The Express. — London, England, 1853-05-28 00:00:00

its 4 b. es &awe up, and **led out confusions and r concur in that suggestion, bolievieg that the clause was 7a r m stio ntreJa•is aeveral of the clause.. It would nmesaary for the protection of the revenue. With r e gard L'. 4" ...„..,,evet thing is the world to franw . a cousolidated act. , to the appe a l, it wss nameable to suppose that as regarded f 41 ', KELLY point, out that the hg l, as it applied to , the parties themselves, the present valuation was fair, but Coat Orr,• were assessed taxes and land it was necessary to give a power of appeal to the commis lnd4 Ir a ; therefore, that it was an absurdity. ; closers, in order that the 'valuation should not be unduly CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER answered I depressed. Where, however, in consequence of such ap- Tht., * berm ti.. dune, since tiers were no peal a new valuati on wee wade, an appeal was given also to 1,. '111: ,„.. lave is bel ed. the parties. Mr NALREI:4, as an I r: , linian who would have to Colonel DUNNE asked by whom the expense of the re and. ratend the bill. valuation was to be borne ? ,on I 111 . NNE made a remark to the same effect. me !MACKE If. takisa the point of view .„I, n ,tting the unfairness to Ireland, expressed k ,.. 44 ,,...hment Inn th , tight hon. gentleman (Mr. Glad gore' s ' mid base nii , sed ins opportunity to acquire the • r ero'hrity with the *riding classes which would bars • iasple elf .rt to remedy the obnoxious machinery et t fus bill. The Wills:el down certain rules, by which the, were eketed, which gave great (Alonso. r l e b. ,ey i.e as k e d 0,,,f • nun thine satisfsctory 113911 t of elect• in should be adoptisl. Then again, with respect to t r ade, E.e bt:l att.:noted to define bow those oe se•eit. ascii alai allow.rl for, hit it did that sets SJ spin with leg ir,l to ttio question of a ppeal of which a great want wee felt in the manufacturing y oily eked tat greater facilities should be toe V. INA ht the genies h mg • Ip4scel, either to vulgar t iu. „i t' . or to the prying of rivals i..hu.incsa. If the hoe. ig emakr r.ud ion .• ,t . red to divide, ha should have divided generally , f the mercantile c ra mo• aity he Mi,ev.d that meet of the meinlv..rs representing b ,et red the le 'use, ph d,reit to the neck to procure a of the iutsome tat. Their constituents rueriky Eel relieve I them from that pledge, but the on r they had made, the more obligatory en the ebance.lor of the Exchequer to twerp away regulations, and to nit.lpte the pressure of this sort" eeieg s tax. Mr. MICHELL espreseed his belief that the Clauses re- Istiet Irelead were the se st inteiligible part of the bill. It tley snuck vat Ireland alt etether and applied the e we ,. new rainier to leeland to England they would get eel of the Commieseitiere ef 'Stamps mud Taxes altegether, thee Cenneellor ef the Exchequer would hove power to • • semi it cummisseiners, who would appoint the local see •"`• C 1,111:•••••. n. Mr. CAT LEY put the ease of an owner of lard who oe cui A einistlf, but w h o said he had made no profit for wow an d 'chained that he ought to be assessed in Les 'fleet and not en the suppese I Talmo of the laud. Woale such a e et as *het be peas heel for? Tee CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied that *person iu sues a position would som en such a (ilea be ex te e...lbis poor rater by his fellaw parishioners, and Le did act ke why he should he excused his tax to the state. Sir J. PAK 'MIMS remarked that the 41. t clause em powered persons who insured their lives to deduct 7tl. in the und OD the amount of their premium. Ilia coaetruction al its: eta'se was that is applied only to schedules D sad E• The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was applicable to an the scheuules. Mr. I. lileTT protested against this mode of legislating by u r p:iL.itios. It was impeminle for them, as the clause steel, to understand what they were enacting. If he did sot tusk it would stop the progress of public business, he ihould more that the clause be postponed. (Hear.) As Oen seemed to meet with the concurrence of the house, he lewd that the climate he eseepoi ed. The CHAIRMAN said it was soot competent for any hon. lumber to more that a eleuse be postponed. Lord J. RUSSELL *aid the hon. gentleman could not move the postponement of the clause. He could move that it he negatived, but that would destroy the wholo bill, beeeuse the purport of the clause was to re-enact all the rowers for levying the income tax, which expired on the a:h Aeril The Income Tax Act was 'my much consi dered is lele, all the clauses were gone through, and it was statee by ter It. reel at that time that he had taken into ems: leratien the provieions of Mr. l'itt's Income Tax Act, and the Income Tax Aet of 800, as framed by Lord en nville end L Lanalowne. Now Lord Grenville and Led Lmsdoene were not such bunglers as to make the thing confused. rerliement had repeatedly considered the question of the income tax ; and on these TATIOUS occasions they had contented themselves with revaseting without mueL alteration the provisions of the act of 1312. The question was, whether it was desira ble sow to go through the whole of the provisions of the act of 1813, to re-enact certain parts, to consieer and alter utter paws, and to have a new machinery altogether. Ile emetived that course would have led to the greatest public inconvenience. The Chancellor of the Exchequer could ao; well propose the budget fur the year till toe ards the tad of April. The Income Tax Act expired on the sth of April. Ile had always heard, iu 1815 and 1851, that every body concerned in the revenue department said it was of the mom importance that before the sth of July the act should be passed ; tb-it there would be great difficulty in mekint up the ho •ke and in collecting the tax if the act were not prised. Then the question arose, whether it was at better to take the act as it existed and to confirm it. There might be a queetiun—a considerable question—in the proposal made by the bon. member for Manchester. The ben. member might be right in that pr •posel, but be (lewd John Russell) thought it ou.ht to be :metaled from the main question of the renewal of the In enneetax Act. Br it observed that in the present enact ment that which Ras taken to be the foundation of it was the act for the saw ' , sod taxes, in which it was thought of great importance that the persons engaged in the assess ment of the tax shauld not be person. connected with the reeeerneet, Whether Chet was wise es ./11 Wl. • . 0 . 