The Sun. — London, England, 1862-03-15 00:00:00

IMPERIAL ~?~~I.41AN1L1~T. HOUSE OF LORDS —YESTERDAY. The LORD CRA.NUELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. THE REVISED CODE. Lord BELPER presented petitions against the revised code from places in Shropshire. The Earl cf SHAFTESBURY presented petitions to the same effect from the infant school teachers and others in Leek and Alliston. The Earl of CARNARVON presented similar petitions. The Archbishop of CANTERBURY also presented peti tions to the like effect. Lord ST. LEONARDS having presented a number of petitions against the revised code, proceeded to call the attention of the house to so much of the revised code as re- lated is the grouping of children for examination. The noble lord said he did not rise for the purpose of raisin? , a discussion on the several principles of the code, or did he propose to enter into a general condemnation of the measure because it contained much of which he approved. In the first place he considered that the time had arrived to put a stop to the great expenditure that was going on, because if that was not done the result would be that a greater increase would take place in that which was already looked upon as excessive. He did not object to pay for results, and he felt sure that if proper modifications were intro duced into the Revised Code the result would be highly satisfactory. With respect to the religious part of the education of the young he attached the greatest importance to it. In the national schools the re ligious instruction given to the children had an influence much greater than many anticipated, for the children car ried its influence to their homes ; and while they received the benefit of it, they shed its blessing amongst their but imperfectly educated parents. With respect to the mode of examining the children under the Revised Code, he was of opinion that it would be impracticable, because the pro per time could not be devoted to each child, and he arrived at this opinion after trying the experiment in an establishment in which he took the greatest interest. He wished to draw the attention of the house especially to the examination of the children in groups, and in doing so he would observe that he could see no otjection to the subjects in which the boys were to be examined, but ho could not say the same with respect to the girls. They in most instances, had to assist in family affairs, which the boys had not, and therefore that which might be advaniageous in one case would be nearly impracticable in the other. Therefore he could not consider the test proposed a safe one. It might almost be as reasonable to classify the children according to their weight as their age, and he did not think there was a single school in England where age was taken as the standard of intellect. Lord KINGSDOWN called attention to the hardships which would arise, when this scheme should be carried into effect, in the cases of the recently established schools at Chatham and Brompton. The Bishop of LONDON said that, although he agreed with the main principles of the Revised Code, he thought the suggestion of the Commission of Inquiry, that there should be two grants instead of one, a very good one—the one grant for the result of the examination, the second for attendance. If Government made this concession, it would go far to effect a favourable change in regard to the Re vised Code in the publio mind. Lord GRANVILLE having deprecated objections being taken to the Revised Code without suggestions for a better system being made at the same time, admitting the evils of voluntary contributions, but did not see how they could be avoided without the whole expenses of the schools being assumed by the Government. He briefly adverted to the emai ks of Lord Kingsdown on the Chatham and Brompton schools, and proceeded to show why the suggestions advo cated by the Bishop of London were inadmissible, for it would be better to go back to the existing minute than to make grants for attendance at schools. He then considered the objections raised by Lord St. Leonards, vindicated the examination of children by age, and showed the various ad vantages which would follow its adoption, answered the various details suggested by Lord St. Leonards, and, in conclusion, thanked the house for the very candid manner in which they had discussed this question. Their lordships then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS—YESTERDAY. The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The Alford Valley Railway Bill was read a third time and passed. PETITIONS. Several petitions were presented in favour of an altera tion in the poor law in Ireland, and for the adoption in that country of the system of out-door relief ; from Fins bury against the present licensing system, against the Revised Code, for an alteration in regard to the law relat ing to fire insurances, &c. HOLYHEAD AND KINGSTOWN MAILS. Mr. STANLEY moved for a return of the names of the steam vessels actually employed in carrying the mails be tween Holyhead and Kingstown since the commencement of the present contract, with the number of trips made by each vessel, and the average length of passage from pier to pier made by each going and returning ; also the time employed in establishing communication by gang way between the ship and the shore, and landing the mails : and, statement of the time occupied by each vessel in making the longest and shortest passage each month during the same period.—Ordered. GRAVING DOCKS. On the motion of Mr. LAIRD certain returns in a tabular form relating to the graving docks were ordered. MALT. On the motion of Sir F. KELLY, different returns in connection with the subject of malt, domestic and foreign, ere ordered. MAYNOOTH. Mr, WHALLEY gave notice that be would postpone his motion for an inquiry into the constitution of Maynooth until an investigation that was pending had taken place. IRISH CONSTABULARY. Colonel DICKSON asked the Chief Secretary for Ire land whether the attention of the Government had Leen drawn to a representation by the county of Limerick grand jury to the judge of assize at the late spring assizes, with reference to the employment and organisation of the police. Sir R. PEEL said that the attention of the Government had been called to the subject, and the foreman of the grand jury in question had stated that the police force in Ireland was of too military a character. That force had always been under the control of a military officer, and he consi dered that a force amounting to 12,600 should be under such control. There was nothing now of a military character introduced into the organisation of that force. He said there were other representations made by the grand jury of the county of Limerick on the matter, but the Government did not consider that they contained anything to call for the interference of Government. SPECIE PAYMENTS ON IMPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES. Mr. POTTER asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the practi cal increase of duties on imports into the United States consequent upon such duties being payable only in specie, the premium on such specie being likely to be excessive owing to the gradually increasing depreciation of American paper currency. Mr. M. GIBSON said he was not aware of any such regulation as that alluded to having been adopted. ALLEGED DESECRATION OF CATHOLIC CHURCHES IN SICILY. Sir G. BOWYER asked a question of the First Lord of the Treasury, regarding certain events which had recently taken place in the kingdom of the Two Sicilies. He said that he was informed that the church in which the corpse of the Bishop of Amalfi was placed had been broken into by the revolutionary troops, and the body of the prelate free quently stabbed. He understood also that certain other outrages were contemplated by the same revolutionary body. Lord PALMERSTON said he could only state that her Majesty's Government had received no information of any Bort or kind in reference to the event to which the hon. baronet alluded as being contemplated or having taken l a ca• Re entertained some do u bt as to the accuracy of tt°l4fortnation of the hon. baronet as to the events which had keu cautitao place, and would advise him to receive with I pe ,: i snl ap communication as to attempts to be made Ital 8 Who w ere un d er th e au th or i ty o f th e Ki ng of y'Rt(llear, and laughter.) OZ T IN TIIE Sir J. ELP ° INDIAN NAVY. for India of certain r ONE asked the Secretary of State reductions having been made in the strength of th e force of of Parliament, and vhatth Indian navy since last session as to the future prospect Were the intentions of Government a and positien of the officers of that service ? Sir C. *W OOD intent said t was im possible at present to state what were the ons of the government on the sub ject. IRISH BILLS. Mr. FOLLARD -UR Q UH AItT eked thz Chief Secre tary for Ireland, on wha t da y he intendedto Co into com mittee on the poor relief (Ireland) bill ; he intended to move the second reading of also, what day of births and deaths (Ireland) bil'. inistration Sir R. PEEL said he could not exactly state on question dt.y