The Bristol Mercury and Daily Post, Western Countries and South Wales Advertiser from Bristol, Bristol, England • 11

SUPPLEMENT TO THE BRISTOL MERCURY, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1845. rANY THOUSANDS OF POUNDS STERLING to be GIVEN to the SITRSfiRlBERS to the PICTORIAL TIMES. For uarticnlars of this extraordinary undertaking apply immediately to any Bookseller or Ncwsvendor iLt nitiim, nui.uiu, vi oeouilllll, or 10 uie 1 uuiisiiei 'w. J. Evans, 351, Strand, London, who will he happy to forward a Prospectus.

firward. benefit department and from what n'n cou ascertain this section of the society is flourishing bcyon Xetnectation-it is formed on the principle of a mutna surance company, and about 530 policies have issued to" froTilOO to 500 each the parties insuring receive twoThirds of the profits either by or bv a reduction of the annual pajment, or a All clerks insuring their lives in the benefit depm inent pw- ftaw llS iu oll the boons held out fund if necessary. And in cider to show he good ishes which some eminent firms have towards Hits societ) may The first quarterly meeting of the council for the current municipal year was held on Monday. After the minutes of the last meeting had been read, The Ma von said that they were, probably, all aware that the present was a quarterly meeting, and that, under the act, file first business was to proceed to the election of a mayor. Before that, however, the bribery act must be read.

After choosing the mayor, the house would then proceed to the choice of a high-sheriff, to fix the quarterly meetings, and to appoint the finance and watch committees. No report from the dock committee would be presented that day, but ho might state that the negotiation had been brought to such a point that the committee now only waited for a final reply from the dock directors beforelaying the matter before the council the committee had no wish to make any mystery, but gentlemen would see that whilst a negotiation was pend- SATURDAY, NonsxaSR 15, 1845. if it was a subject which the council could legally entertain Mr. Thomas Other corporations have done so. Mr.

Ginns objected to the resolution, but was scarcely audible. He was understood to say that he feared it would be taken to savour of a political character, and be also thousiht that the council could not properly interfere with a matter which belonged to tho Queen's responsible government. Mr Visger said, if the resolution was pressed, he, holding the opinions he did, could do nothing else than votc'in support of it; but he was sorry that Mr. Lunell had now brought it forward, because he felt convinced that in a very short time the matler would be regarded as being far less a party one than it was at present. He saw so many evidences of the dawning of new opinions, and of the approximation of those whose views had heretofore been considered to be as wide as the poles asunder, that he thougiit.it exceedingly undesirable to precipitate a decision upon it until men's minds had had a little time to settle themselves (hear).

He should much regret seeing a division forced on at the present moment; although, if such should be the case, he must vote for the motion. The gentleman who brought it forward might probobly be exercising a sounder judgment than he could form, but he did fear to see the question pressed at a time when it would seem more of a party question than it would a month hence, or it. might be even in two or three days. He sbot'ld be glad if the resolution could be withdrawn for the present, because, although he felt confident that the fjeiilloman who had brought it forward was not influenced by the slightest party bias, it would be taken to assume a party form. He thought, also, that it should not have boon proposed without notice, or at least without the co-operation of some gentlemen of a party whose general views would show that it was not suggested with any party bias.

Mr. Smith said the gentleman who had just sat down seemed to apprehend that the resolution would produce a party impression whether he meant to confine that observation to its influence upon that council or to the effect it was likelv to produce upon the government was not clear from his remarks. With regard to the council, he thought there could be no objection to taking a decision upon it, upon such grounds. As to the impression that it savoured of party feeling, it would of course be impossible to obviate the tendency of men's minds but if it was assumed as a fact that it had been brought forward from party feeling he utterly denied it (hear, hear). He'had himself strong feelings, but he disclaimed, for himself, being at all influenced by party motives, and he felt confident that the three gentlemen who had supported the resolution wero as free from party bias as lie was (hear).

In reference to the views of Mr. Visger, as to the inexpediency of pressing the question now, it appeared to him that that must depend on the accuracy or otherwise of tho statements made by the gentlemen who had spoken in support of the motion. There was, particularly, the state beyond seeing that the walls were of the thicknesses required by law. One instance had come to his knowledge, in which the joists of a building were so insecure that a man upon putting his foot upon one of them fell and was killed. The evil was a sad one; but he feared that it would never be remedied till they obtained some very stringent act of parliament.

He entreated gentlemen to give the matter serious attention. If t.hey would look at Clifton they would see the finest building-ground in the world being ruined (hear), and unless the corporation would obtain powers and see that the buildings were erected with safety, good sewerage, that most delightful locality would be spoiled. The citizens of Bristol, unless some such act was obtained, would have cause to regret it. He (Dr. Green) could see no reason why their surveyors may not make an examination on the matter and report to the house.

Upon their report the council might be disposed to apply for powers. Mr. Herepath said if their surveyors had not the power to enforce or punish, surely they might report. They were paid fees for examining 'every building, and it should be a part of their duty to report to the council. Ho had always considered that their act of parliament gave them power to control buildings.

The MayorAs to tho thickness of the walls fixed by the act, hut not as to the character of the masonry. Mr. Herepatii should have thought that they had power to regulate the building generally. Tho act was drawn up with great care, after examining the metropolitan building act, and if it did not confer the requisite powers there was a sad omission, and the sooner it was supplied the better. Mr.

Visger considered that the subject was difficult to legislate upon. Nothing could be moredesirable than that the council should have a right to see that there were sufficient party walls but he could not help thinking that many portions of the present building act were great nuisances. The most trifling alteration was accompanied by enormous fees, which acted as a large premium to parties to abstain from giving notice to the surveyor. He was afraid that if the council attempted to. meddle and interfere too far, it would only defeat its object.

The Town-Clerk said the act of parliament had been prepared with great care, and was, he apprehended, as perfect as circumstances would admit. Mr. Hehepath could only say, that if a house which had fallen down had complied with all the provisions of the act, it could not bo perfect. The only way would be, in the event of any accident, to call in the other three surveyors to examine the building, and see if the district surveyor had done his duty'properly. if he had failed in so doing, he should be dismissed and another appointed in his place.

Dr. Ghees said, in ordor to bring the discussion to a practical point, he would submit a resolution to the house. That the surveyors of the corporation be required, in surveying buildings, to examine the quality of the masonry, and the dimensions and quality of the timber used in such "buildings, and to report thereon to the council. Mr. J.

G. Smith said lie thought that some misapprehension existed as to the powers conferred by the present act of parliament, The attention of Dr. Green seemed to have been directed only to the schedule, but there were two clauses in the net which gave the surveyors power to examine the quality as well as the thioltness of the walls, and, in the eventof their being improper, to interfere. Theclauses were the 24th and 25th. The 24th clause provided That every external wall which shall be built to enclose any building, shall be entirely constructed of good, sound, well-burnt bricks or stone, properly bonded and the 2oth clause provided That every party wall, party fence, wall, and separate side wall, shail be entirely constructed of the like good and sound materials." He (Mr.

apprehended that these clauses, by specifying "good, sound, well-burnt," would be found to meet the evil. The Town-Cleiik said, no doubt everything was properly provided for by the aet of parliament. If the surveyors had neglected their duty, the fault could not be charged upon the act of parliament. Mr. Bernard Can our surveyors walk into any building and examine it? The Town-Clerk Not only so, but any person beginning building without first giving notice to the district surveyor, is liable to a penalty of 20.

