numbers officially returned in the same district (the Northumberland and Durham), for the fatal accidents in mines, were 73; showing an official registration of more than 560 per cent. over that procured by individual research, and proving the numberless accidents that have occurred, unnoted and unrecorded, in the northern mines. Without applying the same proportion as a multiple to ascertain the numerous individual eases occurring in other years in their mines, which so largely swell an official list, it unfortunately too well demonstrates the far-greater number of deaths in Britain, in proportion to the extent of mines, than in those of Belgium, Heinaut, Liege, and Namur, with Luxembourg. Where a full return can be made, as in explosions, which generally find their way to the press, it is seen that the Shields list renders an account of upwards of one third more accidents from a similar cause in the same space of time, than the Belgic regis. tration, although with one fourth less men employed in these mines the deaths from explosion in 20 years here, with 21,000 men, being 680-the deaths in Belgium being, from explosion, with 28,000 men, 438. This explanation will remove the difficulty, as to the relative number of accidents in the mines of the two countries, under which our contemporary seems to labour.] NEWCASTLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. Among the gentlemen present were Aldermen Donkin, The Report of the Committee, read by the Secretary, Mr. BULMAN, was as follows: Agreeably to a resolution passed at the last annual meeting of the Chamber, the Committee beg leave to present a short Report of their proceedings during the period which has since elapsed. The subjects of principal interest which engaged their attention, were the imposition of a duty on the exportation of coals, and the restoration of the morning-mail. Fully convinced of the great advantages accruing from the export of coal to the general trade of the port, your Committee lost no time, on the announcement of a measure for the revival of a duty on coals, in calling a general meeting of the members, to consider of the best steps to be taken with a view to ward off or mitigate the evil. The measure was strongly petitioned against, and twice deputations were sent to London, to cooperate with deputations from the coal owners in fully bringing before Government the injustice and impolicy of the tax. The result is kuown:-The tax, though not abandoned, was greatly modified, and we may hope that, at no distant day, a tax so obnoxious will be got rid of entirely. In the general financial measures of Government, a considerable reduction was proposed in the duties on timber and deals imported. On the propriety, and even necessity, of such a reduction, no difference of opinion existed; but it was thought it would be a great hardship on parties holding stocks on which duties had been paid, were the difference The between the old and new duties not to be refunded to them. Chamber petitioned that such relief might be granted them. Eventually the Bill pa sed with a provision that it should not come into operation till some months afterwards. Great inconvenience was experienced from the discontinuance of the London morning-mail. The Chamber took the earliest opportunity of memorializing the Postmaster General for a restoration of the morning mail via Carlisle, and, assisted as they were by public petitions, and by the zealous exertions of the Members for the town, they have the satis. faction of stating that their object has been attained. This important mail-conveyance is reestablished. Another subject may be noticed, to which the attention of your Committee was directed, viz., "The Grinding Bill"-a Bill in favour of which they reiterated their opinions, as expressed in 1838, and communicated the same to Mr. Hutt, who, from the first, had been the great The Bill was fortunately carried into a law; advocate of the measure. and every day shows its beneficial effects, and particularly as regards the shipping interest of the country. Various matters of minor importance have come before your Commit. tee-such as an alteration of the Custom House hours between November and February-the collecting and remitting of subscriptions for the relief of the Hamburg sufferers-supporting by petition a Bill for the extension of the railway from Darlington to Newcastle; on all of which, and other points, the members of the Chamber wishing for further information are referred to the minute-book of the Committee. The Committee have yet to observe, that, at the last annual meeting, a resolution was passed, directing them to revise the rules of the Cham. ber. This they have done; and the only essential change they can re 9 commend is, that at all regular meetings of the Committee, three mem. A statement of the receipts and expenditure for the year will be laid The CHAIRMAN stated that several trifling alterations had been made in the rules, which it had not been thought necessary to