he would be able to g o into the committee in citi or when ho could move the second reading of the sec ond bill alluded to. On Thursday next he hoped to make pro gress with the Markets and Fairs (Ireland) Bill. REDUCTION OF THE INDIAN CAVALRY. Sir M. FARQUHAR asked the Secretary of State for India, in consequence of his having authorised the Govern ment of India to reduce the youngest of the regiments of cavalry lately formed in Bengal, what would be, in the event of such authority being acted upon, the position of the officers and men ? After some remarks from Mr. Adams, Col. Sykes , and ... Vansittart, inflicted the that though some hardship might b e Sir C. W b OO e D i r h e B the altered i t action referred to, it was unavoidable in consequence of CESSION op state of affairs in India. Mr. GRIFFIT rrEAL whether IAN TERRITORY TO FRANCE asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs wvourto the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs would ende ascertain that there whs no in- tHE SUN, LONDON, SATU R VE !XING, Mt ARCTIC 15, 1832. —. ... e ,..._ tent'on on the part of the new Italian Ministry of entertain ing any question of the cession of any territory now belong ing to the Italian kingdom to France, under any pretence or consideration whatever ; and moved an addro: a for copy of any communications relating to that subject which might have taken place with the Italian Government. He contended that the policy of France was aggressive, and that Ratazzi's views were in favour of sn alliance be tween France and Italy, which would enable these powers to overrun the whole continent of Europe. Mr. LAYARD said that this was a very important ques tion, and he trusted the house would feel grateful to the hon. member for the vigilance which he exercised over the foreign relations of this country. (Hear, and laughter,) He would not, however, follow the hon. member through his rather discursive address. This subject was discussed fully last session, and on that occasion Lord Russell said that he had the most positive assurance froin Baron Ricasoli that it was not intended to cede an inch Of Italian territory to France, and they had also the assurance of the Emperor of the French that ho would not require of the cession of the island of S ardinia. He had perfect and re liance on the good faith and loy alt y of the King Italy, he thought it would be an affront to that sovereign to require any assurance in addition to what he had already given on this subject. He was unable to produce the papers alluded to as it would be inconvenient to the public service to:flo so. Mr. GRIFFITH wished to know whether there were any papers on the subject. Mr. LAYARD said if there was he would not be justified in producing them. (Laughter.) The motion was then w ithdrawn. TURKEY. Mr. FREELAND called attention to the papers pre sented in 11861 relating to reforms in Turkey, and to the mission of Lord Hobart and Mr. Foster to Constantinople, and moved an address for a copy of their report on the finances of Turkey, and of any correspondence that might have taken place between the Governments of France and England relative to their mission. Ire contended that the value of our trade with Turkey and Persia required that we should pay particular attention to all that related to the state of Turkey. This country had also a great political interest in the well-being of Turkey. Mr. LAYARD agreed with Mr. Freeland in his views regarding the general interest which Europe had in the wellbeing of the Turkish empire. The state of its finances not long ago, he remarked, was not very encouraging, and its credit was low, but the present Sultan had shown great vigour and energy of character, and an ardent desire to re store the prosperity of the country. In spite cf great diffi culties, he had effected some wholesome reforms far beyond expectation, and he had no doubt he would complete the rest. The report referred to was a most able document'; the scheme it embodied was a very practicable one, and, what was of great importance, it showed that the state of the country was really sound, and that, with a little manage ment, its financial difficulties might be got over, and a balance be established between revenue and expenditure. He described some of the reforms already accomplished and their results, expressing great confidence in the character of the Sultan and in the high feeling of honesty which was, he said, an essential element of the Turkish character. This motion was likewise withdrawn. CONSOLIDATION OF THE STATUTES. Sir F. KELLY then rose to call attention to the consoli dation of the statutes. He said he should first put the heuse into possession of the present state of this question, and show how little really remained to be done by briefly stating the history of the question and what had been effected. For more than two centuries this important subject had occu pied the attention of legislators, lawyers, and statesmen, but nothing whatever was effected in tie way of legislation until the year 1826, when the late Sir R. Peel and the late Lord Tenterden succeeded, although in a limited and im perfect manner, in consolidating the statutes relating to criminal law. In the year 1833 the first commission erase nated from the greatest law reformer of the day. That com mission was appointed to consider the state of the statute law, and to submit to his Majesty the means by which that law might be consolidated. From 1833 to 1852, inclusive, no less than seven commissions were directed to some of the most experienced judges and lawyers of the day, 13 reports were made, and bills, or schemes, and plans submitted to the Government from time to time ; but inasmuch as all these schemes involved not only the impracticable task of consolidating the statutes, but the amendment of the statute law and the codification of the entire common law of Eng land, the whole of these schemes and plans entirely failed. In 1852, under the auspices of Lord St. Leonards, Mr. Greaves and Mr. Lonsdale were instructed to prepare a bill, not only for the consolidation but the amendment and to some extent the codification of the criminal law. A bill was prepared, but when this bill came to be submitted to a committee of the House of Lords, so large and extensive were found the objects in view, and so many and so great were the difficulties surrounding the first step of-the un dertaking, that after some seven or eight days had been spent by some of the most learned law lords, no more than three clauses of this bill, containing 1,000 provisions, were passed ; and even with regard to these three clauses great differences of opinion existed. Every scheme having failed, in 1854, Lord Cranworth, who then held the great seal—and whom he could not name in connexion with this subject without giving him the tribute of saying that if the statute law of this country should ever be consolidated, more praise must be ascribed to him than to any other individual in the community—Lord Cranworth brought into existence the late statute law commission, and in 1856 the first real and effective steps were taken towards consolidation on a plan submitted to them. It was found that the whole of the 49 volumes of the statutes at large, each volume con taining on an average not less than 1,000 closely printed pages, and comprising altogether between 40,000 and 50,000 statutes—it was found that these 40 volumes might upon . a proper system of consolidation be reduced to somewhere about four, and that the 40,000 or 50,000 statutes might be reduced to 200 or 300 in number, each statute on a subject embracing within itself all that pertained to that subject. And in order to satisfy the Government of the day and the, public that that task might be accomplished, the attempt was first made in relation to the criminal statute law. In 1856,with the assistance of Lord Chief Justice Jervis, Lord Wensleydale, and Mr. Greaves, the whole of the criminal law of England was consolidated, and comprised within seven bills. These bills afforded a fair specimen of what could be effected in the way of consolidation. They were too late to be laid before Parliament during that session, but in 1857 they were brought into the House of Lords by Lord Cranworth. They underwent the consideration, and he thought he might add the severe criticism, of a select committee of the Rouse of Lords ; but with some amend ments these bills passed the House of Lords, and came down to the House of Commons in the course of that session. Political questions, however, of greater moment, which had been so often fatal to attempts at con solidation, effectually prevented any further steps being taken at that time. Parliament was dissolved i n th e course of that session, and when it re-assembled there were too many other matters brought befoie it to permit any fur ther steps being taken in that year towards consolidation. In 1858, these bills were again brought before the House of Lords. In that year there was a change of government, and it was found impossible in that session to pass these bills even through the first effective stage in that house. But a great deal was done in the course of that year. The