Mr. Herapath recommended that each surveyor should enter in a book a report upon every building surveyed by him. In the event of a house falling, or any accident, the report could then be referred to, and the other surveyors directed to examine the building and see that it had been correctly reported upon. This, he apprehended, would keep the surveyors up to their duty. Dr.

Green was aware of the clauses referred to by Mr. Smith but still apprehended that the surveyors had not the power to interfere as to the quality of the materials and masonry. He begged to press his resolution, as, at all events, it would lead to some report upon which the house could act. "Mr. Bernard seconded the resolution, which was adopted.

corporation property. Mr. Visger wished to recal the recollection of the house to a subject which Mr. Alderman Fripp had brought under their notice, and whicl) related to a portion of the borough property, of considerable value. About twelve months ago Mr.

Fripp directed the attention of the council to the subject of some land which, having got into the hands of the Great Western Railway Company by mistake, was held by that company. The matter svas referred to the consideration of the finance committee at that time, and as the value of the interest involved was several hundreds, if not thousands of pounds (a voice, "no, no, only well, at all events it was a considerable amount he was desirous to recal attention to it. deficiency of the harvest. duty as well as his inclination to render it any service iti his power, and if in his endeavours to do so he had obtained their approbation ho was more then compensated. He had to thank all the members of the council for the kindness and courtesy they had ever displayed towards him.

To the officers of that house he had to return his best thanks more especially to the town-clerk, at whose hands, in all matters even beyond those which belonged to his office, he had received the best advice and assistance. To the city solicitors and the treasurer he was equally obliged, and to all the officers of that house he was indebted for their kind attention. To the high-sheriff, and to the magistrates he also begged to express his acknowledgments. If he had not taken his seat in the court of justice so often as ho should have otherwise done, it was because whenever he attended he found at least two magistrates present, and he thought, therefore, that he mightgive his services where more wanted. To the clerks to the magistrates he was bound to express his obligations, and to say that gentlemen better versed in the law, or more acquainted with the business of the court, it was impossible to have (hear, hear).

He must also allude to the services of the police. A feeling had existed at one time against that body, but it was fast dying away. To interfere as little as possible with the liberty of the subject, and generally to discharge their duties so as to be a protection to the persons and property of the industrious, peaceable, and well-disposed cifizens, and to be a terror only to the evil doers, were the lessons constantly inculcated upon them by the watch committee and the magistrates. Two or three instances had come before the watch committee, in which respectable and peaceable parties had been stopped by the police; he trusted it would be put down only to the excessive zeal of the police to do their duty, and that allowance would be made for thein, considering the arduous task they had to perform. In conclusion, he had to thank his fellow-citizens generally, from one and all of whom he had, on every occasion, received the greatest kindness and attention; and in retiring from office he begged to express his earnest wishes for their continued happiness and prosperity (loud cheers).

The quarterly meetings of the council wore fixed for the first Wednesdays in February, May, and August. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES. Tho following committees were then appointed Watch Committee. The Mayor-Elect, J. IC.

Haberfield; Aldermen Hurley, Vining, Bushell, Cole, II. Ricketts, Robinson Messrs. Clarke, Gibbs, Franklyn, Castle, Sanders, Hare, Thomas, Fisher, George, Mills, Phippen, Moore. Finance Committee. The Mayor, Mayor-elect; Aldermen Vining, Harley, Ward Messrs.

Clarke, Gibbs, Franklyn, Phippen, Powell (St. Augustine), Blissett, Mills, Lunell," Wood, Howell, Green, Shaw, Bernard, W. P. King. Improvement Committee.

The Mayor, Mayor-elect; Aldermen Harley, Ward, H. Ricketts, Pountney; Messrs. Clarke, Gibbs, Franklyn, Phippen, Thomas, Heaven, Lu-nell, George, Smith, Moore, Blissett, Goldney, Terrell. Dock Committee. The Mayor, Mayor-elect Messrs.

Franklyn, Gibbs, Bushell, Wood, Thomas, Visger, Tothill, Shaw. FINANCE COMMITTEE. A report from this body recommended the renewal of certain leases and the payment of various debts amounting to 5497 lis. 9jd. Mr.

Heuapatm, in reference to one item, salary to the clerks of the improvement committee, said when those clerks were appointed it was upon the expectation that there would be a great deal of work to do, which did not seem now to be the case. He should think that what little business had to be done could bo performed by the regular officers of the corporation, and therefore, although of course they could not do anything in reference to a claim for past services, ho should, upon a future occasion, make a proposition on the subject. The Mayor said the clerks were in attendance upon the committeo every Tuesday, and the general business was much more considerable than Mr. Herapath seemed to think. The committee had its eye upon various improvements, and he did not think that it would be found practicable for the law officers of the house to do the business.

Mr. Ward said the work which had been done by the clerks of the improvement committee had been very much underpaid, and if it was now reduced in amount he "did not think that the house could complain. He believed that as many as 88 conveyances had been prepared by the clerks, which entailed no trifling amount of labour (hear). The Mayob said the impression of the committee generally was that they were rather underpaid than overpaid. Mr.

Herapath wanted to see more work done. He could not see that anything was doing. Mr. G. Thomas concurred in thinking that they could not dispense with the services of their clerks.

He hoped to see at least one-third of the projected improvement to the railway terminus carried out. The Town-Clerk said the young men referred to had worked most diligently, and had done an amount of business which, if it had been done by a solicitor, would have amounted to a charge upon the city of at least 1000. As had been observed by Mr. Ward, there had been 86 conveyances drawn in connexion with the at ReileliiV-hill and Phippen-streot. The gentleman who introduced the subject had said there was nothing now to do; but would the council, remember the very lengthened reports presented at.

its last meeting, which it must have taken weeks to prepare. He (the Town-clerk) spoke confidently it might perhaps be supposed that because one of the young men was Ids son that he was disposed to favour him but he spoke confidently when he said that, although they were satisfied with it, the remuneration they received was totally inadequate the river fsoo.ii. The improvement committeo presented a report which was read by the I own-clerk, and ot which the tollowin an abstract The report of this committee referred to the statement which they had laid before the council in Sept. last, and to the resolution of that body, referring the matter back to them with instructions to furnish the necessary documents before going to parliament tor the improvement ot the river Iroom, and the abatement ot the nuisance thereby occasioned and also to as certain what portion of the works might be performed without going to parliament. I he attention of the committee had been directed to a bill brought into parliament by Sir James Graham for the improvement of the sewerage, and the better supply of water to largo towns, and after maturety considering the provisions of that bill, tile committee had arrived at the opinion that it wouM be most prudent on the part of the council to wait the result of that measure before proceeding with one of their own (hear) with respect to so much of the improvements as could be unilertaken without an act ot parliament, the committee, under tne advice ol rope and Armstrong, their sur vcyors, had decided upon certain measures, and to take advaiv tagc of the season had authorised a sum, not exceeding 300, to be expended, at the same time recommending to the council to authorise a iurther outlay, to the extent of 1 000 in the whole.