155 . for diseussion. Ho sea for trues saying that it was not a fair question to bring before the house. Then came the totally separate question of the act to Ireland ; but really, with regard to that question, again he did not think they should :to more than make such alterations as appeared absolutely necessary that the general powers and authori ties of the act should extend to Ireland. Taking the whole aamber of clauses in the act of 1542, and re-enacting them with regard to Ireland did not seem a very maibroms sad unnecessary provision. (Hear, hear.) If there were special provisions requires in the case of Ireland, let amendments be proposed and con sidered, but that did not seem to Lien M affect the g 1 mestion, that the most convenient way of extending this tax to Ireland was to make the general provision, and then to maks any alterations which the necessities of the case and the difference of the circumstances required. Mr. MAGUIRE considered that if the bill were ex tended to Ireland, Irish members ought to have every facility for understanding what it was they were enacting, which they had not at present. Mr. KIRK was one of the Irish members who had voted for extending this tax to Ireland, which be did under the full conviction that it was intended to take off the con solidated annuities and direct taxation from the Irish tenant farmers. By the 13th clause the tax would be levied on the tenants, and, as ho read it, they would be able to deduct from the landlord only according to the rent they paid, whereas they might base made im provements, and be assessed in the poor-law valuation at a higher sane He thought the tax ought to be levied on the landlord, and he suggested that by means of the police they could easily ascertain who were the landlords and agents of the rot. Th p e CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER admitted the importance of the question, but suggested that it should be discussed when they arrived at the 13th clause. Mr. LUCAS suggested that all mention of Ireland should be withdrawn from the bill, and that a new bill should be brought in for that country. Certainly he could not conseat to enact at one step the whole 190 clauses of the bill as re garded Ireland, and therefore he should move that the pre sent clause be omitted. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied that the object of the present clause was merely to fix the principle ; a special provision would be afterwards intro duced to provide fur the expense. After a lengthened but desultory conversation, the clause was agreed to as amended. Clause 16 was also passed, with some amendments. Clause 17 was postponed. Clauses 18, 19— Mr. MAGUIRE wanted to know on what principle trade and professions were to be valued in Ireland ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied that the same rules would apply in Ireland as existed in Eag land fur valuing incomes under Schedule D. At the $4lllO time he did not preclude himself from adopting any ina• proventont or alteration which might be suggested, GT which the p, culler circumstances of Irelausi might rend .r necessary, preserving, however, the same standard' which the law fixed as to the amount. After sonic further desultory iiiicussion on this subject, I which related to a clause that had alreod been passed, Mr. I. BUTT moved an amendment to the effect, that persons assessed under schedule 1) should be assessed by special commissioners. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that if he understood the irnendenect it involved the necessity of appointing and distributing over Ireland a high class of officers, with high pay, to perform duties which in Rag land were discharged by a different class of officers with lower pay. The assessment was nut made in England by special cumuli sinners. In Ireland it was imposed to give lam Well to the assistant barristers. Mr. BUTT said, by the 131st clause of the bill, in Eng land a trader instead of loin; assessed by the local commis sioners might make a return to the special commissioners. He only wished to give the same power in Ireland as there was England. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said, if the right in question was nut preserved in Ireland, he would Wm care that words were added to the clause for that pur pose. (Hear, hear.) The amendment vas withdrawn, and the clause agreed to. Clauses 21, 2'2, 23, and 24 were agreed te. On clause 25, Mr. BROCKLEHURST moved as amendments, in line 11, after the words t'commissiuners for," to insert the words " general or." In line 21, to strike out the word " se; " tied after the word "assessed," to insert the words "and paid for the last year, or on the average of the last *mo o years, as such commissioners as aforesaid may de ;" and in line 32, after the word "for," to it sect the wools " general or." ' The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUE4 am not see the necessity for the amendment, and thought it was ex tending the powers of local commissioners, whose authority cow caused dissatisfaction. It also altered the whole assess ment under Schedule D. Alter further conversation, the amendment was with drawn, and the clause was agreed to. On clause 26, Mr. BUTT proposed amendments to exempt incomes under 1501. from the income tax, specially in reference to clergymen. This portion of the income tax would only produce 100,0001 a year ; and such a sum was not worth the uopopu arity which would attend such au extension. Why not give up this ' and forego some of those remissions of taxes on luxuries which would benefit the rich simply ? The hon. and learned gentleman referred to the speech of Sir J. Graham on Mr. Disrael'a budget in support of his proposition. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER regretted that the hen. and learned gentleman should attempt to re-raise the whole question of the various claims of differ ent classes to exemption. With regard to clergymen, he did not see why they should be exempted, and lie assu redly did not think it would be for their interest to be exempted. If the hon. and learned gentleman was moved by compassion, why did he not propose an exemption in the case of life annuities, and in the ciao of widows with small annuities ? This was the proper answer to each a pro posal; for in attempting to make one insidious dis tinction the honourable and learned gentleman pro- voked half-a-dozen more. With regard to the general proposal, he (the Chancellor of tee Exchequer) condemned it altogether. The lion. and learned gentleman condemned this s extensi n downwards of the income tax, but he did not seem sensible that his argument went to this extent, that it was inexpedient to tax any persons except those of easy incomes; and whatever the "dangers of de mocracy," none of them could be regarded as greater than the encouragement of a principle such as that. (Hear, bear.) He (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) was satisfied that the classes to whom the income tax was to be extended, and who were aware of the intentiuns of the house, ac quiesced in that policy, finding their amount in the relief they would gain by the remissions on necessities and in the new policy involved in the duties on succession. After a few words from Mr. e rUON Ea, Mr. BUTT wished to set himself right. This amend ment; was in no way concocted with the other amendment. Whcn the right hon. gentleman charged him with seeking to obstruct the income tax by proposing groduations be tween dills-rent classes of income, it was he himself that had done that by proposing that incomes between 100/. and 150/. should pay only sd. in the pound. His (Mr. Butt's) amendment did not touch real property. The Marquis of GRANBY said he supposed that his object was it:entice! with that of the hon. and learned gen tle MU, and that they were both of them in favour of indi rect taxation, and that they were both of them de siri lel of getting rid of the income tax. But be (the Marquis of Granby) thought that the beet ' mode of doing so was to make all feel its ine quality, its pressure, and its injustice. Upon these pounds, he felt hims elf bound to vote against the amend ment. Perhaps the committee would allow him to explain a former tote that he gave. lin voted in favour of the omendmeut of the hon. member for Hertfordshire, because he did not approve of the budget. The hon. member for Montrose voted against it because he was in favour of the budget. Mr. KIRK mado an sppeal to the committee in favour of the clergymen of all p•nuasions, who he thought ought lot to bear this tax when their incomes did not exceed 1501. The committee then divided : For the amendment Against it 205-153 On the gallery being re-opened, Mr. BARROW was found addressing the committee. He was understood to complain of some injustice towards tenant farmers in the mode of assessing the income tax, and urged that they should be assessed on the same principle as landlords and tradesmen. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said if he understood the hon. gentleman's proposition aright, it was one be could not accede to. The tenant had the same privi lege as the landlord by means of the appeal that was given bins. It would not be fair, after taking his rent as a standard, that he should be allowed to make deductions. Mr. BARROW repeated his objection to the existing mode of assessment, and said it would be impossible for a farmer to prove the value of his stock at the beginning and end of a year, as a tradesman could do. After a few words from Mr. VANSITTAKT, Mr. W. MICHELL moved an amendment in line eight The committee thereupon divided— of the clause exempting the first hundred pounds of income For the class* Against it Oa clause 7. ?Deals contained in the customs resolubonr,and ridiculed the Colonel DUNNE asked whether the owners of property idea of reducing the duties on rose-water, cards, and cameos. in Ireland who were under the present law liable to the Especially he objeeted to the reduction of the duty on coc tax if they resided in England would be taxed according to eutus sndictis. If they encouraged the u-e of such a noxious the place of their residence, or according to the locality of drug and drank pale ale, they might see Death on the pale their property ? horse. (Loud laughter.) the lower classes were pressed The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that if upon by the whole of the budget—(hear, hear)—all the re the incomes were derived from land in Ireland it would missions of taxation were for the good of the wealthy, cl ef aurae be taxed in Ireland; and with respect to other eept the reduction of the tea duties. The soap remission, descriptions of property, they would be assessed according be thought, would de verylittle good for the people. residence. The et act of the bill would be to restore aim- Colonel DUNNE then moved that the chairman should plicity to what was now somewhat complicated. report progress. In answer to Mr. HAMILTON, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER suggested The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that that they should first dispose of the clause. a seearate account would be kept of the Irish income tax. The committee then divided— The clause was then agreed to. For reporting program 3l Oa clause 12 Against it l3O-99 Lord NAAS had an amendment to propose on this Lord J. RUSSELL protested against these repeated mo clause. He had great objection to the employment of poor- elms to report p and he was surprised that hon. law oSeials in the collection of this tax, and should these- members persevered with rogress, them when they saw that they fore propose that besides the present returns of the vales- were going against numbers and against reason. As there lien that were made to the poor-law guardians, separate was no prospect of getting on with the bill now, he would returns should be made to the commissioeen themselves. agree to the motion that they do report progress. Mr. BALL concurred with the noble lord in wishing to Mr. SPOONER objected to the words "against reason," see the general valuation of Ireland, which was now drawing as there was no prospect of reaching to the end of the rapidly to completion, rendered elected for fiscal purposes. clause to-night, and therefore it could not be against reason The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER reserved to report progress. tias amendment eking with the other suggestions fog future The house then resumed, and the chairman reported pro consideration. grass, and obtained leave to sit again. Mr. MAGUIRE lathed, if a whole property were of less EXCISE DUTIES ON SPIRITS BILL. value than 1001. a year, and if the tenants were rated at 11. This bill went through committee, pro forma, and was a year for poor rate, would the income tax be levied ; and, if ordered to be reprinted. so, how was the Goan; to get it back again ? REGISTRATION OF ASSURANCES BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said thetas On the motion for the second reading of this bill, the clause stood, the tax would be levied irrespective of the Mr. HATFIELD expressed a hope that the second read question is to whether the landlord waS liable or not. The log would not be pressed then, although it was intended to practice would be the same as in England—the tenant de- refer the bill to a select committee. ducting from the landlord, end leaving the latter to recover Mr. T. EGERTON said the bill had met with eon heal the cemmissionere. The hardship would not he so siderable opposition in the ciuntry, and he could not con great after all ; as, exemption once proved, there was seldom sent to the second reading, unle-s the noble lord the mem ane second application, her for the City of London would allow evidence to he The amendment was then withdrawn, and the clause taken by the committee. aeteed to. Lord J. RUSSELL had no objection to give the com- C:auses 13 and 11 were postponed. mittee power to call for papers end to take evider.ce, Clause IS, believing that they would exercise it discreetly, but The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER Paid he he could not consent to postpone the second readin.t for the proposed en addiuun to this clause, giving au appeal to the sake of discussion, as it would be much better to discuss the pence useseed. principle and details of the bill when it came down again Lad NAAS objected to the chime as giving the la- from the select committee. (Hear, hear.) land Revenue cimmisiitmen the same powers as the coca- After a few words from Mr. Saunders, Mr. I. Butt, Mr. missioners of Poor-law. O. Palmer, and Mr. Iliodley, Mr. SCULLY supported the clause.' Mr. FIRE WEN expressed a hope that the hon. gentleman, _ S'r A. BROOKE suggested th a t if a new va l ua tio n was th e mem b er for Cirencester, who took a deep interest in the found to be nee' toiry, it should take place at the expense of bill, and thoroughly understood it, would be placed on the Op government. committee. (Hear, hear.) Mr. CAIRNS ohserved that the clause iv amended would Lard J. RUSSELL promised that he should. only give the appeal in the one ease—that was where the The hill was then real a second time and ordered to be valuation was hrinw the correct amount. referred to a select committee. Mr. 0. A. HAMILTON said, one great evil in Iraind The Copyhold Bail, the Convicted Prisoners Removal was the number of valeatieus. Ile 'naught it would be and Conhnemeut Bill, and the Burgh Harbours (Seotlauil) better to adopt the peer law valuation or the valuation of I Bill, were passed through committee. the e 'cl e ha"'" si for the income tax , ad omit the elastic. Sir W. MOLESIVORTII obtained leave to bring in a The CHANCELLOR of :lit EXCiIEtiI:ER cud; cot bill to provide for the pureLse and extinguishment of cow- man and Lammas rights claimed over the site of Battersea perk... • - Sir J. Y O UNG obtained leave to bring in a bill to extend the municipal boundaries of the borough of Belfast, and to reduce the scale of rating upon certain property within the said borough. The other orders were then disposed of, sod the house adjourned at half- past one o'clock. PAIRS ON SIR W. CLAY'S MOTION.