statute law commission, satisfied with the success of the attempt to consolidate the criminal statute law, proceeded, with the assistance of competent professors of the law, to frame a great many other bills, which they were prepared to submit to Parliament. But another event occurred of great ' importance in 1858 in connection with this matter. II is learned friend the member for the University of Dublin was induced to undertake the assimilation of the criminal sta tute law of England and Ireland. His right hon. and learned friend took counsel with the then Lord Chancellor of Ireland (Mr. Napier), and although it was found impos sible to make progress in 1851, yet in 1859 his right hon. and learned friend and those who had assisted him in Ireland were prepared with a series of amendments to the bill which they had almost perfected in England, by which the crimi nal statute law of the two countries was assimilated, and in effect made to form a complete consolidation. In 1859 a dissolution of Parliament took place, and when Parliament re-assembled it was found impossible to do more than lay the bills on the table of the house. During 1860 those bills were considered and revised, and in some respects mended, by the present Government; and here again he must offer his humble tribute of prai:e to the noble and learned lord who now held the great seal, who from the moment that the question of consolidation was submitted to him. had done all that one man could do to aid this great work. Those bills having passed the House of Lords, he, with the assistance of the present Attorney-General, passed them through a select committee of this house, and the statute law of Eng land and Ireland thus united and assimilated had become a portion of the consolidated statute law of the land. What had been done with the criminal law of England and Ireland might likewise be done with every other branch of the law. By the consolidation of that one branch of the law 106 statutes had been consolidated into seven. But it was not merely by the passing of these seven consolidated statutes that the Government had done good service by means of the statute law commission. It was obviously necessary before any consolidation of the law could be effected that some analysis of the statute law should be made, that some index should be framed pointing out what statutes a s il t d at p .a a tee rt , s of statutes were still in force; and accordingly a gentleman of t o h f e em na in m en e ce o , f Wood with the assistance of " ra e passed session after was instructed by the statute Commissioners to prepare an expurgatorial index of beginning with the year 1858 and going back wards,had become obsolete, and so taking the acts ofparliament which had ieh session and ranging p them in columns, so as to show were te in force and which were repealed or It to know that this index 1800 ; and it now appeared to which 20 of the 40 to be attributed, there were 3,371 were still wholly or partl 6 y ed b "B7 might perhaps interest the house x ea had been carried back to the year volum es that from 1800 to 1858, a period carried na p es ae of the statutes at large were statutes. Of these pertly in force ; and 3,516, or ,ziaourit3 than any of them only it n .w half, were abso lutely repealed, or had become obsolete. m aa l i e a b ti e ll e f xpected when this work of expurgation was that the forty volumes might be reduced to tyzeourthTehe r, Government had availed themselves largely of this work of Mr. Wood. In the last session of Parliament they not ....,......, only passed the consolidation of the criminal law, to which he had referred, but they passed an act, the enacting part of which consisted of only one section containing some four or five lines, by which they repealed no less than one thousand old acts of Parliamen t, many of which, though they had not been directly pepealed, had become entirely obsolete and inoperative. Now if he were to stop here, and to put it to the Attorney-General whether it was fit for the Government, having done so much to do no more, he was sure that the house would expect to be informed of some great and insuperable difficulty to justify delay in such a work. No less than 90 bills were prepared at the instance of the statute law commission, and only required the revi sion of some competent person to put them in a state in which they might be brought before the house. If these 90 bills, which comprised the most important suljects, were passed, they would reduce the number of volumes contain ing the statutes at Utrge to seven or eight volumes. Instead of 40,000 statutes, it would substitute 180 or 200 Acts of Parliament. It might be that the appointment of a Minis ter of Justice was impossible; but there could be no diffi culty in constituting a board of three or four skilled persons to consider these 90 bills, and to proceed with the remainder of the consolidation. If the expense of completing the work were any object, he would remind the house of a calculation made by the statute law commissioners, namely, that if the . r system were fully carried into effect, no less a sum than £60,000 a year would be saved the country in the printing of bills and Acts of Parliament alone, Mr. LOCKE said it must be very gratifying to the house to learn that the work was so very near completion. The utmost that could be done was to reduce the statute-book to four volumes; and it appeared that it might at once be re duced to seven. He would ask the Attorney-General,then, whether he would allow all that had been done to remain useless; or whether he would not rather avail himself of Ole mine of wealth which the statute law commissioners had left him ? He considered that the practice of consolidating parts of statutes was a most nefarious one. For his own part he would infinitely rather lock into one act for the law than look into two : and he believed he spoke the senti ments of every one that, like himself, preferred taking no more trouble than w 55 absolutely necessary in the perform ance of an onerous duty. (Laughter.) It appeared to him that a procedure act was necessary to accompany the crimi nal law consolidation bills already passed. Those bills had taken all that related to criminal offences out of Lord Cam bell's acts, for example, but it left the rest of those acts un repealed. If they could not have the whole 90 bills referred to by the hon. and learned gentleman, the Attorney-Gene ral would do well to, elect any half a dozen or dozen of them that ho might ke best, to begin with. It really did not matter where they commenced, for whichever of the bills they passed would improve the law, so e ve as they went. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL need not follow his ho stars learned friend through the history he had given of n. tute law consolidation for the last 30 years, but if he did he should not be at variance with the hon. gentleman. He agreed with his hon. friend that what had been done before 1854 had become practically futile. In that year, however, the Statute Law Commission was issued, under the auspices of Lord Cranworth, to whom he thought the country owed much for his exertions in the cause of law reform; and he was happy to inform the house that the work of expurgation was intended to be further carried on under the direction of the Government. The Statute Law Commissioners had con ti n ued their labours till 1859, when the annual vote for their expenses was refused by the house. After that event Messrs. Wood and Reilly were instructed by the Govern ment to proceed with the steps they were taking to bring out an edition of such statutes only as were in force, omit ting likewise such as were only of a local and personal na ture. Reference has been made to the register of obsolete acts, which had no doubt been found of great value, but it only went back to the commencement of the present cen tury, and only included acts of whose repeal th i pre could be no doubt. By the 101stchap. of the act of last se sion nearly 1,000 other acts had been rescinded, which though mani festly obsolete, had not tillthen beenformally repealed. This class of dubious acts might be arranged under several classes First, there were expired acts. Then there came spent acts, namely, such as had been practically repealed by the accomplishment of the object for which they had been passed. Various classes . of acts—those that were virtually repealed, those that had become obsolete either by the state of things which they contemplated having ceased to exist, or from their being unable to be put in force—were placed in a re pealing schedule; and an act had been already passed whereby all these spent, repealed, and obsolete statutes were removed from the statute book. The learned gentleman who were engaged in this important work were continuing their labours. Another bill had been laid on the table, carrying the work of expurgation down to the end of the reign of Edward 111. ; and a third, now in preparation would bring it down to the end of the reign of Henry VIII. In this last-mentioned series, he understood out of 1,092 existing pages of statutes only 269 would be retained. That very day he had received a