The Express. — London, England, 1853-12-21 00:00:00

b 1.1"' ias t a am Bethnal-proem, sad therefore he might tu be robbed of say part of his income. Nu (*Hyatt. HILL thought that the church property .ht to twi applied to the hal:ding of churches for the rut' an d that aa there was an ample fund arising from that so ft'e to the parish, It ought to be applied to that object. Hs Nair not join in the praises of the liberality of the dot,p of London fir giving an occasional MN. for build sow church out of an immure of 10,6001. raised in the M r h, and o il of which ought to be spent in the parish. Thee t. had been said, he had gives sites for acw churches, m a i. w as only giving what cwt him aotlsing—be gave • won of the church lands. He quite agreed in the a p h osdavet proposed by Sir J.ehtia Walmslay—that they 4.11:d sapend ao more money is building sew churches without as appeal to the ratepayers. The Cm at 11WiltIsEN said the Bishop of London hail Issmfritid the greatest interest in promoting the building of churches in the parish, and had liberally subscribed to them ir had given sites for the churches. The bishop was ~,to of the pariah, and it was in Ors capacity that he was - - putted tntlu church revenues. lie ought, therefure, to be i jaded of not as bishop but u rector. Ilse Cm %MOAN wished, before they pa:weeded as a vote. so 'seism sane wren in the statement of members. He courreulated theta is the kindly spirit which pervaded tbts diusesim. TM deb*. of the parch bad bees stated at V.000.d. It was ealy hall that sum, being the balance of a lora of 18,0001. borrowed fur buildiog churches Ths was the w►ole debt on that account at pre lim, sad was paid off by a sinking fund of 9001. pH annum, so that the original debt would be paid of in 20 years. Ile fel: there was great hardship is lazing the dissenters of the parish, from whom be In I always received much courtesy he bad no wish to do so but at the same time he was not prepared to give up the priseiple of church rates. With respect to Sirius, Welauley's motion to cell a perish meeting, they could not do it. They could not take the opinion of the parish upon a church rate. They (she vestry) were the parish, sad they had the only right to levy a rate. Resides it was sot necessary to ask the opinion of the ratepayers ; the perish knew what we were doing and they approve of our proceedings—churchmen as well as dissenters ; fur formerly be remembered when there were dissenting members of t he vestry, they absented themselves from the meeting whets they found that they should be in a minority Ur. J. B. Surat, NIT.. said he regretted that they had opposed the admission of reporters because, besides it being fitting that the parish should be made acquainted with the proceedings of their representatives in that vestry, se well as of their representatives in parliament, an opportunity would hive been afforded of correcting the popular bus pressica as it tepid* the income of the Bishop of London, and of making known the explanations of the cha:rman. He thought the proceedings of all public bodies should be open to the public. With regard to the income derived by the Bishop of London from the parish it must have been of very recent date, fur he saw in the Times that morning, that in 1801, the number of houses in Paddington was only 3:/7, and of inhabitants 1881. Within a short period, therefore, since new churches were wanted, the income had increased, and he contended that the increase of the church property ought to have been applied to increased church accommodation ; if this had been dune there would have been no necessity for taxing the parish to build new churches. It had been urged as a plea for contributing 4,0001. to the two proposed churches that a provision was to be made in each for the poor. The proposed churches were, however, not to be built in a poor part of the parish, and it was clear that it was to be rather a provision for the servant. of the rich, than for the poor, and be was surprised to hear one gentleman say that *sr vents were as well entitled to the free seats as the poor. liew he was of opinion that every man was morally end equitably bound to support the religious community to which he belonged, and to pay also for hie @eremite. lie (Mr. Smith) was a dissenter; some of his servants, however, attended the established church, but he did not allow them to occupy the seats be loagiog to the poor; he paid for a pew for them in the church. In the same manner be paid for a sitting in a Scotch church and s Roman catholic church for two others If churches were wanted fur the poor they ought to be built is their neighbourhood, and the rich ought, and no doubt would, voluntarily build them instead of taxing the parish for that purpose. He should vote for Sir Joshua Wellies. ley's antecdmeat. The highest court in the realm bad recently given a most important decision regarding church rates, and sow no church rates could be levied in any parish is :he kingdom without the consent of a public meeting of the ratepayers. The parish of Paddington was an deep.' tioa ; there the vestry, and not the parishioners, could levy what amount of church rates they pleased, but he thought in the present state of things it would be unbecoming in the vestry to exercise their tight of further taxing the pariah without its knowledge or mount until parliament bad coma to some decision on the subject, which it most shortly do. The Cicalas: AN then put the amendment and the original motion to the vote, when there appeared for the amendment 3, against it 20. The original motion for granting 4,0001. to the new churches was then put and tarried by 20 to 3. A NEW BRAZILIAN TARIFF. Considerable changes in the Brazilian tariff of osseous duties base for two or three meths past bees anticipated ; the chambers having in their last session panned • law so•leumg power on the imperial Rosemead to alter those duties aad, though the commercial policy of the empire has from its first 'saunas as an independent state beta that of fret trade, went apprehensions cajoled in our feaufacturing districts that the alterations thus autho- rised might, to some ',tent, be of a restrictive or pro wetivo character. The lan mail shows the groundless sem of such fears. A draught of the sew tariff has been rohlislied, and so far from raising, it materially redness the duties on the principal articles of importation from England, is many cases as much as from 25 to 30 per teat. The proposed alterations were indeed of so satisfactory a character that oss of the last alb of the Eagllah chargd d'affairts, Mr. J.•iagham, helms leaving ase de Jamie*, was to prase the Brasilia& abbot at cam le legalise the draught it bad prepared, and whialigialdis smislemlind fully •sactisaed. This ability to noise ales mien ha: the Bearishieg state of the imperial Gomm end dm eamileami Manse* of a considerable simples bens& Ihe aznaihere. NTRANGE ROMMT AT MANCHESTER. The police at Manchester received information yesterday that, on Monday afternoon, a robbery of the most danag description woe committed at a beer-house called the Bricklayers' ATM, Clarendowstrset, Manchester, kept by Mr. W. Blackburn. About half past three o'clock. Mrs. Blackburn, being unwell, went out with • friend to visit •doctor, leaving the house, which is also used as a provision shop, in the care of her sister, whom about 22 years of age, dimicutive in stature, and extremely nervosa. This woman NM* that very sees after her sister bad gone out, two men entered the beer-house, one of whom she describes as being stout and with sandy hair, and the other with dark hair. They went through the shop into a back room, and called foe two plants of beer. Whilst the woman went to draw it in the cellar, the men locked the door at which they entered. After each hail drunk • portion of the beer, one of them made his way towards the bed rooms, whilst the red-whiskered man se sad her round the waist, pulled a clasp-knife from his pocket and opened it, and told her if she made any mistimes be would kill bar. Shortly afterwards sbe heard $ meddni_ ,naisit the man who had gone into the bed • woe breablas epealsems. The ether man then get •wes, mad tied see awl is the table leg, and the other PIMA hot waist, tedialag ftbehind. Some one was then beard knocking at 0111 door, upon which the men walked amt by the back dart. The woman says, that being unable Ile untie the rope, dispelled the table towards the lire, and Burnt through the rope with the poker. When her sister returned, she discovered that three drawers and two boxes bad been broken open in the bedroom, and that 251. in cask had been taken from one of the horse. The police, after hearing the above extraordinary story, began to hive some suspicion that it was not correct, and having searched the house found the money under • heap of sawdust. The woman is now in custody for the robbery, and has confessed to it. THE JEWELLERY ROBBERY IN TIIE STRAND.