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refused to back the lie , and to say that we are dishonest men . You know it is a lie to say that we are all dishonest men " ( " Oh oh ! " " Hear , hear ! " cheers , andccnfiiswn . ) Dr . GoddardY "I know to the contrary , and to my cost . " The Chairman : " As I believe this room is full of honest men I am convinced they would not believe or back a lie ' Truth is truth , and your resolution declares a lie . We are not dishonest men . " ( Cries of " You are , " " No , you are not , " and great confusion . ') Mr-Owen , formerly a director , said he left the board in consequence of the way the money had been misapplied , and tbat it was at onetime discovered that Mr . Cameron had a book with a private key , which book was never seen by any one but himself . This fact was not known till Mr . Cameron was taken so dangerously ill that it was thought he would die very shortly . "It would have fceen well for us if he had died , " exclaimed one of the shareholders . Another shareholder , in a state of great excitement , shouted , " You are all little better than a set of thieves . " Mr . Owen said he had not
before stated what he knew because he was afraid of injuring the bank . Loud cries having been raised for Alderman Kennedy , whose name had been mentioned by Mr . Owen , the Alderman came forward , and said that two years ago he bad told" the proprietors they wanted more capital ; he had the greatest confidence in the bank at the time , ' but had been . deceived , and was not only a great sufferer himself , but he had the misfortune of haying caused a number of his friends to be losers . He did entreat them at least to let him have thrsame sympathy as others , for he could assure them that he had been in no way the cause of the misfortune . —General Aitcheson , who had previously maintained that the only
coarse by which the shareholders could have justice done them was by going to the Court of Chancery in accordance with the Winding-up Act , moved as follows , after an ineffectual attempt on the part of Dr . Goddard to repeat his former resolution : —" That it appears to this meeting , and we hereby declare , that the losses of the Royal British Bank have exhausted all the surplus , or reserved fund , and one-fourth part of the paid-up capital of the said bank . " Mr . Stapleton seconded the resolution , and the Chairman declared that it was carried . Great uproar ensued , several persons denying that the motion was affirmed ; but the Chairman's decision was not rescinded , and the meeting broke up without any more tangible results .
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THE INTEENATIONAt ^ REE-TRADE ^ . . . r CONGRESS . ¦; . - ¦ " : THp ^ fc-flgreas assembled in the Gothic-hall of the Hotel $ B ' Tille , Brussels , at one o'clock on Monday , and was occupied in listening ; to the statements of the delegates from different countries for upwards of three hours . The hall contained at the time of meeting between three and four hundred deputed and adherent members connected with , trade and commerce in various parts of the world . Among the gentlemen present at the commencement of the proceedings were : —M . Figualora , Barcelona ; M . Hertz , Hamburg ; M . Clink Sterk , Holland ; M . Mathyssens , Antwerp ; M . Cherbulier , Zurich ; M . Masson ,
Vervain ; Mr . Charles Holland , chairman of the Chamber of Commerce , Liverpool ; Mr . Francis Boult , Liverpool Financial Reform Association ; Mr . Wickhara , M . P ., delegate of the Bradford Chamber of Commerce ; Mr . Oliveira , M . P . ; Mr . E . Chadwick ; Mr . W . Ewart , M . P . ; Mr . Winkworth ; M . Suringar , the founder of the Dutch Mettray ; Mr . C . Allhusen , chairman of the Chamber of Commerce , Newcastle ; MM . Guillaumin and Gamier , Society of Economists , Paris ; Mr . S . Plimsoll , Yorkshire Coal Owners ; Mr . Swan , Chamber of Commerce , Leeds ; Mr . Burn , Manchester ; Mr . Heniy Bonn , London ; Mr . F . O . Ward ; Mr . Niell , Consul for Montevideo .
Mr . Corr y andermacren , President of the Belgian Free Trade Association , opened the proceedings by glancing at the previous Congress of a similar character held in 1847 , and at tho various reforms in the way of tho removal or reduction , of Customs' imposts since that year in the several countries of Europe . Ho then resigned his place to M . C . de Brouckere , who had been elected President of the Congress , having filled tho same post in 1847 . The two points to bo kept specially in view by the spBaWB were stated thus : — " 1 . What are tho obstacles , artificial o * natural , which impede the extension of commercial relations with tnu country -which you represent ? 2 . What are the practical means proposed or that maybe proposed in each country to remove or lessen the obstacles which thqs impede its commercial relations with foreign nations ?"