The committee had also appointed Mr. James White, at a salary of .20, to look after the banks of the river, and prevent encroachment. The committee laid also purchased some old premises necessary to complete the improvements in Bridewell-street; the premises were put up by auction, and bought by the committee, at a sum which, making allowance for the value of tne site, would entail little or no toss on the city." Mr. visger was exceedingly gratified bv the report which had just been presented, because it showed that, upon mature consideration the committee had come to the same conclusion which he expressed at the last meeting. The only difference was, that the committee seemed to rely more on the general bill than he should himself be inclined to do, What he would sav in reference to that measure, was.

watch it closely, and place yourselves from time to time in communication with the government upon it, so as to make it as efficient for your purposes as possible." The Mayor begged to state, while upon the subject, that imputations irom two runway companies had waited on him in reference to the covering over of the river Froom, but neither of thein had submitted any specific proposition which he could lay before the house. He had requested both of tnem to reuuee meir proposals to writing out he could elicit from them nothing more definite than that each wished to have a preference over the other in covering over the Froom. Dr. Green said the attention of the Health of Towns Commission had been called to the river Froom, and they iuny unve to me evii. lie was sure tnat any suggestion from the council would receive the attention of that body, and that any proposal which should have the effect of aoatmg tne nuisance they would be ready to adopt.

Mr. Herapath inquired (i3 nearly as could be heard amid the noise occasioned by tho bells of the neighbouring churches) whether one of the companies referred to by the mayor naa not ottered to arch over the at its own expense The Mayor said he had endeavoured to get in writin, some specific proposition, but could only get authority to report to the house that each was desirous of having a preference over the other. One of them the Eastern and Western Counties, he believed wished to arch over the Froom, and to make a station in Union-street, but they made no direct offer indeed, the deputation came rather for advice than to make any deniute proposal. Some further remarks passed between Mr. Herapath and the Mayor but, for the reason before stated, they could not be neara at tne reporters table.

the new buildings at cr.rFTON. Mr. C. E. Bernard said he was anxious to call the attention of the council to the insecure manner in which new buildings were run up (hear, hear).

Only about three weeks since tiiey had an accident at Clifton arising from this cause, the men injured by which were now in the Infirmary It was constantly occurring that parts of buildings were falling down through the badness of the walls. What he wanted to know was, whether there was any officer in Bristol whose duty it was to examine buildings in course of erection, see how they were being built, and report upon them There was such an officer in Liondon, who had power, in case ot any part of a building being insecurely made, to call on the parties to remove it (hear, hear). He wished to know whether the corporation surveyors had authority to do this If they had not, the matter was one so closely affecting the public safety that they ought to get an act of parliament for the purpose, or else procure the insertion ot a clause in the general measure which had been referred to, authorising the appointment of such an officer. The Mayor said the surveyor for the Clifton district had authority to examine the buildings, but he had not power to direct in what way they should be constructed. He had only power to see that the uet ot parliament was complied with.

ilr. 15EHNARD suiu tne manner in vf men buildings were run up was really dangerous. 1 hero nau been some build ings put up in a street tne centre oi tne city, he believe? Back-street and in order to prevent the fronts tumbling out it was found necessary to prop thein up with timbers placed against the opposite houses. The Mayor said all the timber work referred to had been removed, Mr. Visger begged to move the adoption of the report, with a request to the committee to give their best attention to the bill brought in by the government.

The Town-Clerk could assure Mr. Visger that the improvement committee was already giving its best attention to it. Dr. Green agreed with Mr. Bernard as to the mannef which the new buildings were being raised.

Many or them wero hardly sufficient to hold together. This, no doubt, had in a great measure arisen from an original defect in the building act, which gave tho surveyor no power mention the princely act of Messrs. Waguirc, jaiu of London, of which firm John A. Smith, of this association, is a partner. These gentlemen juive lately insured the lives of ten of their clerks from i2o0 to MO each, the firm paying the annual premiums.

1 ms act speatus fiiA, ttw.ii' no ble example, it also received the patronage of many insurance eomunmes London, among whom may be mentioned Lloyd of British and Foreign Shipping, the Alliance Marine Assurance Company, Alliance Life and Fire Insurance tympany, Imperial Fire Insurance Office, the London Insurance Ofiice The trustees of this association are itsguaraiitee, viz. Thomas Baring, Esq M.P., Thomson Hankey, Esq W. G. Prescotl, Baron L. de Rothschild, and John Abel Smith, M.P.

These gentlemen would never, lend their names and influence and wealth to a society they mistrusted. It was a plain straightforward meeting, anil each member then present pledged himself to use his niduence to bring a fresh member by the next quarterly meeting. Ve say to clerks generally, it is but reasonable for you to join this excellent society, which has been so well patronised. And we respectfully" submit to the heads of linns the importance of the Provident Clerks' Association, and trust this plain explanation of its principles will induce many of our wealthy firms to give their assistance and patronage to it. THE CONDITION of the PEOPLE of IRELAND.

The Times' Commissioner," dating from Limerick, gives the following melancholy account of the difficulties of heating anything like system or perseverance into tho Irish character: On passing through the county of Clare to this town, I thn nf cnpiiirr (iniP iilriilUOUS illll.ll'OVementS which have been effected by Mr. David John Wilson, of Belvoir, on his estate, in draining and subsoiiing, and in building for his tenantry a better description of cottage. This gentleman, though spending from 4U0 to 500 a year in improvements, from 200 to 300 of which is appropriated to paying his tenants to drain and subsoil their lands at so much per perch, has found the greatest difficulty in inducing his tenants to change their old mode of cultivation. Every such step taken by any landlord is viewed with suspicion by the tenantry they look on it only as a moans of increasin" the rents, and never for a moment consider the benefits which they themselves will derive from it, even. thouh their rents are increased.

Mr. Wilson's plan, after thus improving a farm, chiefly at ins own expense, is one-half of the increased value to the original rent agreed on, as a repayment to him for the outlay of his capital, tho other half going to the benefit of his tenants. In consequence, however, of compelling his tenants to follow an improved system of cultivation, this gentleman has already received one or two notices that he will fesi-i. From all I hear, the owner of an estate in former days kept open house, lived usually in a style far beyond his income, aped the expenditure of men of superior fortune, shot and hunted, and got money as he could, to keep going on. Most of the estates were entailed the owners married, and every means were resorted to to raise money.

ometimes long leases were granted, to obtain fines, to men of property, who commenced letting out the laud at an increased rent as The sons of a landowner grew up, hunted and shot with their father, and would have shot any one who suggested to them that they ought to do something to maintain themselves. The only means of providing for them was to let them portions of the estate, which being usually entailed was, of course, at the best improved rent. The younger sons then gut a local standing, became squireens," started shooting or hunting lodges, sublet the land, which they never thought of farming themselves, at an increased rent, and so long as their father lived were principally at home. On the death of the father the elder brother came into the estate, and the knives and forks of the younger brothers were no longer regularly set for them. The stables were not always ready for their horses as long as they pleased, and they found out that they had to support themselves.

To do this another screw was put upon the sub-tenants, and all kinds of chicanery was resorted to by these needy men to obtain money from those under them. As they could barely live, the usual course was to try and get some government place, as they could turn to neither business nor profession. To obtain this the member of parliament for the county was flattered and besieged, and then they began to find out that their tenants were 40s. freeholders, and that this was an available means of influence. The unfortunate under tenants were then compelled to subdivide their land with their sons, to make votes, in order that ut the next election these votes might be bargained for a place.

