay, Bushell, Hodgson, B. Moore, and Glad-
stone.

Health Committee.—The Mayor, Messrs. Blackburn,
Birkett, Bulley, Sothern, Harbord, Houghton, sen., I.
Holmes, Kilshaw, Sheppard, Lace, Boutflower, Parker,
Glazebrook, Tinne, Toulmin, and Aspinall.
Gardens Committee.--Messrs. Crook, Jones, Preston,
Thornhill, Trotman, Royden, and I. Holmes.
Borough Court Committee.—Messrs. North, Trotman,
Holt, Lace, Lloyd, Thompson, Edwards, and I. Holmes.
Church Expenditure Committee.—Messrs. Molyneux,
Griffith, Lace, Parker, Shand, G. G. Hornby, and Bir-
kett.

Observatory Committee.—Messrs. Aikin, Blundell,
Nicol, Houghton, sen., Rae, Shand, Plu►npton, and
Blackburn.

Fire Cornmiltee.—Messrs. Aikin, G. G. Hornby, H.
Hornby, Gladstone, Nicol, Lloyd, Shand, J. Lawrence,
Stewart, Turner, and Sir T. Brancker.
Commissioners under the Pilot Ad.—Messrs. Sothern,
Bouttlower, Glazebrook, Tinne, G. G. Hornby, and
Chalmer.
Auditors of Accounts.—Messrs. Sanderson, Welstead,
and Green.

THE MAYOR'S ALLOWANCE.
Upon the motion of Sir T. BRANCKER, it was agreed
that the allowance to the Mayor should be £2,000, ac-
cording to the resolution of the Council of March, 1836.

QUARTERLY COUNCIL MEETINGS.
It was agreed that the three following quarterly meet-
ings of the Council for 1843-4 should be held on the first
Wednesday in February, May, and August, 1844.

ROUTINE BUSINESS

Mr. John Wybergh was re-appointed as treasurer ; the
annual officers were re-appointed ; the charters, deeds,
records, and muniments were ordered to be kept in the
repository, and the common seal in the chest; the stand-
ing orders were re-passed ; a report respecting dangerous
buildings in Fleet-street was referred to the Finance Com-
mittee ; and the proceedings of the last monthly council
were read.

THE TOWN DUES

Mr. BUSHEL!, gave notice of motion for Monday to
appoint a special committee of the council, to inquire into
the recent charge preferred by Mr. Corrie.
The MAYOR intimated his intention of resigning the
chairmanship of the Dock Committee.
The council adjourned at four o'clock.

HER MAJESTY'S COACHMAN.—Her Majesty's State
coachman, Mr. Henry Manwaring, died on Sunday morn-
ing, leaving a wife and large family to deplore his loss.
It is added, he was an old and respected servant of their
late Majesties George IV. and William IV., and of the
present Queen, and universally esteemed by his fellow
servants. He filled the situation as State coachman only
ten months—making the deaths of three of her Majesty's
State coachmen in less than two years.

ACCIDENT IN PLYMOUTH S •,T •OU D —On Wednesday
afternoon, about two o'clock, it being then very squally
eowrnenabet
ohnaedrr,
do, aft
hts
the
eoTrßae
vr bey
ao,
kat thwewa t
Qaesru seaeenendn,
Queen's
to
avurrsbsaoenut
dr
..betweenpmearsebry:
stthht
ne emda
esetrn:
some of whom immediately went off to the spot in a boat,
and picked up an old man in a state of great exhaustion.
They made a signal for assistance, on which Mr. Walker,
who was then on board H.M.S. Caledonia, proceeded to
their aid, and having taken the old man into his boat,
took him on board the Caledonia, in order to obtain
medi-
-1 possible' but although every
e him as quickly as possible,
Ile boat sunk a few minutes

ThuriC

he old ma:

-Plvm