But with a net ten per cent certain, I am, like people in any other line of business, quite prepared to be satisfied; and, upon those terms, I expect to become the publisher of all the best writers in England, and I also expect that any good writer will in future be able to make a handsome income out of his work.

Further, it strikes me that you will most of you find yourselves better off at the end of the year than you do at present" (Cheers).

"One or two more matters I must touch on.

First and foremost the Hutches, which I consider a scandal to a great institution like this, will be abolished"-- (Shouts of joy from the tame authors)--"and a handsome row of brick chambers erected in their place, and, further, their occupants will in future receive a very permanent addition to their salaries "-- (renewed and delirious cheering).

"Lastly, I will do away with this system--this horrid system--of calling men by numbers, as though they were convicts instead of free Englishmen.