'Opt „Metropolis.

Sir De Lacy Evans has given a haughty rebuff to certain of his consti- tuents in Westminster, who lately memorialized him as a political back- slider. He addresses his objectors as " the fourteenth part of the West- minster Reform Societyr-

" When you order me, he says, "in the name of the Westminster Reform So- ciety, to place myself under the political guidance of Messrs. Hume and Cobden,' you must forgive me for saying, that you not only compromise the character of that Society, but exhibit in a very conspicuous degree your own folly, or that of those who have set you on."

A meeting, summoned by the Sheriffs of London and Middlesex as a eonnty meeting of inhabitants of Middlesex, was held on Wednesday, at Hall's Riding-school, Albany Street, Regent's Park. The summoning no- tice, proceeding upon a requisition headed by Mr. Joseph Hume, stated the object to be " the consideration of manifold evils under which many mil- lions of the people are suffering, and the adopting of such resolutions as might seem best to remove those evils and protect the Throne from danger." Many hundreds, a large proportion of them Chartists under their town lead- ers, had assembled when Sheriffs Cubitt and Hill took the chair. Letters were read from Lord Dudley Stuart, Sir Benjamin Hall, and Sir De Lacy Evans, stating that Parliamentary engagements prevented their attendance, but declaring themselves desirous of promoting equality of taxation, redac- tion of expenditure, and reform of the representation. Mr. Williams, for- merly M.P. for Coventry, in a long speech, compared the extravagant expenditure of the present Reformed Parliament with that of the Duke of Wellington's Government even under the old Boroughmon- gering system. While the adult male population in 1841 was but 4,700,000, there were then no fewer than 3,446,000 houses in Great Britain. The present number of votes is but 1,062,000. House- hold suffrage would therefore make an immense addition to the constituen- cies. Mr. Hume urged on the Chartists the wisdom of uniting in the movement now on foot to popularize the House of Commons. He went through the four points of the new Reform propositions, and read a motion embodying them. The Chartists who spoke showed a friendly spirit towards the promoters of the new movement, but were divided as to the course to be taken. Mr. Ernest Jones, Mr. May, and Mr. Vernon, went for the Charter without abatement; but Mr. Bronterre O'Brien, Mr. Kydd, and Mr. H. Hetherington, were for promoting the Middle-class movement. Mr. Hull of Uxbridge, Mr. Sergeant Gazelee, and the Honourable T. Den- man, urged union. Various resolutions and amendments proposed were put In succession; but Mr. Hume's motion was at last carried, and a petition to Parliament in accordance with it adopted.

A similar meeting, on a large scale, was held on Thursday in the pariah of St. Luke's, Middlesex; Mr. Wakley, M.P., presiding. Mr. Ernest Jones, the Chartist leader, appeared as a promoter of union. Other Chartists

followed in the same tone, and resolutions in favour of Mr. Home's four points were agreed to. At Mr. Wakley's suggestion, a permanent associa- tion was instituted, and a committee was appointed to call meetings on all desirable occasions.

The Chartist " National Assembly " held its last sitting on Saturday. Some of the delegates declared they had been disappointed of expectd re- mittances. the proceedings of the Assembly had brought it into contempt with many constituencies; whence an abatement of fervour and a failing in subscriptions. It was moved that the Assembly, on its rising at one o'clock, do dissolve. This motion was opposed, and smartly canvassed; but was at last carried, by 10 to 1 of those present. The Northern Star and Mr. O'Connor were attacked and defended with some warmth. At one, the delegates rose, and the Assembly was dissolved.

The ceremonies of' confirming and consecrating the Bishop-elect of Ches- ter were performed on Saturday and Sunday last, in St. James's Church, Piccadilly, and Whitehall Chapel. The Archbishop of York was assisted in the forms by the Bishops of Durham and Lincoln.

The anniversary festival of the Sons of the Clergy was celebrated on Thursday, in the usual way,—by a fall choral service, and a sermon by the Reverend Thomas Dale, in St. Paul's; and afterwards by an entertain- ment at Merchant Tailor's Hall. The Archbishop of Canterbury and several of the Bishops, some noblemen, Judges, and other distinguished guests, were present.