—The Lord Mayor, fur, with Mr. Alderman Cubit?, against ; Mr. Ker Stymer, for; Mr. Mosley Pellatt, against; Sir Henry Utiles, fur; Mr. hlarjoribanks, against. Mr. ehillimore'sMotion.—Kr. Batas, be; Mr. A. M. Fos, against. THE EXPRESS, SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 28, 1853. PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. HOUSE OF COMMONS—Taritsoxy, MAV 26. CHURCH RATES.—SIR W. CLAY'S AMENDMENT. Ayes, 172; Noss. 220. AYES. Adair, 11. E. 11:a - IT Hon. IL Mullin" IL R. J Aglemby, 11. A. Foley, J. 11. H. blunts, G. V. nisei, T. Fursittr, C. Murphy, F. IL Antenna, Sir J. Forster, J. Min rough, J. P. Pulley. C. For:coque, C. Norrey A., Lord Ilahur, 31. T. Fox. W. J. Crlsei, a, IL 'till, E. Gardner, R. Osborn., It. Birruni, T. • (teach. I. reitet, Lord 0. WI.. H. T. Cdr.!), T. M. Pe.ch, 11, sir G. Be tmult, W. Oh,', U. C. l',llatt, A. Bell J. Grjderich, lord l'hiiiimorc, J. G. Berkelay, lizn. H. Goordnan. Sir G. Finns, T. il!Tkeley. Hon. C. Gower, Hon. F. Fleur, F. Sithell, It. Greene. J. l'idtingta, J. Iliddulph, R. Gres i on, S. I - otter, It. lliggo, ',v. Grentall, C. W. l'i.ce W. P. Blailutt, J. F. Grey, Sir G. IL,iii:de 1, Sir J. Bland L. H, Grateoor, Lord IL Ricardo, (.) lionblasCarter, J. Iladflcbl, G. ktubartea, T. J. A. llouverie. lion. E. IlalL Sir IL Itu4scll, E. C.ll. Bowyer, O. Daimler, Sir J. Baeicir..l. 150)1e. Hon. C. 1 laiiie, A. SchoktlelJ, W. Brady. J. Ilast le, A. Fe, bell, i uptain Brand, Hon. H. Ileadlatn, T. F. Scully, F. ilrigt.t, J. Mr yetutd, J. Seymour, 11. D. llr eklehurid. J. Ikyworth, I. • Seymour, W. U. Broth:ruin, J. Ilindliy, C. Shell. y, sir J. V. Mown, W. lloward, lion. C. shut tom), lt. B. bulkeley, sir B. Dome, J. Smith, J. B. Envier, C. S. Hutch n+, E. .J. slutql, 31. T. By ng, nun. G. 11. ilea, W. South, IL V. C ,eindish,C. Keating, 11. 9. Strickland, Sir G. Chambers, M. Kennedy, T. Strutt, E. Chamber., T. Keogh, W. Stoat, Lord D. t haplin, W. J. Kershaw, J. Sullivan, M. Cneetiiiim, J. Sing, Hon. P. J. Swift, H. C.iiird, 11. 11. Kinnaird, lion. A. Talbot, C. R.ll. i obliett, J. M. Langston, J. 11. littered, H. W. Cobden, K. Langton, 11. G. Thieknesse, It. Coffin, W. Laslett, W. Thompson, G. Colin r, It. I'. Lyard, A. U. Tarnuely, T. Craulurd, E. IL J. Lee, W. Townciey, C. Crurely. E. Lowe, It. Vivian, J. 11. Currie, It. Lucas, V. Vivian 11. U. Dashwcod, Sir G. 11. M'Cann, J. Wall, C. B. Direct, E. M`Oregor. L Wellesley. 81: J. Duffy, C.O. 11 agaire J. k'. V arner, E. J Doke, Sir J. Martin, J. Whalley, 0. IL Mann, G. Massey, W. N. Wilkinson. W. Dune:nits, T. Meagher, T. Willcox, U. WO. the top. A. M. Wall, E. Williams, W. Ellice, Z. Alilligi,n, B. Ninningtoo, Sir T. E Ellice, IL Mills, T. Wise, A. Esmonde, J. Mituer, W. H. Wyvili, M. Ewan, W. Mitchell, T. A. Fergus, J. Moffatt, 0. TILLtU. Ferguson, J. Mul,swortb, Sir W. Clay, Sir W. Fitrgerald, J. D. Morris, D. Pets, IL M. Fitzgerald, Sir J. Mostyn, Don. E. -- - - - - - NOES. Acland, Sir T. D. Graham, sir J. A'rourt, C. H. W. Graham, Lord 11. Adderley, C. B. Granby, Marquis An ithall, Capt. Greases, E. Arkweght. U. Greetia, G. Atherton, W. Greene, 'E. Barge, W. Grogan, E. Moths, G. Grosvenor, Earl Baring, Sir F. T. Guernsey, Lord Haring, T. Gwen, 11. Barrington, Lord Male, it. B. Barrow, W.M. balmy, T. P. rennet, P. Hamilton, G. A. tknunck, G. W. limibury, lion. C. Blair, OA. Ilideourt, 0.0. Boldero, Col. Ilatoourt, Colonel Booker, T. W. Harding., Ilea. C. iisoils„ Sir R. O. Hayes, Sir E. Brame's', T. W. liesthcote. Sir G. Brikko.an, E. U. lint:Leo:o, G. U. Brooke, Sir A. 'tentage, G. H. Brier, Lord E. Ilene age, G. E. Bruce, li. A. Berber; I. Buck, L. W. Hervey, Lord A. huller. Sir J. T. Itildyard, B. C. Bulthley, Lord llothatir, Lord Burrourbes, IL 11w/her, W. 11. Butt, 1. Hume. W. E. Cairns, 11. MT. IngSam, B. Campbell, Sir A. Ihglia, Sir It. H. Cardwell, E. Jerinyn, Earl Caveadish, G. Johnstone, Sir J. Cal ky, E. S. Julilfe, Sir W. Charter* lion. F. .101141., (lAA Chel.ea, Lord Jones, IL Cholmondeky, Lord Kelly, Sir P. Chrtstophen B. Kendall, N. Clive, IL 11. Kingscota, R. N. Cite, IL Kirk, W. Co °4b c b kt d i. S. J. C. Koatchbull, W. 'Weider, R. Coles, IL B. Lae -n, Sir E— CM'S., C. R. Lane, R. M. Coot., Sir C. U. Langton, W. G. Corry, M. L. lawhy, lion. F. C mt.'', Son. W. Lennon, Lord It. D..vies, D. A. S. Lewistrare, Lord Dosieort, It. Lidded, 11 .0. Dent, J. D. Lindsay, Hon. Col. Wring, Slr E. Laellairt, W. Disraeli, B. Long, W. Duckworth, Sir J.T.B. Lorene, Lord East, SirJ. B. Lowther, lion. CoL Egerton, sir P. Lytton, Sir U. l: Eamon, W. T. Macartnil, U. Eater:on, E. C. Mackie, J. Eliot, Ilan. J. E. Maellregoe. J. koston, Earl Markkek, Sir 11. Farnham, E. B. Manners, Lord G. Ferrer, J. Manners, Lord J. Veil ores, E. Mastennan, J. Eergnsor, Sir R. Maxwell, Boa J. Fitzgerald, W. R. Km. Sir U. Foyer, J. Ma" W. VoLett, B. 8. Wok" W. Forester, Colonel lilarmlolf. J. Forster, air O. =lpTer . L. 81: G. ere.ren, C. U. Gallway, ti 4 W. iiiiiipa, C. R. Galway, Lord allawly, W. (i.orge, J. Nam, Lord Gladstone, W. Newark, Lord Gladstone, Capt. Newdegate, C. Goddard, A. L. Noel, lion. G. J. Couch, Sir E. S. North, Col. Oakes, J. 11. P. Oannston, Load Paget, Lord A. Palc•ngton, Mr J. Palmer, IL Palmerston. Lotd Parker. H. T. Peel, Sir B. .. .... _ Peel, F. Peel Co. Pendant. Col. Percy, Hon. J. Philippe. J. 11. Philhmore, R. J. Portal, U. Portman, Hon. W. Pritchard, J. Itepton, G. Itouti, P. P. Blt, P. Rumbold, C. E. Rowell, Lord John Rumen, P. W. bondare, 0. Saw e, C. B. 0. Beah..ra, Lord Berner. 11. K. Seymour Lord Mullin, Sir W. Smith W. 11. - 1;1 t, A. WrbCriel, - (Tapt. Sotherco, T. LI. S. Bomar', R. Stafford, A. Stafford, Morqub staabope, J. b. Stab:ey, Lord litephirison. It. !tirlirky. State, H. Tayl ir, Col. T. Sir P. Tolleinacho, J. Tro!lope, Sir J. Turner, C. Tyler, Sir O. Vance, J. Vane, Lord A. Vansittart, U. Vivian, ',IL_ Vyvyan, PAT R. W.A.Wagtoe, H. Walcott, Admiral WalPek, R. H. Walter. J. West, P.B Wbatmaska. 8. Whitman, H. Wickham, H. Wigras, L T. Wood, bir C. %coda, B. T. Wortley, J. B. Wrightson, W. yudham, General Wynne, W. W. Yorke, Non. E. Young, Sir J. TgLLEU. Ilayter, W. U. Berke:4y, G. ELECTION EXPOSURES. HULL BRIBERY COMMISSION. YESIZIWAY. Thomas Wilde, the principal acting agent of the orange party for the last fourteen or fifteen yeah, stated that he bad attended to the registration for that party. Had paid the expenses incurred for this purpose. Ile re ceived the money from Mr. Clay, the late member. Di 4 not know that any one received payment for attending the registration court. In the four years ending 1831 the cost for registration was from 301. to 331. At the election of 1941, many who were registered as liberals voted on the caltr side, in consequence of the money which was flying about. The tories bad more money at command than the other party. It had been the practice for both parties to be at the expense of taking up freedoms. In 1839, as many as 136 were thus taken up. It cost the orange party 2001. The money was provided from the office of Mr. Galloway, but where he obtained it witness did not know. In 1841 Mr. Clay and Colonel Thompson were the orange candidates. Witness was on Thompson 's committee. The money passed through the heads of the secretary, Duffield . Colonel Thompson was his own treasurer. He repudiated the system of baying freedoms, and the expenses of the candidates were kept entirely separate. In 1847, Baines, Clay, and Brown, were the candidates. Witness first in terested himself for Brown, but left in disgust on being offered 504. by ono of the party. At this election, witness paid 5,54. to colounnen ; also paid some out-voters 11. le. each on the part of Mr. Clay, and sent them to Mr. Alderman Gresham, that they might get money on behalf of Mr. Baines. In 1841 there was a payiog room," the entrance being up a passage, where there was a door with a hole in it. A Mrs. hopper, the landlady of the house, did bashien for the tories ; and on pay day after the election, when a voter had to receive 11., he knocked at the door once, and Mrs. Hopper dropped the money through the hole. The knocks by one party had gone so far u three. Mr. Baines's election cost 2,0001., and Mr. Clay's from 1,5011. to 2,0001. Had heard that it cost Mr. Brown 4,00 W. At the last election there were 436 voters who had been set down by the orange party as run ners, of whom only 70 had been actually employed as me.- gangers. The examination of the witness was being continued when our report we. despatched. A DISTRICT OF COUNTRY FIRED.—On Sunday morning last a portion of the Morne range of mountains between Rathfriland and Kilkeel, County Down, was ob served to be on fire. The eircumatarice did not at first excite much attention ; but as the day advanced it was found the conflagration was spreading and acquiring new strength every hour, the people thought it high time to endeavour to arrest its further progress. A large number of people aesembled, and did everything they could to extinguish the flamer, but with no effect. Towards evening, on the same ilay, the fire became so formidable that the blaze might be seen from any part of the country for miles round ; and it was observable from the eminence near this town. The de -1 stroyin4 element continued to rage with great fury through out Monday and a part of Tuesday, extending every moment until a large district, comprising some three or forte miles, was destroyed by the ravages of the flames. The origin of the fire iv attributed to the fact that some MI n, who had br en engaged on Saturday cutting turf, lit a fire on the bog, which they did not take the precaution of putting out in the evening, when leaving off work. In the course of Saturday' night, some cinders of the fire were comcoun;cated to the heath end furze by the wind, which led to the result. — Newry Megraph. A Map BULL.—On Tuesday morning last, a bull kept on the tarn of Mr. Miller. of Suriniogweli, nest Abingdon, savagely attacked two horses in the straw•yard, oae of which he so dreadfully gored that it died almost directly, and the other was so much injured that it was obliged to be killed — Wiltshire I..dependoa. Cite eV;iregg• TO CORItBSPONDENTB. „eeoud Edition .4” Tbe Expire," emulsion the urns rusk gre "Or:tette," ie pobthdied every Tuiday and Friday .ight, to Use for port. & Iveittlernltht, intended foe " The Tourers," Leitrim eversion paper, snot I , e at the (Mien, 10, Boueeete-etnet. by Two o'otock on lb. by of publicaUco. HIGH WATER AT LONDON ERIDOR. TAN Ihs—Magntar. 5,, S 3. .Aftercoon. taw. Tisuasew—lioralag. Aftenspoi. rim. LONDON, SATURDAY .31AY 28. TIE Royal Agricultural Society held its general meeting, the other day, iu tine spirits, it appears : and truly the report shows reason for fine spirits. Its " practical objects are prospering. It sets con ferences going iu all parts of the kingdom—and the experience of individuals is thus made wisdom to the body of agriculturists. Its capital is augment ing, and so are its numbers. Agricultural im provers are joining, as fast as they have any im provement to impart ; and finally, the number of new members elected into the Society during the last five months is nearly equal to the total number of those elected during the whole of the previous year." This is excellent. This is good news for every body ; for there is nobody, from the WARN down to the workhouse child, who is not deeply interested in the welfare of agriculture. Amidst the prevailing prosperity of the nation, there is no one particular of such high importance as the rising fortunes of the tillers of the soil. When we say that it is our firm conviction that those fortunes will continue to rise, we are looking further than the prospects of any one season,—further than the effects of any improve ment as yet instituted,—further even than the far extended benefits resulting from free-trade. We are looking forward to the natural course by which per fection is reached in all paths of human pursuits, the development of the science by which alone any art can be carried to its highest perfection. It is an axiom of philosophers, that all Science is originated by its corresponding Art. Thus has it ever been, beginning with the most abstract science of all, mathematics, and proceeding through all that are as yet less perfect; and then ensues the reverse process, of the theory improving the practice. Mathe matics arose from the pains men took in measuring spaces and times; and when the laws were made clear, a rich harvest of practical results ensued ; and, ' as CONDORCET observed about its effect on naviga tion, the sailor, who steers clear of a reef by his ob servation of the longitude, owes his life to a mathe matical theory ascertained two thousand years before by old Greeks, who were thinking only of conic sec tions. There are several sciences concerned in the promotion of Agriculture; and one of them, meteoro logy, is the obscurest of which we have any know ledge, while it is of the highest importance of all to the farmer. Nobody doubts that there are natural laws at work in meteorology, as everywhere else in the universe ; and that our uncertainty about wea ther arises wholly from our own ignorance—just as the terror about eclipses did in the old days, when they were supposed to be accidents or mysterious signs. We predict eclipses now, and are never wrong about them ; and the time will come when a future generation may know beforehand when a wet or dry season is coming, and even when high winds or thunderstorms may be looked for, and what week will be safest for hay-making or harvesting. Farm ing will be comparatively easy and safe work in those days ; and farmers may now do something to wards bringing on those days. Men of science have begun the work. There are stations in various parts of the world, in various latitudes, amidst various climates, where observations of the weather aro taken, to be compared, and made to yield some result of knowledge. But the science will disclose itself faster if the art lends its assistance; and the farmers of the present day may be useful allies of the philosophers, if they will, probably for their own speedy benefit, and cer tainly for that of their children's children. And the organ of this assistance should be the Royal Agricul tural Society. The grumbling of the farmers about weather used to be a standing joke half a century ago. While the tradesman was daily sinking in his fortunes from the pressure of the war, and the farmers were selling their wheat at 1139. Ild. per quarter, living bounti fully, and driving about gaily in their gigs, it was asked whether a farmer was ever known to be satis fied with the weather; and the tradesman who had not much to smile about, used to laugh at the eternal grumbling about