— The robbery of jewellery from a brougham in the S.rand es Monday evening, was effected with a good deal of adroit ness. Directly after the brougham stopped a genteelly dressed young man wonted the driver, and made some en quiries of him respecting a street at the West-end. Imme diately after he great away one of the doors of the carriage was found open, and the bag containing the property wee gone. No douht it had been removed by an accomplice. The value of the booty is unfortunately double the amount stated yesterday, for it absolutely exceeds 2,0001. In the boot of the vehicle there was similar property to the extent of several thousands of pGunds more. No trace of the thief ham yet been obtained. ROYAL CALEDONIAN HUNT.—At the late meeting of the Royal Caledonian Hunt, held at Edinburgh, the following members were appointed eflee•bearen for the ensuing year, via.:—Hiss Cities the Duke of Hamilton and Brand**, Preen; Robert Brace, Esq., of Kennet, Trea son' the Earl of Strathmore, Sit A. C. Gibson Maitland, Bart., Sir George S. Douglas, Bart. and Sir James Fer guson, But. , Councillors . The ann ual nee meeting was need to be held at Stirling, and the usual sum voted to be give in stakes and plates. THE BALLOT. BATH, Dcc. 20. Latt evening a large and enthusiastic meeting was held at the Guildhall, in this city, to promote the movement set on foot by the London Ballot Society for se curing by any new Reform Bill which may be brought for ward the protection of voting by ballot to the electors. The banquet iog.room, in which the meeting was held, was crowded in every part ; and the platform was filled by the leading men of the ❑►eral party. The chair was taken by Mr. W. Ilust, ►n alderman and magistrate ter the city ; and there were also present the two borough members, Captain Seubell, It N., and Mr. Mina, with the veteran re• former Colonel Thompson, ea-IMP., and Mr. E. C. White burst as a deputation from the Ballot Society, sod who, with the members, were loudly cheered on making their appearance. Mr. E. AI:NIAtUt briefly moved the first resolution : That it is the opinion of this meeting that t►e bras. ry, in timidation,and general profligacy at parliamentary etectione, as Imposed before election committees and commissioner, are fast tending to destroy the efficiency of reprenntstive government, and have been encouraged by the system of epee voting, and that no effectual remedy exists fur such demoralising practices, nor can any real protection At given to the voter but by the adoption of the yob: by ballot." (Cheers.) Captain Sconkki., MT., who was received with great applause, after a few introductory observation', said, they were met to-night upon a great and important que"tion, and it was no nett to blink it, one which had a great man) enemies, some conscientious ones, others pretended ones lf, however, a right—or call it anything else if they chose —was deputed to a citizen ought he not to be able to exer cise it freely? (Hear.) It was said, secret voting would be ma-English. Were their Cabinet councils au-English, and yet they were secret ? Lord John Russell, who was a good reformer upon other points, but who had unfortu nately forsaken the banner of the ballot which he formerly raised, said the courts of law were open, and therefore voting ought to be open. Ile did nit think there was any analogy between the two; but he would ask wee there no part of the administration of the law secret? Why, he bad often been on grand ju ries, and they were sworn to weresy ; and why, for the good of the subject, that matters might not transpire injurious to kllear, hear.) As an income tat commissioner be was also sworn to secresy. So were all their clerks and collectors. If secretly was not desirable in some cates,why not have tradesmen's books thrown open and their business ex- posed ? He maintained secrecy was desirable in the elec- ' den of members of parliament. The ballot had not been tried in this country, except in the clubs. (Hear) There was not • gentleman who would not feel it to be an evil to deprive , him of the ballot at his club. But for that protection they would be always squabbling and calling each other out. If then such a protection were necessary for the aristocracy, surely it was for the middle and working classes, who were striving to maintain their families. (Hear.) The ballot had been tried, however, in Belgium, and had men found to an swer from beginning to end. (Hear, hear.) It had also been tried in free America, and it had answered there, nut withstaudiog Mr. Duraeli's sneer when there was a little row over the ballot-hoz. Mr. Disraeli might as well say, because two members of Congress once fought on the ft wr of the house, that the people ought to have no representa tives. The efficacy of the ballot in America was proved by the peaceableness of their elections, and he might say, he believed, the total absence of bribery. (Hear, bear.) In France and Switzerland also the ballot bad answers d well. Ile believed that the farmers desired the ballot as much as any elves of men, but they dare not ask for it. It was the towns that must fight this battle. If they did their duties in independent constituencies like Bath, and the electors in all the large towns pressed upon their representatives to do their duty, the ballot might be gut. (Hear, hear.) No less than 172 members divided for it on the last occasion, and 200 members were absent. It had always been said e. hen they could get 200 members to vote for it, they would have it. Ile hoped the 172 would tell the ministry that they were not to be trifled with, but that they represented the voice of the people, and were deter mined to have their demands satisfied. (Cheers.) He found that out of 50 members returned by 25 of the largest con stituencies, with a population of Diue or ten millions, 43 voted for the ballot. (Chan) Very nearly all the large cen stituencies were with them, and he believed it only required determined and united action to secure their object. (Ap plause.) He trusted they should yet find that Lord J. Rus sell was not final upon this more than upon other questions of reform. He advised them to buckle on their armour for this fight, then—to be calm, bat flees, and never to give up the contest until they had secured the victory. (Loud cheers.) Mr. PiiiNkr, M.P., rose amidst enthusiastic cheers to sup port the reeolation. He said they in Bath had been fur years past convinced, and bad felt the deep and particular necessity of some such measure—(hear, hear)—not so much for their own sakes, although the effects of intimidation were well known to them, as for the protection of other lees independent constituencies against bribery and coercion, disgraceful to those who used such means, and humiliating aid dishonourable to the victims. lle would ra ther have • contracted suffrage with the voters free, unbiassed, and unfettered, than an eateeded suffrage with the electors unable to give free expression to their opinions. The resolution pointed to great causes of corruption, bribery, and intimi lama. The ballot might not be • perfect remedy for these evils; but it