The Sun. — London, England, 1858-02-18 00:00:00

MONEY MARKET AffD COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, Two o'CLocK. The Liverpool Cotten Market yesterday closed steadily and values of all descriptions were fully id. per lb. dearer. The sales were estimated at 7,000 bales, 1,000 of which were taken by the exporters and 500 by the speculators. In the Railway Share Market there was no particular change and prices Were steady. The amount of gold taken into the Bank yester day was 32,0001., and duriog the week, since the date of the last published return, it is estimated that at least half a million sterling has been added to the bullion. Besides the influx of Australian, American and Brazilian gold, a largo number of sovereigns have been received, and the balance sheet which will be issued to-morrow is consequently expected to show some favourable features, espe cially as there is reason to believe that a furth-r important declension has taken place in the other securities. Old engagements arc being discharged and the fresh applications for discount at the pre sent minimum are naturally very small, when bills of good quality can be negotiated elsewhere or Per cent. cheaper. In some quarters it is thought that there is rather more enquiry for money, but business in every department is too depressed to admit of much alteration in this respect at present. A meeting of the Atlantic Telegraph Company was held to-day, when a resolution was passed for the raising of 75,0001. additional capital for com pleting the undertaking. The chairman, Samuel Gurney, Esq., M.P., stated that the fresh attempt Would, no doubt, be successful from mid-ocean, and to show that this opinion prevailed, a sum of 24,4001. towards the new capital had been already subscribed. The report of the company was pub lished a considerable time ago, and was now adopted. The report of the Oriental Inland Steam Com pany, held to-day, states that twelve vessels for the rivers were expected to be shipped for India in April next, and that the East India Directors had consented to raise the subvention to the company to 10,0001. a year, instead of 5,0001., as agreed to before. The meeting of the Eastern Counties Railway Corripany to-day passed off satisfactorily, the divi dend being at the rate of 3/. ss. per cent. per an num ; and after an explanation from the chairman, the report was adopted. - The principal feature on the Stock Exchange to * has been an advance of no less than 20 to 30 Par cent. in Canada Land Shares. This important movement is caused by the announcement that the seat of the Canadian government has been removed to Ottawa, where the company have an extensive estate. The shares, which are scarce and in great demand, are now quoted 160 to 170. The Directors of the Bauk of England, at their fleeting to-day, agreed upon making no change in the minimum rate of discount. Little fluctuation has taken place in the English Stock Market to-day, but its tone has been rather heavy, and business continues very dull. The speculators are by no means satisfied with the Alien Bill, and are not disposed to extend their engagements for a rise ; and, at the same time, the demand for stock for investment is limited. Consols have been 97f I both for money and account. The New Three per Cents. are 971 ; lied the Reduced, 97f Exchequer Bills are . 19 . to 2s. lower, viz., 355. to 395. prem. ; the Bo nds are 100 f ; and India ditto, 275. to 30s. pre ln• Bank Stock is 226 to 227 ; and India 'ditto, 221 to 222. In the Foreign Stock Market a moderate busi beu has been transacted, and prices exhibit a .downward tendency. Turkish 6 per Cents. are -1011 to 1021 ; ditto 4 per Cents., 1044 ; Spanish 3 Per Cents., 44i ; ditto Deferred, 26a ; Russian 5 i rr Cents., 111 k ; dit to 4A per C ents . 99i ; Sar nuliau 5 per C a nts , 914 92 ; Buenos Ayres 6 per 8 21 ; ditto D ferted, 194 20 ; Grenada a e w Active, 20a ; d it t o D e t erre d, 61 ; Mexican - 8 ,1 3 ," Cents., 201 ; Peruvian 4i per Cents., 82 Venezneta .:Defetred, 14 ; Dutch 21 per °OWL, 66 ; and Peruvian Dollar Muria, 57k. The following are the nominal prices of Foreign .Stocks:—Grenada Deferred Bonds, —; Mexican, -204 201 ; Peruvian 41 per Cents., 82 83 ; ditto 3 Per cents., 56i 57i ; Portuguese 3 per Cents., 45} ; Russian 5 per Cents., 111 113 ; ditto 4i per .Cents,, 99 101; Spanish 3 per Cents., 44i 45 ; Ditto New Deferred, 26k I. The last week's railway receipts, ascertained up to this day, are in round figures as under : 1858. 1857. Great Western North-Western • Bon th-Western Brighto n 0,873 9,899 ktdland South -Eastern ,9 1 'eat Northern .„'"l 4 icashire and Yorkshire .. 19,934 21,754 16 tia t o 1 and Exeter 4,972 4,836 Manchester, Sheffield, & Lincoln 8,687 8,702 Is iorth•Eastern Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverh 3,794 3,811 Belfast and Ballymena kclinburgh and Glasgow Glasgo w and Sou h-Western Great North of Scotland Scqttish North-Eastern 3,470 3,270 Grand Trunk of Canada Great Western of Canada Great Luxembourg . 9Ol 802 Business in the Railway Share Market this turning has been rather dull, and in several of the leading lines a decline of about i to i per cent. blay be noticed. Great Northerns, North-Westerns, and North-Eastern (Berwick), declined ss. ; Mid lands, lOs. ; and South-Westerns, 15s. In the Foreign and Colonial lines the transactions were unimportant. Grand Truck of Canada declined I.os. ; Great Western of Canada, 10s. ; and East Indian, 10s. Mining Shares are quiet, at about previous quo tations. For Joint Stock Bank and Miscellaneous Shares there was a very limited inquiry. Oriental Bank receded 10s. ; and Uniou of London, ss. In the Miscellaneous Market there is littlo varia tion to report, except in. Canada Land Share; Which have materially improved. BRITISH FUNDS.—CLOSING PaICES—THIS DAY. (From the Officsal Ltd.? Bank Stock ~ ,„ 2266 6 7 9 S vex Cent. Reduced Annuitl eh Super Dent. Consols AneMtlr.b 97 4 New i per Cent. Annuities — 97 •iiii Long Annuities, expire Ai Jan. 1860 2 1-16 India Stock • Lelia Bonds, J.-:lo:io ditto, under 21004 29 Oolsols far Account Exchequer Bills, 2itct. £lOOO. ....... 39 4 7 3 p ' e5O0 38 5 p Small 35 p ~ . Exchequer Bonds, 1658, 34 per Cent._ Ditto, 1859 PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS—THIS DAY. Buenos A yres Bonds, 6 per Cent. B2) • Ditto Deferred, 3 per Cent C Kilian Bonds, 6 p er C ent Urenads Now Active, 21 per Cent. Ditto Deferred., ............ -. .. 4 Mexican 3 per Cent ........................ 6 ... Ditto Account .............. l l eravian Bonds, 46 per Cent Ditto Account .... Ditto 3 per Cent • Ditto Account 57 6 a P "uguese Bonds, 5 per Cent., Con. 1841 • Ibitt o 180, 3 per Cent , Ditto aocount (February 26) 463 6 4 , flan Bonds, 1822, t: St., 5 per Cent lll4 112 14 1 .1 i t to, 4i per Cent. 92/ 1 103 ~4 1, 1 a u Bouts, 5 per Cent. Dila Bonds, 3 per Cent. 10itic) ,&, ~ t ,_ count, 2 Di t :' ° , New Deferred, 3 per Con'. &wed. — P assive 6 arki ‘h Per Cent. T 4 4 82 3 . 