too much sunshine or too much rain. The tradesman was not aware, perhaps, how trying it really is to a man to sit helplessly by, at the mercy of the clouds, and see his young corn under water, or hia green fields turning bro en ander a reaming sun. And the farmer did not for his part dream of preventing the mischief by science and skill. Indeed, those were the days when the farmers had their own joke against Sir IitaIPHRET DAVY and other philosophers who recommended them to manure their fields. It was only in 1800 that bone manure was first applied; and the farmers called it all nonsense. Tho sons of those men may in some cases be less rich in purse, bat far richer in sense and knowledge. This last report of the Royal Agricultural Society declares that their first practical object—their "first direct investigation "—at pre sent is into "chemical action in reference to animal, vegetable, and mineral matter :" and no small num ber of the farmers of Great Britain are, from year to year, bidding a bolder defiance to the caprices of weather by improved agricultural skill. They have discovered that thorough drainage is as good a defence against drought as against rain ? that land which is baked after having been soaked is a mischief which there is no need to put up with any longer, after it has once been found that when water percolates, instead of being stagnant, it leaves the soil in a state so friable as to bear a good deal of heat. Then, again, there is the resource of irriga tionlof which the Society's jourcals afford so inter esting an account, and in which we may succeed as well as the people of Lombardy, if we choose to set about it properly. Whenever we have taken mea sures, all over the kingdom, for ridding ourselves of water when there is too much rain, and supplying it when there is too little, we shall have done something towards compensating for our ignorance of the causes of the weather. And no one who studies the history of human knowledge will deny the probability that the ignorance itself will give way before such efforts to meet its consequences. But there is another direction in which agricultural art mast be pro moted, which ought to be, but is not, attended to by the Agricultural Society. It has recently, by its Council, thrown impediments in the way of the greatest assistance ever offered to the art of tillage, and the prosperity of the cultivator. The Govern ment is seriously meditating a scheme for giving us returns of agricultural statistics; and the Society does not appear to be thinking about it at all. Its Council refused to aid the Government in the pro ject; and we see no reference to anything of the sort in the abstract of their Report. It is really astonishing that we should go on working in the desk, when light is offered us. The best-informed ion can but guess at what it is all-important for us to know as to agricultural facts ; and their guesses are worth next to nothing at all. For instance, ARTIIDR YOUNG published his conjec tures about the quantity of corn of all kinds grown in England above eighty years ago; and the most eminent observers now, driven to guessing, tell us their guesses, from which it would appear that we now grow two millions of quarters of corn less than we did in 1770. Nobody believes this; and there is no occasion to believe it ; for we have no real evi dence to proceed upon. We know nothing about the extent of cultivated land in England later than 1827, %hen a survey was made by CODLING ; and that re-' turn is nearly useless now, because nobody knows how much of the corn land of that day is pasture , now, nor how much then returned as wild has been' brought under tillage. This is bad enough—not to ' have the least idea how much of the nation's food is, on the average, grown at home; but there is rine- thing worse, which has a more immediate relation to what we have been saying. For want of regular and complete returns at short periods, we can form no judgment of the effect of weather on produce. We are accustomed to suppose, without having much reason to give, that the average yield of wheat in England is 32 bushels per acre. Mr. CA:RD, after extensive and careful observation, believes it to be 20 bushels. Such a difference, added to our ignor ante of the amount of wheat-growing acres, is suffi ciently baffling to statesmen and to prudent pro ducers; but then comes in the consideration of vary ing seasons. There may be a difference of ten bushels per acre, according to the goodness or badness of the season, to say notliing of the difference in the yield of the grain from the Fame influences, which may raise or depress the balance by three or four bushels more. A fourth part of our feud, and of that of our stock, is thus in question ; and we do not trouble ourselves to learn our fate in any year, or our pros pects for any number of years. Now, it we had complete and frequent statistical returns, it would be easy to compare the natural features of any loca lity, its management, and ifs varying production, according to circumstances, with the meteorological observations now constantly kept up by scientific observers; and it will bo against all human expe rience, and against the very nature of the human mind, if some light does not, sooner or later, arise from such a comparison, to guide us to those secrets of science which we want, and which we know to exist, if we could but get at them. Every one of these secrets wi'l be, as its lowest use, a mine of wealth to the farmer. The alchemist worked for him once, and the fruit is the whole range of manures, which he is only just beginning to use. The mechanician worked for him once, and he has the benefit in the perfection of his imple ments. The physiologist has been working for him of late years ; and the result appears in the vast int provemeut of his live stock. Now, the meteorolo gist is working for him ; and it is rational to antici pate a harvest in that direction too; and it will probably arise through a scientific forecast about the seasons and their change. Ile may as well do his part towards a work arid, h will be such a blessing to his order, whether lie may live to see it or not. And his first step should be to Ming over the Royal Agri cultural Sucitay to the aid of Liovernment, with such assistance as it call give—such assistance, that is, as can be gisea by no other body in the country. Mr. CARDWELL recently announced that a begin ning has been made in England. In Ireland, the work goes on well by means of the constabulary organisation. In Scotland, the agricultural Societies are wiser than our grout English one, and are gather. ing materials with all diligence. In England, two counties are in course of exploration by means of Poor law organisation. Mr. Canimet.t. hopes that the results will induce an extension of the plan, and indeed we hope for a complete plan, whatever may be the result of this partial effort ; for, glad as we are of any information, it is evident that, in this particular case, the chief part of the benefit is de rivable only from the completeness of the contem- 1 porary returns. FRANCE. PARIS, FRIDAY EVENING. The Moititeur of to-day contains the following announcement: " Intelligence from Constantinople up to the 19th May has been received by the government. Prince Menchikoff had not yet taken hit departure, although his official correspondence with the Porte had ceased, the Divan refusing to admit his proposi tions in the terms in which they had been couched. The general