The Nottinghamshire Guardian from Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, England • 12

SUPPLEMENT TO THE NOTTINGHAMSHIRE GUARDIAN, FRIDAY, JANUARY 15, 1869. RnTTTH DERBYSHIRE ELECTION ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NOTTINGHAM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE. The annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce was Md on Monday at the General Exchange, Thurland -street, lb. A J. Mundella, the president of the Chamber, occupied the chair, and amongst those present were CoL Wright M.P., Messrs.

R. Birkin, E. Steegmann, Hill, AiA well. Liepmann. fee.

The Chairman, in opening the meeting, said he had received a letter from the Mayor expressing his regret that he should be unable to be present, and a hope that his absence would not be construed into indifference to so excellent an institution, bat to the real cause, inability to attend. He hoped they would have a good meeting, and Et as good a chairman this year as they had last (Hear, ar.) He (Mr. Mundella) was glad to say that the Mayor had been very useful to them during the past two years. Lastry ear he attended the meeting of the Associated Chambers with the rest of their delegates, and took an important part in the discussions which ensued, manifesting that common sense which usually distinguished him in all he did. (Hear, hear.

He was sure no Mayor had been mere useful to them than the present Mayor. Mr. CoUinson (the secretary) had also received a letter from Sir Robert Clifton, as follows I regret I shall not be able to attend the annual meeting of the Chamber of Commerce. I shall give the report my best attention. He then called upon The Secretary, who read the following annual report The Council of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce in this the ninth annual report, will endeavour to present to the members a summary of the important matters which have come under their consideration during the past year, and will in the first instance direct attention to the proceedings of the Association of Chambers ef Commerce, at whose meetings in March last a deputation of the Mavor, the President of the Chamber Ci.

Ward, and the Secretary attended. Meetings of the Association of Chambers of Commerce. The first subject discussed by the association was The Report of the Committee on tchnical Education, which stated that the remarkable interest evinced at the last general meeting of the association, and which had led to the appointment of a committee and the deputation to Lord R. Montagu had in no way diminished. That at the suggestion of Lord R.

Montacu certain questions had been ad Pressed to the various Chambers of Commerce, and reports had been received from twelve of them, and a digest of the various answers had been prepared, but that the reports from Birmingham. Nottingham, the Staffordshire Potteries, and Kendal were deemed of sufficient interest and i-oportance to be transmitted to Lord R. Mon'ague intact, Mr. J. S.

Wright, of Birmingham, having moved the adoption of the report, it was seconded by Mr. Mundella, and unanimously agreed to The subject of Bankruptcy Law Reform ws again broueht before the association, when the Birmingham resolution reiterating the necessity for a reform in the Law of Bankruptcy, which has so often met with the approval of the various Chambers, was carried without discussion, and a further resolution was also agreed to That the provisions of the Scotch Bankruptcy Law, by which the position of Commissioner to assist the acting trustee is restricted to persons under the jurisdiction of the Court of in other words 'resident in is most injurious to the interest of creditors in all the three kingdoms, and that her Majesty's Government be requested to introduce a short Act of Parliament in order to remove this restriction, and to confer equal rights in this respect on all British A resolution in favour of rendering compulsory, aftera limited time, the use of the decimal standard of weight and measures, was carried. Mr. W. Ward suggested the addition of the word metric," but the suggestion was not accepted.

Yoludary Arbitration between Employers and Employed. The resolution of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce was brought forward by Mr. Mundella, in a long and able speech, which was listened to with the greatest interest and attention it was seconded by Mr. Ripley, of Bradford, and supported by Mr Samuel son, M.P.. the Mayor of Nottingham, Mr.

W. G. Ward, Mr. Hollins, of the Potteries, and other members, and, after some slight verbal alteration, was carried unanimously and several Chambers have been already the medium for establishing courts in their own district Resolution in favour of a Government Audit of Railway Accounts, and of Government Control of Railways, were rejected by large majorities. Resolutions proposed by the Leeds Chamber of Commerce, on the "Making and issuing of fictitious Bills of Exchange," requesting the Attorney General to insert clauses in the New Bankruptcy Bill, providing for the adequate punishment of the drawers and acceptors of such lis, were agreed to.

A deputation was appointed to wait on the Board of Trade, to urge the desirability of negotiating a Treaty of Commerce with Spain and Portugal, based upon an adjustment of the scale of duties on foreign wines, so as to admit Spanish or Portuguese wines at the same rate as French wines, conditional upon an assimilation of the tariffs imposed by those countries on British goods to the French duties. The resolution on this subject was proposed by Col. Akroyd, seconded by Mr. Behrens, and supported by your President. Resolutions in ivour of the Registration of Trade Marks, also of a Postal Convention with Prance, foi the allowance of a 15 grammes limit tor sing'e letters, instead of 7i grammes, and for the reduction of postage on circulars, were dis Missed and agreed to.

Deputations waited upon the Board of Trade, the Foreign Office, the Post Master General, and the Attorney General, in accordance with the previous resolutions. Havi thus briefly sketched the proceedings of the Association of Chambers of Commerce, the Council would point out in more detail the proceedings of the Nottingham Chamber during the past year. Judgments Extension. In the early part of the past year a petition was sent from this Chamber to the House of Commons in favour of the Judgments Extension Bill, by which it was proposed to enable a creditor who has obtained judgment in England, Ireland, or Scotland, but where the debtor has removed to either of the other two counties to register that udgment in the courts of the country to which the debtor has so removed. It was also prayed in the petition that the power proposed to be given to the supreme courts should be extended to the County Courts.

The Bill received the royal assent July 13th. Treaty of Commerce with Spain and Portugal. The Council also caused a petition to be presented to Parliament, praying that the negotiations for a Treaty of Commerce with Spain and Portugal should be re-opened, with a view to the admission of British goods to the Portuguese markets on terms not less favourable than those granted to France by the recent treaty the former negotiations having been brought to a close in consequence of the refusal of theBritish vyem-ment to admit Portuguese wines, ranging from 26 to 42 degs. of alcoholic strength, at the same rate of duty as French wines under 26 Is. per gallon.

Regulation of Railways Bill. This Bill when first introduced to the House of Lords contained a clause to the effect that Railway Companies should in future be liable for the safe delivery of all parcels of whatever value, including parcels containing silk manufactured or unma lufactured, thus removing the irresponsibility of the companies which existed under the "Carriers' Act," a petition was sent from the Chamber in favour of the Bill, but more particularly in reference to the clauses relating to the carriage of silk. The clause was, however, struck out of the Bill in the House of Commons. The Council of this Chamber in concert with other Chambers strongly opposed a certain clause, which if it had been allowed to remain in this Bill would have had the effect of destroying the system of "enclosures, "and would have given the Railway Companies a complete monopoly of the carrying trade, in which case the public would have been compelled te pay whatever charges might have been made for the conveyance of small parcels. The objectionable clause was ultimately withdrawn, Technical Education.

The following gentlemen at the request of the Council attended to give evidence before the also to my friend Mr. Evans, to the Liberal Press, and to the Liberals of this county, for the fair, and kind way in which, with one remarkable exception they have received me. was It was at Long Eaton. I think those who saw it will scarcely say my reception was courteous. Three or four men in a cart drove directly under me, and would not hear me speak, and who used language which I am thankful to say I never heard before from the mouths of Liberals.

