On many points I do not agree with them, but on this matter of popular education, I will do them the honor to say that they have uniformly been in advance of the rest of us.

I join hands with them here to-day, and, as any advance in our rate of taxation for schools will bear more heavily upon me than upon any other citizen--I do not say it boastingly, gentlemen--I pledge myself to support and stand by it." Mr.Belcher's speech, delivered with majestic swellings of his broad chest, the ostentatious removal of his overcoat, and brilliant passages of oratorical action, but most imperfectly summarized in this report, was received with cheers.

Mr.Snow himself feebly joined in the approval, although he knew it was intended to disarm him.

His strength, his resolution, his courage, ebbed away with sickening rapidity; and he was not reassured by a glance toward the door, where he saw, sitting quite alone, Miss Butterworth herself, who had come in for the purpose partly of strengthening him, and partly of informing herself concerning the progress of a reform which had taken such strong hold upon her sympathies.
At length the article in the warrant which most interested that good lady was taken up, and Mr.Snow rose to speak upon it.

He spoke of the reports he had heard concerning the bad treatment that the paupers, and especially those who were hopelessly insane, had received in the alms-house, enlarged upon the duties of humanity and Christianity, and expressed the conviction that the enlightened people of Sevenoaks should spend more money for the comfort of the unfortunate whom Heaven had thrown upon their charge, and particularly that they should institute a more searching and competent inspection of their pauper establishment.
As he took his seat, all eyes were turned upon Mr.Belcher, and that gentleman rose for a second exhibition of his characteristic eloquence.
"I do not forget," said Mr.Belcher, "that we have present here to-day an old and well-tried public servant.