particularize. Mr. ALLHUSEN (the Report having been received and adopted) moved an alteration of the rules, giving power to the members to convene a general meeting, by a requisition to the Committee bearing at least ten signatures. Mr. CHARLES RAYNE seconded the motion; and it was adopted by the meeting, after some discussion. Two or three other alterations were made by the members, including a change of the Committee's time of meeting, viz., I o'clock, instead of 2, on the first Friday in the month. Mr. RAYNE suggested the abolition of the admission-fee of two guineas: the annual subscription of one guinea was suffi. cient. To require more, had the effect of preventing an acces. sion of members. In reply, it was urged that it would be unjust to the present body, who were possessed of a considerable sum of money, to admit other proprietors without a fee. Mr. RAYNE said that no member expected or wished to obtain any share of the invested capital of the Chamber, and the best way to prevent them from doing so, would be to give increased facilities for the admission of new members, that there might be no danger of a dissolution. Finally, it was agreed that the question should be decided at the next annual meeting, after the members had had due notice. The officers and committee of the ensuing year were elected as follows:-Joseph Lamb, Esq., President; William Armstrong, Thomas Wilson, and John Brandling, Esqrs., Vice Presidents; and Messrs. James Archbold, E. H. Campbell, Christian Allhusen, A. L. Potter, A. Nichol, N. Hindhaugh, Charles Rayne, W. H. Brockett, W. R. Hunter, Joseph Crawball, Joseph Pollard, and Henry Redhead, Committee. After the business-meeting, there was a dinner, as usual, at the Assembly Rooms; and Mr. Haigh certainly did not negleet to sustain his reputation at the present anniversary. The feast was first-rate. About 40 gentlemen were present, and the chair was taken by Mr. ARMSTRONG, V.P.: Áld. BRANDLING, V.P., officiated as vice. There were present:-J. H. Hinde, Esq., M.P., Mat. thew Bell, Esq., M.P., Savile Ogle, Esq., M.P., Thomas Dunn, Esq., Mayor of Newcastle, Joseph Hawks, Esq., Sheriff, the Rev. R. Coxe, Vicar, James Edgcome, Esq., Armorer Donkin, Esq., John Carr, Esq., Christian Allhusen, Esq., Dr. Baird, Thomas Wilson, Esq., John Raine, Esq., Master of the Trinity House, Mr. Simon Danson, Mr. James Reid, Mr. Bulman (Secretary), M. W. A. Brooks, C.E., Mr. W. Turner, Mr. T. Henderson, Mr. Stephen Lowrey, Mr. N. Hindhaugh, Mr. F. Surtees, &c. &c. &c. On the removal of the cloth, the royal toasts were given from the chair, and drunk with the usual honours. Then followed "The Army and Navy," "The Lord Lieutenant," and "The Bishop of Durham and Clergy of the Diocese." The VICAR, in responding to the last of these toasts, en- The CHAIRMAN, in proposing the health of "The Borough M. hoped that they would continue more and more to look upon each other as natural allies and friends. (Applause.) Dillon, he was sure, would be convinced by his experience of England, that her people were disposed to be friendly to the French, having no other wish than to live in amity with their neighbours. (The toast was drunk with three cheers.) M. DILLON returned thanks. He had already lived long enough in this country to be aware of the kindly feelings of Englishmen towards himself and his countrymen. (Applause) The CHAIRMAN, in allusion to remarks which fell from M. Dillon, proposed the sentiment, "Civilization and Freedom throughout the World." (Applause.) Mr. M. BELL gave "The Master and Brethren of the Trinity House." (Three cheers.) Mr. JOHN RAYNE briefly acknowledged the honour, and gave "The health of the Chairman," whose services, he said, in connection with the Chamber, were highly appreciated by his brother-members. (Three cheers.) The CHAIRMAN returned thanks, and gave a rapid (yet comprehensive) sketch of the history and services of the Chamber of Commerce. The VICE CHAIRMAN proposed "The Coal Trade;" and the CHAIRMAN, "The Collector of the Customs, James Edgcome, Esq." (Three cheers.) Mr. EDGCOME, in replying to the latter toast, stated, that Mr. SAVILE OGLE proposed "The Sheriff." (Three cheers.) The TOWN CLERK-whose health had been proposed by the M. DILLON warmly thanked the Town Clerk and the company for the unexpected and very flattering compliment, and renewed the expression of his good wishes to England, and his desire that peace might be perpetuated. Kings and Ministers might do much, but the peace of empires depended also, and very materially, on the good sense of the people themselves. In every State there was a mass of civilization; and it was upon this, in his own country, that Louis Philippe had seized, to enable him to preserve peace with neighbouring powers. (Applause.) Mr. HODGSON HINDE gave the health of "The Vice Presi. dent," (three cheers); and then "Mr. Stephen Lowrey and the Shipping Interest." (Three cheers.) Mr. LowREY stated his conviction that the shipping interest was on the eve of better