(Hear, hear.) I hope that during this contest I have not hurt the feelings of any one member of the community. (Cheeis.) To my Conservative friends and supporters who have worked with so much heartiness and assiduity in my canvass I return my thanks I say to them, continue those efforts and I am as confident as Mr. Evans is (cheers) that shall have the honour of representing South Deibyahu-e in Parliament (Loud cheers. If returned, I shall go determined to the utmost of my ability to watch over the interests of this community, whether Liberal or Conservative. If I am not returned I will retire (A voice: "To -yes to Chaddesden, as you say, determined, as I have always been, to do my duty as a country fentleman, a magistrate, neighbour, and friend.

(Cheers.) conclusion, I hope that I may retire from this contest without having made a single enemy. (Loud cheers.) On the show of hands being taken, it was considerably in favour of Mr. Evans. A poll waa then demanded on behalf of CoL Wilmot A vote of thanks to the High Sheriff terminated the proceedings. THE NEW MECHANICS' HALL.

This new structure, situated to a great extent on the site of the old building in Milton-street, is rapidly approaching completion, and on Tuesday, the V.Mi instant will be opened to the public, preparations being in pro! gress for having a grand concert and oratorical performance, under the auspices of the Nottingham Sacred Harmonic Society. It will be remembered that the old building waa burnt down on the morning of the l-ith March, 1867, much to the regret of the inhabitants of the town, who were at once deprived of the use of any public room of much size or annoyance which they have suffered under ever since. At four o'clock oa the morning of the day named ire was seen issuing from the windows, and iu a very few hours the fine building was a heap of ruins, nothing being left but the bare blackened walls. The valuable organ in the large hall was completely destroyed, but, fortunately, the library, situated on the ground floor, and the museum were saved from destruction. The building so destroyed was built in the year 1844, from a fund derived from a splendid exhibition of works of art, augmented by a liberal donation and the gift of a site of land from John Smith Wright Esq.

The building was a handsome and spacious structure, with a lofty portico supported on fluted pillars of the Corinthian order, with decorated parapets. 1 he entrance hall, corridor, and various rooms, were adorned with several paintings. The large hall waa SO feet long, 45 feet broad, and 30 feet high it was lighted by seven windows on each side and contained a large orchestra, on which stood the organ. This room, us our readers are aware, was used for concerts, lectures, exhibitions and meetings and was last occupied on the night before the fire for magical performances by Mr. Alfred Stodare whose apparatus was entirely consumed.

There were also on the ground floor, underneath the large hall, a small lecture room, a library, a news room, and class rot ms for educational purposes. Since the unfortunate event which occurred as we have stated the business of the institution ha- been carried on at some rooms in Lincoln-street Immediate steps were taken by the committee of the institution towards re-constructing the building. A select committee was appointed, and on the 8th of April, 18H7, they recommended the building of a large hall capable of accommodating 1,500 persons, with a lecture-hall, library, reading-room, and class-rooms. Competitivedesigns were advertised for, the cost not to exceed 0, and this had the effect of producing some extremely talented plans, the three prizes being awarded thus Mr. T.

Simpson, Shakespeare-street; 2. Messrs. Clarke and Son, Pelham-street 3. Mr. Richard Sutton, Bromley House.

Mr. Simpson's plan was deservedly admired, and could the building have been erected according to his design, it would have been a great embellishment to the wn. Unfortunately, however, although every effort was made by the committee, and a meeting held in the Exchange for organising the collection subscriptions, they were compelled, owing to the cost, and the legal difficulties in the way, to abandon their project of having an entirely new halL We may state that up to the last annual meeting the committee had not decided whether to proceed with a new trust deed to enlarge the borrowing powers, but on that occasion the president (Mr. Denison) pointed to the advisability of restoring the old building rather than to run into any debt. This was the general feeling of the members, and soon after the work was commenced in its cheaper and more modified form, Mr.

Simpson being still the architect. In reference to Mr. Simpson we have to congratulate our townsman not only upon the beautiful design he originally produced, which displayed architectural talent in its highest form, more especially as regards the interior arrangements of the large hall, but also upon the admirable manner in which he has adapted the old building to the requirements of the committee. It has only been by the greatest labour and the most careful supervision that such a result could have been produced. As will be gathered from the following description of the building the lofty portico fronting Milton-street remains, but the entrances are parallel with the street, constituting an improvement on the old steep flight of steps.

Another improvement is the porch at the Burton-street entrance to the hal which is situated almost on the site of the old entrance to the library. The lecture hall at the corner of North Church -street ia a prominent addition to the institution, but it has not a very elegant appearance. As regards the interior, the arena or ground floor of the grand hall is two steps higher than the ground surface from the portico at the Burton street entrance, and about eight steps above the pavement of Milton-street, while the old hall was elevated at least twelve feet from the street surface. The present edifice has greatly improved ingress nd egress as compared with the late one, having three spacious entrances from Milton-street and two from Burton-street, in addition to several entrances from the commodious corridors, dividing the hall and the institution leading to the orchestra, green room, retiring room, 4c, with several additional exits available in case of emergency, while the stairs throughout are fire -proof. In contrasting the capacity of the grand hall with the late one, the following figures will explain the difference.

The old hall within was 95ft. long, 45ft. wide, and 30ft. high the present hall is 110ft long, 5'Jft. wide, and 40ft high, and having a gallery in addition.

The superficial floor space of the old hall was about 4,275 feet, while that of the present hall is 8,190 feet. The cubical quantity of the old hall was about 128,250 feet, while the new hall contains about 259,600 feet, which shows the new hall is more than cent per cent larger than the old one. The contrast, too, is equally favourable with reference to seating accommodation. The orchestra ia semi-circular, much more convenient, and less precipitous than the old one, and being ab to furnish space for about 80 more performers, with four convenient approaches. The grand hall is oblong in form, with semicircular ends and returns.

The building has two tiers of windows to the sides, side and end galleries, with an im- other Chambers of the kingdom, are necessary, and require much time and attention. The importance of Chambers of Commerce becomes every year more noticeable, and they are now the recognised channels for conveying requisite, information to the Government Departments in all matters relating to the commerce, manufactures, and trade of the country. The meeting of the Association of Chambers of Commerce in London may be looked upon as a Commercial Parliament, and it is desirable that the deputations which are sent up to it from the Nottingham Chamber should be supported by a powerful constituency in the Chamber at home. The Chairman said that in moving the adoption of the report which had just been read, he had much pleasure in congratulating them on the condition of their local industries. It was very satisfactory to be able to note that the lace trade, which had long been suffering from unusual depreseon.

was considerably improved during the past year, and he believed he might venture to express the belief and hope that during the present year they should have a continuance of that improvement which had marked their progress during the past year. There were a few mattern touched upon the report to which he might briefly refer. The first was the important influence which Chambers of Commerce were now exercising upon commercial legislation. By association the Chambers of Commerce arrived at unity of thought and action, which was brought to bear upon every question that affected the interests of the trade and commerce both at home and abroad. He conceived, for his part, that it was alike the duty and the interest of everyman connected with their local industries to give his support to the Chamber of Commerce.

(Hear, hear.) By doing so, he Was not only promoting the interests of the trade with which he was connected, but also acquiring for himself an amouQt of commercial knowledge, a sort of commercial education which could not fail to be valuable to him in the discharge of his own affairs. The past year, although it had been rather barren as regarded commercial legislation, had still some features of interest. In the strife of party and the hurly-burly of politics that had lasted, bankruptcy reform, and several other questions which were of great importance to the commercial community had been partially lost sight of. But there had been some other measures before the Government of the country which had received the assent of Parliament Mr. Moffatt introduced a bill during the session which had the effect of abolishing those fraudulent deeds of arrangement which had been the scandal of the Bankruptcy Act of 1861, and such things as had occurred during the last three years could no longer be perpetrated with impunity.