1021 Ditt o '"de, 6 Pcr cent... - .. 102 6 4 2 6 Ditio Guaranteed, bitto t*uaranteed, .tt per Cent. •.• y , Accoun 4. , nez uel , 4 Ditto Ac Bonds, 4/ per Cent Ditto lieefeTn.retd 2 3l per Cent As ._, . Div idends on the a b ove paya bl e i n London. 1,17...7a1l Bonds, 10 Guil. 5 'Der Cent, £ sli p s 4 EIC • 1,,,,. ,11, • "4 ' 7411 3) 011;X' '' ' -, tulaers 66 Bonds, 43 per Cent. 576 7 . Console, mo ney . ltittEE O'CLOCK. Console accoun t ( . „. ........... 4) 974 ..........--.....--_...--._ • CRy B F eb • 17 TAL PALACE.-O NE LU S . .A .d . . LLING- DAY, Wednesday, aeas ou tickets, m2Bl;3l;outostarvi,,iptajun:l, 0 t, 03. 715 ; ditto by THE ROYAL BRITISH BANK (This Day). COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH, GUILDHALL. (Sitting at Nisi Prins, before Lord Campbell and a Special Jury.) THE QUEEN V. BROWN AND OTHERS. FIFTH DAY The trial of the information against the directors and manager of the Royal British Bank for conspiring by false pretences to defraud the shareholders and crts• tomers and the public, was this day resumed. The same counsel appeared as before. Mr. Kennedy, on the part of Mr. Brown, asked his lordship to strike off his notes the statement of Cameron to Paddison, relative to Brown's falsehood in reference to the freight of the Hornet. The statement was made in Brown's absence, and could not be received in evi dence against him. Sir F. Thesiger said he wished his lordship to strike out of his notes everything that was not strictly legal that might have got there by accident, owing to the complicated nature of the case. The evidence was accordingly expunged. Sir F. Thesiger said that he had been in communica tion with the other t ilo relative to the remunera tien to ,be give❑ to the jury for their attendance on this trial, and they were desirous his lordship at the close of the case should decide what the jury ought to receive. • Sir F. Silly said he entirely concurred in the applies tion of Sir F Thesiger, and hoped his lordship would undertake the duty. Lord Campbell said ho was glad some arrangement of this sort had been made. It was most unjust to call on gentlemen whose time was so valuable to them to attend on a trial of this magnitude for the public benefit. The law had made no such provision for a case of this kind, and be would willingly take upon himself the task at the ele.e of the case, which he hoped would some time arrive,— (laughter) —of stating what remuneration he thought ought to he given to the jury. Mr. Anderson was recalled. He produced 10 bills of Oliver's. In October, 1855, be handed the bills to Mr. Crawford to take to Liverpool. The bills amounted to 23,0001. On Mr. CrawErd's return, the bills were missed ; witness was called before the board to explain the loss ; afterwards the bilis were found, and on the 18th December he went before a court meeting attended by the Governor, Deputy-Governor, Mr. Stapleton, Mr. M'Cloud, Mr. L. M. Valiant, and the general manager, when the latter reported the bills bad been found and how they were found ; he produced the bills and Oliver's discount piss book a , that time. By Sir F. Kelly—The bills became due between the 7th November, 1854, and 24th April, 1855. Some pay ments were made on account in 1855 and 185 G. By Mr. James—Oliver was considered at one time one of the largest shipowners in the kingdom ; he failed for upwards of a million of money. Mr. Crawford deposed that he went to Liverpool with the bills in October, 1855, and received a composition of 2s. 6d. in the pound at the Bankruptcy Court there on 24,0101. 194. 11d. On his return he gave the bills stamped with the composition to Mr. Cameron, and he told him at the same time that he calculated a further dividend would be received of 2e. or 2e. 63. in the ported. By Mr. James—Oliver's debt at the time of the failure of the bank was 13,0001., having been reduced by payments ; another dividend of 23. in the pound had been paid . by the estate since the stoppage of the Royal British Bank. In a deed of transfer to creditors Mr. Oiiver's ships were valued at 688,7501. By Mr. Seymour—Mr. Cameron led him to believe that Mr. Walton, the governor, was virtually respon sible, to a certain extent, ,n Oliver's deht. He could not say if it was to the enteut of 13,0001., the dis counts were always obtained through Mr. ‘Valton, and his account was opened by him. Several deeds were put in relative to Oliver's security, and evidence was taken with reference to the dividends that had been received under the estates of persons involved in there transactions. Mr. Paddison recalled—Messrs. Owen, Esdad?, and Richie were appointed in 1850 as the past duo bids cornmi - tee, In 1855 Messrs. Esdaile, M'Cioud, and Valiant formed the committee. Mr Andersen was recalled, and, in answer to a ques tion from Sir F. Kelly, said Oliver's t:alance-sheet in June, 1856, was 17,0001. It was reduced from that time to the failure of toe bank. It was the opinion of Cameron that, under all circumstances, the amount would be liquidated. After giving credit for all that bad been paid, the balance in Ntovember, 1855, was 14.6001 against Oliver. Mr. Padduson said be understood Mr. Walton was virtually responsible for Oliver's debt, though his name was not on the bills. The prosecuti'n then passed to Mr. John M'Gregor's account. Mr. Atherton put in a letter from the late Mr. John M.'Gregor, dated 24th Feb , 1850, from Hyde Park. It apes addressed to Mr. Cameron, and stated that, as his (Mr. M`Gtegor's) time wee much occupied by his atten deuce in Parliament, and the discharge of other duties, he wished t guard against pecuniary inconvenience ‘iuring the session of Parliament, Messrs. Drummond had hitherto assisted him, ut he was now differently situated, and could not go to them nor his brother-in- law, without its looking suspicious with reference to the Royal British Beek. He required 5001. or 6001. in addition to his wife's income to carry him over to the end of the session. He could offer no other security except his promissory note and a policy for 1,000/, It would be hard if a director of the bank were placed in a worse pocitiun than their ordinary customers, and he had m a d e th e application by letter rather than it should be considered - by the court in his presence. Mr. Paddison was called, and said on the following day a court was held, when the committee, comprising Messer. Esdaile, Gwynne, Owen, Hurst, and the general manager granted an advance of 1,0001. In 1851 a sum of 2,0001. was advanced to Mr. J. Macgregor. That gentleman gave the bank in security shares in a great number of companies, some Bank stock, and policies of insurance. The securities realised only 1,800/, ; 8001. for the Bank stock, and 1,000/. policy. Amongst the securities were shares and scrip in the Eastern Archi pelago Company, Irish Beet-root Sugar Company, Irish Peat