The Society for the Improvement of the Condition of the Working Classes held its fourth anniversary on Thursday, at the Freemason's Ta- vern. The room was filled by an assemblage of unusual distinction:. Prince Albert presided; on the platform were Lord John Russell and many noblemen and Members of Parliament, several Bishops and clergy- men • and in the body of the meeting, the Dutchess of Sutherland, the Dutchess of Argyle, Lady Ebrington, and many other ladies. The speeches were of more than average quality, in practical interest,' ability, and eleva- tion of sentiment; the speakers being Prince Albert, Lord Ashley, the Duke of Argyle, the Reverend Hugh M`Neile the Bishop of Oxford, Sir Thomas Acland, the Bishop of St. David's, Mr. J. C. Colquhoun, the Re- verend Dr. Whewell, Earl Fortescue, and Mr. John Labonchere. The speech of the Royal Chairman made a strong impression in the meeting, and has been much admired out of doors: it was to the following effect.

" Ladies and gentlemen—When, four years since, this Society for the Improve- ment of the Condition of the Labouring Classes was first established on its pre- sent footing, I accepted with pleasure the offer which was made to me of becom- ing its President. I saw in that offer a proof of the appreciation of my feeling of sympathy and interest for that class of our community who have most of the toil and fewest of the enjoyments of this world. I conceived great advantage would accrue to them from the endeavours of influential people, who, being wholly dis- interested, might be able to act the part of a friend to those Who required advice and assistance, which only a frieird could tender with advantage. This Society has, you are all aware, had this object constantly before its eyes. Labouring m that direction, it has established model lodging-houses, loan funds, and a system of allotments of ground in different parts of the country. In these respects, it has aimed only at what I have called model establishments, to serve as examples to others • ever mindful that any real improvement which was to take place must be the reSult of the exertions of the working people themselves. I have just come from 'the model lodging-house, the opening of which we celebrate this day; and I feel convinced that its establishment and prosperity will by degrees, and at no remote • period, occasion a most beneficial improvement in the domestic comforts of the la- bouring classes. It will exhibit to them, that with real economy can be combined advantages which few of them have hitherto been acquainted with ; while it will show to those who possess capital that they may invest it with great advantage and profit to themselves in consulting the convenience and dispensing comforts to their poorer brethren. Depend upon it, that the interests of often contrasted classes are identical, and it is only ignorance which prevents their uniting to the advantage of each other. To dispel that ignorance, and to show how man can help man, notwithstanding the complicated state of civilized society, ought to be the aim of every philanthropic person. This is more peculiarly the duty of those who, under the blessing of Divine Providence, enjoy station, wealth, and education. Let them be careful, however, to avoid any dictatorial interference with labour and em- ployment—which frightens away capital—which destroys that liberty of thought and independence of action that must be left to every man if he is to work out his own happiness—while it impairs that confidence under which alone engage- ments for mutual benefit are possible. God has created man with many imper- fections, and left him with many wants, as it were to stimulate each to individual exertion, and to make all feel that it is only by united exertions and combined action that i at those imperfections can be supplied and those wants satisfied. This presupposes self-reliance and confidence in each other. To show how these indi- vidual exertions can be directed with the greatest benefit, and to foster that confi- dence upon which the readiness to assist each other mainly depends, this Society considers its most sacred object. In its arrangements there has been no ostenta- tious display of charity, munificence, or any pretension to become the arbiter of the fate of thousands. It has exhibited the quiet working-out of the particular schemes of social improvement to which I have adverted, and in which the So- ciety, as I said before, has only established examples for the community at large to follow. Ladies and gentlemen, the report of proceedings during the last year will be laid before you. I may say that the Society has proceeded satisfactorily towards the accomplishment of its objects, owing particularly to the kind feelings, great experience, and indefatigable zeal of Lord Ashley. The next step which we contemplate is the erection of a model lodging-house for families. I hope that this meeting will enable us to carry out that object, and that it will engage more generally the attention of the public to the ends we have in view." (The Prince was much cheered throughout his speech and its close.)

Lord Ashley stated several particulars respecting the progress of the Society. One of its objects it had not been found convenient to carry out—the estab- lishment of loan funds.