The Government also had acquired the entire control of the e'ectric telegraph, and although they had acquired it, as he thought with some others, at an exorbitant price, yet with a wise administration with such an administration as characterised the management of their postal system there could be no doubt that this Government control of telegraphs might become of great service to the country and great benefit to the commercial community. (Hear, hear.) The question of technical education, which was forced upon the Government by Chambers of Commerce, had also received additional attention from the Committee of the Council of Education, and they had conceded a large and increased amount of support to the scientific teachers, and an increased amount of encouragement to those who were acquiring science. They could not really over-rate the importance of this question, for he believed the application of science to manufactures and an idiomatic acquaintance with foreign languages would do more to influence the progress of enterprise and skill in their national commerce than almost anything else. Mr. Samuelson's Committee, which was appointed to inquire into that question, had received an immense amount of evidence, chiefly from Chambers of Commerce, and had made a most able report and there could be no doubt that the new Parliament would give increased facilities and increased encouragement to the acquirement of science.

He hoped that they in that neighbourhood should not fail to avail themselves of the advantages which were offered. Their School of Art might also become a school of science. There was no reason why uiey snouiu not nave a most important ana useiui institution connected with their School of Ait for science teaching. (Hear, hear.) They could have considerable support from Government, and if they were only as public spirited as some of their neighbours, they should have an institution that would prove as great and useful in its bearing on their local trades as the School ef Art did in designs which affected the trade of the neighbourhood. The Austrian tariff had also come into operation, but not in its entirety.

The Austrian and Hungarian Legislatures had refused hitherto to confirm the liberal arrangement that was made with the Austrian Government but there were, however, grounds for hoping that before long they would consent to adopt it in its complete and entire state. The Russian tariff came into operation on the 1st of the present month, and although it was far from being a liberal tariff, still it was one in the right directien. (Hear, hear.) He was glad to be able to report that from what he heard from commercial men of standing in America, and also from Englishmen who occupied distinguished positions, that the Americans were becoming much more favourable to tree trade. He could not conceive anything more beneficial to them as a nation, or anything that would afford a greater stimulus to their local enterprize than a more extended system of free trade in America. (Hear, hear.

American tariffs had operated during the last few years very much against their local industries. The question of arbitration which their Council put upon the notice paper of the Associated Chambers of Commerce was discussed there with great interest and ability, and he was glad to state that as the result of that discussion no less than 14 Chambers of Commerce in the country had been in nego-ciation with the workmen in their own district for the establishment of Boards of Arbitration, and already six bad been formed through their instrumentality. (Hear, hear.) In their own district, besides the lace and hosiery trades during the past year, one branch of the building trade, and the carpenters and joiners and labourers had adopted arbitration, and both employers and employed reported that it was working very satisfactorily. He could not conceive that Chambers of Commerce could exercise a more important influence than in reconciling the interests of capital and labour. They might rely on this, that no legislation could do it for them.

Whatever Bills might be introduced they could only place the two parties on a footing of equality for making the bargain the bargaining must be left to the good sense and good feeling of the parties interested. (Hear, hear Bankruptcy reforms would undoubtedly occupy their attention during the ensuing year. It really was not creditable to them. For ten years they had been striving to obtain reform in the bankruptcy laws, but hitherto they had failed. He believed the winding-up of bankrupts' estates in England cost about three times as much as they did in Scotland.

Some of the merchants in London said that the present system of bankruptcy was an encouragement ana inducement to frauds and irregu larities oi an Kinaa. nota foreigners ana JEngiisnmen started businesses, gave false references, and conducted business in a most infamous manner, relying upon the immunity they could obtain from the bankruptcy law. (Hear, hear.) Tribunals of commerce would also occupy the attention of the chamber during the next year, and another matter to which he would like to refer was the revision and consolidation of the Workshops' and Factories' Act, which appeared at present most unequal in different manufactories. In one branch a child was a full-timer" at eleven years of age, whilst in another branch where the work was positively much healthier the cnua was only a full-timer at thirteen years of age. The Workshops' Act, he need not tell had operated rather injuriously than otherwise in that neirhhonrhnnd There were many lace-clippers who were employing fifty persons who came under the operation of the extended Factories' Act, whilst those who employed less were working them at such hours as might be convenient An it was far from being the case that children in the MJd.

land counties who were at work were allowed much more tame at school. He was sure it was well known to every uue iu uie room tnat we wnoie tning was a tarce, therefore some revision and consolidation would be necessary, and would no doubt occupy the attention of Parliament during the next year; and Parliament could onlv derive its instruction and information from Chambers of Com merce. jJunng the oast vear thev had had to den We the absence from their Council of one of the wisest and ablest public men any town ever was favoured with, he meant yir. ueymann. (Hear, bear.) He was sure that all had felt that he had been the Nestor of their Chamber since its commencement, and all sympathised with him in his deep affliction.

He hoped he was not out of place in maxing mention ot nis name on that occasion. (Cheers.) He had nothing more to sav excent that in Tetirlncr from the post he had occupied, of their president, he thanked every member of their Council for the support given him, and also their worthy secretary, who had his own hands the threads of all those commercial questions, and whoever succeeded him in office would find in him the most admirable supporter and able assistant he could possibly require. (Applause.) Mr. Steegmann seconded the adoption of the report, and in doing so referred to the importance of having pattern goods. Mr.

Weinberg supported the motion for the adoption of the report with which they had been favoured, and said he thought that the Chamber ought to express to their retiring president its sincere and deep-felt thanks, after the very able manner in which he had presided over their deliberations and their affairs. Upon every question which had been brought before them he had brought to bear his individual, his great and untiring industry. Whilst he was familiar with everything connected with trade in this country, nothing out of England had been, as it were, foreign to him, and everything in its turn had received from him the best possible attention. The resolution was submitted and carried. The Chairman observed that the next business would be the election of members of the council for the ensuing year.

Messrs. Adams and-' Steegmann were appointed scrutators, and the election by ballot was proceeded with. Mr. Mellors said there was one important matter which he thought they ought nt to lose sight of, and that was that they ought to do something to increase the number of their members. Their balance in hand some ten years ago was something over a hundred pounds, and since that time it had been gradually decreasing, until now they had only a balance of 37.

If they went on in the same direction they would be having a balance on the wrong side. He was quite sure that the Chamber ought to be more widely supported by merchants and manufacturers in the town. He spoke in terms of eulogy upon the efficient manner in which the secretary performed the duties devolving upon him. and said he did not think that gentleman was anything like adequately remunerated for the amount of labour he performed. He begged respectfully to ask the attention of the Chamber to the point he had mentioned.

A.0"" Bid he had aLready alluded to the fact that the Chamber was not supported as it ought to be by the manufacturers and merchants in the town, and that it was to be deplored that that was the case. He had no doubt that those who did not join were great losers thereby When they considered the fact that the annual subscription was only half a guinea, he could not help flunking that it reflected mucl upon the trade of the town that they had not a larger constituency than they had. He urged that the only wav to get over the difficulty was by every member speaking to his friends upon the subject He was quite sure that every one could do something and if each of them brought one member more, that would of course double their present number during the ensuing vear. It would give them a larger constituency and it would at the same time be introducing some of the younger members of their large firms to the business of the Chamber, and that would bo of advantage to themselves as well as to the town at large. He hoped that every member of the Chamber would do all he could to increase the constituency.

Mr. T. Ash well asked how it would be to propose a small committee, aayof three persons, or to, to take the matter into consideration. (Hear, hear.) He thought it would greatly facilitate the matter, and be the most efficient means they could adopt for promoting the object they had in view. The Chairman thought it would be a wise course to adopt, and suggested that Mr.