Company, Chartered Australian Land and Gold Company, Royal Australian Bank and Gold Importing Company, and the Strand Bridge. In Februry, 1854, Mr. Macgregor retired from the directory. His debt due to the bankat the end of June, 1855, amounted to between 6,0001. and 7,0001. Mr. Macgregor's securities were kept sealed up till after that time, when they were handed over by Mr. Cameron to witness, who retained them till the failure of the bank. The witness was examined at considerable length relative to the court meetings, silec., in reference to the debt, and who were present at the time. Letters were read from Mr. Macgregor to the bank, which showed his straightened circurnetancee at the time. By Mr. James—Mr. Macgregor was a man of good repute at; the time. He bad been a secretary to the Board of Trade at 2,000/. a-year, and was a member of parliament. These ciicuelatauces gave a prestige to Mr. Macgregor, who was supposed to be a highly re.pectahle, most honourable, and reasonably respon sible roan. He (Mr. Paddison) never entertained any doubts as to his responsibility for the advances made to him by the bank. It was discovered after Mr. Mullens' death, that advances had been eurrep titiou-ly obtained by Mr. Macgregor, by the former initialling his bills for payment, without the knowledge of the Directors. Mr. Esdaile frequently complained of this, and was exceedingly angry about it when it was discovers 1 after Mr. Muller's' death. Advances were thus made to the extent of several thousands in the whole. Mr: Mullens had the entire confidence of the bank ; be bad been exonerated from any corn plicity in Mullens' conduct. A resolution was after wards agreed to by the directors to- prevent the repe tition of similar conduct. By Mr. Atherton—Towards the close of the career of the bank it was discovered that Mr. Macgregor was living partly by literary labour, and partly by his connection with the company. His personal liability was then spoken of as not being hopeful, Mr. Anderson stared that Mr. M'Greg,r's ac(!ounf at the end of .Tine, 1855, am muted t 7,734/.119. lid., December, 1855, to 7,9481. 10s. 101., and January, 1856, to 7,8621, 16e., the increase arose from accumula tion of interest. Tt.e Court next proceeded with the advances to Mr. Cochrane. Mr. H. T. Cameron said he was formerly clerk in the back. Mr. Eidaile, the governor, gave him directions in 1850 rhat Mr. C ehrane might ovtr,raw his account to tile extent of 5,5001., making, in the whole, 10,5001., and he made an cntiy to that effect, in pencil, in the " green ledger," on the page containing Mr. Cochrane's account. Mr. Crawford deposed that on 30th January, 1855, Mr. Cochrane's account was 11,4001. 15s. ld., and on 24th December, 1855, it was 9,5031. 33. sd. Mr. Paddison deposed that Mr. Cochrane was a timber merchant, but he knew nothing of his means. Mr. Anderson reor.'icci—Mr. Cochrane had a large .7 , -count with tee Royal British Bank. His were first cla3s bills. Sometimes they extended to 20,0001, and were paid. Mr. Cochrane had a discount account at the Bank of England. The next case ent red on was that of Mr. Rowland Hill Blacker, ielkman, Ludgate-hill. Mr. Paddison said that on 10th April, 1855, Mr. Blacker applied for an extended discount account of 4,0001., for which he gave the Guarantee Society in security for 12,0001. The application was granted, and in the August following he ad dressed another letter to the bank for a further increase of 1,0001., making in all 5,0001. which was granted. On Dec. 8, 1856, Mr. Cameron informed the directors present at the court that, from an interview be had had wih Mrs. Blacker, her husband having gone off, that there was reason to apprehend that his dishonoured hills would not be paid, and that they were fictitious. 3,0001. or 4,0001. bills were then due. In the minute book tiara was an entry In reference to this of " Criminal proceedings " in Esdaile's hand. writing, but it was afterwards struck out. Witness afterwards found the guarantee given was not available for the bills then becoming due, and in Dec., 1855, Blacker became bankrupt. At a subsequent, meeting Mr. Cameron stated he had heard that Blacker a-as abroad, but it was expected he would recover some money Iron, a Florentine bank. There were also some statements relative to Forrester, who bad been employed. in reference to this affair. The guarantee p licy was: taken without witness's knowledge. Blacker also gave the. lease of his premises, which was afterwards valued at 300/. 1 Forrester was paid 181 . 18s. on account of expenses' incurred by him in reference to Blacker's affairs. Mr. Crawford, who was re-called, stated that up ti Dec , 1855, Blacker's acceptances had been ia gularly met, and it was a good account. It was then discover ed. the bills in the bank were fictitious. The bank he 14 in Dec., 1855, 92 fictitious bills of Blacker, amounting to 4,2051. 1,1461. 13s. were then past due, and the remainder were running. Mr. James—And the acceptors were running, too. (Laughter.) Witness—There was a loss on the cash account. Blacker's account, which was a good one, had extended over between 30,006/. and 40,0001. Blacker's account was a very good one, and when the discovery was made of the nature of the bills it came so suddenly upon them that they could not realise it. Mr. James—And you never have realised—(laughter: —muoh on the fictitious bills. __ _ Sir F. Tlaesiger then proposed to enter on Mr. Came ron's debt, which would in all probability involve an inquiry into Mr. Empon's debt also. Mr. D. Seymour, on the part of Mr. H. J. Cameron, asked that the account might not that day be entered on. On Monday last the Court was kind enough to direct that pariculars should be furnished to the de fendant, but they had only that minute been handed to him The Court declined to interfere, and the case proceeded. After entering at some length into these debts, The Court arljonrne,i shor iy before 5 o'clock. LAW INTELLIGENCE.