opinion, however, was, that the means of negotiation were not entirely closed." The note in the ifoniteur on the Turkish question was very favourably received at the Rowse to•day. The disposition to believe that in some way or other the mission of Prince Mensulnkoff will come to an end without leading to war is so universal that any plaus ible suggestion of a probable peaceful solution is readily accepted. Under the influence of this feeling ready credence has been given to a statement in a journal of very doubtful veracity, the Pubis, that a new envoy would be sent to Constantinople to replace Nlenschiltuff with instructions to renew negotiations upon a fresh basis. This idea tallies adikirably with a ;ot attributed to M. Thiers, that the only reel difficulty in the business was the difficulty for Russia to invent a mode of making an honourable retreat. If the news be true nothing will be more simple than for Russia, foiled in her attempt to bully Turkey, to instruct a new plenipotentiary to make such demands as she knows beforehand will be accepted. The Assemble Na tionale, which may bo considered the Russian organ of the Paris press, takes great pains to shew that from the beginning Nicholas has never had the slightest intention of provoking a collision with the European powers. This journal avers that no poli tical man in Europe has any fear of seeing war ensue from the mission of the Prince, and that there is no information worthy of being relied upon that the Russian envoy has ever laid before the Divan a eaves bell. His attitude and threatening language have often been talked of, but nobody says in what the threats consisted, and they cannot be very serious, it, according to an accredited version,' Prince Mensehikoff was merely charged to declare' that the Emperor Nicholas would see with regret that the demands relative to the Protectorate of the Greeks were not admitted by the Porte. The Assemble, moreover, confirms the idea of the Patrie, that Menschikoff's proceedings may be disavowed It says " The Russian cabinet cannot, any more than any other government under similar cir cumstances, be bound by the diplomatist by whom it is represented beyond its original intention and will." All this looks like prepara tion for a reculade in duo diplomatic form. The general impression in the public mind was so favour able that the Bourse presented a marked contrast to that of the last three or four days. From the be ginning to the end all was animation. Orders to' buy came in to the parquet fast and thick, and the 'I upward movement, in spite of occasional checks from realizations of profits, went on steadily to the close. The Three per Cent. Itentes maintained an advance of nearly three-quarters per cent. upon yester day's closing prices. But while I write, and while I hear the authorised hawkers that sell the " Ceara Authentique " on the boulevards proclaiming the " rise at the Bourse," I am informed that after Bourse hours a panic took place in the coulisse, under the influence of which the Three per Cents. fell 70 centimes. The reason assigned for this is a rumour that the Russian am bassador has gone to St. Cloud to-day to demand explanations from the Emperor relative to a report from London that M. Delacour had sent orders to the French fleet to sail for the Dardanelles. It was also said that the English funds were much lower to-day. The government has submitted to a defeat in the matter of the bill for reviving the political guillotine. The Council of State has accepted amendments pro posed by the committee of the Cirps Legislatif, which strike out of the bill all the clauses which affix the punishment of death to offences that can with any accuracy be termed political. TURKEY. Reliable despatches from Constantinople state that Prince Nlenchikoff had not left Constantinople (nor Buyukdere) on the 19th inst, Reachid Pacha, on assuming office, requested of Prince Menchikoff a delay of six days. Menchikoff refused, and declared diplomatic relations broken off adding that he would remain in Constantinople three days to make the ne cessary preparations for his departure, and exhorting the Porte to profit by the short time he should be de tained. A despatch dated Constantinople, May 19, states that on the Fith a meeting of the Divan was held, when it was definitively resolvel that the convec tion, as proposed by Prince Menchikoff, could not I be accepted. Nevertheless, on this being notified to Prince Mcnchikoff, he did not quit Cotstanti- I nople. The following telegraphic despatch, dated Vienna, Thursday evening, was published yesterday by a coittempor.:ly : ' " Prince Nlenchikoff and hie suite have le:1 Con stantinople. Russian subjects at Constantino2le are placed under the protection of the Danish Ambassa dor. The French fleet is said to have received per- l i mission to pass the Dardanelles." I As a statement of news this despatch is in every ' way detective. When did Pi ince Menchikeff leave ; Constantinople? Why should th:. proteet:on of I Russian subjects be committed to the Danis4 Am bassador ou the withdrawment of Prince Menclii koff, seeing that the prince was never eliargs.:l with that duty? or has M. Ozeroff and the permanent embassy, which farms no part of P.inoe Menehi koff's suite, been also wittulrrw:.? It would have been satisfactory to know kw.; this despatch reached Vienna. Did it come thre - agh SemErt or fro= Ttieste, where more unfounded statements have originatrd and been telegraphed than from any other point in Europe ? Lastly what is meant by "leaving Constantino ple ?" This question is not so superfluous as may at first sight appear. In the same column with thu dateless telegraphic despatch the contemporary re ferred to prints the following from its Paris corres pondent: "'The information I communicated yesterday morn ing of Prince Menoliikors departure from Constan tinople on the 14th is confirmed. Ile proceeded to Buyukdere, about ten miles I believe from Constan tinople, where some of the diplomatic corps hovo their country houses during the heat of suanner." Has Prince Nlenchikotf really left Constantiiioplo or only retired once more to ItuyukdLre? THE CAPE MAILS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) (mon oz:r.. OWN CORREtSPO)4I.IENT.) PLYMOUTH, SATURDAY MORNING. The Bosphorus, mail steamer, arrived here this morning at 8. 30. She left the Cape, April 21; St. Helena, Aped i 0; and St. Vincent, May 13. On her way home she experienced a heavy north-easterly gale of three days duration,commencing on Saturday I ist. She brings 22 passengers. The mails are in eliarge of Captain Benson, the commander of tho strainer. They were landed and forwarded this morning. 'f be Lady Jocelyn arrived at the Cape from Ply mouth on the 21st of April. The. Sarah Sands left the Cape 11 days before tho Bosphorus, and it was thought that she wee seen yesterday. Her Majesty's ship Harlequin kft St. Helena for the Bights on the 28th of April. The Alfred, East hidiaman, arrived nt St. Melia, 21st, on her voyage home. The Trafalgar, fedi-man, left the Cape fur England, April 19. The Quo), Indianian, arrived at the Cape, April 20, honk Cal cutta. The l'rince of Wales was working into tl:o bay as the Bisnhorus left. The peace definitely proclaimed by the governor has become inure populsr at the Cape, and !.comics to fulfil the hopes of the colonists at large. Ttto Governor holds head-quarters at Graham's Town, making occasional visits to the Port, where, as far as can be learned, he finds all right. The commissioners are holding an open imetiga don into the past and present condition of the Kat River settlement. The people are looking anxiously for , the constitution. Vbe Cour t. OSBORNE, Faln.yr. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accotnimnicd by the Prince of Wales, the Princess Rapid, Printe Atfrea Prince Arthur, the Princes:es Alice, fielena, and Lluisa, and the infant Prince, left Osborne, fcr Laudon, at tiro minutes before 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The Royal suite consisted of the Viscountess Jocelyn, the lien. Mary Butted, Cul. the lion. C. B. Phipps, Colonel tke lion. Charles Grey, Liaux-Colonel the lion. A. Gor don, the Master of the Household, and Mr. Giliis. Her Majesty and the Itlyal party emharked at Cowes in the Fairy steam•yacht, commanded by Lord Adulptus Fitzelareuce, cros•td to Gosport and travelled by a special train on the London and South Western Railway to tho new station at Vauxhall, proceeding from the station in several of the Queen's carriages, escorted by a detachment of the 13th Light Dragoons to Buckingham-palace, wheto the august party arrived at 10 minutes before 7 o'el.alt. The Queen and the Prince were received at the P..1:c0 by the Duke of Norfolk, :he Marquis of Breatialbane, fold Ernest Bruce, Earl Somers, Sir Edward Bowater, ant: CA. 11 - )•lde. Tite Duchess of Kent visited the Duchess of Cambritlgo yesterday, at her residence iu St. Jamex's-pr lace. A deputation from the Univetety of London, corvisting of the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Sir Jame. Clark, Sa Stephen Love Ilemmick, Mr. Warburton, and Dr. 13::::i t r, had an interview with Viscount Palmerston yew rday thu Home-office. A deputation from the City Terminus Company, con siring of Mr. Ayrtou (chairman), 111essrs. Laurenco, Virtue, White, Helaine, Luca , . Ilague, Tyler, and Sheriff Croll (directors), Mr. Burchell ' (iolicitur), Mr. Sidney Smith (secretary), and Mr. Charles Pearson (projector), and a deputation from the Improvement Committee of the Corporation of London, consisting ut Mr. 'f. li. Hall (chair man), Mr. Alderman Cubist, M.P., Mr. Deputy Coraey, Mr. Deputy Daimon, Mr. 11. L. Taylor, Mr. 11. Dialte, Mr. Jas. M Barnard, the City Reinembrancer, and Mr. Bunning (City architect), had an interview with the It Hon. E. Cardwell, accompanied by Viscount PalmerstfA, Sir William Moleswortb, and Viacouut Canning ye.tcriLy at the Board of Trade. A deputation of Scotch distillers, consisting of Mert-rs.. Cheeks Gray, John Ramsay, Jul :n Haig, John Bald, A Corkinda!e, John C. Graham, and James Stowatt, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Excluquer ycstcrday at his official residence in Downing -street. Mr. Juba Wood, chairman of the Board of Inlani :entre, wrs pre sent at the interview. A deputation of the membPrs of the I'l..l73ll2cent:cal Society of Great Britain and Mr. C. 11. Colitt:e (ol.citor) had an interview with Viscount Palmerston ycsitrday at the llorne.c,ffice. Mr. Hunter, Sheriff of Butcshire, and Mr. Mntirmerio Betl, Sheriffof Kincardineshire, Commitshiners of Northern Lighthouses, had an interview with the Right Htn. E. Cardwell yesterday at the Board of Trade. A deputation, consisting of the Right Hon. the Recorder, M.P., Sir James Duke, Bart., M P., Mr. Attic-man Cubitr, and the City Remembrancer, bad an interview with Vis count Palmerston yesterday at the Home•nffce. A deputation appointed at a public inett'ua of burgesses and ratepayers of Birmingham, consisting of Ccunc.llors Joseph Allday, Turner, and Hale, and 'Mr. J. W. Cutkr, vestry clerk, to present a memorial on tha discipline c•f the borough gaol, bad an interview uith Viscount Palmcrston. at the Home-office yesterday. The deputation was intro duced by Mr. Richard Spooner, Mr. 0. F. Aunts, M.P., and Mr. thsholefield, M.P. Earl Fortescue had an interview with Viscount Pa!"ner ston yesterday at the Home-office. DEPARTURE OF THE COURT PROM OSBORNE. PORTSMOUTH, MAY n. Her Majesty, his Royal Highness Prince Albert. and the court, left Osborne this afternoon, at 10 minutes to 3 o'clock, and, having embarked on thew Fairy, royal steam tender, Captain Crispin, came cvcr to this port, en route to London. Commodore Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence was on board the Fairy. There were no ships at Spithead to salute the royal standard on this occasion, the only vessel there being the Banshee steam-vessel. Tho Platform Battery, however, fired a royal salute cri the ' Fairy's approach, as did also the Victory, Neptui e, and Blenheim, in harbour. The crews of these ship, also dressed in colours and manned yards, and heartq cheered her Majesty as she passed. The Fairy arrived alongside the Clarence Yard at five minutes past tour, st here her Majesty on alighting was received by the Commander-in- Chief, Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Cochrane, ; the Lieutenant-Governor, Major-General Simpson; Admiral- Superintendent Faashawe, Rear- Admi•al Johnstone, Col.- Commandant Menefee, K. 11., R.M., Aide de-camp to the Queen ; the flag•oflteers of the staff and port, and a guard of honour from the Slith Connaught Rangers, with the band of that regiment. At 4.12 p.m. the royal train was in motion for Londcn. EXPLOSION AND LOSS OF LIFE. LOUTH, MAY 26.—An explosion of a most alarm ing character took place in the vicinity of this town login.- day morning, which resulted in the death of a Mr. John Matthew Barnett, a young operative chemist, of much pro mise, and manufacturer of an improved fog signal for rail ways. His factory was in filaiden-row, of this place, and it apppears that he had received an order from the Din casltire and Yorkshire Railway Company for several gross of " Nelthorpe and Barnett's fog-signals." Ho proceeded to the shed about seven o'clock, and having tint d acme 60 of them, he went to breakfast He returned about twenty minutes past nine, and in about ten minutes the explosion took place, which shook the whole neighbourhood. The factory was blown up, and the fragments hurled in all directions, and the unfortunate decessed was dircovered in a frightfully mutilated state. Ile bad been cxyosr d appa ; rently to the full force of the shriek. Notwith standing the fearful character of the irjurip, the - - poor eiviature was found to be living. . He . wee heard just to articulate, " Oh, take me away. Lord have mercy on me ! Oh, take me away !" but Lis suffer ings were speedily terminated, 33 in a few minutes he ex pired. A melt was ()unit in the hand of the uafortunate man, and it was thought that he had been tapping with it, p re d mi tily putting on the covers of the small eirctear tin easel of det diating powder. At the coroner's inquest, Mr. j,,fio Nelthorpe, chemist, was examined. He said that the deceased wasoften experimenting; and, from the circum stance of his haviug a well in his baud, he at first supposed that the cause of hi- death 1343 probably owing to the man ner he might be putting on the lids of the signals; but witness now thought it was more likey that deceased was trying the strength of the dry pnwd:r composition, by sttikiiie a small portion of it on iron, anti a train of scattered pastiche ignited the whole stock in the place, and rrriduced the explosion. A little boy, about 7 years of apc,had just hem sent out by the deceased to get some pims of iron mi.:n..l Ifor the work A hen the accident happeneil,aud the little Je, ow escaped. A verdict of " Accidental death ' . was rettit-tA . by the jury.