Tho inischief did not cease here. This forced subdivision rapidly increased the population. As there was nothing but the land to live by, the increased population brought competition for the land, and eagerness to get any patch, however small, at increased rents. The people, following their teaching, began themselves to subdivide; and then these "squireens," or needy middlemen, raised their rents proportionately to the increased competition for land which they had themselves brought about. But the increase in population went on the absence of any trading or professional knowledge among these small gentry, too proud to do or learn anything, but not too proud to resort to any tricky jobbing to raise money or to get a place, brought with it, ot course, the absence of any enterprise or any business undertaking whatever which could afford other employment for the people than the cultivation of a patch of land.

The people thus got beaten down, aud became mere serfs, crushed down to the worst food, the most miserable clothing and dwellings, and, being neglected and without knowledge, utterly unuble to improve themselves. As the families of the squireens increased their estates decreased not so their expenditure. Their poverty became so great that they were utterly unable to aid their tenants to improve; an tins operateu on tne poor tenant in ueieiiuruuug in social position." Roscrea, Tipperary, Oct. 30. The Commissioner," writing under this date, gives a fearful account of the system of terrorism throughout the county of Tipperary.

Amongst others we give the following cases I saw a respectable looking man walking about the town guarded by two armed policemen, who followed him wherever he seemed to wish to go. I inquired the reason of this. I was ini'oimed by the authorities that he is a schoolmaster, named Jamis, whose house was attacked some months aao by three mc. searching for arms. He made some resistance, and onj of the men immediately fired at him and shot him with slugs in the head, some of wliich are still not extracted.

Thus wounded he seized a dirk, and with it killed one of the parties, and the other two ran away. One of the men was afterwards apprehended and transported on his evidence. Instead of his courageous resistance carrying with it the sympathy of the people, their sympathy is with the cowardly ruffians who attacked him, and, if not guarded by the police, he would be murdered. A farmer, named Sheedy, of Ballinakill, near this town, some years ago became tenant of about ten acres of land under the Court of Chancery, the former tenant, named Cummins, having been ejected for non-payment of rent.1 After he had been some time in possession, Cummins took it into his head that he had a right to the laud, and Siieedy was threatened with death unless he gave it up. Sheedy applied for protection, and he now ploughs and digs in his fields with two policemen paid by the county to protect him, and they accompany him wherever he wisties to go.

There are twelve policemen entirely occupied in the neigh bourhood of Nenagh in guarding and protecting men whose lives have been threatened. I am informed if a shopkeeper there gives credit to the country people, and attempts to get in his debts, this is an offence thought deserving of a threatening notice, and to warrant his death, if he should persevere." The Commissioner" cites a number of other instances, giving the names of the parties, in which individuals, who have received threatening notices, are cultivating the earth with policemen in attendance to save them from assassination. Limerick, Nan. 3. There is a portion of the county of Limerick, extending up to the town of Tipperary ontheone hand, and to the foot of the Gattee mountains, and on the other spreading through the centre of the county of Limerick, which, from its extraordinary fertility, is called "the Golden Vale." This tract of land or vide is of vast extent, spreading oyer about 18 by 14 Irish miles, and is for the most part perfectly level low land, with a rich loamy soil it produces the most extraordinary crops when tilled, and as grazing laud is unequalled.

Arthur Young, who wrote on Ireland some 20 years before the union, or upwards of 60 years ago, wdien describing this part of Limerick and Tipperary, says It is the richest soil I ever saw, and such as is applicable to every wish. It will fatten the largest bullock and at the same time do equally well for sheep, for tillage, for turnips, for wheat, for beans, and in a word for every crop and circumstance of profitable husbandry." Here, then, the riches of nature are lavishly bestowed. What in reasonable expectation should be the condition of a people dwelling on land teeming with such fatness in Arthur Young's time, before that great bugbear" the union was discovered by some very disinterested geniuses to be at the bottom of the wretchedness of the Irish people Comfort, independence, smiling prosperity? Arthur Young shall himself answer You must examine into the soil before you can believe that a country which has so beanarhj an appearance can be so rich and fertile." That which Arthur Young found tins district 60 or 7U years ago, oegyariy in appeui-tuice witn an its ricwiess and fertility, it is yet. Beside a field, the fertility of which is such that for it the conacre tenant cat) afford to pay, or at least does pay, 12 guineas an acre rent, and raise potatoes enough to live upon for a twelvemonth, you see a mud hovel, half thatched, without windows or chimney, the walls often tumbling down, and wide cracks in them, through which and the door the smoke from the inside issues and often a cesspool right before the doorway, with a few stones thrown in it to enable the cottager to enter his cottage without getting ankle-deep in the filth which he does not choose to remove. It is the same in Roscommon by the richest land nre the most beggarly hovels.

The clumsy system of cultivation" which, upwards of 30 years ago, Wakefield described, exists still. You will see a field of potatoes, on which the whole subsistence of a cottier and bis family depends, completely green with weeds, growing in rank luxuriance, every weed, of course, extracting an amount of nourishment from the soil which, if the land were properly cleaned, would go to increase the bulk of the potatoes, and give more food and profit to the cottier. You pity the misery of the cottier as it ooiruues itscu upon you on tile road-sides, because his complaint is but too true he can get employment but wdien you look at his field and see its condition, and see the man and his wife and half a dozen children "kippering" themselves in the turf smoke of their wretched hovel, watching their potatoes grow and their pig get fat, with nothing on earth to do but to weed their potatoes, to clean their house, and to mend their thatch, your pity changes its object. You pity their misery, but you pity still more that hopeless ignorance and that unfortunate quality of mind which can be satisfied thus to live. Drainage.

The landlords of the north and east of Ireland have volunteered to advance 600,000 for fie drainae of awes, THE POTATO FAMINE. It is a striking lesson to human pride to mark how the calculations of statesmen, and the couneils of tiio wise and great ones of the earth, can, in the hriefest space, be brought to naught by a grub or worm fastening on some article of human food, or by any other disarrangement in the animal or vegetable kingdoms. Potatoes are now Sir Kobert Peel's chief difficulty." Questions arising out of the potato disease have caused him to summon council after council have caused differences of opinion and dissension amongst his colleagues and are not unlikely, ultimately, to cause the breaking-up orre-model-ingof his ministry The Peel administration may be prostrated by rotten potatoes The consequences of the disease are likely to be far more disastrous than was at first anticipated. According to the calculations of Dr. Colquhoun, the value of the potatoes consumed in Great Britain and Ireland may be estimated at 16,000,000 sterling and supposing only nine uius wortn or Human food destroyed by a now disease, of 'the origin or nature of which so little is yet known, and the ravages of which are yd unchecked.

Whilst ministers have been engaged in worse than profitless deliberations as to whether or not a supply of food, to meet the known deficiency, should ho admitted into the ports of the United Kingdom, the disease has never stopped, but has gone on from day to uay tue supplies. Whilst ministers are squabbling, the potatoes are rotting in the pits A correspondent of the Momimj Chronicle is now traversing the south of England with a view of gleaning all jtossible information respecting the potato famine. He has visited various infested districts, and has collected the evidence of persons residing on the spot. On the 8th lie was at Idmiston, near Aniesbury, in Wiltshire. Portions of the evidence collected we commend to the attentive perusal of our readers Mr.