—(This Day.) HOUSE OF LORDS. (Present—The Lord Chancellor, Lord Brougham, and other Pers.) APPEAL-THO LONDON AND NORTH•WZSTBRN RAILWAY COMPANY V. LINDSAY. This important appeal cause was appointed for hearing this morning. The Lord Chancellor said that Lord Wensleydale declined to t-it to hear this case, on the ground that be was a shareholder of the London and North Western Railway Company. The Lord Chancellor entertained doubts of the propriety of his lordship's declinature, as every Peer in this house was, or might be somewhat interested in causes coming before it, but not to the extent of disqualifying them to sit and judge in the•case. Counsel in the cause—The Attorney-General ; the Lord Advocate ; Mr. Anderson, Q.C. ; and Mr. Rolt, Q.C. The Attorney-General opened the case for the appellant. The respondent, Mr. Lindsay, raised two actions before the Court of Session in Scotland against the rail way company. The first was an action of damages for refusing to carry his fruit. The second was an action of solatiunt, for injury done to his feelings, by exhibiting a notice in their office of their refusal to carry his fruit Upon these actions be used arrestments in the hands of the Caledonian Railway. Company against the London and North Western Railway Company, for the purpose of founding the juris diction of the Court of Session over the London and North-Western Railway Company, an English com pany, jurisdictione fundandi causa, until the company found caution de judicio sisti et judicatum ro!vi to answer the judgments of the Court. The appellants ob jected to the competency of the action and re levancy of the arrestments'. That arrestments jurisdictione fundandi causa are competent only upon actions of debt and not upon unliquidated actions of damages. Lord Neave's ordinary, by his interlocutor, sustained the competency of the actions and jurisdiction of the court over the railway company. On 20th Nov., 1855, the Lords of the First Division of the Court of Session affirmed the interlocutor of Lord Neave's ordinary, with costs. From these interlocutors, or judgments, the railway company appealed to the House of Lords. The Attorney-General argued that if these arrestments were sustained, if any Englishmen left his hat or umbrella in a hotel in Scotland it might be arrested in the hands of the hotel keeper, and an action afterwards brought against him, RIO in his absence and behind his back a jisdgmert of the court might be obtained against him which might be attended with *the most ruinous consequences to him. It is probable that the hearing of the case will occupy the whole of this day. Toe next appeal ca,e on the paper cut down for hearing is the appeal of Edmond v. Gordon, also a Scotch appeal. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. ComcniAmoner lielroyd.) IN RE BRITTEN. This bankrupt was described as of Noble-street, fringe manufacturer, and to-day was appointed for the last examination meeting, which bad been. adjourned that the assignees might have an opportunity of inves tigating the accounts which had been filed under the private arrangement act but the case was ultimately converted into a bankruptcy. Mr. Bagley, on the part of the assignees, now said that they had got through the bankrupt's books which bad been kept wits great regularity, and they were perfectly satisfied with the accounts. The bankrupt now passed. _ _ _ Mr. Puok, for the bankrupt, asked for an allowance up to the present time all the delay had not occutred through any negligence on his part. The assignees did not object and the order was made. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAr EVENING, FEBRUARY 18, 1858, PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. HOUSE OF COMMONS-FEB. 17. CHURCH RATES ABOLITION BILL. Ordtr for second reading read ; motion made, and question proposed, " That the bill be now read a second time :" Amendment proposed, to leave out the word "now," and at the end of the question to add the words " upon this day six months." Question put, " That the wort now' stand part of the question." The house divided—Ayes, 213; Noes, 160. AYES -213. Adair, H. Evans, T. W. Mellor, John Agnew, Sir A. Ewart, W. Mills, T. Alcock, T. E wart, J. Id itchell, T. A. Antrobus, E. Ewing, Crum Moffat, G. Ayr ton, A. Fagan, W. Morris, D. Bagshaw, Robert Fenwtck, H. Napier, Sir C. Bagwell,"John Finlay, A. Nicoll, D. Baines, Rt. Hon. M. Fitzgerald, W. R. S. Norris, J. T. Ball, E Fitzwllliam, C. North, F. Baring, T. G. Foley, J. H. Ogilvy, Sir J. Barnard, Thomas Foley, H. W. Paget, Lord C. Baxter, W. Forster, Charles Peage, henry Berkeley, Hon. H. F. Foster, W. U. Pechell, Sir G. Berkeley, P. Fortescue, Hon. F. Perry, Sir E. Bethell, Sir R. Fox, W. J. Philips, R. Biddulph, Col. R. M. Freestun, Colonel Pigott, F. Biggs, John Garnett, William Pilkington, J. Black, Adam Gifford, Earl of Portman, W. Bland, L. H. Gilpin, C. Pryse, E. Bonham-Carter, J. Goderich, Viscount Raynham, Viscount Bouverie, Hon. E. P. Greene, John Rebow, J. Bouverie, Hon. P. Greer, Samuel Ricardo, 0. Bowyer. G. Gtegory, W. Ridley, George Brady, 3. Gregson, Samuel Robartes, T. Bright, John Grenfell, C. P. Roebuck, J. Briscoe, J. Grenfell, Charles W. Roupell, W. Brocklehurst, J. Greville, Colonel F. Russell, H. Brace, Lord E. Grey, R. Russell, A. Bulkeley, Sir R. Grosvenor, Earl Scholefield, W. Butler, C. S. Gurney, Samuel Scrope, G. Buxton, C. Hadfield. George Shafto, R. Byng, G. H. C. Hamilton, Capt. Shelley, Sir J. Caird, J. Hanbury, Robert Sibthorp, Major Calcutt, M. Hankey, T. Smith, J. B. Campbell, It. J. R. Hemmer, Sir John Smith, A. Cardwell, E Hardcastie, Joseph Smith, Sir V. Cavendish, C. C. Harris, J. D. Stanley, Lord Cheetham, John Hartington, Marquis Steel, John Clay, James Hatchell, John Stuart, Lord J. Clifford, C. C. Headiam, T. Stuart, Colonel Clifford, Lt.-Col. H. M. Henchy, D. Bullivan, Michael Clive, George Hodgson, K. Syker, Colonel Codriugton, Gen. Holland, B. Tancred, R. Cogan, W. H. F. Howard, C. Tay:or S. Collier, R. P. Hutt, W. Thornely, T. Conyngham, Lord F. Ingham, R. Thornhill, W. Cowper, W. F. Ingram, H. Tite, W. Coote, Sir C. H. Jackson, W. Tomline, G. Copeland, W. T. Jervoiso, Sir J. Townshend, J. Cowan, C. Kershaw, J. Turner, J. A. Craufurd, E. H. J. King, L. Vane, Lord ll.' Crook, J. Kinglake, A. Verney, Sir H. Crossley, F. Kinglake, J. Vivian, H. H. Davey, R. Kingecote, Capt. R. Vivian, J. C. Davie, Sir H. R. F. Klimaird, A. Walter, J. Deasy, R. Knatchbull-Ilagueseen Wegmelln, T. Dent, John Langston, J. H. Western, S. De Vere, S. E. Langton, H. G. Whitman, J. Devereux, J. Laslett, W. Whitbread, S. Dill wyn, L. L. Le vinge, Sir R. Willcox, B. Dodson, J. Lindsay, W. Williams, M. Duff, M. Locke, J. Williams, W. Duke. Sir J. 1 ocke, Job n Willyams, E. Dunbar, Sir W. Luce, T. Woods, Henry Duncan, Viscount Maclifahon, P. Worsley, Lord Dunda3, F. Maguire, J. F. Wyld, James Dunlop, A. Marjoribanks, D. Wyvill, M. Dutton, Hon. R. H. Marshall, William Young, A. Ellice, E. Martin, C. Elliott, J. E. Martin, P. Elton, Sir A. H. Martin, J. Esmonde, J. Massey, W. Evans, Sir De Lacy Melgund, Lord TELLERS. Thompson, General Trelawny, Sir J. NOES-160. Adderley, C. B. Griffith, C. Naas, Lord Akroyd, E. Grogan, Edward Napier, J. Baillle, 11. Gurney, J. H. Newdegate, C. Baling, H. Haddo, Lord Newport, Viscount Bernard, T. Hamilton, G. A. North, Col. J. Barrow, W. Hardy, G. Pakington, Sir J. Beach, W. Hassan', Michael Palmer. It. W. Bective, Earl Hayter, W. Patten, Col. Beecrolt, G. Heathcoate, Sir W. Pevensey, Viscount Bennet, Capt. P. Jleneage, Geo. F. Philipps, J. Bentiuck, G. Henley, J. Powell, Francis Blackburn, Peter Henniker, Lord Pugh, D. Boyd, J. Herbert, P. Patter, Christopher Bramley-Meore, J. Hodgson, William Itepton, G. Brarnston, T. W Hollbrd, R. Rushout, Capt. G. Bridges, Sir B. Hope, Alexander Russell, Lord J. Browne, Lord John Hopwood, John Bust, James Bruce, .Major