communication from these two gentlemen, stating their belief that an equal or greater re duction might be made in the reign of Henry VIII. and subsequent reigns. In this manner an effectual expurga tion of the statutes would be accomplished. Thus far he believed he was in perfect accord with his hon. and learned friend. But his hon. and learned friend had further asked whether it was the intention of the Government to proceed with the statutes prepared under the direction of the late statute law commission. He presumed that his hon. and learned friend was referring to the 90 bills which were pre pared under the direction of the commission. Now he (the Attorney-General) found, by reference to what he believed to be the last report of the commission, dated in February 1859, a statement that the bills had been prepared before the commissioners had the advantage of the register which had been prepared by their labours. In conse quence of that, they reported that some further change might be necessary; but they considered that some of the bills were in a state in which they might properly be sub mitted to Parliament. Four of them, if he remembered rightly, had been laid on the table of the House of Lords; but in introducing them Lord Cranworth said they were pro duced merely as specimens, and not for the purpose of invit ing Parliament to pass them. NOW, he (the Attorney- General) had seen the bills, and whilst he would be the last man to disparage the labours of the commission or of the learned gentlemen they employed, he should not be misun derstood when he said that the bulk of the bills, he might say the bills generally, were not in a condition to be laid be fore Parliament. He had no doubt these bills contained a great mass of matter which would prove very valuable ; and besides the construction of the register, which was a very useful work, he believed none of the labours of the commission would be unattended with advantage ; but it was not the present intention of the government to proceed with the bills as they stood. He trusted, however, that they might see the work of expurgating the statutes speedily accomplished. RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION IN SPAIN. Mr. KINNAIRD, in reference to what took place last session on the subject of the persecutions in Spain, and the efforts which were understood to be about to be made by her Majesty's Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs to ob tain remission of punishment for Matamoros and others, now under sentence of the galleys, on the charge of main taining certain religious opinions and practices contra 7 to the religion of the State, asked if any and what steps had been taken in reference to this matter. He spoke of the extent to which this persecution had been carried, and the numbers and sufferings of the victims, who looked anxiously for the interposition of the English Government. Lord PALMERSTON said he was sorry that he could not report any satisfactory result following the attempts of the Government to obtain the pardon and release of the persons alluded to. The difficulties were very great. The Roman Catholic priesthood exercised great sway in Spain, and wherever they gained predominance there was the ut most amount of intolerance. Efforts had been made to pro cure the exercise of mercy in these cases, but they had been hitherto unsuccessful. Mr. BLAKE defended the Spanish Government, to whose tolerance he bore testimony from personal knowledge, and who, he said, repressed religious opinions only where em ployed as a means of disseminating political doctrines. Mr. 'WHALLEY, on the other hand, contended that these persons were persecuted and punished for their re ligious opinions as heretics. Sir R. PEEL believed that Mr. Blake was in error in supposing that these poor men had been in any way con nected with political transactions. The house then went into a committee of supply, when Mr. PEEL moved a vote for the Post office packet ser vice estimate. Mr. BAN TER called attention to the increase of this vote, and to the practicability of reducing its amount, throw • ing out suggestions for that object. The vote was agreed to, after a long discussion. On the report of the Committee of Supply, Mr. CONINGHAM objected very warmly to the Sand hurst College vote, considering it detrimental to the public service, he said, that a kind of Horse Guards reserve should be established at the college. After some remarks by Sir J. SHELLEY, Ctlonel NORTH, Sir G. LEWIS, and Mr. ATRTON, the vote was agreed to. A. short discussion took place upon the other votes, and the entire report was ultimately agreed to. The Consolidated Fund (X 18,000,000) Bill was read a third time and passed. The Pier and Harbour Act Amendment Bill was read a second time. a great matter tor consideration was whether the law courts could not be all concentrated into one locality. The Royal Commission gave strong reason, why there should be such concentration, and they recomnlended a site of six acres lyingbetweeli the Strand and Carey-street. This site seemed the best that could be found in the metropolis, situated as - - it was between the chief inns of court, and accessible equally well from the Temple and Lincoln's-inn. It was the legal district, inhabited by barristers and solicitors. Another reason why this site should be chosen was that it consisted of a series of courts and alleys and small streets, which were in a most unwholesome and discreditable state. The houses were unfit for wholesome or decent residence, and it would be, a positive advantage to pull them down. There was no carriage thoroughfare in this locality. It was inhabited by law clerks and stationers, and other hangers on of legal courts and parts of the locality were occupied by a degraded portion of the population. This class of persons could only be benefitted by having any other locality to live in. The Royal commission suggested that the £1,400,000 ve6ted in the name of the Accountant• General of the Court of Chancery should be made applicable for the purpose. This amount consisted of two funds, the surplus interest fund amounting to £1,290,000, and the surplus suitors' fee fund to £200,000, and these two funds were constituted of investments of the suitors' cash made by the accountant- general from time to time under various acts of Parliament. The right hon. gentleman detailed the circumstances under which the money had accumulated, and said that it might fairly be said to belong to nobody, and portions had fre quently been applied to purposes similar to that to which he now adverted—such, for instance, as building various offices connected with the administration of the law. The fund, however, was held as security for certain charges which were guaranteed by it, and this guarantee he pro posed to transfer to the Consolidated Fund, though he must say that it was extremely improbable that the guarantee could ever be called into operation by any payment being required. He had provided in the bill that the maximum charge which could ever be made upon the fund should amount to £35,000 a-year. The right hon. gentleman was proceeding to state a variety of details, when An Hon. MEMBER moved that the house be counted, but a number of hon. members having entered, a house was made. Mr. l OWPER, in continuation, said that although the amount of liability might possibly be £35,000, there was no likelihood, even if any claim at all were ever made, that the sum would reach anything like that amount. Mr. LYGON rose to order. By a standing order of the house it was provided that any bill for making a charge upon the people should be introduced in a committee of the whole house, and he submitted that this measure came within this rule. The SPEAKER said the house was not dealing with public money in the sense intended by the standing orders. Mr. COWPER proceeded with ,his explanation. The measure would not necessitate any drain upon the Exche quer, because the new buildings would put an end to various existing expenses. The bill would appropriate money belonging to no one --belonging to the State; and it was desirable to appropriate the money arising from former suits to diminishing the expenses of future suitors. Mr. LYGON contended that the suitors' fund ought not to be appropriated to the new buildings, as many applicants were originating proceedings for the recovery of portions of the money, in consequence of the notice of the present intended appropriation. He hoped the matter would be thoroughly investigated. Sir H. WILLOUGHBY remarked that if it was true that the fees of the Court of Chancery went into the Ex chequer, this bill would in effect take money out of the national funds, and he should like to hear the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the subject. He did not wish to oppose vexatiously the building of the new courts. Mr. CRAWFORD hoped that the evidence of the com missioners on the subject of the new law courts would be read by hon. members before the question was decided, The fund proposed to be appropriated arose from the inte rest on the loose cash of the suitors, which had accumu lated for 120 or 130 years. It was of the nature of the profit which a banker made from investing the deposits of his customers. The subject was very intricate and compli cated, and ought to be well considered. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER thought it desirable that the attention of Parliament should be direc ted to this subject at its commencement. The history of great buildings—the house in which they were sitting afforded an instance—was, generally speaking, not very satisfactory. After the experience of the building of the Houses of Parliament, it was necessary that in all future public buildings the public at the outset should know the outside cost of such buildings. He was very glad therefore that the discussion had bean raised on the very first stage of this bill. The manner in which the money for the proposed building was to be obtained was a subject which the house should very properly closely and fully consider. He believed that the proposed fund was a most legitimate ono for the object in view. No doubt there would be a sum required from the public funds, and probably larger than the com missioner anticipated, but the house would have ample op portunity of considering that. The proposed work was a work of great public improvement, and therefore he thought it well worth while considering whether a portion, and a considerable portion, of the burden should not fall upon the public. It was the desire:of the Government that the house should have the fullest opportunity of considering this sub ject. The advantages to be obtained in economy and despatch of the legal business of the country would amply compensate any charge that would fall on the country. Mr. LYGON, after what they had just heard from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, would again appeal to the Speaker on the point of order. It seemed that a charge was to be placed upon the public. The SPEAKER ruled that the till was according to the required form. After a short discussion, leave was given to bring in the bill. ASSIZE IN TELLIGEA HOME CIRCUIT.—CHELMSFORD, MARcri 14. CIVIL SIDE. (Before Mr. Justice Wi ghtman and a Common Jury.) PALMER y. CROORIENDEN.-THE FEMALE CHRISTY MINSTRELS. This was an action brought by Mr. Palmer, the manager of the troupe of female Christy Minstrels, to recover the Wages from the defendant, as the pro ps of the Woolwich Lecture-hall, for a breach of contract entered into with him for the use of the hall for the performance of the troupe. Sergeant Ballantine and Mr. Laxton were for the plaintiff; and Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., and Mr. Inder wick for the defendant. _ Sergeant Ballantine, in opening the case, said that the plaintiff was well known in London and the provinces as the gentleman who had originally introduced the male Ethiopian minstrels to this country, and he had subsequently got up a female troupe. He was desirous of making a tour through the provinces with the ladies, and the hall at Wool wich was engaged for that purpose by his agent, Mr. De Halle, and the first performance was to hava taken place on the 4th February. Bills were posted, advertisements published, and all the neces sary arrangements were made ; but when the plain tiff arrived with the ladies on the day appointed, he found that the hall had been let to a gentleman for the purpose of lecturing upon mesmerism, and he believed the public were very much disappointed, and the plaintiff was put to considerable expense. The present action was therefore brought to recover damages for the loss he had thus sustained through the defendant's breach of contract. Mr. De Halle deposed that he was agent to the plaintiff, who was the proprietor of the Ethiopian troupe of female serenaders. Mr. Justice Wightman—The what ? (Laughter.) Sergeant Ballantine—My lord, he is called their proprietor ; but I can assure your lordship that he in no way contravenes the law, and ho is in no way connected with the slave trade. (Laughter.) Examination continued—lt was arranged that a tour should be made with the troupe through the provinces in January, and they proposed to go through the county of Kent, and to commence at Woolwich. The 27th of January was first proposed as the day to commence, and the defendant agreed to let the hall for the performance on that day, but it was found inconvenient ; and at length the de fendant agreed that the plaintiff should have the hall on the 4th of February. In consequence of this, advertisements were issued, bills were posted, and the necessary arrangements made to give publicity to the proposed performance. On the 31st of January, after all the expense had been incurred, he received a telegram from the defendant, informing him that he could not have the use of the hall on the 4th of February, as it had been let for another purpose. At this time the town had been " billed," and all the engagements were made, and the troupe was consequently taken to Woolwich, but they could not perform, as the hall was occupied. Cross-examined—A good deal of expense was in curred in going about to different places to make arrangements, and also in applying to the officers at the barracks and soliciting their patronage. The bills they posted were large, and were got up at considerable expense. Nothing was done now-a days without going to a good deal of expense for advertising. (A laugh.) Mr. Palmer, the plaintiff, was then examined, and in answer to a question put by Sergeant Ballantine he said that he was by birth an American. Mr. Justice Wightman said he thought the wit ness had been represented to be a genuine 'Ethio pian. (A roar of laughter.) The witness—Not exactly, my lord. (Renewed laughter.) The plaintiff then went on to state that be was originally connected with the male troupe of Ethiopian serenaders, and he subsequently estab lished a female troupe, under the name of Christy's Female Ethiopian Minstrels. Sergeant Ballantine (interposing)—And I believe they are advertised to appear in lull Indian cos tume, although I must confess I hardly understand what the expression means. (Laughter.) Mr. Justice Wightman—l am quite sure that I do not. (Laughter.) The plaintiff went on to say that when all the arrangements had been made, he went down to Woolwich on the 4th of February for the purpose of giving the performance. The troupe consisted of 11 ladies, all of whom were under the charge of himself, his secretary, and his wife.' They pro ceeded to the hall, but he found that ho could not obtain possession of it, as it had been let to some one else, who was giving a lecture on mesmerism. He saw the defendant, and asked him how he came to act in such a manner towards him, and he then for the first time denied that he had let the hall to Mr. De Halle for the purposes of the perform ance. He told him he should hold him responsible for his breach of contract, and he then went and counted the number of persons who came for the purpose of witnessing the performance. Hundreds of people went away when they found that the minstrels were not going to perform, and if the per formance had taken place he believed he should have had a glorious night. He paid regular salaries to his ladies, and the amount averaged £8 15s. per night, and they received regular salaries whether they performed or not. He considered that he had been put to an actual expense of more than £2O, and he believed he should have made a good profit by the performance. Mr. Inderwick (to the witness)—Did the people say anything when they came down from the hall ? Witness—Yes, they were very angry, and said that we were a set of "humbugs," and that we never intended to perform at all. (Laughter.) Miss Elizabeth Wilson, one of the troupe, proved that she and the other young ladies went to Wool wich for the purpose of performing. There were 11 of them altogether. They all walked together from the railway station to the hotel. Mr. Sergeant Ballantine—Not in full Indian cos tume, I suppose. (Laughter.) Witness—Oh, no, certainly not. (Laughter.) Mr. Index wick then addressed the jury for the defendant, and he endeavoured to show that no posi tive engagement had been entered into for the use of the hall on this particular night, but the evidence he brought forward did not at all tend to establish that fact. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff— damages £25. NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—Yonx, March 14. NISI PRIUS COURT. (Before Mr. Justice Wiles and a Special Jury.) ROGERS V. LEADER AND OTHERS-LIBEL. Mr. Overend, Q.C., and Mr. Quain, were for the plaintiff ; Mr. Edward James, Q.C., and Mr. Kemplay for the defendants. This was an action for libel against the proprie tors of the kheffield and Rotherham Independent, Mrs. Rogers, the plaintiff, was a widow, 40 years of age, and is the matron of the Sheffield Work house. She went to Sheffield in 1850, when she obtained the situation of matron. After she had remained there about a year she married Mr. Rogers, the master of the workhouse, who died in 1851. From March in that year the plaintiff had still continued as the matron of the workhouse. In April last a new board of guardians was appointed. When the remission of the paper dbuty came into operation, in October last, the Sheffield Independent, which until then had been a weekly, became a daily paper. The Sheffield board of guardians allowed reporters to be present at their meetings, but it was submitted that a report of a meeting of a board of guardians was not a privileged communication In any respect. The libel complained of appeared in the newspaper named on a certain day in Novem ber, and was contained in a report of a meeting of the guardians, at which a report was presented by certain members of the visiting committee. The report which appeared in the independent was was headed as follows :—" Curious discoveries by the visiting committee." The report of the com mittee was then given, and they stated that they had examined the cellar of the workhouse, where a quantity of bacon, beef, hams, &c., was found. It was said for the plaintiff that it was insinuated in this particular report that there had been a discovery of stolen property, and an aspersion cast on the character of the plaintiff. On this report being published on the 21st of November, the plaintiff, conscious of her innocence and aware lof the injury she had sustained, consulted her solicitor, and this action was brought. The defendants were written to, after which a notice was inserted in the same journal to the effect. f rs. that the report was correct and impartial , and Rogers or her friends wished to answer orexplain, the proprietors would be glad to give i . t a place their colum ns . In bringing her ac ,ion the plain tiff, it w a s s t a ted, only sought to vindicate her character, not to recover damages. The plaintiff, in her examination, admitted that an action had also been broug h t against the pro prietor of the Sheffield Telegraph,. Mr. James submitted that the defendant s h a d simply di s charged a duty which had b een i mpose d upon them by the guard ians themselves, and that the reporter was bound to report everyt hi ng t h a t came before the guardians, and not select any par ticular portion. He hoped the time would come when the reports of public meetings would be taken to be authorised publications in the newspapers, because he could see no damage likely to result to the public from a free report of all proceedings re lating to the public service. In this case the guar dians had a right to make a report, and no action could be maintained against them. His clients had done no more than present a faithful and true ac count of the proceedings that took place before the guardians. He Was of opinion that there bad been ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION. Mr. H. SEYMOUR proposed to nominate the committee on the ecclesiastical commission. On the first name, that of Mr. Seymour, being put, Mr. LYGON objected, and a division was taken. It was For the committee Against it The SPEAKER consequently declared there was no house. Adjourned at 20 minutes to 12. DISIBESS IN LANCASHIRE. ASHTON-UNDER-LYNE.--The usual weekly meet ing of the Ashton-under-Lyne guardians was held on Thursday. 'fetal relieved, 4,246, at a cost of £194 Bs. Bd. ; corresponding week last year, 1.530, at a cost of £B3 14s. 6d.; increase in the number relieved, 2,716; in cost, £llO 14s. 2d. Number of inmates in the workhouse—males, 187 ; females, 175 ; children, 107; total, 469. Corresponding week last year, 317. Vagrants relieved during the week, 43. Balance in band, £1,161 14s. 2d. A deputation, headed by the Mayor of Stalybridge, waited upon the guardians to urge upon them the necessity of still further remonstrating with the Poor-law Board on the subject of the abolition of the labour test. The Chairman stated that their labour test was all in-door work, as they always thought out-door labour would quite unfit a factory operative for resumption of his employment, and therefore they had only asked them to pick oakum, and that. too, only for four hours, for which they were paid ls. The Mayor said it would be a satisfaction for the operatives to hear the guardians had that regard for them. Their object was to get the labour test abolished through out the whole district. OLDHAM—The number of persons relieved dur ing the past week by the Oldham guardians was 2,444, at a cost of £l2l 16s, 4d., against 2,412 per sous relieved at a cost of £l2l lls. 11d. in the week previous. This increase in the number of per sons relieved appears to be at about the regular rate in which the numbers have been augmenting for some weeks past. At the meeting of guardians on Wednesday, a letter was read from the Poor-law Board with reference to the labour test. A letter had been forwarded to the Poor law Board, setting forth the views of the guardians on the test, and in forming them of their decision not to apply it within the Oldham union during the present distress, The communication from the Poor-law Board, in reply to this letter, stated that they cannot, consistently with their public duty, continuo to sanction the general administration of out door relief to the able-bcdied, in violation of all the existing safe guards prescribed by the law. A brief discussion took place on the question, and it was ultimately resolved that the guardians should continue to ad minister relief to the able-bodied upon the same principle which had hitherto guided them. It may be stated that the decision previously arrived at by the guardians on this point has given great satis faction to all classes of the ratepayers. MACCLESPIELD.—OrIers for spring and summer goods have had the effect of opening out employ ment to hands that long and patiently waited for it. Mills that have been working two and three days a week are now on fall time; and several fac tories that were closed altogether • have recom menced work. The soup kitchen daily becomes less needed. LIVERPOOL —For a long time past the cotton porters have been reduced to great straits by the greatly diminished import of cotton, but this evil was in some measure counteracted by a large influx of grain -laden vessels which afforded more than the usual amount of employment in that line. Within the last few weeks, however, the prevalence of easterly winds and other causes had occasioned a great falling off in the number of ships arriving, which had the effect of throwing many hands idle, and to a large extent augmenting the amount of destitution in the town. To meet this soup kit-. ehens were opened in different parts of the town, by means of which a large amount of relief was afforded.: A change of wind, and a general im provement of the weather, has had the effect of bringing in ships, and of affording employment to those who are willing to work. The number of applications for relief have gradually diminished. COURTS of JUSTICE. Mr. COWPER, in moving for leave to bring in a bill to supply means towards defraying the expenses of providing courts of justice and offices belonging to the same, referred to the present wain of accommodation in these respects. The space in which the present courts at Westminster were built was very confined, and, as time had gone on, the in conveniences had been more severely felt. There'was no sitting-room for juries and no consultation-room for barri sters. It frequently happening that opposing banisters and solicitors were discussing on opposite sides of the same room. The narrow limits of the approaches to the courts led to a crowding together of witnesses. In Lincoln's-inn the accommodation for the equity judges was very inade quate, the buildings being of a temporary character and run up with great baste. Nor were the chambers of the Vice- Chancellpts suited for the purpose. The object to be at tained was the greatest amount of present accommodation with the greatest degree of permanent accommodation, and an indecent haste in bringing the action, and that nothing could have been fairer than the conduct of the dcra:dants, who had made every mend possible for what they had inserted. The jury relired for half an hour, and then found a verdict for the defendants. OXFORD CIROUIT.