Ash well should name the committee, including himself. Mr. T. Abhwell said he had no objection, if the gentlemen named would likewise consent He proposed, in addition to himself, that they be Mr. Mellors, Mr.

Hill, and Mr. Steegmann. CoL Wright, seconded the motion, which was unanimously adopted. The Chairman said he was in town the other day, when he saw Mr. S.

Morley, M.P., who expressed his desire not to be elected to office this year, and he (the chairman) urged that it was of importance they should select those who could and would attend to the duties of the Chamber. (Hear, hear.) Mr. R. Enfield thought they would not like the opportunity to pass without placing upon their minutes some record of their appreciation of the service of their retiring president He had no doubt that the gentleman who spoke in support of the resolution for the adoption of the report, with which the name of their president was so closely associated, could scarcely suppress his well deserved vnressinTi of feeling. He begged to move that the thanks of that Chamber be given to their retiring president for the verv able manner in which he had discharged his duties during the past year.

They had only to remember the admirable manner in which he represented the views of the Chamber at the important meeting of the delegates of the associated Chambers, and the constant attention which he had given to the commercial affairs ef Notting ham during his year of office, for them to say that he fully deserved the confidence reposed him two years ago wnen he was elected to the position which he has since occupied. The speaker felt too, that it was cause for congratulation to the town of Nottingham, and to its constituency, that the ability and energy of their president had met with a response from one of the most important constituencies in the North ef England. He was sure that it was quite unnecessary for him to say more, in order to commend his motion for adoption by the meeting, than to express his own feelings, and he thought they would be consonant with those of all present when he wished Mr. Mundella every success in the new sphere of action which he had entered upon, and in which he was capable of rendering gooa service ana oi neing oi great vaiue mo couuury, (Cheers.) The motion was seconded and adopted. The Chairman, in responding to the vote of thanks which had been accorded to him, begged to thank Mr.

Enfield, in return, for the kind manner in which he had proposed the same, and said he felt it alike a pleasure and a duty to discharge the functions of his office with as much attention and ability as possible, and, he believed, the gentleman who succeeded him could be of great service and render great benefit to the town. They should have a good Council, and a good representative in London, and he hoped, in retiring from the presidency of the Chamber, from the Council, and from the office of representative in London, he had discharged his duties with as great satisfaction as it was a pleasure to himself. As he had already intimated to Colonel Wright, if he could be of any service to that gentleman whenever any question of local interest particularly of local manufactures, with which he could not, of course, be expected to be so familiar as the speaker came before the House, he should be most happy, as far as he could, to render any assistance in his power. Although serving another and a larger constituency in thejHouse of Commons, he would at the same time te serving them, and feeling the great interest he had in tha Chamber, and the interest and the stake he had in the town, he should always be ready to serve the interests of the constituency. The Scrutators having concluded their examination of the voting papers, The Chairman observed that the following gentlemen had been elected members of the Council, Mr.

W. G. Johnson, Mr. S. H.

Sands, Mr. A. Hesse, Mr. R. ruricin, jyir.

M. jjann, Mr.Jh. Steegmann, Mr. J. S.

Wells, and Mr. R. Birkin, jun. tie business of the meeting was then concluded. NOTTINGHAM LITERARY PHILOSOPHICAL SOCIETY.

The ninth meeting nf he nmumt in vinmuifinn with the ahrive araiatrtr wu hold in rh 'stnhsvnl nt A on Thursday, at which there was not a very good attendance. The Rev. J. Matheson presided, and an able and instructive lecture was delivered by G. E.

Herbert, Esq. u.a., subject The History and Constitutional Value of the Parliamentary Franchise." The LECTURER observed that the turm Parliamentary franchise sometimes meant the right of a constituency in a county, city, or Dorougn to vote tor or send representatives to Parliament but if it were confined to this, its applicability would be limited to the history of the House of Commons, and would be incomplete, because representation existed before the House of Commons. Therefore, order more clearly to snderstand the subject of the history of our institutions. In the fifth century, England waa mvaueu oy nanus oi i. eutomc moes, wno continued their invasions for a long time at different intervals.

These tribes disnlaved in their thrpc elemento as follows First, the leader, sometimes with, and some times witnout, a royal title second, his immediate followers and third, the free people, with whom the sovereignty ultimately resided, the assent of the latter being necessary to the conclusions for war or peace, or to the distribution of conquered territory, or other booty. Such assent was given in a general assembly, at which all had a right to attend. A change, however, took place in the second element, which was a nobility of birth, and nobilities were afterwards conferred for services rendered, these services becoming the foundation of a new rank. The tribes conquered their own territory, each separate territory being denominated a march and by aggregation one march was added to another until a huge division, which might be called a shire, was formed. Each freeman was still entitled to attend the general assembly and assert his wishes, but when a number of marches became added together, it became impracticable for them to do so and if they did attend, it was useless.

This state of things was carried on until at the next step shires were formed into kingdoms. A central assembly was established, at which every member of the assemblies of the shires had a right to attend. Hence the form of representation, although in its basis appearing to have been democratic, and so in the extreme, afterwards became very aristocratic. The Norman conquest did not make any substantial difference in regard to the assembly, except in the kind of members composing it, including the principal officers of Church and State, and the principal landed proprietors. That was the description which seemed to apply to the assembly of the Norman.

Kings. It was usually considered that the Norman Conquest entirely overthrew the Constitution as it previously existed. That had been ably controverted in Freeman's work on the Norman Conquest and there certainly were circumstances which the lecturer proceeded to dilate upon which went to show that it was rot tenable. One of the circumstances referred to was the inquisition instituted by the Conqueror, through twelve men sworn on oath, in reference to the condition of the land, who and what were its owners, the result of which formed the records constituting Doomsday book. After describing some of the transformations which took place-in regard to the tenancy of land held by the large proprietors, he referred to the feudal system, which, he said, clearly did not exist, as a system, prior to the Conquest, although certain of its elements might have, and to the nf no uiunkk, tk Norman Kings, which, he said, was wrapt in considerable uiBuunvy.

iue Gorman council was tne common council of the kingdom, and was composed of the principal landowners and nf the Inner Tr, erred to the opinions of historians who fixed the period of tAJuubj reureBBuutuon at a later aate, and tnen went on to speak of that of the towns, which commenced in the 49th year of the rein nf Henrv TTT a vear nf mt and disputes. He alluded to certain petitions presented to me vouncu oy tne ourg esses oi Albans and other places, which were referred to by some to show that town representation existed prior to the 49th year of the reign of Henry ILL, urging that the argument mainly depended upon the peculiar wording of the petitions, and therefore he took it that the date referred to should be the date assigned to the borough franchise. He also dwelt upon the conditions on which the charters were granted to the various boroughs, and to the laxity of the people for some time in embracing the privileges conferred upon them. Opinions varied as to the nature of the franchise some holding that it was residentiary but whatever it might be, many, by not exercising their rights, allowed them to lapse, and immediately before the Reform Act of 1832 it had become exceedingly narrow. The subject of Reform waa agitated between 1780-5 by Mr.

Pitt, but it did not excite very great attention until 1818, after the war, when the agitation became popular. Large demands were made, and thereby a moderate result was obtained, but not until 1831 was a bill brought forward. In 1830 the Duke of Wellington resigned, and Earl Grey came into office. The bill of the present Earl Russell was earned by a majority of one. The House was dissolved and a new Parliament carried the bill by a majority of 136.

