416 
PROCEEDINGS IN COUNCIL. 
Mr. Mayer stated that in the original petition for the Charter, 
these privileges and exemptions formed a part and parcel of 
their prayer. They were told at the Home Office that they 
could not be granted by charter, but would require a distinct 
bill ; which bill, however, could not be introduced unless the 
charter was obtained. He therefore thought that the Council 
was pledged to the prosecution of this undertaking on the part 
of the profession generally. It could not, of course, be done 
without expense; but some portion of it, he believed, would be 
willingly borne by the profession. 
Mr. Wilkinson stated that Mr. Mayer’s reasons were very 
satisfactory as far as they went: perhaps there were few so little 
affected by the proposed measure as himself, but he was none 
the less anxious that his professional brethren should enjoy such 
privileges : he then asked what probability there was that such 
a bill would pass. 
Mr. A. Cherry explained, that more than a twelvemonth ago 
a proposal was made to Mr. Henderson and himself, by Mr. 
Jago (a gentleman thoroughly conversant with parliamentary 
business) that such a bill should be presented. Owing to the 
illness of the President, the discussion and revision of the bye- 
laws, and consequent confusion of the Council, no steps could 
then be well taken in the matter; but now that the Couucil was 
in working order it was deemed expedient to bring the matter 
forwards, and the proposal was adopted. Mr. Jago had con- 
siderable influence with the House of Lords, and he promised 
his services freely in carrying the Bill through ; and Lord 
Beaumont had undertaken to present it. Taking all the cir- 
cumstances into consideration, he thought there was a fair and 
reasonable chance of the Bill being carried. 
Mr. Ernes said, if the Bill was lost, the body corporate 
would not be in a worse position than they were now ; but 
would have taken a step forwards, by bringing their claims 
before the public, and establishing a precedent for such an 
application. 
Mr. Cherry thought the country practitioners would not, as 
a body, be favourable to the Bill. 
Mr. Mayer and several other members stated that the feeling 
of both town and country members was all but unanimous in 
its favour. 
On the motion of Mr. Peech , seconded by Mr. Grover, the 
report of the Committee was adopted by the Council. 
Mr. Ernes moved “ That the Committee be requested to 
continue their labours, and to take such steps as they may 
deem advisable for the effectual promotion of the Bill now 
before Parliament.” 
Mr. Peech seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. 