James Chubb, landlord of the Hough inn says cannot say my potatoes are gone so bad as some I hear tell of, bat they are going bad, one pari out of three are bad. What our people in this parish bo to rlo I know not, the; live on potatoes. Some families whore there are children have thein three times a day if they have anything three times a day; all the people have them for breakfast and supper, and the rot is getting so bad now that most of them have not many potatoes left. With bread getting so high, and the wages not getting un. and thepotatoes God tibvo only knows what is to become of the poor people.

In liosconihe parish some of the farmers have raised the wages to 8s. per week last pay-day. They have been standing for a long time at and most of them in Idmiston have only 7s. now young men not so much. I never knew anything like this potato disease." "Mr.

Sutton, miller, Wintcruourne: the potato disase has been in oar parish for some weeks. 1 think about one-fourth of the potatoes belonging to the working people were ball when dug up, and now they are worse. They sorted the good from the bad, hid the good then are not alt good now." "Mr. Target, a fanner in Idmiston I know some of our labourers are not able to get more than one meal out of a gallon of potatoes, so many have to be thrown away. Some of thein have mt found more than one gallon of sound potatoes out of a bushel.

They were the finest potatoes to look at when grow ing that could be seen any where and when dug up there was nothing irnteii amiss witn tnem, as mere is since. We uul all we could for them sorting them out, and keeping them dry, and giving them air everything we could think of, but all in vain the disease had got tile master of us all. We have now twenty sacks of one sort in the house, which were all picked for good when we dag them up a few weeks back. They have been picked since, and out of the twenty sacks eight or nine sacks are bad, Oh, it is a terrible thing The red kidneys are least all'eeted. They are, to speak moderately, one-third gone the whites are two-thirds gone full two-thirds of them unfit to eat, and the remainder is going every day worse and worse.

I hear from IJiiuhcad, that is over on the border of this county, next to Dorset, the disease is terribly bad. It is a great potato piaee. ine tanners grow potatoes there lor the market. We do not here." Such is the testimony of farmers and others in respect to this terrible scourge, I he following evidence ot a poor woman, named Percv, shows us the wav in which the Wiltshire labourers about whose condition Mr. Benet the member for Wilts, occasionally waxes poetic-Uially live -ac Henry rercys wife, at Boscombc Our potatoes are getting very bud.

1 keep them up stairs, and turn them and pick them almost every day, but they get worse and worse. What poor people are to do I cannot tell. In Idmiston my sister's has only 7s. a week, ami has no prospect yet of getting more. They have six children, and she is expecting to be confined every day and their potatoes are all going bad.

The; are duti together without a bit of lifeud to put in their mouths. Tool' hearts! what is to come of thetu this iviuter, and the potatoes going all so bad it is terrible to think on! I was over to see my poor sister, as she is about to be confined, yesterday and tliere was tins family and their father his name is William Ciuininiis, a hard-working man tliere were he and they with a kind of mess of potatoes and cabbage boiled together; not a lit of bread in the house not a bit of bread to it or lard, not even salt they hail not a halfpenny in the world to get salt; and that was only Thursday, ond all the bread done for the week. There they are, living on this mess of potatoes and cabbage boiled together, and working hard every day. But, as my poor sister said, that is not the worst for the potatoes are all going rotten, and what are they to do then? In lloseombe those who are very badly off, with families, get a little charity. Mr.

Fawcett, the clergyman, gives them broth, and lie sends out dripping and you see they melt that and pour it over the potatoes, and that, is not so much amiss. Yon ask about bacon bless you. sir, working people here never expect to have baeon to eat nothing of the kind. If a working man gets bread enough, and a bit of cheese to it, lie thinks himself not bad off. What we complain of is that bread be getting up so.

Cheese be dear. be so dear and the potatoes all going to muck." If such be the state of things in England, what may weanticipate in Ireland The potato there furnishes the sole sustenance of large masses of the population, and it is known that the disease extensively prevails. The people will dig and eat the sound potatoes so long astliey last, but those gone, what hace they to fall back upon Nothing and yet the ports are closed On tl'iis important topic we quote the entire speech of Mr. Biekham Kscott, M.P., made at the mooting of the AVilliton and Punster Agricultural Association, held at Punster, on Thursday, Nov. At this moment, from most careful inquiries which he had made, he found that the article of potatoes formed one-half of the food of the people residing in this neighbourhood (' No, from the llcv.

Kalph). One gentleman said no, but he (Mr. Escott) had endeavoured to ascertain what the fact was (a Farmer' -More than half). lie had inquired of the large landowner, of the tradesman, of the farmer in every condition, of artificers towns anil villages, and ol labourers all classes. and the conclusion to which he had been led by those inquiries was, that one -hall of the food of the people coiiMStcdot potatoes (' you are quite right').

He would be happy it anyone coutil prove that he was wrong; but until his worthy friend Ralph) had denied what he had stated, lie had not neurit one practical man dismite the fact Kalph' I view the question as a na tional one'). It was a national question, and as such it should be viewed (loud cheers). Tliere was a great national calamity impending, and that fact should not be stilled (Mr. Kalph here made an observation, which did not reach us). He begged Jus reverend friend not to interrupt him.

Up to this moment he had heard no denial, except that by Mr. lialph.of the fact thai potatoes formed one-half of the food of the people (a Farmer And more ton'). One gentleman now said but taking it as he (Mr. Escott) had stated, how much ofthat crop had been destroyed how much of it had ceased to be food (' -More than lie believed that in the whole case it would be found that four-fifths had been destroyed, rendered totally useless (hear, hear). And were they (the agriculturists) insuch a state as not to be able to tell the truth Why, when the time came that bitter want pressed upon those who now chiefly lived upon potatoes, would those who suffered be satisfied to have the matter stilled Would they be satisfied to hoar that it was a visitation of Providence, and that all that could be done was to endeavour to avert the consequences He was not a reasonable man who endeavoured to stifle inquiry, and the fullest inquiry, into the case (cheers), lie had asked what portion of! food had been destroved.

and he was told three-fourths. He himself stated that Ibur-iil'ths were nearer the mark. How, then he asked, were tiiose to live who had been accustomed to use potatoes to the extent of one-half of their food, now that three fourths of that crop hud been destroyed? (hear, hear.) lie knew what hod been done in former time, in cases of similar enter-genrp he know that in the ease of the oldest nation of which we have unit reeovd, the inlnbititiits sent to the grammes of other countries for food. Ho knew, also, that whenever the people of this country had been distressed, one of the principal causes of that distress always was the high price of provisions in our grout trading communities (hear, and cheers). He advised those who heard him to consider these things ho advised those who were in the government to consider ihein he advised such men as his hon.

friend (Mr. Acland). than whom there were few more able or honest, lie advised all to use tiie inlluence which rank and station, education and ability, and honesty gave them, to endeavour to ward offer to mitigate the evil that was impending (loud cheers). Let them te'l those who were in pauvr, to beware how they ttimpeied irhen sirh on imminent danger stared them in the face (enthusiastic cheering). Uo had said nothing as to future famine he prayed God to avert it and it was madness in the government, in members of parliament, or in the public, to shut their eyes to this fact, which was staring them in the face." The honourable gentleman sat down amid loud and long-continued cheering.) Here we have the 11 high price of provisions" denounced at an agricultural meeting the necessity for the opening of the ports proclaimed anil a solemn warning given to those in power to beware how they tamper with the fearful visitation which hangs over the country and these denunciations and warnings were received with enthusiastic cheers by the yeomanry of Somersetshire.