times. The CHAIRMAN proposed the health of "The Corporation Engineer, Mr. W. A. Brooks." (Three cheers.) Mr. BROOKS returned thanks. He had not yet had many opportunities of earning their kindness, but should always make it his endeavour to be worthy of their good-will. The Master of the Trinity House had styled himself "SuperinHe had no wish to interfere with any tendent of Shoals." man's province, but he hoped shortly to be able to relieve Mr. Rayne of that part of his duties. (Cheers and laughter.) Several other toasts were given:-" The Secretary," by Mr. H. HINDE;"Mr. N. Hindhaugh," by the TOWN CLERK; and "Mr. Christian Allhusen," by Mr. HINDE. Mr. ALLHUSEN, in replying, showed that the excessive export of coal, in the year 1842, had taken place prior to the imposition of the duty; and that the exports since had been comparatively trifling. With respect to the increased receipts of the Custom House, amounting in 1842 to £23,000 beyond those of 1841, this was owing, not to the ordinary trade of the port, but to the corn-duties. "The Harbour Master, Mr. Danson," and other toasts, were iven; and the company then broke up. TO THE SHIPOWNERS, MERCHANTS, TRADESMEN, AND The effects of the existing laws are: 1. To diminish the supply of food for the whole kingdom. 2. To increase its cost to the extent of at least one pound sterling per arnum, for every man, woman, and child throughout the empire. 3. To impede the fair exchange of the products of British manufac turing industry, for the one staple commodity which other countries are willing to supply to us in great abundance, and of which we are in great neel. 4. To prevent, by this very obstruction of most legitimate commerce, the employment of a vast number of ships and seamen, and to reduce to a minimum the freights and wages of those employed. 5. To enhance the cost of navigation, by increasing the price of provisions. 6. By these united effects, to pauperize thousands, and impoverish millions of your fellow subjects; and hence to call for increased poorrates, for ceaseless charitable subscriptions for the poor, and for retrenchment and rigid economy on the part of those whose depreciated capital yet maintains them. 7. By the universal poverty thus encendered, so far to diminish the consumption of those comforts and luxuries of life, by the duties on which the revenue of the country is chiefly raised, as to cause an enormous deficiency in the revenue, which deficiency it is attempted to sup. ply by the INCOME TAX. Fully convinced that nothing but the abolition of the laws restricting the importation of food, can extricate this country from its prostrate condition, the Committee earnestly solicit your cooperation in the diffu sion of information, and in attendance at their meetings. The commercial community of this borough have much to gain by the speedy settlement of this momentous question. They would thereby reduce the expenses of their families; they would extend their commerce; they would employ their ships, and navigate them more advantageou ly; they would e.ngloy the poor, and thus reduce the poor rates; they would increase the revenue, and thus do away with the necessity for the Income Tax. Recollect, that the sole necessity of the experiment of the Income Tax, arises from the stagnation of commerce produced by the Corn Laws. So long as the Corn Laws exist, so long must the Income Tax continue. Bridge Hotel, January 19th, 1843. THE CORONERSHIP OF CHESTER WARD. As the Bishop of Durham has no longer the right of appointing the Coroners for this county, we presume the patent of appointment of the late Michael Hall, Esq., may be interesting to our readers. A friend has enabled us to give a copy. It is as follows: Shute, by the grace of God Lord Bishop of Durham, to all to whom Know ye that we, of our special these presents shall come, greeting. favour, certain knowledge, and mere motion, confiding in the fidelity, discretion, and circumspection of our beloved Michael Hall, of Gates. bead, in the county palatine of Durham, Esquire, and for certain other good causes and considerations us thereunto moving, have given, granted, and confirmed, and by these presents, for us and our successors, do give, grant, and confirm, unto the said Michael Hall, the office of Coroner for our ward of Chester, in the said county palatine of Durham. And we do, by these presents, make, ordain, and constitute him, the said Michael Hall, Coroner of our ward of Chester aforesaid, to have, bold, enjoy, occupy, and exercise the aforesaid office, to the said Michael Hall, for and during his natural life, by himself or his sufficient deputy (for whom he shall be answerable to us and our successors), receiving of us and our successors, yearly, for the exercise of the said office, during the natural life of the said Michael Hall, four pounds of lawful money of Great Britain, to be paid to him, yearly, by our Receiver General, at our Exchequer at Durham, at the Feast of Saint Martin the Bishop, in winter only; together