was as perfect as the ingenuity of man had yet been able to devise, and unless its opponents could point out a better they would continue to agitate for its adoption. (Cheers.) If they retained small constituencies bribery might not be entirely swept away, but with the ballot it would be diffi cult to carry it out. (Hear, hear.) When he was one of the St. Alban's Commissioners he asked a gentleman of great eltetioteeririg experience what he thought of the ballot as a cure fur bribery ? He replied that he tbeught he might be able to succeed with bribery once or twice, but that the ballot in the end would prove effectual. He (Mr. Phinn) asked him how he made that out ? Why, he replied, when you have to deal with men who receive bribes, you have to deal with slippery fellows. We are both engaged in illegal transactions; and when two people are so engaged together they are not very ready to trust each other. Under the ballot system, however, I must trust the man I bribe, or he must trust me. I mast pay him either before or after the election. If before, I trust him, and he may go and vote against me; if after, he must trust me, and then I may have claims from every bribable man in the place without any of them having voted for me. That would sever last long. The statement of a man of experience like that (continued Mr. Phios) was worth all the fine 'pea theories of what might happen if the ballot were law. But it was said the ballot was un-English. Was it English for sea to take their custom from *then because they did sot vote as they did ? Which was the most English of the two ? OLIO great advantage of the ballet was, that it would pbt an end to the abominable system of canvaniag. But it was ob jected that the ballot would encourage lying. He denied that it would be prod.ctive of so mach lying as the present spitem. If they asked a question they had no right to ask, they must expect an evasive answer ; but under the pre. oat system every man who voted under coercion positively and directly lied. (Hear, hear.) There was a great fallacy which he had often heard used—that the franchise was • trust. It was not a trust, in the sense intended, though it was in another sense. The name "franchise" meant the tree right of an individual to exercise it. All oar great constitutional writers had treated it as such. It was • trust only in the way that pro- perty was a trust, and talent and influence were trusts, to be exercised for the benefit of all. (Hear, hear.) If it was • trust in the narrower mese, who was it that alone had the right to object to the ballot? Why, the non-electors. But did the non-electors object ? He saw many non-elec tors there, whom he hoped to see electors by the time they met again; bet, as non- electors. did they object to the ballot? (Cries of "No!") That thee was the best answer to that objection, and disposed of a good deal of east on this subject. (Cheers.) There was an historical fact of which perhaps they were not all aware—that a bill for the ballet, introduced by Mr. Wortley, the ancestor of Lord Wharneliffe, passed the House of Commsas in 1710, and was thrown out by the Lords t'orough the influence of the crown. The ballot, therefore, was not a new tingled notion. But how were they to get the ballot! (A voice—" Through the people.") That s gentleman had hit the ark; but how through the people? It must be by bringing public opinion to act upon the representa tives. The government were now in jeopardy ; there were attempts to patch up parties. Hitherto all these efforts had been for self interest ; but it was remarkable that the people's party in the house had never stipulated for their share. Now let the 170 or 200 members favourable to the ballot stipulate, and say to the government our terms of support are the ballot. (Cheers.) That was what was wanted. 11, did not say they were going to get the ballot to-morrow; bat they should always be prepared for the opportunity when it came. In English politics there was no such weld as " Never," and that which was a grain of mustard seed to-day, to-morrow might be • flourishing tree. (Hear, hear.) He hoped they would push onward firmly and boldly for this object, aid though he wished to see all , climes represented, be believed an extension of the suffrage without the ballot would be a positive evil rather than a good. He trusted, therefore, the ministry would wisely , give this protection to the people. (Loud cheers ) The resolution was then put and carried unanimously. Mr. T. W. SAUNDERS moved the nest resolution. " That the present government, baring promised to introduce a reform bill in the ensuing session of parliament, this meet ing is of opinion that any referees in the electoral system will be ineffectual unless accompanied by the ballot." ' The resolution was then carried unanimously. Admiral GORDON moved the neat resolution, for the for mation of an auziliary society in Bath to aid the London Ballot Society in more effectually collecting gad consoli dating public opinion upon the question of the ballot. Dr. BRABANT seconded the resolution. Mr. E. C. WHIEEHURST supported the resolution. The meeting was also addressed by Mr. Archard, Alder man Hancock, Admiral Saumarez, &c., and votes of 'basks to the deputation and to the city members were cart ied by acclamation. Three cheers were also given for Colonel Thompson, and three each for Captain &obeli and Mr. Plains after which a vote of thanks was given to the chairniao, and the meeting separated. THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 21, 1853. CITY COMMISSION OF SEWERS. - .0 - Yesterday a court was held; Mr. Deputy PEACOCK occupied the chair. THIII FLEET DITCH. Mr. G. lioxon, of No. 1, Crescent place, Black(riars, attended fer the purpose of complaining of a nuisance which had existed fur some months, by reason of a hole having been opened in front of his house into the Fleet-ditch, trout which a most offensive smell arose. In addition to this there wee a wooden box made, which in a great measure covered his house from public view, and in it was a dose through which the workmen entered, the pavement around It being covered with bricks and other materials, and re sembling the yard of a bricklayer or timber merchant Setae months had elapsed since any carriage bad been able M approach his door, sad the value of his premises had been very greatly d 4, on account of the several sources of annoyance to which he had been aid was still subjected. Mr. HetwooD said he had only to admit the troth of everything that Mr. 'Vomit had tested, and to say that the annoyance complained of was perfectly unavoidable. lie be lieved, however, tbatauchextensive and troublesome works had been carried on with so little public inconvenience, and although it was true that Mr. Yonge could cot get up to his door, it was necessary that the materials should be placed as near as possible to the hole that had been opened into the Fleet-ditch. He was exceedingly sorry that soy inconvenience should be experienced by the inhabitants of the district, by reason of the works in course of erection, bat feared It mu.t continue for a long time to come. Deputy IIoLT said the place which was now so seriously complained of was in his ward, and his attention had been called to it by Dr. Maequinney and soother medical gentleman. Ile (Deputy Holt) had descended the hole, and entered the Fleet sewer, accompanied by the much's* uttizer and the surveyor, and after having examined few himself in respect to the necessity for the continuance at the inconvenience complained of, had soon become eon • since(' that it must be endured for some time. In his judg ment it was quite impossible that • more easy course of effecting an improvement of the Fleet-ditch could be adopted. Mr. HEYWOOD—Such • work was never carried on be fore ; the hole is three feet square, and hundreds of thou sands of people have passed the spot without knowing that anything in the subterranean world was going on. Deputy HOLT suggested that the matter should go to a view, in order to ascertain