6 DECEMBER 1851, Page 2

The City meeting on Customs Reform was of a nature

to com- mand attention and respect. Leading merchants in all the various branches of commerce were present, along with representatives of some important outports ; while letters expressive of concurrence were transmitted from the representatives of Manchester, Liver- pool, and Glasgow. The meeting spoke unequivocally the sense of the commercial public. The report adopted strikes at the main evils of the existing system,—the defective organization and im- properly selected personnel of the existing Board of Customs and its officers ; the irresponsibility and power of oppression it enjoys in consequence ; the power of legislation indirectly confided to it; the exemption of the Crown from costs in the courts of law; and the habitual negligence which these causes have led it to indulge in, conjoined with the vindictive spirit it displays towards all in whom its own neglect of duty has fostered similar irregular habits. Nothing is wanting to insure success to such a movement, aiming at the redress of such grievances, but earnestness, activity, and perseverance. And if the objects of the meeting be obtained, the reform of the Customs department will render inevitable a re- vision of our whole financial system.