with the rights, profits, commodities, advantages, and emoluments whatsoever, to the same office of right belonging or appertaining, in as full and ample manner and form as Henry Bushby, Ambrose Crosby, Thomas Tempest, Cornelius Bentham, George Elleray, John Robson, Christopher Christrop, and William Charlton, Gentlemen, or any other, have heretofore held and of right received the same. Provided always, that the said Michael Hall, or his deputy, shall from time to time, and at all times hereafter, well and faithfully yield, give, and render to us and our successors, in our Exchequer at Durham, yearly, and before our Auditor, or so often as shall be thereunto required, a faithful account of all such rents, profits, and annual revenues, and every sum and sums of money, and receipts, whatsoever, which shall in any manner come to the hands of the said Michael Hall or his deputy, by reason of the office aforesaid; and shall auswer and well and truly pay the same to our Receiver, for the use of us and our successors; giving, and by these presents granting, to the said Michael Hall, full power and authority to do and exercise all and singular matters and things which to the said office belongeth to be done, commanding and strictly enjoining all and singular our bailiffs, officers, ministers, and tenants, within our ward of Chester aforesaid, that they be obedieut, aiding, and assisting, and in like manner favouring, the raid Michael Hall, or his sufficient deputy, in the execution of the aforesaid office. In witness whereof, we have caused these our letters to be made patent. Esquire, our Chancellor of Durham. Witness, ROBERT HOPPER WILLIAMSON, twenty-fourth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousard eight Dated at Auckland Castle, the hundred and nineteen, of our consecration the fifty-first, and of our translation the twenty-ninth. SHUTE, DUNELM. Signed, sealed, and delivered, (being first duly stamped,) in the presence of THOMAS HEW FABER. And we James, by divine perinission Lord Bishop of Lichfield and Coventry, Dean, and the Chapter of Durham, of the cathedral church of Christ and blessed Mary the Virgin, with our unanimous assent and consent, approving of all things mentioned and contained in the letters patent annexed to these presents, and as they are granted to Michael Hall, Esquire, therein named, do, for us and our successors, as far as in us lies, and by law we can, ratify and confirm the same (our rights aud liberties, and our cathedral church, its dignity and honour, always saved and unhurt). In witness whereof, we have to these presents put our Chapter-Seal. Given at Durbam, the twenty-eighth day of September, in the fifty-ninth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Third, by the grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, and in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and nineteen. The Gateshead Soup Kitchen, which was opened on the 5th Jan., (our last week's statement having been incorrect,) has supplied from 30 to 40 gallons daily. In the course of eight weeks, 21,000 quarts were disposed of, at a penny per quart. Mr. Robson has consented to give a free Concert for the Gateshead Soup Kitchen, and Mr. Blagburn will give the free use of his long room; so that if the public freely patronize the entertainment, the charity will largely profit by the proceeding. PROSPERITY OF PENNY POSTAGE.-Notwithstanding the increased accommodation given by the Melbourne Government, in the establishment of day-mails, and the opening of post offices in a large number of villages throughout the country, augmenting the cost of the post office management to the extent of nearly £200,000 per annum-notwithstanding this increase of public accommodation, and consequent increase of expense, the net revenue or income, after the expenses of the establishment had been deducted, was £455,000 for the year ending 5th January, 1842, and £605,000 for the year ending 5th January, 1843! And despite the distressed state of the country under the Peel Government, the revenue from the penny-post has progressed so steadily, that it is most gratify. ingly fulfilling the prophecies of its friends, and frustrating the hopes of its enemies.-Hereford Times. p Barras, John p Brockett, W. H. p ROBERT DAVIS, Esq., Mayor. COUNCILLORS. p Hymers, Jas. Bertram, C. p Cummins, T. Hymers, Wm. Robson, D. Smith, James p Lister, J., jun. p Kenmir, Wm. p Sowerby, T. Swan, Walker p Wilson, J. R. p Wylam, Ralph p Pollock, James p Dunn, Charles Sowerby, G. p Edward J. p Wilson, Thos. p Potts, John Fairbairn, J. Those marked p were present.] p Revely, T. AT a special meeting, held January 30th, a vacancy in the number of Aldermen, created by the death of Michael Hall, Esq., was supplied by the Council. Every gentleman present filled up a balloting paper, and handed it to the Mayor. The result was as follows: For Councillor Robert Davis (Mayor) For Councillor William Hymers.. 9 6 For the Mayor.