After five nights' debate it was rejected by the Lords with a majority of 31. That was the occasion of a disturbance which Nottingham and some other towns had occasion to remember. The bill was again carried by the House of Commons, and it was declared that again the Lords were prepared to reject it. After some stratagem, however, had been proposed, the Duke and 100 of his supporters agreed to absent themselves from the division, and the bill was carried. The lecturer described the nature of the bill, and the value of the franchise, and was listened to throughout with marked attention.

Dr. Hill, at the close, moved a vote of thanks to the lecturer. The Rev. J. Martin seconded, and the motion having been carried and responded to the meeting separated.

The Loss of the Htbernia. The Court of Inquiry mto the loss of the Hibernia gave judgment on Monday lhe Court was of opinion that Captain Munro could net be held responsible for the loss of the ship, the accident having occurred in the engine department It had no reason to doubt that the Hibernia waa a strong and faithfully built ship, that her structure and the machinery of her engine department were sufficient, and that the diameter of theshaft was in proportion to the size of the engines 1 he Court went on to refer to the drawing of the shaft and said there would have been no danger in this operation 7fv di8CSveed that the shaft was broken il the stuffing-box on the bulkhead had been intact The evidence went to show that the water-tight bulkhead had been interfered with, and that one man-hole door had not been properly secured. Further the Court had great reason to doubt tiiat there was any damage sustained by the sternplatesof the vessel While any hope remained of the engineers being saved the Court deferred pronounc ing judgment on any alleged errors of commission or omwsion, and were of opinion that the inquiry should be deemed to be open. The Court would, therefore, make an ad interim report to the Board of Trade. in his life.

(Cheers.) Both the candidates had had their trumpets blown for them, and he would now give way for them to blow their own trumpets. (Cheers and laughter.) Mr. T. W. Evans, on rising, was received with loud cheers.

He said Electors of South Derbyshire, I little thought, when I stood on this platform on the 16th of November, that I should soon have occasion to address you again. I little, indeed, thought of or imagined that sad event which has caused a vacancy in the representation of South Derbyshire. I will not dwell on that subject, however, aa Mr. Colville and others have enlarged upon it in the most becoming manner. To whatever party we belong, we all regret that sad event and I will say further, that it has always been, and is now, a source of the greatest possible thankfulness to me that throughout the long contest in which was engaged with Sir Thomas, it never gave rise to the slightest personal feeling on either side.

(Cheers.) I sympathise most deeply with the large circle of relatives and friends whom that gentleman has left behind him. (General cheering.) I agree with Mr. Mundy that this is not a personal contest There is not a gentleman in South Derbyshire whose public and private character I more highly esteem than that of my hon. and moss gallant opponent (Cheers.) At the last general election I entered so fully into the topics of the day that you are well acquainted with my views, and I think what I have to do to-day is to state why I am justified, nay, rather bound, te come before you to ask you to again return me as one of your representatives in Parliament (Cheers.) In order to explain this I may say that the general elec tion was necessary by the passing of the Reform Bill. It was necessary that the new voters should have an opportunity of exercising their rights.

It was also held by the ample avowal of the heads of both political parties to determine in whose hands political power should be placed, and to ascertain whether the Irish Church should be dealt with or not Mr. Disraeli placed the struggle on those grounds, and Mr. Gladstone and the leaders of the opposite party accepted the issue. Well, since I last addressed you one of those questions had been decided. I will avoid as much as possible matters ef controversy, but I think that all will admit that Mr.

Disraeli has quitted office, and that Mr. Gladstone had accepted it. (Cheers.) I think, also, that you will admit that a majority of more than 100 has been returned to support Mr. Gladstone. (Cheers, and a voice, Where The other question was, whether the Irish Church would be dealt with or not Mr.

Disraeli thought it would not be dealt with and whereas Mr. Gladstone and the Liberal party intended that it should be dealt with. I think I may even go the length of saying that that question will be dealt with, because I believe, with the exception of two or three members, that the Liberal majority are pledged to support Mr. Gladstone in dealing with this important subject. The reason I mention these matters is because, although Mr.

Mundy has said it would be a piece of inconsistency to do one thing in November and another in January, I think I am in a positron to show that very considerable changes in the circumstances have taken place. (Cheers, and The question to be decided was, who shall be in office, and whether the Irish Church should be dealt with The elections have determined who should be in office, and settled that the Irish Church must be dealt with. But not Considerable numbers of electors, I believe, differed from me with regard to the Irish Church. I believe that the subject ought to be dealt with as proposed last spring, and I believe some Liberal electors differed from me will again on that issue. I have reason to expect, however, that many of those who did not support me on that occasion will be willing to do so now-(" No, that the country has determined in the most unmistakeable manner that the question should be dealt with.

In spite of what has been said here and there I think I have shown myself to be a good friend to the Established Church. (Cheers.) There are, doubtless, many who would rather it was not dealt with, and I assure the I am most willing to deal with it in a just and temperate manner. (Cheers. I have heard of persona who did not support me who are now disappointed and wished things had gone otherwise. (Laughter.) And I think I may give those electors an opportunity of reconsidering the decision to which they came.

I have another reason, however. Mr. Mundy and Mr. Hunt have said that I always endeavour to do my duty, but that it would not be reasonable for Liberal members to be returned by a Conservative constituency. I agree with them- (cheers) but I differ with them as to the fact of the constituency of South Derbyshire being really and truly a Conservative constituency.

At all events they have elected me for 11 years, and I never had any hesitation in proclaiming my Liberal tendencies. I hope, and I do believe myself that on Thursday next No," Not II more my lad," Not for I say I do believe that the Liberal party, if they put forth their strength, are strong enough to return and carry out their principles in the House of Parliament No For this, and other reasons, I think I am justified in appealing to you for your suffrages. When I addressed you at the de- claration of the poll at the last election I remarked that our separation would only be temporary. I was then looking forward to some distant period I little thought that another election would be necessitated so soon. You know what my votes have been in Parliament, and you know my views on the expenditure.

I have said it was a subject of disappointment to me that the national expen- I diture had increased during the last lew years, and 1 have said that Mr. Disraeli's government could not deal with that question because it waa a weak government, and unable to resist the pressure brought upon it I also said on former occasions that I believed Mr. Gladstone would be able with a large majoriy to deal with that question. Since then Mr. Gladstone and Mr.

Childers have spoken as responsible ministers to their constituents, and have promised to keep the expenditure within bounds. The words of responsible ministers are different to anything falling from a person like myself, and if they fail in doing what they promise they will bear the blame if they succeed, they are entitled in all honesty to take the credit (Cheers.) I am not one of those who speak with undue confidence, but I believe I have a fair prospect of success in this contest but whether I am returned or not I shall always feel sentiments of gratitude to those who have supported me, and shall take the same interest in the prosperity of the county. (Cheers.) I believe the party ia strong enough to return me but whatever the result of the election I leave it with confidence in your hands. (Loud cheers.) CoL Wilmot was greeted with loud cheering. He said Electors and non-electors of the Southern Division of Derbyshire, I appear before you aa a candidate for your suffrages, and to defend that seat which my lamented friend Sir Thomas Gresley had so recently won.

(Cheers.) Mr. Evans has told you why he considers it hia duty to contest this seat I admit that it may be his duty, and also that he has a perfect right to do so. But I also say that it is my duty (cheers) a duty I owe, not only to my party, but to the country, believing, as I do, that the principles of the party which I represent are those best calculated to secure the welfare of this country. (Loud cheers and groans.) Now Mr. Evans speaks with tolerable confidence of the result Gentlemen, I speak with equal confidence.