—STAFroRD, March 14. CROWN COURT. (Before Mr. Baron Channell.) THE GOVERNMENT PROSECUTION OF THE REV. 11. S. FLETCHER. The rev. prisoner agaia surrendered to his bail when the court opened this morning at 9 o'clock. Baron Channell said that he had had an oppor tunity since the previous night of considering the very many ingenious and well-argued objections that were brought forward on the previous evening. With reference to some of them, he had had no difficulty in coming to an opinion, and that opinion was against the prisoner. The objections were mainly involved in two questions. First, whether the prisoner at the bar was a trustee for the pur poses described in either of the counts of the indict ment? Second. if he was, whether he was a trus• tee under an express trust in writing within the L act of Parliament under which the indictment was founded. Now, that point he proposed to reserve for the consideration of the court which was esta blished for resolving crown cases that might be referred to them. For the purpose of having the point reserved for the consideration of that tribunal he should decide against the prisoner. He thought it was clear that the prisoner had appropriated the moneys, and therefore that question need not be put • to the jury, but he thought it would be well for Mr. Matthews to address them upon the point of whether the prisoner appropriated the money with intent to defraud. Mr. Matthews inquired of his lordship if it would not be necessary to go to the jury to consider whether Mr. Fletcher ever acted as a trustee. His Lordship said that there was abundant evi dence to show that the prisoner had so acted from the time of his appointment in 1838, up to last year. There was also abundant evidence to show that be was also treasurer and secretary, and it did not ap pear to him that the prisoner was less a trustee by being secretary and treasurer, but having all these offices, it became easy for him to make appro priations which he could not otherwise have accom plished. Mr. Matthews then addressed the jury for the prisoner as to the intent, and his Lordship having summed up at considerable length, The jury, after about ten minutes' consultation, found the prisoner guilty of appropriating the money with intent to defraud the depositors. His lordship then said that if the prisoner could find bail, himself in £750 and two sureties in the same amount, he would postpone the sentence. Mr. Dowdeswell, on behalf of the crown officers, would afford every facility for the finding of such bail. On the application of Mr. Matthews, the bail was afterwards altered to one surety in the amount of the prisoner's bond, and two or more others in the third ,£750. Time was given to produce bail, and the rev. prisoner was removed to the cells below the court. During yesterday and a greater part of the day before be was provided with a seat in the dock, and during the proceedings held down his head upon the handrail. On more than one occasion he was observed in tears. 'MIDDLESEX SESSIONS- I March. 14. (Before the Assistant• Judge.) Henry Percival, 20, clicker, John Beaumont, 20, lapidary, Simon Ulaydon, 30, smith, and Henry Blake, 29, dealer, were indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of Robert Ellis Roberts, and stealing securities of the value of £1,700, and other articles. _ _ Mr. Collins proseeuted ; Mr. Horry defended Claydon, Mr. Pater defended Blake ; the other two prisoners pleaded guilty. This robbery was committed on the evening of Feb. 16, at :32, Rheidoi- terrace, Islington, while the prosecutor and his family were at chapel. On his return he found a policeman in possession, and the whole house in confusion. An iron safe had been opened and everything turned out of it. Among the articles missed were railway debentures value £7OO, and consol scrip of the value of £l,OOO. They had been taken out of the iron safe. The case for the prosecution was that the pri soners acted in complicity in committing this robbery. The prisoners were detected by Herbert Slam mers, 136 N, whose conduct in the matter was highly eulogised by the court, and would be repre sented in the proper quarter. The prisoners were found guilty. Blake solemnly protested his innocence. His lordship said he would postpone sentence until next session, and the prisoner who had so ear nestly protested his innocence must take the conse quences of a searching inquiry that would be made. A prisoner, named Rooke, was brought up for judgment, he having been convicted of stealing tools from the International Exhibition at Kensington. Mr. Dickie appeared for the prisoner; Mr. Po land prosecuted. The prisoner's wife was in attendance, and with a baby only three weeks old, went on her knees and.prayed for mercy for her husband. His lordship said he hoped the prisoner would never do the like again, and sentenced him to three days' imprisonment, which term, dating from the commencement of the sessions,had already expired. He would therefore be immediately discharged. The wife burst into tears on hearing his lord ship's words, and said she should bless him for ever. In the case of Price and others, convicted of stealing and receiving sugar, the property of Chris topher Geils, the court ordered a reward of /3 to police constable Dunnaway,l29 H, with a direction that it should be represented to the proper quarter, and also a reward of £3 to the boy John Moore, who was the principal witness in the case. Edwin Cook, 27, was convicted of stealing a watch from the person of George Schreide, at a running match at Brompton. Two former convictions were proved against him, and the court sentenced him to six years' penal servitude. George Lee, 41, and Ellen Whitts, 33, were con victed of stealing pots from public-houses. Lee, an old offender, was sentenced to three years' penal servitude, and the woman to twelve months' hard labour. She was a trainer of young thieves. Two prisoners, named Anthony and Williams, were convicted of attempting to break and enter dwelling-houses by means of burglarious imple ments, and for being, without lawful excuse, in pos session of such instruments. They were each sen tenced to two years' hard labour. A number of ordinary cases were disposed of. FOREIGN NAIL PACKET LIST. MAILS DUE. Australia and Mauritius, via Southampton. Mar. 21 - via Marseilles . .. Mar. 15. Brazil and Cape Yards, by British packet. April 6. Cape of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. Helena.. April 1. China, Penang, and Singapore, via Southampton. Mar. 21. via Marseilles ...Mar. 15. Falkland Islands .. April 6. Gibraltar, via Southampton India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via Southampton Mar. 21. vit Marseilles Mar. 15. India (Bombay), via Southampton via Marseilles Mar. 22. Ltsbon , Mar. 11. Mika, Emit, arid Aden, via Sautistmirton Mar. 13. via Mna-serltes - Mar. 15 Newfoundland Oporto and Vigo U. S. and British N. America, by Brit. packet.. M ar. 19, by U.S. packet by Canadian packet. Mar. 12, W.C. of Africa, Madeira, and Teneritie Mar. —, Bahamas, via New York .... .... Mexico Mar. 23. All parts of West Indies, including Chili, Peru, Mar. 13. California, and British C01umbia.......... s.—Tyheeweryedea— kly brought up a re port from the meeting METROPOLITAN of the Metropolitan BOARDchair. Boardo F Ml r°it a K sheld st r w Eskett Mr. T. Thwaites iu the `Yorks and Improvements Committe e , i n recommended that the board d o con t r ib ute one third effecting a public imp rovement i n wThhricohgmt of they ec the cost o r n-street, to be carried out by the Commis sioners of Sewers of the City of London, by setting back the house No. 39 in that street, as shown upon the plan yroduced,to the committee, estimated at £916, exclusive of irofessional charges, such contribution not to exceed £305 6s. Bd., and that such amount be paid to the Commissioners of Sewers of the City of London on a certificate from the architect of the board of the completion of the work. The recommendation of the committee was adopted. The Works, &c., Committee also recommended that the board do con tribute one-half of the cost of effecting a pu bli c improve ment in High-street, Kensington, to be carried out by th e vestry of Kensington, by widening the same, as shown on the plan produced to the committee, estimated at £5OO, such contribution not to exceed £250; and that such amount be paid to the vestry of Kensington on a certificate from the architect of this board of the completion of the work. This recommendation gave ri se to some'discussion, but was ulti mately carried by a large majority. [ADvErcrismiENT.]—Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— U n healthy Complexions.—The modern treatment of all cutaneous affections is based upon the purity of the blood and the healthy con di t i on of the circulation. Holloway's remedies always secure these desirable objects without delay, danger, or inconvenience. This Ointment cools and disperses any local inflammation arising from torpidity of the circulation, external yloience, or contagious matter. It is invaluabl e in ulcerations, eruptions on the skin, erysi pelas, and the many visible affections caused by scurvy, scrofula, and hereditary taints. u dispels discolorations, freckles, blotches, and similar blemishes. Holloway's Ointment and Pills, by their combined action, exercise the most salutary sway over the three grand systems in the human body—they fully Contr o l th e c i rcu l a tory, nervous 2 azt4 cligeotive fuctims. FIL'OII THE AST NIGHT. LORD CHAMBERLAIN'S OFFICE, MARCH 14. Orders for the Court's going into mourning on Sunday next, the 16th instant, for her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Schwerin; viz.:— The Ladies to wear black drosses, white gloves, black or white shoes, feathers, and fans, pearls, diamonds, or plain gold or silver ornaments. The Gentlemen to wear black court dress, with black swords and buckles. The Court to change the mourning on Wednesday the 19th instant; viz.:— The Ladies to wear black dresses with coloured ribbons, flowers, feathers, and ornaments, o- grey, or white dresses, with black ribbons, flowers, feathers, and ornaments. The Gentlemen to continue the same mourning. And on Sunday, the 23d instant, the Court to go out of mourning. At the Council Chamber, Whitehall, the 12th day of March, 1862—present, the Lord Chancellor, the Lord Pre sident, the Mai quis of Salisbury, Mr. Milner Gibson, Sir