-Aldermen Brockett and Wilson; and Councillors Dunn, Edward, Hymers (James), Potts, Revely, Sowerby, and Wilson. For Mr. William Hymers-Aldermen Barras and Pollock; and Councillors Cummins, Kenmir, Lister, and Wylam. The MAYOR briefly acknowledged the high honour conferred upon him by his colleagues, and made the required declarations. The Councillors of the South Ward had next to elect a Ward Alderman, in the room of the deceased; and their choice fell upon Mr. Ald. Wilson. Mr. EDWARD gave notice, that at the quarterly meeting of the Council, to be held on Wednesday, the 8th of February, he would call attention to the Gateshead "man-traps" (laughter), of which so much had been said, and which were, most certainly, a disgrace to the borough. The Council separated.-[One of the "traps," we are glad to say, was deprived of its dangerous character, shortly after the publication of our last paragraph on the subject.] THE NEWCASTLE TOWN COUNCIL. P THOMAS DUNN, Esq., Mayor. COUNCILLORS. p Gray, A. G. ALDERMEN. Batson, T. R. pBell, Thomas Bigge, C. J. p Brandling, J. p Carr, John p Donkin, A. p Dunn, G. T. p Fife, John p Headlam, Dr. p Hodgson, J. Lamb, Joseph p Losh, James p Potter, A. L. p Ridley J. St. Nicholas'. Sanderson, F. Shield, Henry p Turner, Wm. St. John. Radford, J. p Story, Wm. p Nichol, John p Ingledew, H. p Straker, G. p Harle, W. L. p Robinson, R. p Stokoe, S. N. St. Andrew. Archbold, J. p Carr, J. T. p Philipson, R. P. p Proctor, W. B. Keenly side, T. Johnson, J. p Dodds, Ralph p Blackwell, J. E. All Saints. S. St. Andrew. p Ridley, John Weatherley,J.Dp Lowrey, S. Hunter, John p Jobling, M. L. p Taylor, F. p Nichol, A.(J.P.)p W. All Saints. p Ormston, J. p Parker, A. P Sillick, J. [Those marked p were present.] p Crawhall,J. p Plues Matthew p Charnley, E p Mitchell, W. A. p Burrell, I. Westgate. p Hawthorn, R. p Preston, J. H. p Finlay, James Jesmond. p Armstrong, W. p Plummer, R. p Richardson, W. THE first quarterly meeting of 1843, was held on the 1st Feb. Mr. FINLAY moved the concurrence of the Council with the Magistrates, in the appointment of Henry and Ann Davis (husband and wife) to be Porter and Female Searcher at the Gaol. Seconded by Mr. STOKOE, and carried. Mr. Davidson's benefaction of £50, " to aid a young man in setting up and carrying on the business of a free merchant," was bestowed upon Mr. Henry Vipond Wilson. Mr. Ald. RIDLEY moved the confirmation of the River Committee's Report on Messrs. Smith's petition to erect a quay at St. Peter's. [The Report of Mr. W. A. Brooks, the Corporation Engineer, including passages approving of the proposed quay, was read by the Town Clerk. It has already ap. peared in the Observer.j Mr. STEPHEN LOWREY seconded Mr. Alderman Ridley's motion. Mr. CRAWHALL, as an amendment, moved that Mr. Anderson's line ought not to be deviated from, and endeavoured to show that Mr. Brooks's plan, if carried out, would be injurious to the Tyne. Mr. Ald. POTTER seconded the amendment. Mr. Ald. DONKIN, after there had been much discussion, moved an amendment referring the Report back to the Committee. Mr. PARKER seconded the amendment. For Aid. Donkin's amendment 24 18 Majority -6 For Alderman Donkin's Amendment.-The Mayor; Aldermen Bell, Mr. Ald. RIDLEY withdrew the General Report of the River Committee until the next meeting. Mr. Ald. Los presented a Report from the Gaol Committee on the memorial advocating an asylum for discharged priThe Committee recom.mended an application to soners. Parliament. Mr. A. NICHOL laid before the Council a form of petition to Parliament in favour of such an asylum; and it was unanimously adopted. The Report of the Town Improvement Committee, recommending the removal of the Grammar School to the Forth House, was confirmed, on the motion of Mr. CRAWHALL, seconded by Mr. W. A. MITCHELL. Mr. Ald. DUNN stated that the Town Clerk had placed a paper in his hands, showing the costs of defending the Jesus' Hospital suit, up to Jan. 20, to be £603 7s. 5d. Mr. W. A. MITCHELL brought forward his motion for a petition to Parliament for the repeal of the income and property tax. Sir JOHN FIFE seconded the motion. Mr. STRAKER, Mr. PHILIPSON, and Mr. PLUES supported the motion. The latter two, however, would have preferred it, if it had been silent as to the "property" tax. Mr. A. NICHOL and Mr. PRESTON opposed the motion. For the motion, Majority, 17 8 -9 For Mr. Mitchell's Motion.-The Mayor; Aldermen Ridley, Losh, Dunn, and Sir John Fife; and Councillors Charnley, Proctor, Philipson, Straker, Harle, Mitchell, Storey, Ridley, Plues, Stokoe, Lowrey, and John Nichol. Against it.