(Cheers.) I say that the majority of this constituency are Conservatives. (Loud cheers and dissent.) I say that after a long and close contest lasting three months a considerable majority of the constituency returned two Conservatives (cheers) and I further say that no circumstances whatever have changed which should induce the Conservative majority in South Derbyshire to alter their opinions. (Cheers.) I shall not detain you long with any exposition of mv i.olibVal man ciples, for this reason, that they were so ably put before you during the last three months by Sir Thomas Gresley, and my views are so identical with his, that it is not necessary to enlarge upon them. (Hear, hear.) None of the public questions have altered since that verdict was pronounced. The Irish Church has certainly altered to this extent that Mr.

Gladstone ia now in power (Liberal cheers) with a large majority at his back. (Cheers.) But I do not admit the question is practically settled (cheers from the Conservatives) and I am sorry to hear Mr Evans proposer so speaking of a subject so vitally important to the interests of this country and its religion as WttleL (Rheers. I look upon it aa far from settled, however great the majority may be (Hear I may call to your recollection what may become of a large Liberal majority When the last Liberal Government brought forward tneir Reform Bill they had a majority of 70 at their backs. (Cheers.) You know how that majority dwindled away. It dwindled away as a very kind Liberal opponent of mine said at Breaston the other day -they dwindled away, he said, like a mock man of snow.

(Cheers.) Is not this Irish Church question as much surrounded with complications and difficulties as the Reform question 1 confidently expect to see that majority melt away. (Cheers.) I can already see caves of all sorts and sizes opening large enough to hold any number of independent members. (Cheers, and a voice It Quick It is so difficult a question that if Mr. Gladstone brings forward his bill you will see the majority splitting up in all directions. (Hear, hear In my heart I beheve that the question of disestablishment and disendowment, if carried out, will be unjust and will not arnve at the aim intended, which is the pacification of Ireland, whilst it will be a serious and decisive blow to Protestontism.

(Cheers.) Some of my intimate personal friends on the opposite sidethe hustings have been makin-jokes at my expense for being a soldier. They seem to take it for granted that a soldier must be totally unfitted for any other lme of life, and my friend Mr. Baas said at the Temperance Hall the other night that I was a living instance of the necessity of army reform, because -r 8Pent 14 years in the armv Hfe' half Now very odd that so liberal a gentleman as Mr. Bass should have made that remark, because the whole tendency of army reform had been to shorten the time of service, and to allow mihtary men to retire to civil employment for which they were most fitted. I maintain that my army experience is most decidedly not one which would unfit me for other pursuits of public life.

(Hear, hear.) Thoe years, passed in half the countries of the old world, where 1 was brought into intimate connection with great military and other men of mark, including diplomatists, -I say those years to any man of average ability afford such a training that must necessarily, instead of contracting his views, enlarge them, and I say that those officers of the army who retire into civil life are as useful in their capacities as if they remained in the army. The services, however small, which I have rendered to my country are not a bit more valuable than those I may render to the forces of this country as the Colonel of a battalion ef Volunteers. (Cheers.) My training has not unfitted me for having strong opinions on the leading topics of the day, and for upholding those opinions when 1 have got them. (Hear, hear.) There is one explanation I should like to make as to the question put to me at uudgmg from the way in which it is reported you would think I was not prepared to vote ac-ainut the Mavnnnch 1 "1 "1 Fcu8cu my sen at AsnDOUTOe on Saturday on the question, but that has been omitted as it only touched on what was raised by another question. The question was -supposing the Establishment remained as it was, would you tafTiMtthe My answer was that if it did so remam, and does remain, I would hesitate oha? 7 hVeu" L01 (Cheers.) But I say that now the Church has been attacked, I am decidedly opposed and strictly pledged to resist to my ut- Roman Church.

(Cheers.) Mr. Colvdle has gone so carefully through my aidress, and expressed my views so kindly upon the of nht? mChe?) hre me great 4eal of trouble. (Hear, hear.) I warn to tender my ttMMfcl THE NOMINATION OF CAfl villoma. The nomination of candidates for the representation of South Derbyshire took place on Monday morning, at the County Hall, Derby. The proceedings were not bo boisterous or disorderly as on previous occamuns, owiuK probably to the example of good feeling set by the two candidates and their movers and seconders.

Both the i in the hall, hut the Radical inhabitants of Derby borough came in considerable numbers to hold up their hands for Mr. Evans. A body of police was swuonea in uue uuu vcumw the "hall- The hustings, which were large and commodious were divided into compartments one for the Con- 1 I iL. 1 Tlnwoo.lin servatives, ana tne otuer ior me uiucraui. fnr laities whn mnemhled in large numbers.

Mr. Evans, the Liberal candidate, was the first of the candi- I A oneerincr The re. dates to appeaa aim was rewi Mw -u -imT-T ception of the Conservative candidate, Colonel Wilmot, was an enthusiastic one, he being loudly cheered by bis supporters. Mr. C.

R. Colville, one of the defeated Liberal candidates at the last election, waa also well received. The Deputy Sheriff having read the wiit, amid calls of Put your specs on" and You're a slow one," and other formalities having been gone through, The High Sheriff (J. Bagahawe, Esq.) said they must all deplore the sad event which had deprived South Derbyshire of one of theirnewly-elected members, a member who was the pride of his party, and one for whom even his political opponents entertained feelings of respect. (General cheering.

It was a delicate matter to touch upon, however, and they would excuse him if he at once proceeded to the election of a successor to Sir Thomas Gresley in the representation of this division of the county. (Cheers.) He expressed a wish that contest might be conducted throughout its length and breadth in a spirit of good humour and fair play. (Cheers. Mr. C.

R. Colville, who waa cheered on rising, said he rose to discharge a duty which, under ordinary circumstances, would be one cf sincere pleasure, but which, under present circumstances, was a task of pain and sorrow. He rose to propose a successor to him whom they had so recently elected to represent th.s division in Parliament They all must recollect that it was only a few weeks ago that Sir Thomas Gresley stood there, as he might say, in all the pride and circumstance of war," hia manly figure soliciting their suffrages, and appealing for their support. It was their pleasure to elect Sir Thomas Gresley, but he (Mr. Colville) could say this, that although such election was a polities! disaster, he rejoiced that one who had been hia intimate friend, fellow worker, and companion, should have been chosen to fill so honourable an office (cheers) an office which, had it pleased God to spare his life, he would have filled in the way he performed every other duty in that station of life in which it pleased God to call him.

(Cheers.) He fought his battle nobly, and won his seat gallantly. (Cheers.) He (Mr. Colville) should not have regretted the result, because, if a Conservative was returned to Parliament, Sir Thomas, of all others, was the one he should have been glad to see their choice fall upon. But the hon. baronet was gone he was removed behind the veil, and they must return to the stern realities of life, to elect a successor.

He was happy to say that, after all the bad feeling and animosities attending a political conflict, at the end of that conflict the friendship between himself and Sir Thomas Gresley remained as pure and unsullied as on the day when it was commenced. (Cheers.) He received a letter from the lamented baronet which would show that Englishmen and gentlemen could fight a political battle as Englishmen and gentlemen should do. Mr. Colville read an extract from Sir Thomas's letter, which he said he should prize to the last day of his life the extract was I write these few lines to thank you for your speech yesterday I wish more than I can say, that I could have won without your having been beaten." (Cheers.) He hoped that those who knew him best would admit that he waa not slow to return that kind feeling and acknowledge the hand of friendship held out to him. (Hear, hear.) They must now, however, close their ranks and prepare for another contest There were now two candidates soliciting their suffrages, Mr.