whether the nuisince could be mitigated, if not entirely removed. (Hear, hear.) The foundations were giving say, and unless the works in pro gress were executed, the whole of the houses in Bridge street and Crescent-place would be falling down. Mr. Yoxos thanked the court for their courtesy in lis tening to his complaint, and the matter was referred to the General Purposes Committee to view and report. BURIAL OF TUE DEAD. Deputy Lorr inquired whether the regulations issued by Lord Palmerston had been forwarded to the court officially ? Ha wished to remonstrate agliust soy of those rules. If they were carried out no cemetery would be acquits to the requirements of any locality. The CLERK stated that the regulations had not been officially communicated. Deputy Lorr—When the rules are officially announced I shall cogent to the commission that the carrying out of a portion of them should be remonstrated against, because it will he impossib:e for any cemetery to comoly with them. Every body is to have one grave, which is to be closed for 16 years in some cases, and 26 in others. In point of fact it will be impossible for more than one person ever to be buried in one grave. OAB COMPANIES. A letter was read from the Secretary of the City of Lon don Gas Company, in which the report lately made to the company by Dr. Letheby, respecting the comparative illu minating power of the Central Gas Consumers' Corm aay and the City of London is thus referred to: " As the statement respecting the gas of this company has been made officially to your honourable court, and through you circulated by the press, the committee trust that you will give equal publicity to this positive denial of the truth of the statement as relates to the gas of this com pany, as the committee are prepared to prove upon oath, if necessary." The letter concluded with a repetition of the request that the City of Loudon Gas Company's committee might be furnished with a copy of the daily record of Dr. Lethebre test of their gas. A motion favourable to this request was tarried. METROPOLITAN COMMISSION OF SEIVERS. Yesterday the commissioners held a special court at the Court-house, in Greek-street, Soho. Present—Mr. Jebb (the chairman), Mr. Thomas Hawes, Mr. 0. Baker, Mr. T. P. Gibeon, Mr. G. S. South, Mr. L. P. Gordon, Mr. L. Redhead, and Mr. J. liewkaltaw. Mr. WOOLZYCV, the secretary, reported that the avail able balance in hand was 49,369/. 10s., subject to certain payments to contractors end others on account of works, which payments were ordered. MIMIC' sewers rate. at the rate of sixpence in the pound wire made upon the following sewerage dis tricts: The western division of Westminster, Spi. taltirlds, level, Hackney-brook level, Hermitage-street level, Lower Wapping level, and the Poplar and Blackwell district. The amount to be levied under these orders is estimated at 66,6051. Os. 7d., and including already due upon former rates, the amount to be collected (tomtits parishes in question will be 67,5521. 6d. A petition to the House of Commons was then adopted, praying for leave to introduce a bill authorising the pur. chase, compulsory or otherwise, of certain property near Deptford Creek, which is necessary to enable the commis sioners to carry out their plea of draining the area on the south of the Thames. _ _ Amongst the orders made for new works—which were generally of au unimportant character—was one for 830 feet of new sewer in Middlesex street, Somers Town, the esti mated expense of which was stated to be 7001. A report from Mr. Rowe, the surveyor, was next taken into consideration, detailing various defects in the sewerage of the Finsbury district, and recommending the immediate construction of a considerable extent of new works. Their cast would be' 4.0001. Mr. Rows considered, however, that they were all obsoletely necessary. The CHAIRMEN desired him to prepare a list of the works which he considered were the most urgent, to the extent of 10,0001., and said the board would give an order for carrying them out at onee. The order was made theordingly. Mr. Alexander Henry, the secretary of the Imperial Gas Compeer; Mr. Ayres, a contractor for laying mains, and two other persons employed by the company, attended to answer a summons issued on the report of Mr. Rowe, for having, without the consent of the commissioners, and with out notice, made an opening into a main sewer in Church street, Haekaey. Mr. Rowe's report stated that the company, in driving a 12-inch fits math along Church-street, had cut into the sewer, which they had left open, and that they had also reraoved the gratings from the gutter, and replaced them without traps, and otherwise in an improper manner. Mr. Hoary said the reason that the company had not applied for leave to cut through the crown of the sewer, in order to lay their mains, was, that the work had been re quired to be done with very great despatch, and in the hurry, the necessity for making • formal application had been overlooked. On the part of the company, he would undertake to put the sewer ia a proper state of repair, under the direction of the commissioner's surveyor. In fact, orders had been already given for that purpose, and the defects in the gratings and gullies had been remedied. The CHAIRMAN said, that even when leave was granted to cut through, or make any alteration in a sewer, the work must be done by the servants of the commission, at the expense of the party applying, and the making go d must now be done in the same way. But as in the present case it appeared the act complained of was the result of an over sight, the court would allow the summons to stand over until the nest court day, and in the meantime the surveyor would be directed to report whether the sewer had been made good. Mr. WOOLRECH read a letter from a Mr. R. Clements in reference to • demand of 20/, made by him fur damages sustained by • gig accident, which he alleged was the result of the carelessness of the servants of the commission in leaving an open excavation in the thoroughfare of the Westminster-road, near the Lambeth baths. The commis sioners had written to Mr. Clements, stating that the acci dent had been caused, not by their neglect, inasmuch as the excavation had been made by the water company. The present letter was a rejoinder to that communication, and stated that the writer was convinced the fault lay with the servants of the commission, and that unless his claim was satisfied, he should take legal proceedings to enforce it. A COMMISSIONER observed, as the question was one of fact, the court could do nothing in it. The letter was ordered to lie on the table. APPEAL AGAINST THE BATE. ..... _ Mr. LAW, one of the parochial authorities of West Hark aey, attended to urge objections against the rate, and, if it were persisted in, to take the necessary stops to appeal aping it. The CRAIRMAN—Bat you are toe late. You should have attended at the proper time, and stated your ohjtc tiena in writing. The act is now done, and several of the commissioners have left the mut. We cannot ando it. blr. LAM said he should have attended earlier, but he had been detained onoarish business. Mr. WOOLUTCII-1 cm can appeal against the whole of the rate within the neat month, upon giving the notices re quired by the aet. Mr. LAW said it was his intention to do so. The Court then adjourned. SHOCKING ACCIDENT THROUGH TILE FROST.—Yes terday a frightful accident happened to a young man named Charles Jones whilst engaged Gleaning the windows of the Ship T , at the corner of Marylebone anal Charlton streets. Owing to the state of the pavement caused by the severe frost, the ladder on which he was standing slipped from cadet him, and he fell on the iron spikes surrounding the area. Sme persons immediately hastened to the poor fellow's assistance, but not being aware that the spikes had entered his leg, they occasioned, it is feared, additional laceration to the wound, in their anxiety to disengage him from his frightful position. He was conveyed with all speed to Middlesex Hospital, but he is still in a dangerous condition. SUPPOSED MURDER.