Respecting the allotment of land, he had a much better story to tell. The Society eossesses 117 acres, let to 553 tenants, in eleven different parishes. Their great object has been, not to let allotments of land on a large scale, but in differ- ent parts of the country to set examples which might be followed. They have undertaken the hazard, difficulty, and cost of the experiment, trusting to others to follow it up. The allotment s,ystem, in consequence of the experiments made by the Society, had been carried out in nearly two thousand parishes, and with the greatest possible benefit. The best proof of this which could be given was the statement he was enabled to make, that with great contentment, great industry, and great desire to improve their condition, not one of those to whom allotments have been given owed a single farthing of debt. In the matter of lodging-houses, the report was most satisfactory. Lord Ashley described the want that exists of improved dwellings for the poor—the manner in which the lowest classes of houses are let at exorbitant rents, some- times at Is. a week for a bare room; how immense numbers sometimes live in a single room, even thirty or forty people, without any provision for cleanliness or decency; how such domestic avocations as washing become an intolerable nuisance, &e. To such lodging-houses persons who came up to the Metropolis seeking employment invariably have resort. The Society began by getting up a number of houses at Bagnigge Wells, intended for artisans, of a better description. Twenty-three small houses were built, and let at the ;ate of 3s. M. and 68. a week rent. The beat accommodation, everything that comfort and decency re- quired, was afforded in these houses, there being three rooms in each, at a rent Which was formerly paid for a single room in other parts of the Metropolis. They also constructed, along with these, thirty single rooms for poor widows, which were let at 1s. 6d. a week. They then proceeded to construct lodging-houses for the unmarried: in King Street, Drury Lane, a house was taken, and converted into a lodging-house another house, in Charles Street, was taken, and furnished far eighty lodgers. 'Having obtained funds eufficient to erect a lodging-house from the foundation, one had been built, which his Royal Highness did them the honour to visit that morning: it held one hundred and four persons, and was constructed at the cost of 5,5001. In these four different establishments, many of the lodgers being only nightly inmates, frequent changes must no doubt have occurred; but, taking the whole mouth of April, there had been scarcely a night when a single vacant bed could be found, so great was the desire of the poor people to obtain better accommodation. The institution, in accordance with the principles which had been laid down, was self. supporting; and although they gave nightly lodging with every accommodation for cleanliness and decency at the rate of 94. night, so entire was the success and so remunerative the profit obtained, that., Upon a sum of about 13,0001. or 14,0001. expenditure on these lodging-houses, they were no receiving an income of very nearly 1,5001. a year. He had stated that these houses were to be considered only as models. They did not pretend from their own resources to set up a sufficient number in London for the accom- modation of its labouring population; but they had shown, by the success of this experiment, that profit might be combined with humanity; that the expenditure -of capital in these matters was not injurious to him who devoted it to such ob- jects; and that he might, over and above, have the satisfaction of knowing that while he bad consulted his own interests he had done something for the honour of God and the welfare of his fellow creatures.

The report, read by the Secretary, stated that the balance in the hands of the Treasurer was 8581.

The Bishop of Oxford made an interesting allusion to the Chairman; testifying to the reality and earnestness of the feeling which brought the Prince to the meeting.

The Bishop of St. David's opportunely reminded his hearers, that besides the section of society usually called "the dangerous class," there is another class equally dangerous— The dangerous class he had just been speaking of, and which was better known tinder that description, consisted of those who, having nothing, desired all the en- joyments of property without any share of the labour by which it is produced. The other dangerous class consisted of those who had the property, but were in- sensible of the duties belonging to it—who made an irritating, ostentatious parade of all the luxurious enjoyments which that property placed within their reach, but who were negligent of the opportunity and means which it afforded them to improve the condition of those below them. That he held to be an equally dan- gerous class, and one infinitely more culpable.

In acknowledging the vote of thanks for his services in the chair, Prince Albert modestly regretted that he had not been better able to express the feelings of his own heart, which feelings were entirely and warmly shared by her Majesty the Queen. The proceedings closed with the performance of the national anthem as the Prince departed.

