It has been the writer’s duty in another work to advocate the cause of the holders of unclaimed dividends. The unfairness with which they are treated is neither to be palliated nor justified. The eagerness and anxiety of government to obtain money is too often gratified at the expense of morality; and it is thus with the unclaimed dividends. Every difficulty is thrown in the way of the public; and, though the above act distinctly ordains that, _immediately after the transfer, the names, residences, descriptions, and amount shall be kept open for inspection at the Bank_, it is useless for the public to apply, as they are politely, but peremptorily, refused all information. It is only fair to conclude that this is at the instance of government, as the Bank receive no benefit from their violation of the act of Parliament. It is not often that the repudiation of a dividend causes a rise in the price of the stock; such, however, was the case in a loan of five millions to Austria, the interest of which was to be remitted by the Emperor. Shortly before it became due, intelligence arrived that Austria was unable to meet the claim. The stock at once rose two per cent., as it was known that the faith of England was pledged to the fundholder, and that henceforth the interest must be provided by the English government. A laudable endeavour was made in 1821 to abolish the system of gambling known as options; and, after a serious consideration, the committee of the Stock Exchange resolved, that any member guilty of the practice should be expelled the house. It was soon found that rules are more easily made than followed; and a powerful opposition was organized, in which the Hebrew party took the lead. Large sums were subscribed towards the erection of a new building; and the schism grew so serious, and numbered such important parties in its ranks, that the committee deemed it wise to make an amicable arrangement, and abandon the resolution they had so hastily made. Up to 1822, the Royal Exchange was the theatre in which business in the foreign funds was transacted. When, however, this business became a feature of sufficient importance, a foreign Stock Exchange was formed in connection with Capel Court. A very important question became mooted concerning these loans. On several occasions, when bargains for time were made, and the loser refused to pay his differences, the broker made them good, believing his principal was not liable under the act of Sir John Barnard. At last the question was legally argued; and it was ascertained from the decision of several judges, that the provisions of the above act did not extend to loans for foreign countries.