—EarIy on Monday morning, a laboursr en bit way to work down Irvin's. place-lane, East Acton, discoveted the naked body of a youth about sixteen years of age, quite dead, and with a number of bruises and other marks of violence upon it. The body was immediately removed to the Goldsmith's Anna, where it awaits an inquest. At present nothing is known respecting the deemed or the caw of his death. CITY CORPORATION COMMISSION. Yesterday the Commissioners renewed the inquiry at the official residence of the Prime Minister in Downing street, Mr. Labouchere in the chair. Mr. Samuel Hopwood, clerk to the Paving Commissioners of St. Andrews Holborn, and St. George the Martyr, at tendsd at the desire of the commissioners of thaws parishes, to complain of the tax on carts entering the City. One of the main inlets to the City passed along these united parishes, namely, Holhorn, and on their side of the metropolis the inhabitants paid the expenses for the repair of the road. A great portion of the trafll: on that road con sisted of goods entering the City, on which they levied no tax, though if they did it would diminish the expense/. It was a great hardship, therefore, on the inhabitants of these parishes to pay the tax on their carts when they entered the City. Mr. Ambrose Moore said—l have been a silk manufac turer in the City of London for forty years. I have ceased to carry on bu•iuess there since 1846, but lam still con nected with the City as a freeman, and as director of some companies. My object in coming here is not to give evi dence as to details, but of a general character respecting the Corporation of the City. lam of opinion that it would be wrong to abolish that corporation or to unite it with metropolitan corporations. I would abolish whatever abuses existed, but I would not abolish the corporation itself. I think that a federation of corporations for the whole metropolis would be inexpedient and unwise. So large a population as 2i millions united toge ther might be an embarrassment to the government. " • • . _ I think the corporation should have the control of its own police. That police is well manag, d, and I therefore do not see why the City should be deprived of that or any other ancient privilege which has nut been abused. The City has hitherto elected its own magistrates, and they have given great satisfaction. I would appoint the alder men for life. I would have the aldermen elected for life, whether they are to continue magistrates or not. I think there is great advantage in having an independent body like the aldermen of lemdin, and their independence would not he so great if they were periodically elected. I sea no objection in having the aldermen elected by the wards, the constituency of those wards being altered. I think the municipal constituency ought to be assimilated to the par liamentary. With respect to the trading privileges of the citiz-ns of London I do not see any advantage to be derived from their continuance. I would, therefore, abolish those trading privileges. I have drawn up memoranda of alterations which might be effected for improving the cor poration without abolishing or destroying its ancient and useful functions. I would unite some of the small wards, and divide the large ones. This would assimilate the size of the wards to a considerable extent whilst it would preserve their boundaries, and leave to each the administration of its charities. I would not . _ . diminish the number of aldermen. I would divide For:intim-without into three wards; and Cripple gate and Bishopagate into two wards. I would on the other hand unite Bassisshaw and Coleman-street wards, and in the same way some of the other smaller wards, one alderman and four common councilmen to be elected by each ward. But this proportion might be varied in the proportion of .5 to 3, according to the size of the wards where they were not nearly equal. This would give 100 Common Councilmen instead of 206, the present number, which is much too large for an executive body. I would have the aldermen elected for life, but removable for a proper cause. I would have the Lord Msyor elected in Common Hell by the aldermen who served the office of sheriff. 1 think it would be objectionable to elect the Lora Mayor from the general body of the citizens. It would take away a motive for seeking the inferior offices. Besides a porton tilling the office of first magistrate of the City ought to have some previous acquaintance with corporate business. I would give the crown the right of confirming the election of the Lord Mayor. The Sheriff of London should be appointed by the Common Hall, but the Sheriff of Middlesex should be appointed by the crown. I would retain the power of fining for not serving the office of Sheriff, because otherwise you might not get proper persons. But I would draw up regulations which would prevent the abuse which now exists, namely, that of electing persons who it is known would not serve for the purpose of getting the fine. In order to take away this motive for fining, the fine after being imposed might be taken away from the corporation. I think the aldermen should name the gentlemen who should serve the office of sheriff three months before their appointment, and give notice thereof three months beforehand the election to be made by the Common Hall. But, then, 1 would assimilate the Common Hall constituency to the parliamentary one. I would have the wardmote elections made by the same constituency, and confined to one day. The Chamberlain might, I think, be elected by the Com mon Council. The Lord Mayor and sheriffs should alone he elected by the whole constituency. I would abolish all such offices as were not suited to the times we live in. The Court of Aldermen has, I think, given satisfaction to every one, and I would, therefore, retain it. I would have the office of Recorder confirmed by the crown. I think the aldermen should delegate to one or two of their body to act as police magistrate or magistrates, to be paid by the Common Council, with a power of confirmation in the hands of the Secretary of State. I would empower some to act as magistrates,hut would not restrain aoy from acting. The duties of magistrate now devolve by rotation on the aldermen. I would retain the Lord Mayor and sidemen on the commission of the Old Bailey. It is an old privi lege and I would not deprive them of it. I believe the Recorder or Common Serjeant does sometimes ask the alder men as to the amount of punishment to be inflicted on a criminal. _ _ -..—.--.. Sir J. Pattern—The Court of Old Bailey cannot be con stituted without the presence of one of the aldermen, end it does sometimes happen that the court is kept waiting be cause they do not attend. Mr. Meore-1 should say that out of 25 aldermen it ought to be easy to get one to attend. The aldermen superintend the management of the City gaols, and as they perform that business well, I think it should be continued to them. The Court of Aldermen should, I think, regulate the manage ment of the Stock Exchange. The City takes a bond of security for good behaviour, and I have no doubt they en force it when they can. The parties who act fraudulently generally run away. I think the Court of Aldermen would be the very best body for directing the regulations of the Stock Exchange. The higher class of merchants do not take part in the corporation simply because, I believe, it is tee, num'. roue a body, too antiquated in its forms, and too political in its conduct. I think these merchants would serve in , the corporation if they were sent there to do business, and not to talk, as is too much the care now. I would not abolish the Lord Mayor's show, but I would have it exe cuted in a different way. It cannot please the citizens of Loudon to see men in armour riding before the Lord Mayor, but if men of a better taste were elected these things would be remedied, and a better arrangement made. I think that a decent and liberal hospitality should be maintained by the