Wm. Gocdenough Hayter, Bart., Mr. Walpole, and Mr. Lowe - her Majesty having been pleased to appoint the Right Hon. Gilbert John, Lord Aveland, to be Lord- Lieutenant of the county of Lincoln, his lordship this day took and subscribed the oath appointed to be taken there upon, instead of the oaths of allegiance and supremacy. ARTHUR HELPS. FOREIGN-OFFICE, Drc. 20. The Queen has been graciously pleased to appoint W 213. Raymond Gingell, Esq., now her Majesty's Consul at Amoy, to be her Majesty's Consul at Hankow. The Queen has also been graciously pleased to appoint James Mongan, Esq., to be her Majesty's Consul at Tien , tsin. BANKRUPTS. James llorsefield, farmer, Newton-heath, Lancashire Angus John Mackay, surgeon, Salford David Edwards, grocer, Liverpool George Dodd, saddler, Newport, Shropshire William Goodey, publican, Dorchester John Drake, farmer, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire Charles Walker, mariner, Goole John Greaves, blacksmith, Wingerworth George Mababy, tailor, Witten-park Ironworks, Durham Henry Lees, publican, Bradley, Staffordshire William Priest, music seller, Bath Philip Shenton, shoemaker, Werringtsn Samuel Burditt, publican, Wilbarston. Samuel Maddock, butcher, Great Bowdon Wm. A. A. Knapman, innkeeper, Okehampton Battin Harrison, grocer, Charlbury George Ellam, plumber, Stalybridge Henry Smitheringale, wheelwright, West Deeping Isaac Parker, butcher, Blackburn John Jackson, butcher, Exhall, Warwickshire Enoch Turncock, collier, Talk-o'th'-hill, Staffordshire Thomas Woodhouse, innkeeper, Sheffield Charles Ulyat, baker, Crowland, Lincolnshire Henry Bingham, builder, Ipswich James S. Dines, silver scraper, Wells-st., Oxford-at. B. R. Watts, zinc worker, Thirza-place, Old Kent-road Thomas Lillyman, brush manufacturer, Northampton David Klunkert, baker, Bale-street, Stepney James Lockwood, tailor, Wilby, Suffolk Charles F. Morris, wine merchant, late of Water-lane John Jeffcoat, carpenter, Arabella-road, Pimlico R. Pickford, foreman to a builder, Walworth-common Jas. Battershall, plumber, High-street, Hoxton Mary Anne Blinks, shoe seller, Canterbury Wm. Gooding, farmer, Kelsal'a, Suffolk James Pullen, shoemaker, Portman -st, Portman-square John Brewster, grocer, Bennondsey-square Wm. Stapleton, dust contr.actor, Kensington Richard L, Williams, farmer, Marden, Herefordshire Joseph Hicklin, ribbon manufacturer, Bedworth Edwin H. Hayles, builder, Southsea, Hants Charles Tate, ironmonger, Bognor, Sussex Henry J. Tindall, publican, Upper Thames-street Frank Warrall, attorney, Bentick-street, Marylebone NapthaliaMichelson,coffeehouse-keeper, Liverpool-road, Islington Richard Riley, timber merchant, Ewer-st. ; Southwark John W. Cole, tailor, Holborn-hill John J. D. and, farmer, Grayshot, Southampton Wm. V oods, licensed victualler, High Holborn George M. Ward, hosier, Hampstead-road Reuben Michael, clerk, Drum-yard, Whitechapel Samuel Brookes, jun., architict, Penge, Surrey Joseph King, turner, Bartholomew-close, City Henry Mares, monumental engraver, Upper Holloway Robert Dyson, hair dresser, Back-road, Kingaland Thomas Harper, dining room proprietor, Hinde-street Fredk. King, horse dealer, Nurkling, Hants John Tringham, hosier, Cannon-street, City Charles Lugg, painter, Plumstead John Tarr, blacksmith, Paddington Arthur Welsford, printer, Red Cross-square,Cripplegate Thomas J. Stubbs. attorney, Moorgate-street, City James Fryer, baker, Fincham, Norfolk William Brimley, carpenter, Wood-green William Jenkins, farmer, Connington, Huntingdonshire John B. Smith, linen and woollen draper, Sudbury John Hawkins, sen., hotel keeper, Exeter Nicholas Rogers, bone crusher, xeter J. Higginson, clerk in holy orders, Thormanby, Yorksh. William Brough, provision dealer, Clay-cross, Derbysh. Jeremiah Fisher, fulling miller, Osset, Yorkshire Thomas Brabin, licensed victualler, Birkenhead John Lloyd, joiner, Ness, Cheshire George Whyte and William Gunn, shoe dealers, Liverpool William Williams, farmer, Abergele, Denbighshire William Evans, farmer, Hereford, Thomas Woolley, draper, Caverswall, Staffordshire Joseph Vick, pin manufacturer, Birmitingham Thomas Langham, colliery manager, Derbyshire Richard Jenkins, jun.,coalproprietor, Trebunog Cymmeri Glamorganshire " Charles Plaskett, jeweller, Cardiff Thomas Field, innkeeper, Withington, Gloucestershire Henry Hodges, lime burner, Montpelier, Bristol Benjamin Jefferis, iron and metal merchant, Cardiff William Aylott, carpenter, Bayswater Joseph Samuel Hump, tailor, Highgate Richard Hodson, secretary to an insurance office, St. John's-wood illiam Pickford, builder, Old Kent-road Elias Loader, greengrocer, Notting-hill Thomas Bruin, publican, West Smithfield Edmund Heydon, carpenter, Hethe, Oxford Michael Bown, licensed victualler, Othery, Somerset Robert Railton, innkeeper, Carlisle D. Thomas, hay dealer, Merthyr Tydfil, Glamorgansh• James Heath, licensed victualler, Petersfield, Hanipshir ° George Bradley, builder, Kingswinford, Staffordshire Robert Groves, grocer's assistant, Kingswinford, Stafford John Hardy, licensed victualler, Kingswinford, Stafford Mary Keitley, licensed victualler Shipston-on-Stourf Worcestershire John Simpson, huckster, Westbromwich COUNIRI MARK]: 26. , LIVERPOOL—MARCH 14. We had a fair attendance of dealers to-day, but both wheat and flour met a very dull demand, the late advance being reduced by ld per cental on the former and is per sack and barrel on flour. Indian corn declined Gd per qr,; Oats and oatmeal same as on Tuesday. Beans, peas, an barley declined is per qr on the week. WAKEFIELD—MAncIe 14 The show of wheat to-day was moderate ; business was limited, and the sales were is down in price. Fine barley meets a fair sale, and generally is dearer. Beans is Per qr lower. In oats and shelling no change to note, and very little doing. EXETER—MARcn. 14. Wheat, white 7s 6d to 7s 9d I 8ar1ey...... 38 10d to 4s 6 1 Ditto new .Os Od to Os Od Oats .. 2s 9d to 3s 3 L‘ Flour, fine, 45s to 47s ; seconds, 43s to —s per sack. CATTLE. The market to-day was very largely supplied with stock, and prices consequently tended downwards. Fat beef,p score,9B6d to 10s6d Ewes, per lb .... 6d to al Pork carcases, 9s 6d to lOs 6d Wethers, d 0...... 7d to --, Lambs, per lb —d t o —d. Fat calves, d0...6/d to 1 Rough fat, 34d per lb. BRISTOL SUGAR—MARCH 14. We have still few samples on show, and sales have been almost confined to some parcels of crystalised Demerara-°, at full prices. Refined goods sell well, at 3d improvement on this day week. Treacle 6d higher. In rum little or nothing doing. COAL 11 (rem of Coal per Ton al S. d. :ARK ET. t the close of the market e. d. Byass's Bebside West Hartley ..15 3 Wylam ..14 6 Hastings Hartley ....15 3 Holywell 14 6 West Hartley 15 3 Tanfield Moor 12 0 Tanfield Moor Butes _l2 0 Ships at marks Walla End. Braddyll's Hetton 16 ?, Hough Hall 15 0 16 0 Relloo .. Trimdon Hartlepool l6 3 Edon Main ..15 () t, 32 ; sol 3, 19. ~.., ------- BIRTHS. BAILEY. —On the 14th inst., at Atkin's•road Clapha m , park, the w i e o f Arthur 11. Bailey, Esq . , of a &Alio u ter. BREAKEY.—On the 12th inst ,at Deal, the wife of Dr. /' Breakey, R.N., of a son. PEARETIL—On the 12th inst., at 31, Brunswick-terral Brighton, the wife of Willi am Peareth, Esq., of a 8° and heir. WESTON.—On the 14th inst., Mrs. Weston, wife of ) 1, /. ' Edward Weston, proprietor of the Music Hall,.lloW of a daughter. MARRIAGES. DARLING.—On the 13th inst., at Reigate Old Church, Rutherford. Darling, Esq., of Pembridge-square, water, to Sarah, widow of the late John J arv is, Esq. , - Ripple Vale House, Walmer, Kent. lIILL—MEESON. —On the 13th inst., at St. George's, 0 1, over-square, Thomas Bill, Esq., of 13, Westbour n j. park, Bayswater, to Mary, elder daughter of the lat e . Meeson, Esq., of Duvals Greys, Essex, and Sussex - P" , dens, Hyde-park. DEATHS. BEDWELL.—On the 11Th inst., at 36, Burton-crescent' Thomas A. Bedwell, Esq. CRAWFORD,—On the 6th inst., at Rome, Colonel Wes. T. Crawford, C. 8., Royal Artillery. DAVENPORT.—On the 14th inst., at 2, Millbrook-placre; Harrington-square, Robert H. F. Davenp or t, Esq./ fo merly of Bermuda. E v A xs ; John— On the Evans, Esq. inst., s at Sully House, Giantorgall' shire Losn.—On the 12th inst., at Wreay S ke near Carlit Lieut.-Colonel J. J. Losh, late AFI . 3' ' • "Geller i ttary,Audito PAlN.—dOrnast.he 12 th inst., a t C amden-town, C h ar les PA iiif E s q., aged 77. _.... Sixty miles an hour by t he Grea t Western Express WO been arrived otiv at . by h the careful and const an t i mprovemen t 0' The same means h ave made Herring_A _ 1 M agne tic Brushes and Combs e qua l ly perfect. They teloc ome now the acce pted and cert a i n remedy for the agonies o f 00 d o l or eux, nervous headache, a c., and restore the colour to grey hair in a few weeks.—N.B. Counterfeits are being w ade' Offices, 32, Basinghall-street, London. LONDON : Printed and Published by JOEIN of No. 112, Strand, Printer at THE SUN Office, N O. , Strand, in th e P rec i nct of ? the Savoy, in t h e Coll"' X i dcUeeez...Saturday, Marc/a 16: Nag Ur • upon n om ` ~.~~ ~E. Z °n~to ~E: TP Now e rw ~~ Co H::a. Pnr the Tr x 't OP] The Th.-c Tti 1.10. 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