The President then called upon delegated mombers of the Congress , according to a prearranged order , to ad-«* Wth « assembly , Each speaker , in succession , mounted ft Wad , « f tribune , and gave expression , in French , to the OBMUons of the body by whom he was deputed . Moat of oulintw ?« a ? , manuscript notes , which they suljsetKfjT ^ A . to tbe "eeietary , the time allotted by ca 8 er « nfiiL !^ T qaarter of ftn hour—being in some The first t £ S . ** ° considerably excoeded . asstSSSSS ^ WS
stances even , the total extinction , of many branches of commerce . A separation having been effected between the two countries , more enlightened views began to prevail in Holland , which was urged on in the path of amelioration by the example of England , and now barreled herrings are the only articles prohibited by the tariff . ( A lazigh . )— ' $ > I . Mathyssens , of Antwerp , thought too glowing a picture had been given by the preceding speaker of the liberality of the Dutch Government . —M . Reepmaetker agreed with II . Sterk , allowing for a few limitations .
Mr . Winkwortb , delegate from the Society of Arts , London , briefly described the objects of the body with which he was connected , claiming for it the credit of originating the happy conception of a universal exhibition of the industry of all nations . He referred more especially to the obstacles placed in the way of the silk trade of England ( on which he had drawn up a Government report in 1855 ) l ) y restrictive duties ; and then , passing to the general subject of Free Trade , he quoted statistics to show that the prosperity of the English people had largely increased since the repeal of the cornlaws . —M . Hertz , of Hamburg , gave a similar picture of the state of commerce in his city , resulting from the relaxation of fiscal restrictions . M . Cherbulier , Professor of Political Economy of the Polytechnic Institute , Zurich , and delegate from his Government , next described , at a length which called forth a remonstrance from the President , the present commercial situation of Switzerland . Up to the year 1848 , Switzerland had no fiscal system whatever ; but , means being required to keep up the public roads and carry out other public works , the Government in that year was obliged to introduce a Customs' tariff adapted to the peculiar circumstances and geographical position of the country . The duties were very light , but every step the Government took in commercial legislation would be in the direction of Free Trade .
M . Figualora ( Spam ) stated that up to 1834 the old system , of inter-pxoyincial barriers prevailed in his country , and duties -were levied on commodities conveyed from one province to another the same as if they had been imported from a foreign country . The Customs ' revenues had more than doubled since the revision of the tariff in 1849 , while the internal trade of the country had equally benefited . M . Agie , of Antwerp , having stated the views of tho Chamber of Commerce of that city in favour of Free Trade , the Conference adjourned to the following day .
On Tuesday , the speakers were Signor Scialoja , delegate from . Sardinia , Count Arrivabene ( Tuscany ) , MM . Garnier and Wolowski ( Paris ) , M . Molinari ( Brussels ) , Dr . Bambers ( Berlin ) , M . Pascal Duprat ( Paris ) , M . Vanderbruck ( Central Agricultural Society of Belgium ) , M . Mullerdorff ( Chamber of Commerce , Viviers ) , Mr . Oliveira , M . P . ( who spoke in favour of reducing the wine duties ) , and Mr . Bohn , the JLondon publisher * who expounded his views on the subject of an international book-post , based on principles analagous to the system recently introduced into England . All the speakers from continental towns and countries gave hopeful accounts of the spread of free-trade doctrines in their respective localities . —The Congress shortly afterwards adjourned for the day .
On the reassembling of the Congress on "Wednesday , M . David , of Denmark , gave up his right to speak , and M . Wattel , of the Chamber of Commerce of Antwerp , made some observations with a view to showing that the tendencies of the Chamber he represented were not protectionist , as two previous speakers had asserted , and that tho people of Antwerp inclined to free trade . M . Ackersdeyk , from Holland , followed , but bis remarks were nob audible . A Swiss gentleman , representing tho National Institution of Geneva , then made some very energetic remarks , with a degree of vehemence which provoked some mirth . In the course of these observations , he wandered into the question of the oppressed nationalities , but was called to order by tlie President . After Seiior Matias Gomez Villaboa , who appeared for a Spanish Agricultural Society , had read from a paper which , as far as could bo distinguished , appeared to bo opposed to free trade , ,
modified , and the compulsory visas for various nations be abolished . This proposition was carried unanimously The fifth proposition ran thus : — " That declarations on the importation and exportation of merchandize should be simplified and made uniform for all nations . " Carried unanimously . M . Tilliere brought up the report of the section on the teaching of political economy . The section appealed to tlie delegates to pledge themselves to use their influence to get the elements of political economy introduced as part of popular education in their respective countries and to recommend the preparation of teachers for this purpose . Carried unanimously . Mr . Ewart , M . P ., then moved an address of congratu lation to the King on the twenty-sixth anniversary of the national independence . This was agreed to without a dissentient . It was thea arranged that a fourth and final sitting of the Congress should be held on Thursday .
