25 APRIL 1846, Page 5

• Int filettopo[ts.

A Court of Aldermen was held on Tuesday. A motion for a congra- tulatory address to King Louis Philippe on his happy escape from assas- sination gave rise to a hearty expression of attachment to the person of the hospitable Monarch.

Alderman Farebrother knew there was not a member of the Court who did not feel most strongly upon the late atrocious attempt to assassinate the King of the French, that most excellent and illustrious Monarch, whose lees would not only have been severely felt by France, but by every part of civilized Europe. EA member of the Court asked if there was any precedent for such a motion ?] It did not signify whether there was a precedent or not. It was quite impossible for a moment to think of the warm reception which the King of tbe French gave to the Corporation on the occasion of his Majesty's visit to Queen Victoria, or to the members of that Court at St. Cloud, with any feelinge but those of the deepest veneration and gratitude. Alderman Farebrother therefore formally moved, that an address be presented to the King of the French, congratulating his Majesty upon his late happy deliverance from the bands of an assassin. Sir Peter Laurie seconded the motion. The escape of his Majesty was an in- cident of a most providential character. He seemed to have a charmed life— a life protected by an inscrutable arrangement for the benefit of his own great country and for the service of the whole European community.

Sir Chapman Marshall and Sir George Carroll expressed their hearty concur- rence in the motion; the latter, like Alderman Farebrother, indulging in pleasing recollections of the manner in which he and the members of the Court had been feted and regaled at the Palace of St. Cloud. Alderman Challis hoped the address would not be one of a cold and formal cha- racter; but would appears as if it came warm from the heart, and filled with gene- rous and grateful sentiments. He wished it to be communicated to the French people that everything affecting their interests was an object of interest to this country. Alderman Hughes Hughes suggested, that the address should be one of con- dolence as well as congratulation; as the King, when attacked was surrounded by his family, whose terrors must have been greatly excited by the event, and with whom it would be proper for the Court to sympathize. The motion was carried with acclamation; the suggestion of Alderman Hughes Hughes to be embodied.

At the Court of Common Council on Thursday, the same subject was brought under notice by the Lord Mayor, and taken up with equal ear- nestness. Mr. Wire, Mr. Anderton, and Deputy Stevens successively ad- dressed the Court; after which the address voted by the Court of Alder- men was read, and unanimously adopted as the address of the Corpora- tion.

At the same Court, two other subjects were brought under the notice of the Common Council: a donation to the funds of the Ragged School Union; and a petition to Parliament against the Game-laws. Mr. Bennock, who presented a petition from the Committee of the Ragged School Union requesting pecuniary assistance, stated, that in London there were 100,000 children, under fourteen years of age, wholly destitute of the rudiments - of education. Petition referred to the Finance Committee.

Mr. W. S. Hale moved a petition to Parliament praying for a repeal of the Game-laws. It was impossible to read the details of the terrible consequences of these iniquitous laws in the newspapers without being impressed with the opinion that the sooner they were wholly abolished the better. Mr. Williams, Mr. R. Taylor, Mr. Bower,. and Mr. T. H. Hall, expressed similar sentiments. Deputy

Corney and Mr. King spoke against the motion- the latter remarking, that he had no ambition to hear it asked in the House of Commons of himself and his fellow-citizens, "What are those fools about? "—Motion carried by a large ma- jority.

Her Majesty's Ministers and a party of ladies and gentlemen to the num- ber of about two hundred were entertained on Wednesday, by the Lord Mayor, at the Mansionhouse. There were present, Sir Robert Peel, Sir James Graham, Mr. Gladstone, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Mr. Sid- ney Herbert, the Earls of Ripon Dalliousie, and St. Germans, Viscounts Canning, Jocelyn, and Mahon, Lord Granville Somerset, Lord Lyttelton, Sir George Clerk, Sir George Cockburn, the Attorney-General and Solici- tor-General, the Solicitor-General for Ireland, the Lord-Advocate of Scot- land, &c. &c. .

The after-dinner proceedings were relieved of a commonplace character, by apt references to topics upon which a lively feeling exists not only within but without doors.

The Bishop of Calcutta, in responding to "The Church," said, he hoped to reembark in August for his diocese; and trusted he might be allowed to entreat

their prayers, that that unwieldy and unmanageable diocese, now extended be- yond the Sutlej, might be divided, and that one return of gratitude to God for successes all but miraculous might be the devotion to this purpose of a very in- considerable portion of their increased income, on the part of the imperial and noble East India Company. (Cheers.) The Lord Mayor proposed "the health of Sir Robert Peel and Her Majesty's Ministers." He felt the presence of the Premier a high honour, knowing bow few

hours he had to spare for an entertainment of this kind. Politics must not be alluded to on this occasion; and although he knew the right honourable Baronet's conduct would be approved in that room—(Cheers)—yet it was unnecessary to express any sentiment on that subject. At once, then, they were invited to drink "Sir Robert Peel's health, and long life and happiness to him.' (Loud cheers.) Sir Robert Peel expressed his acknowledgments for himself and colleagues and proceeded to say—" We are deeply sensible of the value which justly attaches to