Hallam, Lord Setater, George Butler, J. W. Hudson, G. Scott, Captain Buxto I, Sir E. N. Hughes, W. Seymer, 11. Calcratt, J. Hume, W. Blaney, R. Carnac, Sir J. R. Hunt, G. W. Smollet, A. Child, Smith Ingest re, Viscount Spooner, it. Clark, J. Jermyn, Rt. lin. Earl Stanhope, J. Clinton, Lord R. Johnstone, 11. B. Stewart, Sir M. Close, 31. Johnstone, Hope Sturt, H. Cobbold, J. C 2 Jollilfe, Sir W. Sturt, C. Cole, 11. A. Jolliffe, 11. Trefusis, C. Col,ins, T. ' Kendall, N. Vance, John Deedes, William King, J. Vansittart, 0. Disraeli, B. King, Edward Vansittart, W. Dobbs, W. C. Knatchbull, W. Verner, Sir W. Drummond, U. Langton, W. G. Waddington, H. Du Cane, C. Legh, G. C. Walcott, Admiral. buncombe, A. Lennox, Lord A. F. Walpole. S. Du Pre, C. Lennox, Lord.ll. G. Walsh, Sir 3. East, Sir J. Lewis, Sir G. C. Warre, John Ea wards, Henry Lincoln, Earl of Warren, S. Egerton, R. Lisburne, Earl Westhead, Joshua Elphinstone, Sir J. Lockhart, A. E. Whiteside, J. kmlyn, Viscount Lovaine, Lord Whitmore. H. Farnham, E. Macarrney, George Wigram, Loftus T. Farquhar, Sir M. Macaulay, Kenneth Williams, S.r W. Fellowes, E. Mackie, J. Willson, A. Forster, Sir Geo. Matins, Richard Woxid, B. Gallwey, Sir W. Manners, Lord J. Wyndham, General Gard, R. March, Earl of Wyndham. W. Gilpin, Col. H. Maxwell, J. Wynn, Col. Gladstone, W. Miles, W. Wynne, J. W. Goddard, A. Miler, Taverner Wynne, W. Graham, Sir J. Miller, Stearns Greaves, E. Mills, Arthur Greenwood, John Moody, C. Gray, Captain Morgan, 0. Grey, Rt. Hon. Sir 0. Mowbray, J. R. T ELLERS. Cecil, Lord R. Packe, C. THE CONSPIRACY BILL. MEETING IN LAMBETH. Last evening a very crowded public meeting was held at the Horns Tavern, Kennington, to protest against the 'bill; proposed by Lord Palmersto n , in reference to conspiracy to murder. Mr. F. Doulton was called to the chair, Among those on the platform was Mr. Williams, M.P., one of the representatives for Lambeth. A letter from M r . R oupe ll , M.P., w read re gretting his inability t o a t ten d . The CHAIRMAN said th e ques ti on they were met to discuss was no t a po li t i cal, b ut a national and as social one, bein g no thi ng less t h an to determine whether we sh ou ld su b m i t to a d eep i n sult offered to the peeple o f thi s country. (g e ar.) He con tended that th e present law was amp l e to meet any requirement s soug h t to be met b y the proposed measure, and no amendment of the law was neces sary. (Hear.) Th e i ntroduction o f this bill was a gross insult t o our national honour. The country had been de nom i nated in the Mon i tor a den of coni-pirators, and th e people of th i s co untry were said to be th: friends of assassins. To the despatch which had been sent by France he considered that a firm and indignant answer should have been given, telling France th at their present ruler b a d hi mse lf enjoyed all th e privile ges w hi c h h e now sought to have taken aw ay f rom less fortunate ex il es) an d th a t his demand s would not be acceded to. (Hear.) But instead of th a t the only reply g iven was the introduction o f L ord Palmerston's bill. (Hi sses. ) The real obje c t o f the bill was to endow the state of things at p resent existing on the Cont i nent — (hear)—and t o give Louis Napoleon something to fall back upon b y making those around him suppose that this co untry Would give him its support if necessary. If thi s bi ll failed—as fail it wou ld—i n its operation, even if it pass e d into a law, the result would be that some further demand would be made of a similar or more monstrous nature—(hear) —and so things would go on until at last the the press would b e objected to by fore i gn d espots and be attempted t o be infringed. Let them, that e fore, nip th s attemptfreedom of in the bud, and show the futility of all such efforts to introduce despotism amongst us. (Hear, hea r .) Mr. GODDARD moved the first resolution—" That this meeting is of Opinion that Lord Palmerston's Conspiracy Bill is unnecess ar y, a nd that any attempt to pass a measure at the present time, in consequence of foreign menace, is the spirit and usage of th e B r itish nation ; and the m eeting pledges itself t o oppose th e sa me by every cons titutional means." mtclignified and contrary to --- _. Mr. KNIGHT second e d Mr. WILLIAMS, M lio the resolution. M. •, said he had already shown his objection to the proposed bill by opposing it on its first introduction. They were not met to show the people of France that we were not, as represented in the Moniteur, the friends of assassination, for our nation was too well understood, in his opinion, by the people of France to render any such defence nece , sar y. (Hear.) With regard t o the Consp i racy Bill, the first lawyers of the day had declared the presentpent law in reference to the crime of conspiracy to he amply sufficient, and therefore no legislation on The bill, if passed, t w he e n m P i n g t h t t o the meeting, and not add to the eFrench one iota, t s he worldc e u si r i i b t j yb e c eo tf inoperative, w h s e re q E ttrpe Emperor r . oa ( rn C d h o of would etrsh. have French spies carried with two dissentients (Hear, h ear) amidst loud applause. notwithstanding hereThei o resolutionahnda n e was . that as Mr. HILL moved the next resolution—" That the thanks n given to Mr. Roebuck d who v o t e d w ith hi m , for their manly opposition to Lord P a l mer ston's treacherous and humiliating policy.» and the o f other this hen. meeting m e members r a A petition to Parliament Was then adopted against the bill, and a vote of thanks having been given to the chairman, the proceedings terminated. AGAINST THE ALIEN BILL.—It E L I L O . Liv e rpool early next week, expressive o f s y mpat hy ____r i s T p r r 0 N p osedtn LIVERPOOL h 01a a public meeting in with the sentiments of M . r. Roeb uc k i n reference to the Alien Bill. There is a strong feeling against the bill in Liverpool, and as th e meet i ng in ques tion has originated with the officials v o er f y tl n ie n v m a e r r i n ou ns s ned n matn. D UNFER MLINE. -THE ALIEN BI LL . —On muncipalnan unanimous in in it is likely tonelikely to he against the Satur dayGovern- the Town Council met, and, after some detestationdiscus and of an earnest of the lat e a tt em pt e d desire for a cussion, resolutions were passed unanimously, a expressive ssassi uaij on o! con tinuance of our alliance with the French nation. But, considering that the council had lately peti tioned for the amelioration of punishments under our criminal code, they agreed to petition against Lord . Palmerston's Conspiracy of its being totally inefficient for its profesocd object, and inexpedient, as being introduced at the Bill, on the ground in,tance of the French Emperor who had enjoyed IN RE WADE. This bankrupt had earried on business as a paper manufacturer at Postford Mills, near Guildford. From the accounts by Messrs. Paul and Turner it appears tbat the debts are about 1,0921., and liabilities, 1,0791.; but the property amounting to 1,5261. had been seized under an execution. The chief cause of the bank ruptcy was the liability through a person named Molten den, with whom the bankrupt had been in partnership,' and who forged duplicate bills of lading and converted them to his own use, and for which offence he is now suffering penal servitude. Tne bankrupt passed without opposition. POLICE INTET.T.TGENCE.