Mr. Escott, at all events, is not one of those wretched mock-" Conservatives" who would peril the institutions of the country for the sake of keeping up prices. Should famine and fever drive men to outrage, either in England or Ireland, doubtless outrage will have to be suppressed. Sir Kobert and the Puke" will have to put down outbreaks. But, oh how terrible will be the responsibility of those who, instead of taking all possible means to mi'tigale the calamity witli which the country has been afflicted, have (lone what lay in their power to aggravate it, by placing the barrier of unnatural laws between food and" a famishing population, ii.

ivus very uesnauie tuau nuuiiufi siiuuiu undone Reports would be presented from the finance and improvement committees, and, in reference to them, he was sorry to have to announce the loss of the services of one of the old" est and most useful members of those bodies, Mr. Alderman Fripp (hear, hear) who hud always given his best services, and taken a great deal of interest in the proceedings of that house. Ho had received a note from that gentleman, which it had been his intention to have read at that meeting, hut the Town-clork being of opinion that it was not sufficiently explicit as a legal resignation, had desired him to withhold it until he could see Mr. Fripp, who was not in town that day it should, however, belaid before the council at the next meeting. At their next meetiug they would proceed to the election of a sergeant of tlio Court of Requests, and transact other business.

ELECTION OP JIAVOIt, Mr. C. E. Bernard said the task of proposing a successor to fill the chair, left vacant by the retiring mayor, was always a difficult one, inasmuch as the act of parliament compelled that house so to do before it gave them the opportunity of expressing their thanks to the gentleman about to retire. He did not feel the difficulty sogroat on the present occasion, because be had no doubt that a gentleman, more able than himself, would presently express to their present mayor the thanks of that house for the ability and dignity with which he had presided over its deliberations, and for the great kindness he had shown to all its members (hear, hear).

The chief difficulty which he (Mr. Bernard) felt, was his inability to do justico to the merits of the gentleman he was about to propose. That gentleman, however, did not require his feeble voice to call attention to his public character he had served the office of mayor twice, for in 1S38, when about to quit the chair, lie was unanimously requested by the gentlemen who sat in that room to accept the office again. He (Mr. need only refer to the conduct of that gentleman for the two years he'had filled the chair, to his conduct as regarded the city gencrallv, to his benevolence, his kindness, and his liberality, to ensure for the mention of his name the same acclamation with which it was recoived before that name was John Kerle Haberfield (partial applause).

Mr. Haberfield was arrived at a time of life, and had gathered such laurels round bis brows, that it was unnecessary, so far as lie was personally concerned, to have again entered on the arduous duties of nmvor. He would much rather, and he (Mr. had it from ids own mouth, have rested on the good feeling, the kindness, always shown towards him by his fellow-citizens, and the estimation in which he was held by them, than have come forward again to undergo the toils of office (a laugh). After considerable hesitation, and many doubts, at the urgent and great pressure of his friends, Mr.

Haberfield, at a very late hour, had consented to take the office (a laugh), to which he (Mr. had now great pleasure in proposing that he be elected. Mr. Oliver Coatiiupe seconded the motion, but in such a faint tone of voice that (bis back being to tho reporters) scarcely a syllable could be heard. He was understood to eulogise Mr.

Haberfield, and to state that he was crowned with laurels. Mr. Visger could neither abstain from voting, nor give a silent vote on the present occasion, though he would bo as brief as possible. It had been his delight to have witnessed the year of their chairman's mayoralty there could not be a second feeling either in that 'house or in the city, but that during that period the chair had been filled in a maimer which all desired (hear, hear). That had also been the case on some former, but not on all, occasions.

Ho should not enter upon the invidious task of going through the minutiae of Mr. Haberfield's career, neither would lie touch upon any matters which did not come strictly within the line of bis public conduct but this he would say, that Mr. Haberfield had, as was stated, been tried, but lie had not come, as gold, refined from the fire he had been tried and had been found wanting in numerous instances. He would mention two in which ho had compromised every principle of justice and propriety. Briefly, then, his conduct in the Registration Court hud been such as to compromise that character for justice and impartiality which a man sitting as a judge ought ever to maintain; and secondly, bis conduct in giving, at a public dinner, over which lie presided in his public character, an indecent toast, was highly discreditable to him as a public officer, and compromised every principle of propriety.

He would say no more he believed the present proposition exceedingly injudicious, and should therefore say no" to it. It was of course no use to propose any one else, but he should be compromising the strong feelings lie entertained if bo did not vote against the motion, Mr. Wood made a remark, but in a tone which, at there-porters' table, was absolutely not audible. Mr. Mills thought, after Mr.

Haberfield's many services, lie was entitled to repose, and that that house ought not to press the office upon him: he did not understand that his frieuds'had his sanction for proposing him. Mr. Bebsmio begged leave to correct Mr. Mills; they had Mr. Haberfield's sanction.

Mr. Mills was still anxious that he should be relieved. and witli that view would prooose, as an amendment, that Jacob llieketts, Esq alderman, is a fit and proper person to fill the office of miyor for the ensuing year. Mr. J.

Ricketts said he begged loavo to decline the honour. Mr. Bernard, in reply, said it was unnecessary for him to defend Mr. Haberfield's conduct in the Registration Court, that had been already often discussed, and Mr. Haberfield cleared.

Some gentlemen thought to swamp tho freemen and turn the elections in their favour. Mr. Haberfield gave fair judgments, and those gentlemen were disappointed; if they were dissatisfied they had no right to come to that house to complain. With regard to a gentleman's political feelings, he had yet to learn that when lie aeoeptod office lie was to get rid of them that was a doctrine which he hoped never to see prevail. Mr.

T. Powell, of St. Augustine, said something which we could not catch. The Town-Clerk then put the question thus "It has been moved and seconded, that John Kerle Uaberheld, ISsq, of Clifton, in the city and county of Bristol, is a fit and proper person to servo the office of mayor." Those who are of that opinion will sav aye," tho contrary no." There were several noes," but the Mayor declared the ayes to preponderate, and the motion was earned. Mr.

Alderman Pountnev then moved, and Mr Alderman Butcher seconded that Thomas Hill, Esci. of Cote bank, in the parish of Westbury, be high-sherill' for the ensuing year," winch was carried unanimously. VOTE 01? THANKS TO THE RETIRING MAYOR Mr. Ward said that the business prescribed by the act of parliament having been now gone through, the "house, he was sure, woutil gladly avail itselt ot the earliest opportunity to express its sentiments respecting the manner in which the duties ot the office of mayor hud been performed by their chairman (hear, hear). He was sure that he should hear no observation derogatory to the resolution which he should have the honour shortly to propose.

He believed, as had been already said, that but one sentiment prevailed throughout the city and that house. The office of 'mayor was the highest to which it was possible for that house to "elect a gentlemen. To the mayor was entrusted the honour, the dignity, and the interests of tho city, and lie would confidently ask ali present, and elsewhere, if the honour, credit, and dignity of the city had not been sustained in a manner highly creditable to the present occupant of the office, and greatly to the interests of the city (cheers). In presiding over the numerous committees of that house, no one had cause to complain of a want of urbanity; the mayor had listened to the opinions of all witii an induleenee, and with a kindness which those only who attended the committees could properly appreciate. With regard to the office of chief magistrate, he (Mr.