the confidence and favourable opinion of the City of London. We well know, that the merchants and residents of the city of London, from their vicinity to the seat of Government, from their ready access to the best intelligence, from their wealth, high character, and respectability, are perhaps better qualified than any other portion of her Majesty's subjects justly to estimate the motives of public men, and to appreciate the results of their policy. We are, therefore, most anxious to deserve and to possess the good opinion of this great city; and we consider it no sacrifice, but rather rejoice in the opportunity of marking our respect for this great community, by attending upon the summons of the Chief Magistrate of the city of London. 'The Lord Mayor has justly observed that this is not the place nor the occasion on which to introduce any controverted topics of public policy; but I trust I may without exaggeration, and without arrogance, say that it has been the earnest desire of her Majesty's servants during the period for which they have been honoured with her Majesty's confidence, to promote to the utmost ot their power the welfare and comfort of her Majesty's subjects; that daring the period for which we have held power the lustre of the British arms

has not been tarnished; that peace at home has been preserved without any harsh exercise of authority or any undue enforcement of the law; that peace abroad has

been maintained without the sacrifice of any British interest or the compromise of national honour. (Repeated cheers.) These things we have done, and I trust that they have entitled us to the approbation and confidence of the city of Lon- don. (Cheers.) Whatever may be the difference of opinion which may prevail in this room upon the measures of public policy adopted by the Government, there is one point on which we shall be unanimous—we shall all desire to mark our respect for the City and for its Chief Magistrate; and I am confident that you will receive with satisfaction and drink with enthusiasm the toast which I shall propose—the health of the Lord Mayor, and prosperity to the City of Lon- don." (Cheers.) The Lord Mayor returned thanks in turn. He was happy to say that the com- merce of the City was prosperous: if the measures of the Government went on a

little faster, perhaps it would prosper rather more: but that rested with others. (A laugh.) He certainly wished those measures could be concluded, in order that commercial men at this season might enter into their undertakings with con- fidence. (" Hear hear!")

The name of the Duke of Cleveland having been coupled with "The

House of Lords," the Duke, in returning thanks, spoke somewhat myste- riously— On more occasions than one, that House had done essential service to the country: such an occasion might occur again ; and while the Peers had ever been the protectors and upholders of the Crown and Monarchy, they had always evinced the greatest anxiety for the best interests of the people.

Sir Robert Peel volunteered a toast-

" I am permitted by the Lord Mayor to give a toast which is not upon the list of toasts which has been prepared. I am certainly departing from the established usage which prevails on these festive occasions, but nevertheless I feel the utmost confidence that it is a toast which will be received by you with the greatest satis- faction, and even enthusiasm. I beg to propose 'The health of the King of the French.' (Loud and prolonged cheering.) I believe that, under any circum- stances, that toast would be acceptable to your feelings, on account of the high personal character of the King, and on account of the friendly relations which Lave long subsisted between this country and France; the maintenance of which, uninterrupted, is of such importance to the welfare and to the peace of Europe. It would be peculiarly acceptable to the City of London, I think, on account of the manner in which the King of the French received its representatives, and ex- pressed his cordial satisfaction in having from them a mark of their esteem and respect. But, gentlemen, events have recently occurred which will make you more than ordinarily anxious to join in this toast. It is, I think, important that we should show that that cry of indignation which has been raised through France at these base and cowardly and infamous attempts at assassination, is reechoed 011 the banks of the Thames. (Cheers.) It has pleased Almighty God to frustrate these repeated efforts to acsasinate that great Sovereign. But good, permanent good, has resulted from the attempt so frustrated. It has given the King the opportunity of manifesting a degree of personal courage and fortitude and heroism, which, as he has not the opportunity of commanding armies in the field, he could hardly have displayed, except- ing under the extraordinary circumstances in which he has been placed: and to a gallant people like the people of France, eminent for their own bravery, and admiring bravery in others, I can conceive nothing which is more calculated to recommend their King to their affection and attachment than those signal in- stances of personal courage which have been displayed by him under the circum- stances in which he has, as I have said, been placed. (Renewed cheers.) Gen- tlemen, I am sure it will be agreeable to Englishmen to mark their indignation of these detestable crimes; and to offer our sympathy to that illustrious lady the Queen of the French—(Great cheering)—who has shared adversity with him, who has shared his prosperity, who has shared his dangers—(" Hear, hear ! ")— and who by her high character and exemplary virtues has thrown a lustre upon the exalted station which she has reached. (Cheers.) It will be agreeable to you to mark your sympathy with that noble family; not manly noble by its birth, but which has that other patent of nobility—that all the sons are brave and all the daughters are virtuous. (Enthusiastic cheering.) Gentlemen, I am confident you will, by drinking this toast with enthusiasm, express your concur- rence in my earnest prayer that it may long please Almighty God to protect the life of that Sovereign, for the benefit of his own country and for the advantage of the world; that by the continuance of that life the bonds of peace may be ce- mented between this country and France; and while that peace endures and that friendly understanding is maintained, we shall have the best guarantee for con- tinued tranquillity throughout the world, for the advancement of civilization, for the promotion of the social interests of all classes of people. Gentlemen, I ask you to drink—Health and long life to the King of the French." "This speech," says the Times, "appeared to come upon the company wholly by surprise, and to create the liveliest emotions of satisfaction; it Was interrupted by frequent cheers, and the toast was drunk with loud and repeated marks of applause and enthusiasm."