— (This Day.) MA RLBOROUGH-STREET. A MILITARY GENTLEMAN'S INTER.VBRENCIL—Ann Bingham was this morning charged with annoying male pataengers, in Castle-street, in the neighbourhood of Leicester-Fquare, while in a state of drunkenness, and Captain Disney Roebuck with attempting to rescue her from the custody of the police. Polioe-constable C 50, Reeve, said he saw the female the prisoner, who was drunk, at half-past two o'clock in morning, laying bold of gentlemen. He desired her to desist, but she continued, and laid hold of one,apparently much to his annoyance, when he took her into custody, On the road to the station with his prisoner, the male defendant came up, and told him to let her go. Of course be took no notice of this, and he then accused him of using unnecessary violence towards her, which he told him was not required. As they proceeded the male defendant kept dodging about them, at one time in front and then at his side, so that witness found it necessary to call for' the assistance of another policeman whom he met. When opposite the Great. Globe iu Leicester-square the male defendant seized hold of witeese'a arm and exclaimed, "Blast you, if you don't leave the woman alone I'll punch your head." Witness then gave the female prisoner over to his comrade, and arrested the male defendant for obstructing him in the execution of kis duty, fur the purpose of rescuing as prisoner from custody. C 49 confirmed the beet witness's statement as re garJed part of the interference, the laying hold of the constable's arm, and the threat. The male defendant, having been called upon for his answer, said the constable's statement was true, except the words it was alleged ho had used. He saw the con stables taking the woman along with unnecessary violence, and merely said, " Don't you think you will gain your object better by refraining from such vio lence?" for they were pulling her by her arms, to the danger of dfslocating them. Greatly to leis surprise, he, on his remonstrating, was laid hold of, the constable asking him who he was—Prince Albert, the Emperor of the French, or an infernal Marquis A. gentleman, formerly in the army, said he was with defendant - , his friend, and certainly did not hear the words attributed to him. ur. Bingham said that was very probable, but be believed the statement of the two constables, to one of whom they were addressed, that they were used. He would advise the defendant, when he was inclined to interfere for the protection of suffering damsels, to let it be for some worthier object than a druelken prostitute. As a military man, he would think it very presumptuous of the police interfering with him in escorting a prisoner. He should, being the first time, discharge the female prisoner, but fine the male defendant 40e. TBE ALHAMBRA PALACE CONCERTS. The void left by the departure of Jullien will be more than filled up by the enterprising Mr. E. T. Smith, who has become the purchaser of the magnificent establish ment on the east side of Leicester-square, formerly known as the Panopticon, and the name of which he has changed to the mere appropriate one of the Alham bra Palace. He has also made an entire change in the character of the entertainments provided, and last even ing gave the first of a series of concerts which promise to rival anything of the kind that has ever been produced in London. The programme comprised a selection from "Der Freischutz," "La Traviata," "Il Barbiere di Seviglia," "II Trovatore," " Maritana, " and a miscellaneous collection. The orchestra, which was numerous and efficient, was under the direction of the very able conductor, Mr. J. H. Tully, whose abilities have long been too well known and appreciated to render it necessary that we should offer even that mead of praise to which he is so justly entitled. Amongst the principal artistes we may mention La Signora Finoli, who, if we mistake not, made her first appearance on this occasion before a London audience, and was eminently successful. She sung, w i th S ignor DragoniS, ROSinCe i b " Dunque o son" most brilliantly, and Elicited a rapturous encore, which, at its termina tion, was again loudly applauded. In consequence of the absence of Mr. Bariloman, who was in the pro gramme for the next air, Mademoiselle Finoli was im mediately called upon to sing her next air, " Una voce poco fa," in which she acquitted herself in a manner that at once stamped her as an artiste of the highest order. She obtained warm and unanimous applause, and would have been encored a s econ d ti me but for the considerate interposition of the more thoughtful portion of the audience. Madame Rudders. dorff sang the cavatioa, "Tacea la Note," from the "Trovatore,"exceedingly well, and was much applauded, and Signor Dragood was very Effective in the aria, "Il balm" The other artistes were Mr. Charles Braham, gl37evlee Mr. G. Perri n , an d Mr.several of their favo ur it e Madame tm Borchardt, an, who Miss m a o pieces in their usual excellent manner. The whole arrangement for the evening was extremely satisfactory, and we base no doubt but the enterprising proprietor will reap that substantial benefit he so justly merits. We understand the concert will be repeated to-morrow evening. the saEctuary afforded by those laws which he new " audaciously and ungratefully sought to alter." A committee was then appointed to prepare a petition in terms of the resolutions, to be forwarded for preset.tation to Sir J, Anderson.