Ward) had every reason to believe, though ho had not much occasion to witness it, that the conduct of the mayor in the administration of his office had been firm and temperate, and in all respects calculated to promote the ends ot justice (hear). -On retiring he richly deserved the thanks of that house and the city (hear). He had devoted us whole time to the duties ot Ins ohiee, and made nmre acrifices than most of them were aware of. Conducting a large mercantile establishment, he frequently sacrificed pri vate advantages to benefit the city (hear). Under such circumstances he had un undoubted right to expect nn expression of thanks and gratitude, which would be rendered he (Mr.

was sure not only by that house, but by the public at large hear, hear). The mayor would retire from office carrying with him the esteem of all his fellow-citizens. There was one other point on which he must touch, though nrobablv the mayor himself might feel lie was going a little beyond what good taste might dictate, but he could not avoid alluding to the liberality which he had displayed in sunportine the office. He would not further extend Ins ob servations, indeed it was quite unnecessary, but would at once conclude with moving "That the cordial thanks of the council are emiuently due, and be presented to Kichard Poole King, mayor of this city, for his uigninetl anil nonourauie perioniiuiicus or me arduous duties of his high office for the past year, and more particularly for his firm and impartial administration of justice, criminal and civic for his uniform kindness and courtesy towards the members of the couucil, and the very efficient mnn- nerin wtlicli ne nas presuieu over t.neir ueiiueuuiuua iui ms urbanity towards every class of his fellow-citizens for the prompt and liberal patronage he lias bestowed upon every charitable object anil institution presented to his notice and for the solicitude and ability witli which he has ever sought to pro mote the welfare and prosperity of the city conduct whichcan-not fail to strengthen and confirm the attachment of his friends, and ensure, on his retirement from his distinguished office, the gratitude, respect, and esteem of the public." Mr. Herapath rose with great pleasure to second the resolution.

As a magistrate the mayor had ever acted with the most anxious desire to do justice as between man and man, and his whole conduct had been marked by that equity and dignity which should characterise one who filled the office of chief magistrate (hear). On retiring from office he would carry with him the good wishes of every member ofthat and he (Mr. trusted that he would become an example to all future mayors (hear, hear). Mr. Wood added a few words in accordance with the sentiments of the preceding speakers.

The motion was then nut and carried nmidsl. much accla mation. The Mayor, in returning thanks, said ho deeply felt the kind and flattering manner in which Mr. Wnul forward the motion, and the cordial way in which it been received. To receive the thanks of that house so had so ten dered, more than compensated him for any cave or trouble lie had undergone.

Connected with the city, it had been his in ment of Mr. Herapath, who was in possession ot all the facts, and that had been confirmed by Thomas. If the opinions so firmly and strongly expressed, as to the extreme urgency of the case, were well founded, then it appeared to him that the council ought to decide upon the resolution, As to their prescribing terms to the government, although the council might say in its opinion the ports should be opened for the the government as a strong expression of its conviction that by admission of food duty free, yet that would be only taken the government ought to takosuch measures as, in its wisdom, it might think tic to meet the threatened evil. Mr. Wood approved of the resolution, us one of the various measures which, although not among its ordinary duties, the council might most properly adopt.

With all bis heart he should support Mr. Lunell's resolution; and he should do so in the confidence that it was not in the slightest degree influenced by party feeling (hoar, hear). It was a question to many of their poorer fellow-creatures of life or death. To their fellow-citizens it was a question of whether they should have to bear tho burden of a far heavier rate than they hud at present. To all it was a question of serious moment, as intended to obviate the threatened privation anil misery.

They know not how the government might determine whether to open the ports or not. The adoption of tiie resolution would not embarrass them. All it in effect said was, Give us a larger portion of food, because our population need it, and because, if it is not supplied, many in Ireland, at all events-must starve" (hear, hear). Mr. Ward, in objecting to the motion, did not do so because ho considered it was one which it was not within the province of tho council to entertain because there were many cases, the urgency of which justified a departure from the strict rule.

He objected to it, however, because it undertook to say what the remedy was, and that upon the ground of no other evidence than the mere views the gentlemen who supported it, as to the abrogation of the corn-laws Herapath No, no). He begged pardon, but he understood Mr. Visger's argument to be founded on that (hear, hear). He (Mr. Ward) would not object for a moment to their stating to tho government that the thing was urgent and required a remedy, and that the council hoped the government would continue their inquiries, and find out the extent of the what it was advisable to do but he could not approve of the present motion.

The measure he had suggested was one which, although it might not be within the strict line of their duty, would not be laughed at. Mr. T. R. Sand ens said there was no doubt that the potato crop was seriously injured, but he could not, full in with the motion of Mr.

Lunell, that the other crops were inferior to those of last year. On the contrary, he believed that the oat crop was considerably larger. Tho barley crop was also bettor; and of the wheat crop tliere were various instances he had heard of in Gloucestershire of farmers having 40 and 45 bushels per acre. The weekly return of corn last week was greater by at least 20,000 quarters than that of the corresponding period of last year. Had he been aware that the subject had been going to be brought forward, he would have armed himself with documents, so as to have been prepared to speak upon it but he believed, although the potato crop was no doubt much injured, that tliere was no reason to fear but that the grain crop was more abundant than lust year particularly oats and barley.

The wheat crop, which was an extraordinary one lastyear, perhaps might not be greater. air. b. concluded by saying that, it the motion was pressed, be must, holding the views he did, vote tor it. Dr.GitEEM hoped that, after the expression of.feeling they had heard, Mr.

Lunell would withdraw his resolution. The question was, no doubt, one of vast importance, far above any political or party feeling, and they might depend upon it that it was pressing itself upon the attention of government. There had been frequent cabinet councils of late, and no doubt that the responsible advisers of tiie crown were endeavouring to obtain the fullest information upon which to take the measures they might deem most advisable (hear). Tliere could be no question as to the failure of the potato crop, but there was considerable difference of opinion prevailing as to the corn crops. It was thought by many to be a full average one (hear).

It was not desirable that the council should commit itself to any opinion without evidence (hear, hear). They might depend upon it that the government was most anxiously considering the question, and the remedy should originate with the responsible advisers of the crown. Mr. Lunell said he had no wisli to press his own resolution, but would be willing to adopt the form suggested by Mr. Ward.

He begged to disclaim, in the most positive manner, that he was at all influenced by any party feeling. It had been his fate, upon two occasions, to be placed upon committees for the relief of the poor of Ireland. Most of the correspondence had passed through his hands, and the details of the distress which prevailed were of so painful a character that they had deeply impressed his mind, and had rendered him more alive to the subject than he might otherwise have been (hear). So far from the adoption of such a resolution embarrassing the government, he believed that the opinion oi suen a nouy as tne council would Be gladly received, as a portion of the information which her Majesty's ministers were avowedly seeking, in regard to lus not Having given notice of his proposition, he had only to say that he had thought that, upon an open day, he would be perfectly right in following the usual practice of bringing forward subjects witnout previous notice (hear). Mr.

Ward said, upon reconsideration, lie could not sup port any motion. He thought it would be better for the council not to interfere with that which was the province of tne government, ana wnien would uudoubtediv receive due and proper attention. i be motion was then put and negatived. Jo division was called for. Some routine business was then disposed of, and the coun en Droite up.