Evans and CoL Wilmot (Cheers and hisses. Don't hiss him he is a good fellow. (Hear, hear.) He might say of CoL Wilmot that he had long admired his conduct in pursuing that career of usefulness he had chalked out for himself. He admired him also as a gallaut soldier who had sought glory at the cannon's mouth and achieved an enduring fame. (Cheers.) If they were about to elect a Commander-in-Chief (laughter) he should most decidedly and he hoped his gallant friend appreciated the complimentvote for him in that capacity.

Their duty to-day, however, was simply to elect a member of Parliament. Hewever experienced a soldier the Colonel might be, he (the speaker) should not offend him when he said that politically speaking he was simply a raw recruit (Loud cheers, laughter, and counter-cheers. The gallant colonel had not even yet learnt hia political goose-step. On the other hand, his friend, Mr. Evans, had been a politician and a statesman.

(Cheers.) If they wanted to build a house they would not employ apprentices but skilled workmen. (A voice "But not you." Laughter.) Here, in Mr. Evans, they had a skilled workman who had served them day and night for eleven yean-. CoL Wilmot promised them a great deal (a voice And will keep them," uproar, and Sit but his friend Mr. Evans had performed much.

(Hear, hear.) CoL Wilmot's address waa a most liberal one. When he read it he expected to Bee at the bottom T. W. Evans. (Cheers and laughter.) CoL Wilmot seemed to have been at the old trick he had caught the Liberals bathing and run away with their clothes.

That's very old, Charley. There were many things in the address which might have been said by Mr. Evans. Get your lesson before you CoL Wilmot said he wished to adapt our political institutions to the time in which we live." That was what he and the Liberals had been endeavouring to do all their lives. They had proposed Reform Bills (a voice But never passed no; the Conservatives waited, as they did over the emancipation, and other measures, until the ugly rush" came, and were obliged to give much more as Conservatives than the Liberals.

(Cheers.) CoL Wilmot wanted strict economy in the public services that was what they (the Liberals) wanted. They knew how Mr. Disraeli had wasted the public money. (Groans.) They wanted Mr. Gladstone in office to save the money, and no doubt the colonel would vote with Mr.

Gladstone. (No.) CoL Wilmot also referred to the necessity of developing trade and commerce, but who had stopped it (Hear, hear.) Who bad promoted it (A voice The Tories and Who introduced the French treaty? about Coventry And who passed the Corn Laws (A voice: "And who the Factory Education was also referred to in this address, but raeli's education (Laughter.) Because if so, Mr. Disraeli, Liberal and Revolutionist as he was, would find an apt pupiL He knew from experience in Parliament turned that it vasimpossible fora soldier to reform himself soldiers were too much bound up in their profession to carry out economy. He had never, in the course of 27 years, known more than one soldier to attempt the task, and that was Sir De Lacy Evans, who was as good a Liberal as himself. Oh," and a voice, "CoL Wilmot will do it" Cheers.) He congratulated CoL Wilmot on his address, but they ought not to support him as a Liberal because the old original Liberal (Mr.

Evans) waa by bis side. Having remarked that these Conservative-Liberal addresses always ended in the candidates voting Tory when they got into the House, Mr. Colville next referred to the Irish Church, stating that he waa sick of it. The question waa settled, and whether they returned Mr. Evans or CoL Wilmot, it would not be promoted or retarded.

(Cheers and derisive laughter.) The difficulties surrounding the question would diminish as they were approached, and he asked them therefore to wholly disregard the Trish Church question. He then commented upon the qualifications of Mr. Evans, who had served them eleven years in Parliament. (A voice "Ten years too Had they hitherto sent a dummy to represent them and Mr. Evans had addressed the house 37 times and through his influence the constituency of South Derbyshire had become well known.

He had sat on 24 select committees Oh," Sit you down," and Give it 'em, and was on the chairman's panel a high position the house. (Cries of "Time," cheers, and uproar.) He also dwelt upon Mr. Evans being possessed of the confidence of the county magistrates, who had elected him to the chairmanship of the Quarter Sessions, and said the hon. candidate was at that moment keeping up nine parish schools at his own cost, whilst he and his father had built and endowed four parish churches. (Cheers, and "Riches don't make a He believed the dust which had been attempted to be thrown in their eyes would be cleared off, and on Friday they would see who was the beat man.

(Cries of He begged to propose bis friend Mr. Evans aa a fit and proper person to represent them in Parliament (Cheers.) Dr. Peach seconded the nomination, and said Mr Evans at the declaration of the poll in November pledged himself to appear again on the first occasion. The assertion that Mr. Evaus was not an independent member waa a most atrocious falsehood, aa he had voted for measures likely to produce good results to the country irrespective of party.

(Cheers.) Mr. Mondy who was received with loud cheers and waving of handkerchiefs in the ladies' gallery, said when last he had the honour of appearing before them in this place to ask them to give their support to his late lamented friend Sir Thomas Gresley, lie little thought that he should be so soon called on again to ask them to support another gentleman. But the ways of Providence were inscrutoble, and we had nothing to do but to bow and submit He would not dilate on that subject, however because it had been so handsomely alluded to by gentlemen who preceded him. He had a candidate to introduce to them, whose name he mentioned with the greatest confidence-he meant Colonel Wilmot (Loud Colonel Wilmot had served his country with KaSftklMTl to his character ted by all with whom he had come into contact (Cheers.) By his business-like habits he was well qualified to serve them in the office to which he now aspired. (Chwrs.) Let them take him and try wfnVin VenUred, to hope he would not be found wanting.

(Hear, hear.) He was told that this contest had assumed Uie character of personal feeling, and that we ought not to prefer personal feeling to public principle. hear.) Kit was merely a personal matter, he might possibly have been found in the opposite rank because he highly esteemed Mr. Evans as aTeighbour and friend, and under different circumstances he might have wished Mr. Evans to resume his seat in Parliament. But Mr.

Evans was prepared to diseatabliah and disendow the Irish Church, to which lengths he (Mr could not go He asked their support for Colonel Wilmot because be held opposite views on that point, and another reason why they should support him was for the TOUSPeQcy-, (Cheers.) Colonel Wfl-mot embodied those opinions which they ratified by their decision a short tune ago. Why, therefore, should they the they came to in Novem ber (Cheers.) fie hoped they would not be held up to the world as not knowing their own minds fortwo months. (Cheers.) He then proposed Colonel Wilmot as a fit and proper person to represent them in Parliament (Cheers. "conded the wimination, and said though he did not dispute Mr. Evans would make a good a W11 member ought to be i trr-, -ciJUM ua aone ms duty, Dut did they think CoL Wilmot rom his past career, would be likely to neglect hia duty If he would be the first tune select Uommittee ot the House ot Commons on this subject, bearing upon the special requirements of this district Mr.

Mundella, Mr. T. Birkin, Mr W. G. Ward, and Mr.

H. Ash well. Electric Telegraphs Bill. A petition in favour of this Bill, and approving of the proposal to empower her Majesty's Postmaster-general to work telegraphs in connexion with the Administration of the Post-office, was sent from this Chamber. The Bill has since become law.

Bankruptcy Law. Two Bills were introduced into the House of Lords, one "to repeal the Bankruptcy Acts," the ether to enact a new Law of Bankruptcy, but the usual fortune of all attempts to improve the Bankruptcy Laws attended these Bills. they were withdrawn on the 11th of May. A Bill introduced into the Commons by Mr. Moffatt, entitled the Bankruptcy Act Amendment Bill," was, however, passed.