—Scotsman, TDB SEARCH OF PIERRPS ROUSE IN BIRMINGHAM.. At the Birmingham Watch Committee on Tues day, Mr. E. C. Osborne introduced the subject of the search of Pierri's house by reminding the chairman that he bad pledged himself to have some inquiry on the subject instituted. The CHAIRMAN said he was not aware he had so pledged himself, but he was quite ready to take upon himself the duty of making the requisite in quiry, though it was probably rather the duty of the mayor to take up the question. Mr. OSBORNE—AII we want to know in the first instance is simply whether the chief superintendent had any legal authority for entering the house in Bath-row, and removing certain papers. Being our servant, there can be no doubt we have power to put the question. The CHAIRMAN—No doubt of that, and with the leave of the committee I shall do so. You are aware, Mr. Stephens, that a good deal of conver sation has taken place in the town regarding your right to enter Pierri's house and search it. I want to know whether you did enter it, and if you did, under whose authority you did so ? Mr. Stephens —As I am threatened with an action I had better reserve my defence, but of course the committee will understand that I mean no offence to them. (Hear.) The !PowN CLERK said that if the Chief Superin tendent was threatened with an action it would not be fair to ask him any question that might affect his defence. Mr. OSBORNE thought they might infer that Mr. Stephens had no authority. How ever thi s m i g ht be, the committee were bound to take some notice of a matter affecting the iiberty of the subject. In the opinion of some, Mr. Stephens might be justi fied in the course he took, but in his (Mr. Osborne's) opinion no man had a right to take such proceed ings unless he obeyed the law. (Hear.) He did not wish to censure the Chief Superintendent, but he thought some such resolution as the foilowing should be adopted :—" That this committee, hav ing occasion to believe that the Chief Superintendent entered the premises of M. Pierri, situate in Bath- j row, andtook therefrom certain papersand correspon dence, without having first obtained the necessary legal authority for so doing, hereby reoords its opinion that the Chief Superintendent has by such conduct been guilty of a violation of the law, which secures to every resident in this country the right of protection to his person and property." The CHAIRMAN said he thought they should not, after Mr. StEphens's answer, assume that he had or had not a warrant. Mr. OSBORNE—If he had a warrant he could not hesitate saying so for a moment, as that would be sufficient answer to any action. Alderman LLOYD thought they should look at the question iu a common sense way. If au atr...cious murder were committed in London, and Mr. Stephens received intelligence that the accused had lived in Birmingham, would he be justified in searching that person's house without a warrant, if the delay of an hour or two became a matter of importance ? if he would do so in respect of a Lon don muider, why not in respect of one committed at Paris Mr. DEE said that iu Birmingham and elsewhere preuuses were dailysearched without warrants. If they passed Mr. Osborne's resolution they would place the police in a difficult position. Tue CHAIRMAN repeated his opinion, that after the answer of Mr. Stephens it would be unfair either to blame or to justify him. When the ac tion was tried then would be the time to agree to an expre-sion of opinion. Mr. CuTeea said he thought they were bound to enter upon an inquiry iu this matter, as they were trusted to some eat nt with the liberties of their fellow burgesses. They ought to ascertain whether Mr. Stephens acted in this matter as their servant or the servant of somebody else. If he had acted in an extraordinary manner, or under extrAneous authority, say under the authority of the Govern ment, the committee ought to know that fact, in order that they might know what control they had over their own servants. Matters were now assuming an alarming appearance. One man had been apprehended in London ; an Englishman had been seized and searched in Pads ; and altogether things were getting so complicated that it became an important question whether we shotild not keep ourselves clear of them, and show there was no complicity on the part of the authorities of Bir mingham. He thought, therefore, that not only as regards the liberty of the subject, but for other reasons, they should know by whose authority this searoh was made. If the committee did not do it the people of Birmingham would not be satisfied. A town's meeting would most certainly be held. As to an action, it was absurd to think Mr. Stephens was afraid of what a man could do to him who would have his head chopped off in a few days. Alderman LLOYD asked Mr. Stephens whether in this instance he had acted differently to what he would have done in an ordinary case of murder ? Mr. STEPHENS replied that he had not, and the subject then dropped.—Bi: mingham Daily Post. MARKET NEWB.--(This Day.) CORN EXCHLNGE. GENERAL AVERAGE PRICES OF BRITISH CORN For the week ended Feb. 18, 1858, made up from the Re turns of the Inspectors in the different Cities and Towns in England and Wales, per Imperial Quarter. WHEAT * BARLEY OATS I RYE BEANS I PEAS 458 8i1363 3d 22s 8d 30s 9d 39s 3d 41s id THE SIX WEEKS' AVERAGES. WHEAT BARLEY I OATS 1 RYB BEANS I PEAS 47s 7d 36s 10d 22s Bcl 32s 8d , 39s 3d 403 4d ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK. Wheat, 91,399; barley, 82,258; oats, 14,649; rye, 189; beaus, 7,739 ; peas, 1,641 quarters. • MEAT MARKETS. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL.—Each kind of meat was in moderate supply and steady request, as follows :—Beef, from 2010(1 to 4s 21 ; Mutton, 3s 2d to 4s 8d; Veal, 4s Od to 4s 104 ; Pork, 3s 24 to 4s 81 per 81bs by the carcase. SOUTRA.LL, Feb. 17.—T0-day's market was but mode rately supplied with each kind of stock, nevertheles, the trade generally ruled inactive, as follows : —Beef, from 3s 21 to 4 s 6,1 ; Mutton, 3s 1 to 5s OA ; Veal, 4s Od to 4s 101 ; Pork, 3s 6d to 4s ad per 81bs, to sink the offal. ROMFORD, Feb. 17.—We had a slow sale for stock to day, at our quotations: --Beef, from 3s Od to 4s 8d ; Mutton, 4e 01 to be Od ' • Veal, 4s 4d to 53 Od ; Pcrk, 3s 61 to 4s 2d p er gib s ; Store Pigs, —s to ; Mich Cows, 161 16s to 181 18s ; Lean Cows, —1 to —1; Suckling Calves, 14s to 23s each. HAY MARKETS. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, 21 DS to 31155; clover, 31 108 to 51 Os ; and straw, 11 41 to 1/ 84 per load. A moderate supply and a dull trade. CUMBERLAND. —Meadow hay, 21 103 t• 31 18s ; clover, 31 lOs to 41 153 ; and straw, 1/ 5s to 11 93 per load. Trade very inactive. WHITECRAPHL.—Meadow lily, 2/ lOs to 31 15s; clove] 31 103 to 41 15a ; and straw. 11 4s to 11 8s per loath Both hay and straw sold slowly, at late rates. LLOYD'S SHIPPING.—(Thi4 Day.) LONDON. Fob. 18.—Wind this day at noon, E.; strong breeze, and find clear weather. CLYDE, Feb. 16.—Wind S.E.—Arrived—John, from. Demerara. OFF DARTMOUTH, Feb. 17.—Arrived—Cherub, from St. Michael's. PLYMOUTH, Feb. 17.- -W ind E.N.E.--Arrived —Jacques Frances, from Minitmegrie. CROOKHAVEN, Feb. It;.—Wind E.—Arrived—Crimea, from Callao; Alliance, ditto. SUNDERLAND, Feb. 17.—Wind S.S.E.—Sailed—Silver Star, for New York. QUEENSTOWN, Feb. 17.—Wind S.E.--Arrived—Bel moot, from Callao ; Witch of the Wave, Paraiba ; Lewes, I brail. CARDIFF, Feb. 17.—Wind. E.—Sailed—Roland, for Caleuttl ; Neptune, Panama. SOUTHAMPTON, Feb. 17.—Wind S.S.E.—Sailed — Atrato (s), for St. Thomas; Tagus (s), Gibraltar. THE LATE ROBBERY IN A RAILWAY CARRIAGE. — Mr. \Vaiuwright, who was robbed in the railway carriage on Thursday evening last, is still confined to his bed, but is gradually recovering. THOMAS ALLSOP.