Lord Mayor, but I would not wish to see that hospitality exercised in the extravagant way that sometimes takes place. The municipality of Paris gives entertainments of a very elegant kind. I have heard any complaints made of them, and I don't see why the same should not be the case with respect to the entertain ments of the City of London. I believe that a certain sum is appropriated out of the City funds for dinner' to com mittees, in order to induce the members to attend. Iby so means approve of that system. I don't think that municipal institutions would be of any advantage to the metropolitan boroughs. Mr. Lewis—Whet advantage then do you think the cor poration of London has conferred on the citizens ? Mr. Moore—l think the police and the administration of justice in the city are well managed, and I would retain the corporation because it exists. Mr. Lewis—You would retain the corporation, then, be cause it exists, not because it is beneficial? Mr. Moore—On both grounds. Mr. Lewis—You said you would appoint two stipendiary magistrates for the two city police courts ? Mr. Moore—Yes; but these might be members of the Court of Aldermen themselves. Tee privileges of the City of London are very ancient, and the citizens are accustomed to them. _ _ _ Mr. Lewis—Tie police of the City of London is not a very old institution. Mr. Moore—The police were substituted for another .system, over which the corporation had, I believe, control. II see no reason for • separate police or sewers commission for the city, except that they exist, and that the duties are well performed. Mr. Lewin—According to your view, the City, with its present boundaries, would be the only municipal body in the metropolis. Mr. Moore—Yes. Mr. Lewis—Bat would not the corporation, under such circumstances, remain as the only representatives of the metropolis? Mr. Moore—They might be thougbt to do so abroad, but here we all know that they do not represent the whole metropolis. The Lord Mayor presiding at a meeting of the citizens might be supposed to represent the metropolis, and it is useful that that should he so, but beyond that he has nothing to do with the metropolis. Mr. Lewis—Does the corporation at present represent the general commercial interests of London ? Mr. Moore—Not at present, because the corporation does not consist of the right sort of men There are merchants who would not associate with some of the members of the present corporation, because they were not their equals, but I think it probable these merchants would take part in the business of the corporation if it was modifted. With respect to the fourpenny coal tax, I don't think the City should have the administration of affairs beyond its own boundaries, or that • tax should be imposed on a general district to be applied to a particular locality. Mr. E. Wilson said—l was • silk manufacturer is London in 1832. I was • member of the Common Council during that time for some years, and a very active one. I went in as a reformer of the abuses of the corporation. I was a member of the committee moved for by Mr. Wil-1 llama, the member for Lambeth. In our report we said that the salary of the Lord Mayor amounted to near 2.5,0001., but there was • fallacy in the calculation in this respect, that we reckoned the costs of the origigal building of the Mansion House and the ground on which it is built, and calculated 7 per cent. on the outlay, debiting that ex pense to the mayoralty during that year of office. That is an enor, and having signed the report in spatial I wish to correct it now. I was a very young member when I signed that report Having made this correction, I beg leave to offer some sug gestions for the improvement of the corporation of the City. I would suggest, in the first place, that the corporation should consist of the Lord Mayor, from 20 t 3 25 Alder men, and not less than 100 Common Councillors. That the wards should be equalised as to sire, regard beinp had to ulation, He. That there should he as an wards as' aldermen. That the Lord Mayor h ld be el ectedf shoo aldermen of the whole constituency. One alderman and an equal division of councilmen to be elected by each ward ' and by the constituency of each ward. The present as sumed veto of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen on the choice of an alderman should be abolished. The Lord Mayor to be elected annually, and the aldermen for life; the councillors and all other officers to be annually elected. I would tut gest that there should be no money qualification for Lord Mayor, Aldermen, or Common Councilmen ; but that there should be a penalty on any one who having been an in solvent, bankrupt, or convicted of . fraud, should vote or act is either capacity. The chamberlain should be elected by the electors, and auditors, not being members of the corporation, should be annually appointed by the c , rporate body : the electors should consist of the parliamentary constituency; the aldermen and councillors in each ward should make and publish annually a list of voters for each ward, and the poll should be limited to one day. The Lord Mayor and Aldermen should have the administration of justice in the City, and ut the prisons, and should draw on the City's cash tor an agreed sum of money annually for that purpose; nothing beyond that sum to be expended without the sanction of the Court of Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Coancillors. All other acts, end the control ef the City's cash, should be in the corporate body. The necessity of being free of the City, or of any municipal company or companies, for purposes of trade, should be abolished. A commissioner should be appointed to appeal to against the decisions of the navigation com mittee. The trade upon the river should be as free as the air; bat in order to prevent accidents, and to preserve the river, there should be some control exercised over it. I think the navigation committee has hitherto performed its duty efficiently. I. am of opinion that the corporate accounts are extremely clear and easily to he understood. It was very easy to suggest other modes of keeping those accounts, but as an abstract I think they are almost per fect. There is no doubt as to their being well kept. The funds of the City Proper are really very small, not ahoy. 150,000/., and so much was appropriated to the administra tion of justice, police, and the like, that really very little remained to be dealt with by the City. With regard to the coal tax, I don't think a general improvement rate would be a preferable mode of raising means for gigantic :under takings. . . . _ Mr. Michael Seward, residing in No. 9, Chatham-place, 13Isckfriarr, came forward to state a case of grievance which arose iron having a divided police jurisdiction in the metro. polis. It appears that Mr. Seward's bons° is within the ju risdiction 01 the City, but is accessible on the water's side. The Thames police, which is under the Metropolitan Cow. mission, watch the river. Mr. Seward stated that when the tide was out the river side was infested with thieves, and that several houses along the river have been robbed—his own amongst the number. The robbery on his house took place in 18i9, and in consequence thereof be had a corespondence with the Commissioners of the hfetropoli- tan and of the City Police. The Thames police watched the from a boat, which they rowed up and down, so that when be applied for the protection of the police to the Metropolitan Commissioners, he was told that the house was within the City, and therefore under the mire of the City police, whilst the City authorities told him that as he was robbed on the river side, he must apply to the Metro politan C.llllolinioo. This showed the evil of having more than one police authority for the whole metropolis. It would be much for the public advantage to have but one police authority. _ _ _ Mr. Henry Roy came forward to give evidence on the subject of the Stock Bschange regulations. Ile was of opinion that those regulations should be under the corpora