This Act will effect a great alteration in the administration of bankrupts' estates as regards arrangements under deeds. All creditors will now be compelled to prove their debts by affidavits as in bankruptcy, and secured creditors can only prove for the unsecured balance (if any) of debt owing to them. Foreign Bills of Exchange. The mode of payment on the sale of Foreign Bills of Exchange has been discussed on many occasions at former meetings of the Chamber and Council, and a resolution of the Association of Chambers was passed at the suggestion of the Nottingham Chamber in lfi67, condemning the objectionable delay of three days between the sale and payment. Since then the subject has been also taken up by the Bradford Chamber, the Council of which suggests that all persons who send Foreign Bills for negotiation to London should insist upon them being paid for, if not on the same day, certainly not later than the day following negotiation.

Franco-Swiss Treaty. By a recent treaty between France and Switzerland, Swiss curtains, were admitted into France at a duty of 10 per and this Council thought it its duty to memorialise the Board of Trade for a similar eon-cession to be made to the manufacturers of this district. The following memorial was forwarded to the Board of Trade on the subject To the President of the Board of Trade. The Council of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce beg to call the attention of the Board of Trade to the anomalous position in which the manufacturers of this district are placed in their dealings with France, as compared with the manufacturers of Switzerland. By the Franco-Swiss Treaty, curtains enter France at an ad-valorem duty of 10 per cent, under the denomination of "gauzes et mouslins, unis bredes, et broches pour ameublement." These come largely into competition with the curtains manufactured here, and which are till subject to a duty of 15 per cent It is true that the Franco-Swiss Treaty contains a position for tuls unis ou brodes at 15 pe cent.

but it should 1 observed that the curtains made here are neither exactly plain tul nor embroidered, but a fancy ground made on a principle not very different to muslin, only that the latter is made in a loom, and the former on a machine, which for want of a better name is still called the lace machine. The accompanying samples of the contents of a bale actually lying at the Paris Custom House, and refused entry at the duty of 10 per will show the character of the fabrics how little they differ from muslin, and how widely from what is generally understood by lace It would -be an advantage to the curtain trade of this town and neighbourhood, in which many persons are engaged, if the French Government, could be induced to equalize the duty on British manufactures and Swiss curtains. This might be done without affecting the French duty ef 15 per cent, on cotton lace generally, merely by placing the fabrics in question into a separate class, say under the denomination of Tuls pour ameublement to be limited to such as every Custom House Officer could easily recognize as intended for chamber furniture, such as curtains, bed and table covers, hangings, Ac, A precedent for such a sub-class exists in the Italian tariff permitting cotton-lace for chamber furniture under the name of Torchons to enter at a reduced duty, and it may perhaps be useful to direct the attention of the French authorities to this provision, to which they are a party, and thus pave the way for the insertion of an analogous position in the French tariff. Foreign Office, December 7, 1868. With reference to my letter of the 5th ultimo, I am directed by Lord Stanley to reqnest that you will acquaint the Council of the Nottingham Chamber of Commerce, that his lordship has received a despatch from her Majesty's Ambassador at Paris, from which it appears that the French Government admit that British cotton lace goods should be subjected only to the same duty as that levied on similar goods of Swiss origin, and points out that if a higher duty nas been levied, it must have been by mistake In making this reply to Lord Lyons, Monsieur de Moustier has added that the Director General of Customs has again i.

"ntl011 of his subordinates to the matter, and ta.t an error has been committed, the sums unduly levied will be returned to the parties concerned, on their presenting the receipts to the Customs Administration. I am air, your most obedient humble servant, E. C. Egerton. mt important matters which have engaged their attention, would, in conclusion, beg to urge upon the members the desirability of more extended support being given to the Chamber.

jJTj0 5 interested in the manufactures, commerce, fnT5Sie 8 town benefited, either directly or todireotly, by the operations of the Chamber. The labours of tfce Council are by no means fully shown in this report nM nimumcations between the Board of Trade and foreign Omse, with members of Parliament, and with the ix)sing norse-snoe weu nole. he galleries at any point afford a most commanding view of the orchestra and nearly all of the ground floor. The balcony or dress circle is approached by easy flights of steps, right and left from the Milton-street front, with double egress at the back in conjunction with the corridors. The left of the orchestra communicates by two doors with the ladies' retiring-rooms, cloak-rooms, 4.C There is a continuous promenade round the dress circle communicating freely with the corridors.

The hall is surmounted by a coffered ceiling, with coved and enriched cornice. The outer tier of coffers are encompassed by Guilloche ventilators, communicating with draught chambers through the roof, having pendants at their junctions, lighted by five 81-jet sun-lights, by Messrs. Verity and Sons, Covent. garden, London, which for brilliancy and effect cannot be surpassed. The balcony is fitted with easy -cushioned stalls, and the ground-floor with chairs.

The parapet to balcony, cyma-rectu in section, is surmounted by an elegantly broken cornice, supported at intervals by caryatides divided by shields within trel-lised panels, the whole to be decorated in cream and gold upon a crimson ground. Passing from the grand hall to the west, through the reception room, which is 20 feet by 16 feet, you enter the principal corridor, dividing the hall from the Institution from thence yon enter the lecture hall, abutting upon North Church-street and Burton-street, which is 59 feet long, 43 feet wide, and 28 feet high in addition to its original design aa a lecture hall it subserves the purpose of a spacious tea or supper rim in connection with the grand ball, the intermediito -tiring-room and vestibules forming a covered way between. The lecture hall lighted only from the south side, leaving three entire walls for diagrams in of lectures. This room is in one story, and lighted by an 85-jet sun-lieht Re-entering the corridor you pass into the library, which is 58ft 6in. long, 3 1ft, 9in.

wide, and 16ft high, lighted from each end by skylights and three pendant corner chandeliers. The library forms an open courtway leading to the reading room, which occupies the north-western boundary, and is 58ft. tiin. long, 25ft 3in. wide, and (Mft-high, having an enriched cornice and empanelled ceiling, lighted by a tier of six semi circular sashes from the west, and furnished at the end of the room with pendant ventilating shade liffhts.

which, together with the sunlight I are all provided by Messrs. Verity and Sons. The reatl-j ing room and library are warmed by four open dog ores, ine lecture nail and grand hall are warme'i Dy water on the circulating principle, supplied bv the well-known firm of Goddard and Massey, of Nottingham, who are the donors of two grand globular lamps, to be erected at the principal entrance, VI iltOD-street A spacious, well-fitted kitchen and out-offices bound the corridor to the north, and an open grassed area completes the whole space comprising the grounds of the institution. An easy flight of stone steps leads from the lower to tn upper corridor, from which you enter upon the ednj tional portion of the Institute, comprising single saw associated class rooms, and also right and left to the gallery story of the grand hall, the upper portion of to orchestra, cloak rooms, retiring rooms, offices, Ac The principal contractor is Mr. William Sum, build Nottingham.

The carpenter and joiner's work has be executed by Mr. George Wheatcroft, the plastering Mr. Thomas Murdy, and the slating and ston work Messrs. Marriott and all of Nottingham. The whole of the works have been executed in a most satisfactory manner, especially the woodwork and considering.0 magnitude of the work and the short period of allowed for the erection, the work has progressed.

"unuruuuuy rapiuicv. Proof has already been given of the fine acoustic properties of the hall On Tuesday evening the rfa Harmon tr. firiitw n.hKI onth exceUeB' effect, and there is no doubt the musical portion of public will be greatly indebted to the architect The contractors are now working by MWpfeJj heating apparatus ia now nearly completed, d.lu in drying the bnilding, which has made considerao advance during the last few daya, i- The subscription to the building fund is still deficient of the sum required, and it ia hoped the public will, by their donations, second the elf the committee in supplying one of Uie great wants ot town a large public room..