On Monday, a deputation of Tories residing in Westminster waited
upon Sir Robert Peel, and stated their wish to invite him to a public dinner ; but Sir Robert l'eel begged to decline the honour, on the ground that during the sitting of Parliament, such a display would evince a desire to create a political excitement. [" Evince a desire "— Joseph Suifilee to the lust! Was there no " desire to create a political excitement" evinced by the Merchant Tailors' display, the day before Parliament re-assembled ? For further illustration see the Ticies.and Herald.]
The anniversary dinner to commemorate the completion and opening of the North London Hospital, St. Pancras, took place on Monday at the Thatched House Tavern, St. James's Street. About 140 gentle- men sat down ; and the chair was filled by Lord Brougham, supported on his right by the Duke of Somerset, and on his left by the Bishop of Chichester. Mr. W. Tooke, Mr. Ewan, Mr. P. H. Howard, Mr. Vi- zard, Dr. Bostock, Dr. Fellowes, and Mr. Isaac Lyon Goldsmith, were also present. About 1250/. was subscribed for the benefit of the iiistitu- don ; of which SW/. had been collected through the exertion of Mr. Goldsmith.
The thirteenth anniversary meeting of the British and Foreign School Society was held on Monday, at Exeter Hall. The great room was filled long before the hour appointed for the commencement of the proceedings of the day. The chair was taken by Lord Brougham, in the absence of Lord John Russell, who should have presided. The Secretary read the report : from which it appeared that the efforts of the institution had been rewarded icy increasing success, in the diffusion of general education and knowledge both at home and abroad. Mr. Ainsworth, M. P. moved that the report be received ; and the Reve. rend J. Clayton seconded the motion; which was put from the chair, and carried unanimously. Several other resolutions were carried, and several gentlemen addressed the meeting. Lord Brougham apologized for Lord John Russell's absence, upon the ground of the accumulated pressure of official business, arising from the unavoidable necessity of lard John Russell leaving town to be present at the late South Devon election.
The great room at Exeter Hall was crowdal yesterday by members of the Anti-Slavery Society. and others anxious to witness their pro- ceedings. Lord Brougham took the chair, amidst loud cheering. On the platform, were Messrs. O'Connell, Buxton, Hudson Gurney, Justice Alderson, and many Members of Parliament. Lord Brougham spoke at much length, recom [needing perseverance in the great and good
work of emancipating the Negroes. Resolutions were proposed and' seconded, by Mr. Buxton, 19r. George Stephen, Mr. O'Connell, and others. Lord Brougham left the chair about five o'clock ; when it was taken by Mr. Buxton, and soon afterwards the meeting broke up.
At the annual meeting of the London Missionary Society, held on Thursday, at Exeter Hall, certain sums, amounting to nearly 6001.,
were sent up to the Chairman in promissory notes, such es I 0 IL7 50/.,
101., 51., together with bank-notes and cheques. These papers were put into a bag, with the resolutions and other documents connected with the business of the day, and laid on the table behind the Chairman; and while the assembly were singing the Doxology, with which the pro- ceedings of the day closed, the bug was stolen.
The rate-payers of St. James's parish, Westminster, on Monday presented to Mr. A'Beekett, of Golden Square, three valuable silver
salvers and a gold snuffbox, in testimony of gratitude for his legal services and personal exertions in obtainieg im extensive parochial reform.
The tide rose to a most unusual height on Thursday morning ; and at high.water the banks in many places were overflowed, and inundated the streets and quays. Wapping High Street and the Tower Wharf was for some time under water, and in the former place the flood was so great that a wherry could be navigated over the road. The inunda. lion appears to have done considerable damage along-shore; large quantities of goods have been spoiled in the warehouses level with the street, and the under-ground kitchens and cellars. Just before high- water, which did not happen until three quarters of nn hour after the time denoted in the tannin:mks, the title rushed through the wharfs and carried every thing before it. A similar visitation was experienced in the afternoon.
For several weeks past, the extensive gardens belonging to Mr. Richard Johnstone, of Camden I'lace, Camden Town, have been robbed of fruit, and all sorts of vegetables. The constant depredations which have been committed, caused proper notices to be placed in conspicu-
ous parts of the grounds, stating that steel traps were set there. Be- tween eleven and twelve o'clock on Saturday night, as Mr. Johnstone's gardener was proceeding over the grounds, he discovered an unfortunate man caught in a large steel trap. The agony which he endured by the teeth of the trap was excessive, the flesh of the thigh having been pierced to a very considerable extent. On the prisoner being given into custody and removed to the Stationbouse, it was discovered that he had lived in Mr. Johnstone's family four years.— Times. [Query, as to Mr. John- stone's right to put matt-traps in his grounds, and thus inflict a more severe punishment on an apple-stealer, or perhaps all innocent person, than the law awards to the highwaynum or burglar ? The mace does not legalize au milawful action.]
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