A letter has been received from Mr . Cobden , which although , it was not read to the meeting , is to be published with the other documents submitted to the Congress . After expressing his deep regret at being unable 1 o attend , Mr . Cobden quotes some statistics to show the yearly increase in the value of our exports since the year 1846 , -when Sir Robert Peel "dethroned the ancient Protectionist superstition . " He proceeds : — " You will find that the table exhibits a steady yearly progress , interrupted only by the revolutions of 1848 and the war of 1854-1855 . But observe the upward rebound of the present year of peace , in the first seven months of which our exports have reached 64 , 000 , 0007 . sterling , being at the rate of 110 , 000 , 0007 . for the whole year , or nearly double the amount of 1846 . No other instance of so large and rapid an increase of foreign trade can be cited
in the annals of the world . I anticipate that this j-ear our exports will exceed those of France , Austria , Russia , and Spain together , —the four largest states of Europe , containing an aggregate of four times our population ; and that they will amount to double those of the United States , whose distinctive party banners seem to bear every conceivable device , excepting that of commercial freedom . " Mr . Cobden then digresses into some observations on the late war , remarking : — "Let me stipulate beforehand that Free Trade be not held responsible for the misuse of the wealth which it confers upon a nation . To confess the truth , we have not made the best possible use of our prosperity . W " e have spent nearly 100 , 000 , 000 ? in adding one more to the list of Sydney Smith's ' foolish , just , and necessary wars ; ' and I am afraid we are now wasting more in warlike preparation than ever we did at any former period of peace ; nor can it be denied that
never my experience were we as a nation giving so little attention to domestic reforms as at present . It need not surprise us , then , if the improvement of the population has not kept pace with the increase of our material wealth . But this only tends to prove that the Ttioral fruits of our principles cannot be gathered by one nation alone . It is only when free trade shall have become tbe international code of the civilizod world that its highest blessings will be realized in the purer spir it of forbearance and justice which will characterize the intercourse of nations . " With respect to the prospects of free trade on the continent , Mr . Cobden writes : —" I confess that my
chief hope rests on the poverty of the continental Governments . The continual augmentation of their military establishments will compel them to enter upon a reform of their tariffs as the only mode of enabling their peoples to support the constant increase of expenditure . There is scarcely a country in Europe whose reveniios might not be largely augmented by abolishing its prohibitive , and modifying its protective , Customs' duties . In this way , a Peel or a Huskisson could in France , Russia , or Spain increase tho annual revenue seve ral millions sterling , and give an indefinite expansion to the industry and wealth of tho people . " An international congress of homoeopathic doctors commenced sitting at Brussels on Tuesday , and will sit till this day ( Saturday ) , in the hall of the Philharmonic Society , Rue de l'E \ ' 6 que . It ia understood that the widow of Hahnemann , tho founder of the homccopntliic system , applied to he allowed to take part in the conference , hut was refused on tho ground that she had no professional diploma . This exclusion lias provoked a rather animated discussion .
M . M-olinari occupied the tribune . Ho had to repoit on tho proposition of M . Corr Vandermacren , for the establishment of an International Customs , Reform Association . This proposition had been adopted unanimously , and it had been arranged that the central committeo should bo composed of men of all nations . Tbe central office would be in Brussels . Tho second proposition had reference to the establishment of tribunals of commerce , uniformity of weights and measures , and money , as well as letters of credit and postage . After some discussion , tho resolution w-as referred to the new International Free Trade Longuo which lias just been , founded , The next proposition , submitted to and carried by tlie Congress unanimously , was from tho authorities of Antwerp , and was to tho effect that what remained of tho colonial system should bo abolished . Tho third proposition was to tho effect that " tho Congress desired that all duties on rivers running from one country into another , and straits separating them , should , be abolislicd . " Carried with one dissentient voice TJio fourth proposition , suggested by M . Couvreitr , was to tho offoct that tho passport system should bo
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STATE OF TRADE . This advices from the provincial towns for the wtvlc ending last Saturday contain nothing of importance , nnd merely confirm the general steadiness of trade . AtMmichestcr , the extent of business is moderate , but prices are well supported . Two smnll luilures have occurTctl , Messrs . W . H . Gray and Co ., for 15 , 000 / ., and "Sir . Alderman Shawcross , for 25 , 000 / . In the latter c : pjo , n composition is contemplated of 12 s . 6 d . in tho pound by instalments extending over two ycare . At Birming '" . "' tho iron trado remains without variation . The i » vcn lion of Mr . Bessemer continues to bo an absorbing topic , J ) ut its probable value is strongly contested . Tho liabilities of Mr . G . P . Simcox , of Kidderminster , aro stated not to exceed 21 , 000 / ., and 15 s . in tho pound is offered in instalments . From Nottingham , tho accounts continue extremely favourable . In tho woollen districts , the transactions aro satisfactory , and the Irish cloth ronrkol continues Arm . —Times .
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916 : _ L ^^ _^ - ¦ - ¦ ¦ ' ¦ - E ; Ngv 340 , Saturday ,
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Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 27, 1856, page 916, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse2.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct2160/page/4/
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