tion, and that their license should be sufficient for a broker, independent of any regulations made by the members of toe Stock Exchange, which was in fact a close market. The regulations of the corporation would afford ample security to the public, if properly carried out, and no others were necessary, There being no other witness in attendance, The Chairman stated that the Commission proposed to adjourn till the 11th of January, when they would enter upon the exa m ination of witnesses connected with the cor poration. If they found it necessary to sit fur the exami nation of any other witnesses before then, which was not likely, notice would be given of their intention to do to. LORD PALMERSTON ON THE CHRISTSLIS HOLIDAY. Yesterday at the Mansion-house the Lord Mayor on taking his seat in the justice room, said that in compli ance with the wishes so generally expressed that Monday nest should be kept as a holiday, he had written a few days since to Lord Palmerston, who was then Secretory of State for the Home Department, requesting to be informed whether it was the intention of government to observe that day in the manner consonant to the public expectation. To the communication he had transmitted to the noble lord he had received the following rely : Whitehall, Dec. 19, 18.53. "My Lord,—l am directed by Viscount Palmerston to acknowledge the receipt of your lordship's note of the 14th inst. in reference to t►e proposal that Monday, December the 26th, should be observed as a g I holiday in conse quence of Christmas•day falling this year on Sunday, and I am to state that as regards the City of London the question is one as to which the feelings and opinions of the mercantile body would probably have a main in fluence on your lordship's decision. With respect to the pubic offices of the government, when Christmas day falls on a week day, it is made • holiday, in order to enable the persons employed in those departments to attend to the religious observances belonging to that day ; but as in the present year those observances will have been duly attended to on the Sunday, the 26th, there does not appear to Lord Palmerston to be any good reason why the public service of the country should be stayed and impeded by a holiday in the government offices, on Monday, the 26th December, when there will be no religious observances to attend to. . I have the honour to be, my lord, your lordship's obe- dient servant, " H. WADDINGTON." The Lord Mayor, after having read the letter, said that, whilst he regretted that the government should not have met the almost universally expressed desire for making the day a government holiday, he felt persuaded that it would still be observed as one by mercantile firms and others within the City, and generally throughout the metropolis, but that he felt some difficulty in issuing out any general order on the subject, beyond the expression of his own opinion. NAVAL. ADMIRALTY, DEC. 20.—APPOINTMENTS.—Mietere J. J. Ball (1843) to the Blenheim, 60, 450 horse power, screw steam guard ship, at Portsmouth, and B. Renaud, 184.5, to the Dragon, six, padde.wheel steam-frigate, 560 horse power, at Portsmouth. Paymaster W. Burke, 1822, to the Cressy, 80, screw steam ship, at Chatham. Poarsmotrrn, DEC. 20. The Right Hon. Sir James Graham, Bart., the First Lord of the Admiralty, came over to this port this morning from Osborne, where he had been en a visit to the Queen. Sir James came across in the Fire Queen, government steamer , and lauded at 11 o'clock at the King s Stairs in the dockyard, from' wheace he proceeded to the office of the admiral-superin tendent, having previously made an external inspection of the fine 90 screw ship, Princess Royal, Captain Lord E. Paget, fitting in this dockyard. At the admiral's office, Sir James had au interview with the commander-in-chief, Vice-Admiral Sir T. J. Cochrane, K.C.8., and • the admiral-superintendent, Rear-Admiral W. F. Martin. The visit of the right hon. baronet to this dockyard Is understood to be in reference to the public service, and especially to the arriving at a definite decision upon the sub- Mct of a new royal yacht for the Queen. Rear-Admiral r. F. F. Berkeley, C. 8., a lord of the Admiralty ; CspG Sir Baldwin W. Walker, K.C.8., Surveyor of the Navy; Mr. Watts, Assistant Surveyor, and other officers, have met Sir James Graham in the yard to-day. The Hon. Captain Daman, of the royal yacht Victoria and Albert, and Capt. Crispin, of the royal yacht Fairy, being amongst the num ber. Sir James Graham again embarked on board the Fire Queen at three o'clock this afternoon, and returned to Osborne, where be is expected to remain till to-morrow. The Navarin, Russian man-of-war corvette, of 22 guns, Captain Istomin, will be token out of dock tomorrow, having been in 15 days having her bottom re-caulked and re-coppered, it being exceedingly leaky, on her return to Spithead. Since the recapture of the Russian seamen who had attempted to de , ert, and the endeavour to obtain pos session of theta by means of the writ of Habeas Corpus, no sailor of this nation has been seen in the streets of the town, as they previously were permitted to be. The Tyne, store ship, blaster Commander Tucker, came into harbour this morning to embark supernumeraries, stores, dm, for the Island of Ascension. The Leopard, 12, paddle-wheel steam frigate, Captain Oiffsrd, was taken out of the fitting basin yesterday; sad the Helena, 16, was taken in to be docked for repair. The Princess Royal. 90, was taken cut of dock to-day into the fitting basin, having undergone • thorough overhaul and repaiz.. TURIN AND GENOA RAILWAY.—A Tutin journa gives some details of the inauguration of this line. The train left Turin on the Gth at half•post nine, and, after stopping at nine stations, arrived at Genoa at half-pest one. The same train which left Genoa the neat day with one of the locomotives of Mr. Stephenson was only nine minutes in performing 6,000 metris (nearly four English miles) on a radius of curves of 400 metres, and rt rise of 35 per 1,000 from Ponte Decimo to the tunnel of the Giovi. The passage through this tunnel. which is 3,300 metres in length, with a rise of 29 per 1,000, was made in sin minutes. The time occupied from Genoa to Turin was four hours, as from Turin to Genoa, being at the rate of 41 kilomrres (about 26 English miles) per hour. . . friUs:tC. SOCIETY OF BRITISH JiUSICIANS. This society had their second chan:bt'r concert of this season on Monday evening, at Erat's Rooms, in Bernees. street. It cansisted, as usual, of a selection of voral sod instrumental music, composed and performed chiefly by members of the society. The performance began with Mozart's quintet in A, for clarinet principal., two violins, viols, and violoncello, played by Messrs. W. Lazarus, Banister, T. Watson, Weslake, and Guest. This piece is one of the many beautiful things which Mozart wrote in order to oblige performers to wham be wished to be of service, which were surreptitiously printed, and enriched piratical music sellers, while he never derived tho small est benefit from them. It is most generally known among amateurs sus • quartet for the pianoforte and stringed instruments ; but to ha fully enjoyed, it must be heard in its original form. It is simple, and even familiar, in its style, but it is full of Mozart's exquisite grace and delicacy. It was exceedingly well played, the clarinet part being charmingly executed by Mr. Lazarus. A very pretty song, composed by Mr. W. Watson, entitled Ah, that I could wing my way," was sung by Miss M. Wells, a young vocalist of much promise. She has a rich and powerful contralto voice, and sings with energy and feeling. What she has yet to gain is greater smoothness and evenness of tone, with a more finished execution ; things which we have no doubt she will acquire in due time. Mr. Redfearn, a young tenor-singer, appeared to advantage in a pleasing, but not very original canzonet, Ah, deem not that my heart is vain," composed by Mr. 11. Graves. Mr Redtearn has the qualities necessary to