THE PROVIDENT CLERKS' MUTUAL BENEFIT ASSOCIATION St BENEVOLENT FUND. A meeting of the Bristol branch of this association was held on Ihursdaylast, at Mr, Harm's room, in Corn-street, mat gentleman navuig most kindly lent the room tor the occasion. It was respectably and well attended, and anions the company were clerks from some of the most eminent merchant and banking houses in this city. The object of this meeting, as fnr as we could gather from the various speakers, was to give, generally, information respecting the operations ot tne association. W.e find that this society was formed five years airo.

and that there are about 1200 cledts connected with it, twenty of viiuiu u.ivc juiueu liiis urancii ourmg tne past quarter, it has a benevolent fund amounting to about 11.00(1. whfoh sum has been raised by thedonations of bankers and merchants- anu private lnamauals in and elsewhere the Bank ot tiugiatid taking the commenced the subscription list witn aiouii; ana we noticed on a former occasion that tne highly respectable farms of Messrs. Baillie, Ames, and and Messrs. Miles, Harford, and bankers, with a few other merchants of this city, each giving 25, have thereby patronised it. The usefulness of such a society was pjiiueu uut as roimws, viz.

clerks ot good character in various cases of distress either by the loan of from 10 to 25, to be paid in quarterly instalments or where the case is decidedly distressing, the gift of 10 at a time. These benefits are given in the most delicate and sacred way to the feelings of applicants. To give medical assistance and here we will add the liberal offer of Dr. E. J.

Staples, who lias most handsomely offered to attend any clerk of this association gratuitously. To grant pensions of from .25 to 35 per annum to disabled clerks, whether arising from affliction or old age and to widows of clerks 15 per annum and to make annually gratuities to orphan children ot clerks to the amount of 20, until the youngest be 14 years of age also, every effort is used to obtain situations for clerks out of employment, for which purpose a situation-book is kept, where clerks may enter their names, and which is opened to the inspection of firms requiring assistants. A clerk wishing to belong to this department, the benevolent fund to pay one guinea annually. Such an expansive sphere of benevolence calls forth our warmest good wishes, and we most sincerely recommend this society to the suooort. not only of clerks whom it more immediately concerns, but to the principals of banking and mercantile firms we say to them follow the noble example set you by the London houses, if you have any respect for the objects of this institution, and we shall be most happy to forward to the right quarter any subscription or donation any gentleman or benevolent individual may be inclined to send us.

We find the Branch Bank ot Jingland are the treasurers, and tho deuot of this branch of the society is at Mr. Henry Oldland's, stationer, Corn-street, where information may be obtained. During the evening another parfc'Of this association was brought Mr. Lunell said he rose to cull the attention of the house to a subject of great importance to the public. A very general impression prevailed among all classes that there would be a shortness of provisions in the approaching winter and ensuing spring, and, therefore, it was that he wished, at the earliest moment, to impress upon the council the propriety ot urging ner Majesty ministers to open the ports ot the United Kingdom for the free importation of all descriptions of food.

Accounts from Ireland represented that there was in that country a great scarcity ot tiotatoes, owing to the general failure of the crop from the effects of disease. The accounts from Scotland and the various districts, although not quite so unfavourable, were nevertheless of a very alarming character (hear, hear). It was well known that a large portion of her Majesty's subjects had been of late years dependent on the potato for food, and, consequently, the failure of the potato crop would produce a great deal of privation and suffering. I he crops ot wheat were not such as tosupply the deficiency of potatoes, and thereforehe considered that tiie council would be doing its duty in impressing on her Majesty's government the importance of immediately opening the ports. He should, therefere, propose That a memorial be presented to Sir Rohert Peel, first lord of the treasury, expressive of the opinion of this council that it is expedient that measures should be adopted by her Majesty government to open the ports of the United kingdom for the admission, free of duty, of all descriptions of food." He begged to assure the house tliat nothing but the strong impression produced upon his mind by the accounts from time to time received of the state of the harvest and the lamentable failure of the potato crop, could have induced him to bring the subject before the council.

Other gentlemen were as competent as himself to form a correct judgment as to the extent of the danger before them and would vote accordingly but for his own part he felt convinced that there was a serious deficiency which, unless some prompt means were adopted, must occasion great and general distress (hear). Mr. Luuell concluded by proposing the resolution. Mr. Herapath could have wished that Mr, Iumell's motion had been in another shape, and that ho had referred it to a committee of three to draw up a memorial.

Mr. Lunell said it was his intention, should the council sanction the general proposition, to follow it up by one for the appointment of a committeo. Mr. Herapath said he had great pleasure in seconding the motion for although the government had taken active means to ascertain the extent of the evil, he did not apprehend that they would be made acquainted with the best information on the subject. He had himself gone into the question deeply, and had received communications from almost every part of the United Kingdom, and therefore he thought he might fairly presume to know something of the matter.

It was well known that the class of persons employed in cultivating the earth were not a well-informed class, and could not, therefore, be drawn out of old habits. ne imew uiat they were not adopting the precaution which was required to render the parts of the crop which were not as yet diseased available. If the potatoes were taken up at once, and stored with proper care, he should not so much fear for the sustenance of the Deoole but he felt con fident that such would not be the case. If government de pended on the information which it could now obtain, it would be deceived as to the extent of the evil, and would. perhaps, be led to delay the opening of the ports so long, that other nations would get their supplies and exhaust the stores, and England would apply too late (hear).

The disease had been produced by the excessive moisture of the sea son. I he potato did not contain its due proportion of scarcu, tne aenciency ot which was made up by an excess of water. Hence it followed that the roots were not capable oi oeing uept as Heretofore, lie teft assured that it they were put by in pits, as was the usual mode of keeping them, when they came to be got out: ten out of every twenty ot tnose wnicn nan been put away sound would be tound to have become diseased bv contact with the others. He. therefore, seconded the motion, because he was afraid that the government would not get such information as would place them in possession of the whole question.

Mr. G. Thomas said the question was certainly a most serious one, and no doubt the evil would, as Mr. Herapath uau ooserveu, De very much aggravated by the people in the country being deficient in information upon scientific sub jects, so as to know how best to keep such potatoes as were as yet uninjured. They would probably pile tnem in heaps, as they usually did, and then when they came to be used it wouiu ue louna that the greater proportion ol them had become completely rotted.

This he feared would be the case. and that the opening of the ports would have been driven off too late. Throe kingdoms had, he believed, already opened their ports free, and if England waited till all the potatoes were rotted before she did so, they would not be able to procure corn, and the people of Ireland would have to starve. He confessed that he could see nothing else before them (hear). He had had a conversation lately with a man who was as well acquainted with the subiect as anv one in the kimrdom.

and he said, so far from there being a surplus crop over last year, it would be found that the crop'of wheat was not more than an average one, while the consumption in this country during the last fifteen weeks of this year had been 30 per cent, more than the same period of the lastyear. That had arisen from the increased employment of the people but it must bo obvious that it would form an addition to the distress consequent on the failure of. the potatoe crop. He could not see what other couvse could possibly be adopted to meet the evil, and therefore he could not help supporting the resolution. Mr.

C. Thomas supported the resolution. It was generally understood that her Majesty's government was at present deliberating on the subject, and he should be exceedingly glad if the council would strengthen the hands of Sir Robert Peel by adopting the memorial of Mr. Lunell (hear). Mr, Powell; (of St, Augustiue's) should be glad to know.