A meeting of the Associated Surgeons of England was held on Monday evening, to take into consideration the plan recommended by the National Association of General Practitioners, held on Friday week, and briefly noticed in our last number. Mr. George Bottomley presided; and the Meeting was addressed by Mr. Wakley and Dr. Lynch. A resolution ap- proving of' the proposal to establish a National Institute of Medicine, Sur- gery, and Midwifery, but objecting to the exclusion of all physicians and surgeons who are not licensed or legally qualified to practise as apothe- caries, was agreed to. A Committee was appointed to confer at the earliest convenient period with the Provisional Committee, on the propriety of modifying the projected plan, so as to render all legally-qualified members of the profession, whether physicians, surgeons, or apothecaries, or whether belonging to the English, Irish, or Scotch Colleges, both now or in future, eligible candidates for admission into the Institute.

A general meeting of the Fellows of the Society ofAntiquaries was held in Freemasons Hall on Monday; Sir William Betham in the chair. The object of the meeting was to devise measures for restoring the Society to greater usefulness; the opinion of all present being that of late years it had sunk into a state of inefficiency and decline. The muses of this inaction sre indicated in the following resolution- " That although, at several anniversary and ordinary meetings, complaint has been made of the negligent manner in which much of the general business of the Society is conducted—of the apathy and inactivity of the office-bearers—of the irregular presentations of the Auditor's report of the accounts—of the expenditure of large sums in objects of doubtful utility—and, above all, of the disregard of the welfare of the Society, of which the Fellows are annually exhorted to be careful, as shown in the recent selection of members to be chosen by the Council—yet little attention has been given to their representations and well.grounded remon- strances, and scarcely any disposition evinoed to redress the grievances com- plained of."

The cure was suggested in another resolution, promising, at the next annual election, . • - . "to effect such a choice of officers and members of Council for the ensuing year as shall secure greater vigour and efficiency in the management of the Society's affairs, and recover for it that high esteem in which it was formerly held."

The anniversary festival of the London Hospital was celebrated on Thursday, at the London Tavern; the Duke of Cambridge in the chair. The collection amounted to 1,6541.

At a Vestry meeting for the parish of Christchurch, Blackfriars Road, held on Thursday, a Minister's rate was made of one fartking in the pound; that being deemed sufficient to meet the annual claim of the Rector of 601.

In the Court of Exchequer, on Thursday, Sir Thomas Wilde moved for a new trial in the cause Gathereole rereus Mild!. The defendant is the registered pro- prietor of the Nonconformist newspaper; and was sued by the plaintiff, the Re- verend Michael Augustus Gathercole, Vicar of Chatteris, for a libel published in his newspaper. The action was tried at the la.t Cambridge Assizes, before Mr. Baron Parke, and a ;verdict for 2001. damages returned. Sir Thomas Wilde founded his claim for a new trial on misdirection and the admission of improper evidence. The Judges expressed a general approval of what Baron Parke had done, and the application was refused. At the Marpebone Police-office, on Saturday, Redden, a constable on the Lon- - don and Birmingham Railway, was charged with neglect of duty. He should have exhibited signals for trains to slacken at a certain part of the line which was under repair, but left his post and got drunk. He was sentenced to two months' hard labour in the House of Correction.

At Worship Street Police-office, on Thursday, a young man was charged with throwing a live cat from the gallery of the City of London Theatre, into the pit. Luckily for the audience, the poor animal fell upon an unoccupied bench; so much hurt that it was necessary to kill it The young man said he had acted in mere thoughtlessness, wanting to get rid of the cat which was running about the gal- lery. He was sent to prison for fourteen days.

An accident recently happened on the Croydon Atmospheric Railway, which afforded an opportunity of testing in how short a space of time a fracture in the pipe could be remedied. By the neglect of the railway people, a screw coupling was allowed to trail from one of the carriages; it entered the valve, and after pro- ceeding for half a mile fractured the pipe, of course destroying the vacuum. The traffic was continued by means of a locomotive engine while a new length of pipe was fixed; which was effected in three hours and a half—then the atmo- spheric power was again in operation.

An engine. while drawing a train on the Birmingham Railway, near the Euston Square terminus, yesterday week, got off the line, overturning the carriage next to it: fortunately, the engine was proceeding slowly, and the passengers escaped with a fright.

Chiswick New Church, at Tnrnham Green, had a narrow escape on Sunday night. A pipe fixed over a chandelier had become so heated that it set fire to the roof. A passer-by fortunately perceived the fire soon after it broke out, and by prompt measures the flames were extinguished without much damage.

A boy, nine years old, has hanged himself at Shoreditch, because his mother re- fused to give him a halfpenny to buy a ball!