At the Central Criminal Court, on Tuesday, Thomas William Home was tried for stealing plate of the value of 200/. The case was rather peculiar. Horne tenanted a house in Albemarle Street: he sent to Starr and klortimer's to borrow a quantity of plate, saying it was for the use of Mr. Tyson, a gentleman whose brother-in-law sometimes lived in the prisoner's house; the plate was sent; part was returned; but on the silversmiths sending for the remainder, the house was found to be closed. The property was pledged. Mr. Tyson had not authorized the use of his name. The verdict was " Guilty," and sentence of seven years' trans- portation was passed.

On Thursday, William Tompkins was tried for the murder of Maria Eddon. The prisoner stabbed the woman at night, in a street at Westminster. The case was clear; but the Jury, in returning a verdict of "Guilty," strongly recom- mended the culprit to mercy on account of his previous character; which was favourably attested by witnesses. He seems to have been excruciated by jealousy. Sentence of death was pronounced.

The Grand Jury returned among the true bills one against the Marquis of Chandos for wilful and corrupt perjury. It was understood that the charge arose out of some proceedings in Chancery-' the Marquis having made an affidavit that he was not aware of the character of certain deeds executed by him, charging an annuity of 5,0001. a year on estates in which he had a life interest. The indict- ment has been removed by certiorari into the Court of Queen's Bench.

Charles Abbot and Anne Williams have been committed for trial, on changes of robbery from the chief Metropolitan railway stations.

M. May was charged at Marlborough Street Police-office, on Monday, with at- tempting to enter the Hanover Square Rooms, by force, on the eve of a meeting about to be held there by the Church of England Self-supporting Village Society. Holloway and Bailey were accused of attempting, with others of a large crowd, to rescue May from the custody of the Police. May is a Chartist, who lately, with others of his body, attended a meeting held by the Reverend Joseph Brown, one of the honorary secretaries, in Bethnal Green, and succeeded in negativing the reso- lutions proposed by Mr. Brown's supporters. A numerous company of clergy- men, gentlemen, and ladies, had assembled to be present at the meeting in Han- over Square on ilonday, when May and some fifty associates presented themselves with tickets of admission. The manager of the rooms fearing disturbance, re- fused to allow the meeting to proceed. The Chartiels made an uproar at the door, and at last used some degree of violence. The tumult was ended by the in- tervention of the Police, who were roughly used on first proceeding to their dirty. Mr. Bingham, the Magistrate, thought May and his fellows were more wrong- headed than evil-minded, and he only required them to give securities for keeping the peace during three months.

Henry Lazarus, a little boy, has been murdered in Spitalfields, for the sake of his clothes. His father is a Jew dealer, living in Tenter Street; on Monday evening, the boy was playing in the streets with two other children; when they were called in to be put to bed, Henry was missing; search was made for him during the night, but in vain. On Tuesday morning, the lifeless body was found in a yard surrounded by houses, hidden behind a board placed against a wall: the boy had been strangled with the handkerchief which be wore round his neck; all his clothes, with the exception of the shirt and stockings, had been carried off; they were quite new. During the day, Sarah Rogers, a charwoman, was arrested, apparently from having said something about the disposal of the clothes. No- thing was found on her, or at her lodgings, of a auspicious nature; but she was remanded by the Worship Street Magistrate.

An inquest was held on the body of Mr. Redhead Yorke, on Saturday. A post mortem examination showed not only that death had been caused by prussic acid, but that the brain had been greatly diseased: the Coroner remarked, that with the brain in such a state it was wonderful how Mr. Yorke could have mixed in society. Witnesses described the finding of the body: near it lay a phial, which had contained the poison. On the Friday morning, Mr. Yorke had attempted to obtain prussic acid from Mr. Bucklee, a chemist of New Bond Street, on the pre. tenoe of poisoning a dog: Mr. Buckles noticed something amiss in his customer's manner, and evaded serving him. Mr. Yorke then went to another chemist's, where he was also in the habit of dealing; and there, unhappily, a shopman sold him some prussic acid. Evidence was given that thedeceased had been " strange', in his manner for a considerable time past; Mr. Wakley corroborating this from his own observation in the House of Commons. The verdict described the moat of death, and stated that Mr. Yorke was of unsound mind at the time.