-Councillors Preston, A. Nichol, Burrell, Radford, Dodds, Taylor, Ingledew, and Armstrong. The petition, it was resolved should be entrusted to Mr. Ord, for presentation to the Commons. Miscellaneous business was transacted, and the Council adjourned to March 15. DINNER TO MR. HUTT, M.P., BY HIS LATE CONSTITUENTS: AND PRESENTATION OF THE dinner took place on Tuesday, Jan. 31, in the Victoria Immediately in front of the Chairman, was placed the testimonial to be presented to Mr. Hutt. We have never seen a more chaste and beautiful gift. It is a centre of silver, of the height of 30 inches, formed by an oak tree, the roots of which are thrown on the base, which has three sides:-on one are raised (not engraved) the arms of Hull: on the second, the arms of Mr. Hutt, with the motto "Nil nisi virtute;" and on the third is the inscription given below. Standing upon the base, are three exquisite figures, each of the height of eleven inches, in dead silver:-one with a bale and cask of goods at his feet, representing Commerce; another with a quadrant, representing the Shipping Interest; and the third with a sickle, to portray Agriculture. These are most beautifully executed. The trunk of the oak is very splendid-the bark being especially well done. From it spring forth six branches, each forming a candlestickIn the centre, upon the nozzle of the stick being an acorn. filagree-work of acorns and oak leaves, is placed a cut-glass dish. The cost of this splendid work of art was £250. It reЯects great credit upon the taste of the Committee, and also on Mr. Barnby, the silversmith, to whom the order was given, as well as upon the artist and manufacturer. The following is the "Presented to WILLIAM HUTT, M.P., by the Friends of Reform in The Rev. Mr. ASPINALL asked a blessing upon the meal; and on the removal of the cloth, the usual loyal toasts were drunk. The CHAIRMAN then rose to propose the toast of the evening at the mention of which, there was a burst of enthusiastic cheering, which was long protracted-the company rising, and the ladies waving their handkerchiefs. The Mayor proceeded to speak of Mr. Hutt's high claims to their esteem-his fidelity to their interests-his unwearying industry-his readiness to serve his constituents, whatever their political opinions or their station in life. We regret that we cannot find room for his Worship's very appropriate and well-turned address, but the claims of the Metropolitan and Manchester Parliaments We can only say that the Chairman's compel us to be brief. speech was rapturously cheered, and especially when, turning to the hon. member for Gateshead, he presented the testimonial for his acceptance, and proposed his health, with warm wishes for his long life and happiness. (The toast was drunk with three times three, and countless cheers more.) Mr. HUTT rose, and (when the enthusiastic cheering which his appearance excited had subsided) spoke as follows:-Mr. It is not in Mayor and Gentlemen, it is not in my power to thank you for all the favours with which you have loaded me. my power to express, in language suitable to the occasion, or Inperhaps in any language, all the emotions of gratitude and pleasure which this grand scene has awakened within me. deed, that man must be armed with great eloquence, or with little sensibility, who, standing in the place which I now occupy, could find a ready utterance to his feelings. Gentlemen, why Not to justily my past conam I now here? (Loud cheers.) duct to constituents-not to solicit any renewal of our political connection-not to animate exertion at the approach of an election contest, nor to rejoice with you over the successful I have come hither as to a grand and issue of such conflict. solemn audit-my course in your service being finally completed-to receive that judgment which, after balancing my professions and performances, you might be pleased to pass The terms in which that upon my conduct. (Applause.) judgment has been pronounced by the Mayor, and the cordial eloquence with which you have sanctioned and adopted it, must, under any circumstances, have been both gratifying and and affecting to me. But, gentlemen, your verdict appeals in deeper tones, and more impressive earnestness, to my feelings, now, when, though in Hull, I am the representative of another constituency. (Cheering.) For nine years I was your Mem. ber. (Cheers.) Nine years is a long period in the life of any man. The assurance which is now given, that during the arduous period in which I represented Hull-succeeding, too, as I did to many a loved and honoured name-that I did not impair the high and historical reputation of your town-that I did not disappoint the kind expectation of those who gave me their confidence--and that, voluntarily retiring from this battlefield of repeated contest, I left none but political differences behind me such an assurance, given on such authority, might fill the measure of any man's ambition: it more than suffices for mine. (Applause.) Gentlemen, the proceedings of this day will shed gratification on every circumstance of my after life; and I humbly accept this splendid offering of the liberal inha bitants of Hull, as a lasting memorial of the high and honourable place I had the good fortune to attain in their estimation and regard. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, I know that I am indebted for this uncommon distinction, far more to your own generous and exalted virtues, than to any merits of mine; but I will not commit the affectation of pretending that I could have won such a trophy from hands like yours, without having done something to deserve it. (Applause.) In that conviction I shall preserve this testimonial as one of the most precious of all possessions. (Cheers.) I shall transmit it to those who must come after me, as one of the proudest records of my own existence. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, it might be expected, on an occasion of this sort, that I should take a review of the chief legislative measures of the last nine years-of which, generally, I was no indifferent promoter. I shall pass them by, however. They seem to re quire no vindication now. For a time they were roughly handled; and I must do our opponents the justice to say, that they were very successful in abusing them. Now, however, we have changed all that. It seems now to be universally ad. mitted, that the principles on which these measures were founded the leading principles of the Cabinets of Lords Grey and Melbourne-comprised the true and necessary policy of England. We stand alone in that opinion no longer: it is tacitly admitted by Conservative Clubs, and it is plainly asserted, not in words, but in the more eloquent declarations of deeds and conduct, by Sir Robert Peel. (Hear, hear.) Observe what is going on. Up to the end of the last general election, the bitterest imputation on the late Ministers and their supporters, was their tendency to Free Trade. The Tories protested that Free Trade was un- English, and therefore deserved the execration of the country. A host of sapient people, who did not know what Free Trade meant, and therefore concluded that it was something atrocious, decided that it was high time to get rid of the wicked Government which countenanced such delusions; and, accordingly, props and pillars of the State they thought themselves-saviours of their country-when they rushed to the polling booths of 1811, and voted the Free Traders out of office. Well! Sir R. Peel no sooner becomes Minister, than he heads a general insurrection in favour of that wicked delusion which the pillars of the State thought they had extinguished for ever. (Laughter.) So far from staying the plague, by the elevation of Sir R. Peel, they only made it travel faster and further. Why, it penetrated into quarters one used to think inaccessible to such influences. Sir Edward Knatchbull becomes a Free Trader (laughter); and the Times newspaper discovers that it is one of the highest virtues of the present Government, that it will carry the doctrines of Free Trade further than its predecessors ever dreamt of. So much for Tory justice and consistency. Another terrible charge against the late Ministers, was the unspeakable wickedness of those principles which they had set up for the government of Ireland. Why, that base man, Lord Normanby, actually undertook to govern Ireland without the aid of Horse, Foot, or Artillery-simply by doing justice, and showing some considera. tion for the rights and wishes of the people. Then Lord Fortescue-such was the depravity of Lord Fortescue's administration, that had he continued in office a few months longer, two or three regiments on the Irish station must have been sent to England, or disbanded-there was nothing for them to do. Now all this was no doubt perfectly detestable, as they say at Pekin; and, accordingly, the Irish policy of Lord Melbourne became the pet grievance at Conservative festivals. It was the means by which Toryism, balancing between hollow obsequiousness to the people on the one side, and dubious loyalty to the Queen on the other, was kept up to the patriot pitch. (Laughter.) Gentlemen, have you read the account of the recent proceedings of the Tory Government in Canadathe Ireland of the western hemisphere? Sir Charles Bagot has carried out, in that country, in all their comprehensive. ness, and under circumstances of far more questionable pro priety, all the principles of Lord Melbourne's Irish policy. Sir Charles Bagot has not been content with giving to the Mr. Shiel and Mr. Wyse of that country, subordinate offices in the Government, and with asking a Mr. O'Connell to dinner. He calls into his Cabinet, and invests with all the influence of the Executive, aliens in blood, in language, and religion, but still his fellow-country men-and gives peace and prosperity to Canada, by giving her a Government in harmony with her peo. ple. (Cheers.) Do I blame Sir Charles Bagot? May Heaven preserve his life, if only that he may receive the grateful ac. knowledgments of his country! He deserves the highest praise; and that man is not a friend-he is an enemy to his species-who does not wish well to his just and benevolent policy. But, gentlemen, the adoption of this policy is conclusive against the conduct of those who, sanctioning these wise and beneficial principles in respect to Canada, held them up to the execration of the country when they ministered to the happiness and contented allegiance of Ireland. (Cheers.) Is the conduct of the Tories more dignified in regard to popular education? You know how fiercely the Boards of Education, established by the late Government, were assailed by the Tories out of office. I really thought the same planet could hardly have held them, armed with power, and these frightful and ungodly institutions. Yet they remain-remain unchanged-both in their functions and constitution; and it is quite evident, that if any change is made in them, it will be by rendering them more extensively powerful-more in accordance with the design and wishes of their authors. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, the Poor Law-what an unfailing weapon for attacking the friends of the late Government was the Poor Law, to the Tories! You all know that I was nearly pushed out of the representation of this town, by Conservative clamour against the Poor Law. But why do I name myself? A member of the late Government-a nobleman-and one of the brightest ornaments both of his station and his species-one, too, who holds bis title to the admiration of mankind by a far higher patent than any which fortune can give or take awayLord Morpeth-(immense applause)--Lord Morpeth lost his seat for the West Riding of Yorkshire, entirely by the clamour raised by the Tories against the Poor Law. Who are its advocates and promoters now? That very Government which made the abuse of it their stepping stone to office. (Hear, hear.) It is true, Sir James Graham may assert that he never joined in the clamour against the law. I should like to ask that consistent politician and conscientious man, how often he joined in reprobating the clamour as factious, unprincipled, and disgusting? I suspect the answer may be given in the words of Mr. Dickens's Yankee companion, "Considerable seldom!" (Laughter.) He may perhaps shelter himself (as I have heard others) under a plea of tenderness for his party. The love of party is but a poor substitute for the love of truth. (Cheers.) Gentlemen, where is the Irish Registration Bill of the impatient Lord Stanley? A short time ago, it did violence to his conscience to postpone it for a day-where is it now? He now admits that we were right when we said that his Bill was fraught with injustice and with danger. Do I regret that the Tories are adopting these views? They are the very views which, for nine years together, the people of Hull sent me to Parliament to support. I rejoice that the justice and correctness of our policy are at last admitted, even by the bitterest of our opponents. Nor am I here to question the sincerity of their conversion. Heaven forbid! But I must admire that versatile aptitude of mind which can accommodate itself to such a sliding scale of opinions (laughter), and which can honestly believe in such a succession of new and jarring doctrines. (Cheers.) For the great bulk of the Tory party, I know few spectacles more calculated to awaken our strong compassion than their present position exhibits. They don't know which way to turn. Nothing can be more grotesque and humiliating; and they see that their leaders must have reposed with a most contemptuous confidence in their utter want of dignity and principle, when they could induce them to become the violent advocates of Conservative opinions, only to betray them, and be imitating on all points the affected perverseness of Petruchio, in swearing that to be the sun which a moment ago they took their oaths was the moon. (Laughter and much cheering.) Gentlemen, it was an observation of Mr. Fox, that history can furnish no stronger antidote to despondency than the fact, that five years after Lord W. Russell perished on the scaffold, arose the brightest period of liberty to be found in the English annals; and, indeed, it is often true in the political as in the natural world, "the darkest hour is that which just precedes the dawn." (Cheers.) Who would have anticipated much good from the Parliament chosen amid the violent delusions of 1841? And yet it is my strong conviction, that it is the special and appointed mission of the present Parliament to emancipate our commerce. Yes! the agricultural monopoly must fall. (Cheers.) The West Indian monopoly must fall. (Cheers.) The Navigation Act, so far as it is built upon commercial monopoly, must fall. (Loud cheers,) These great institutions must fall, and their fall will be followed by the crash of all those minor monopolies which have grown up beneath their shadow. (Cheers.) Men will protest and declaim-will threaten us with revolution, and with the destruction of the thousandth time-about-to be-destroyed Constitution. These commotions need concern us little now. The time is past for arresting a great principle, either by the terrors of this party or by the delusions of that. The mighty tide of human intelligence is sweeping all parties irresistibly beyond that point where success can attend any struggle for commercial privilege or exclusion. Monopolies must fall. And then, |