make a good singer, but must study to ac quire polish and quietness of mannir. A very nicely-written duct, " Music," by Mr. Charles E. Stephens, was sung by Miss Wells, the young lady already mentioned, and her sister. The latter has a sweet, but not very powerful soprano voice, which was overpowered by her sister's strong contralto. When these sisters sing together (which they will do very prettily) the stronger voice must - - - accommodate itself to the weaker. A MS. trio for the pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, composed by Mr. Agui lar, was ;.erfirmed by the author, Mr. Banister, and Mr. Guest. It is a masterly work; bold and striking in its ideas, and admirably written for the different instruments. It is, however,ezceediogly difficult; and, though well executed on the whole, yet some of the passages would have been all smoother for a little more rehearsing. The adagio, which opens with a charming theme fur the violoncello, was espe cially effective. A quartet for two violins, viola, and violoncello, composed by Mr. liabert Barnett, was a very favourable specimen of this young cow poser's talent. He has wisely taken Haydn and Mozart for his models, and, though he does not seem as yet to have ac quired much originality of style, yet this quutet is exceed ingly pure, clear, melodious, and constructed with eleganoo and symmetry of form. Its effect, as a whole, was very pleasing and satisfactory. Mr. Walter Bolton, of whom we have had occasion several times of late to speak in very favourable terms, sang Vincent Wallace's song, " In happy moments ;" and Barnett's beautiful trio from The Moun tain Sylph, " This magic -wove scarf," was sung by Miss J. Wells, Mr. Redeem, and Mr. Bolton. Mr. Griesbach's Diecetto" for the pianoforte, with stringed and wind in struments, a most masterly work, formed the concluding article of the programme. The concert altogether was highly interesting, and the performances were warmly applauded by a full room. SPORTING. BETTING AT MANCHESTER.—TUESDAY. A very moderate atteadanea and speculation still very Hat. LATEST BETTING. LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE. 9 to 1 apt Hiss Mowbray (t) 16 to 1 Sir Peter Laurie (t) 20 to 1 Charley (t) CHESTER CUP. 40 to 1 apt Virago (t and off) 6000 to 100 Neuiminster (t) 2.500 to 50 Tom (t) 2000 to 30 Keonyside Hero (t) 1000 to 10 Astonishment (t) DERBY. 7 to 1 aget Autocrat (off) 9 to 1 King Tons (off) 13 to 1 Dervish (off) 20 to 1 Ruby (t to 701.) 33 to 1 Meteors (t) THE MARYLEBONE POOR -LAW INQUIRY. Yesterday Mr. T. W. Austin, the Inspector from the Poor-law Board, resumed his I:flicial inquiry into the circumstances attending Gm death of the infant son of Garret Walsh. Walsh was again under examination for several hours, and gave his evidence very much in the manner he had done on the Saturday previous. He flatly refused to answer the questions of Mr. Russell, Mr. P.land, Mr. Carr, and other gentlemen. He said, too, that he would answer no more questions about me►l tickets. He wu these to give evidence about the death of his child, which Mr. Messer and the poor-law board had been the cause of. The witness was supported by Mr. Peter M'Doueal, the chartist lecturer, who insisted upon Walsh's basing fair play, and upon his own right, as a ratepayer, to interfere. Walsh finished his evidence by declaring that no one had prompted him at any time what to say. He knew his own course and could hear what was said as well as other people. He saw the newspapers, although he did lire in the workhouse. Mr. James John Messer was next examined, and stated that he had the general sup.xinteadence of the out-door poor relief, and the Brat application of Walsh for relief was on the lit of September, when ha had an order for a 41b. loaf on that day. It was an " emergent" order, givea on the instant and without any inquiry whatever. The relief was also to be immediate. On the 9th of September the wife applied for a midwife's order and relief at 14, Gee's-court. It then came under Mr. Beautron,the superintendiog inspector, who inquired into the case, and relief was granted. (Mr. Messer here produced the usual entries in the books.) Witness gave his verbal approbation. Such things never came before the board unless 113 an abstract form. Walsh had relief in food on the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 18th, and 21st of September, which was the last he had in that way. Mr. Beautron said that on the 18th of November he was applied to by Walsh fer bread, and took him down to the baker's, where it was ascertained that he had already re ceived his allowance up to the following Monday. They both then came away, but witness called afterwards the same day at the shop, and told the young woman if Walsh called again to let him have some bread, as witness thought he might want it. Walsh called, and had two leaves. By Mr. Austin—Witness has the power to order bread on his own authority, and when he does so he always makes a memorandum, but does notenter it in any book. The two loaves were nothing more than what the guar dians had already ordered, but Walsh•s name had not been put on the renewed list for them. The inquiry was then adjourned until this morning. THE LANCASHIRE STRIKES AND THE " LABOUR PARLIAMENT." Last night a public meeting of the operatives of London was held at the Literary Institution, John-street, Tottenham-court toad, to consider the subject of the strikes in Lancashire, and " the labour parliament." The Chair man (Mr. J. Finlen) said the object of the present meeting was to afford substantial and impartial assistance to the men now on strike in Lancashire, where there were 70,000 persons out of employment and on the brink of starvation. Of the 25,000 men out of work in Preston, 15,000 only had been misted by the parties making what they called a na tional appeal, whilst the remaining 10,000 received nothing whatever out of the national fund. (Shame.) The com mittee sitting at the Old Bailey intended mainly to assist the men at Preston, but this was not in aecordanee with the requirements or the wishes of the people. If the men at V'igan turned out to the extent of 5,000, they would re quire similar assistance, as would also the men of Bury; and for these reasons the amalgamated committee of the Lan mallet' operatives had determined to afford equal assistance to all engaged in the struggle for the rights of labour. There must be a great want of duty on the part of those engaged in the appeal to the working classes of London, in thus supporting one class of men to the detriment of another —(hear, hear) ; and he considered it his duty to bring this fact bet: re the public. He considered that, in order to give efficacy to strikes, it would be necessary to have a "t labour parliament," and a national representation of all trades, and from every town, whish would obviate the necessity and expense of sending delegates from one part of the country to another, appealing for support. (Cheers.) By this means, assistance would be fairly and equitably afforded to all engaged in the common cause. (Hear, hear.) Capital would soon have less power than it possesses at pre sent, and labour would meet with its just reward. (Cheers.) —Mr. C. Murray moved a resolution expressing sympathy i with the operatives of Lancashire, who were on strike and locked out of employment, and pledging the meeting to sustain them during their present struggle to ameliorate vele social condition.—Mr. Bligh seconded the resolution ; which was carried.—Mr. Ellis moved a resolution in favour of the projected " labour parliament."—The resolution having been seconded, was also carried. A vote of thanks to the chairman terminated the proceedings. WINDSOR CASTLE.— After remaining in an un- finished state for several months, the castle wall next , -- Thames-street is again the scene of operations, several masons being busily employed on it, but what shape it will ultimately assume—whether a plain wall or a magnificent terrace —is as yet unknown to the public. Bucks Advertiser.