-Mr. T. Allsop, who is said to have been implicated in the late attempt to assassinate the Emperor of the French, and for whose apprehension the English Government have offered a reward of 2001., for merly resided at the Red Hall, near this city. Many of our readers will remember the visit of Mr. Feargus O'Connor, the Chartist leader, to Lincoln, in 1847, for the purpose of propounding his small allotment scheme, and the Red Hall estate, in the parish of Brace bridge, was fixed upon as the site for the trial of the experiment in Lincolnshire.: Mr. Allsop, of Chartist I principles, bought the estate of the society, and began to work it on the small allotment plan. The speculation proved for the main part a failure, and the estate was brought to the hammer in 1849. Mr. Allsop, who was a member of the Stock Exobange, and a large speculator in landed property, did not reside permanently at the Red Hall, but was in the babit of paying flying visits to the estate. He was a man of quiet, unostentatious, and gentlemanly demeanour, and was very touch liked by those who were brought into intimate contact with him. Though of somewhat peculiar and eccentiic habits, urbanity and benevolence were conspicuous traits in his char toter. All who knew him in this neighbourhood say tliat he seemed to be the last person in the world to lend himself to such a diabolical conspiracy as that in which h is represented to have taken a prominent part.- 4inCON Tinto. SPEECH OF VINCEST PYKE, ESQ., LATE MEMBER OF THE VICTORIA LEGISLA TION, AT TAUNTON. VINCENT PYRE, Esq., was received very warmly. He said he was not present to interfere in the slightest degree with English politics. He should not dictate to the people what should be their franchise, or how they should use it. He ;was present to give them a plain statement as to the practical working of the ballot in the Australian colonies. He was there to speak of that working because it was not patent to all. (Hear.) He must say that it appeared to him rather remark able that the English public bad not arrived at a political position to appreciate between open voting and ballot voting, and to see the efficiency of the latter principle. Hence, he found many good and wise men—men of superior intellect and discernment—viewing the ballot as through a fog, and beholding in it an imaginary monster. (Laugh ter, and hear.) Let him ask them to view the question calmly and consistently. It was nothing for them to say that the ballet or any other plan of reform had been introduced and advocated by men whose characters they disapproved. The richest gold in Australia was often grasped by the rudest hands, but it did not lose any of its virtue and was not the less precious on that account. (Hear.) Therefore, if there was any virtue in the ballot—if they found any power in it that protected them in voting, he trusted they would accept it for its intrinsic merit. (Applause.) In judging the ballot, they must not judge it per se by its effects in some other countries. In France, for instance, the ballot had lost its virtue, and exhibited little more than a fdrgone conclusion ; whilst in America, although the system was working well, there was a great laxity in those salutary and necessary checks which ought to accompany it, and the absence of which opened the door to chicanery and bribery. Those, however, were local evils ; they did not belong to the principle. Most of them, doubt less, remembered the celebrated ballot-box dis closures in California, and perhaps they blamed the ballot. Let them, however, ask themselves the cause of the evil, and they would find it was the want of a registration—one like the English—with out which there was no safety against the evils spoken of. He did not wish to boast of Australia, the country of his adoption ; still he felt a love for it, and he could safely affirm from his own personal knowledge that the ballot in Victoria was free from the abuses that characterised it in other countries, and that it had secured to the elector everything he could desire, and had done away with bribery and intimidation. He would, with their permission, explain the mode in which the ballot operated in Victoria. He must at the outset presume that every year all persons entitled to vote saw that their names had been duly enrolled on the register for the district in which they resided. [Mr Pyke here introduced a large diagram of the polling-place.] Let them suppose, he proceeded to say, a contested election to ho at hand, and that the polling day had arrived. The elector is supposed to enter a room framed off from the rest of the polling booth. He passes up the more, and enters a door on the left, and there finds himself iu another compartment, in which is placed the ballot-box on the top of a table. It is staring the elector full in the face, and is in full view of the scrutineers and returning officer. Behind the ballot box sits the returning officer and poll clerk, and around are other gentlemen, termed scrutineers. These aro agents of the candidates, who each appoint one. Their duties are—lst, to prevent unqualified and unregistered persons vot ing, and 2d, to record the number of votes polled. For this purpose each is provided with a certified copy of the electoral roll. When the elector enters the room he goes up to this table, and the returning officer demands his name. "John Brown," says he. If there is more than one John Brown, he adds his residence and profession. Each scrutineer re:firs to the roll and find John Brown's name, and against it the number 1832, that being the order in which he stands on the list. A tick or mark is then placed against his name to indicate that he has voted. Then the returning officer, having first ascertained that John Brown is the person whom he represents himself to be, and that he possesses the same quali fication as when registered, hands him the ballot paper. This paper, a fac sinetle of which I hold in my hand, contains on the face the names in full of all the candidates. On the lower right-hand corner of the back is the returning officer's signature, and on the upper right hand corner is a blank " No. —" which is filled in with the elector's number " 1832." Then John Brown goes into a screened recess or niche, of which there are several in the room, pro vided with pen, ink, and blotting-paper, and strikes out the names of the candidates to whom he ob jects. He then folds the ballot paper so as to con ceal the nature of his vote, exhibiting the returning officer's signature to the gentlemen around the table, and finally deposits it into the cleft of the ballot box. The meeting would see by the Victoria system of voting that, whilst it was a secret mode of voting to the elector, it was &se eufficently public to prevent any deception, and acted as a check against the evils apparent in the open mode of voting. (Hear, hear.) Whilst the American system of vote by ballot allowed each candidate to provide his own tickets to the electors, whether Whig, Democratic, and so on, the Australian system did not allow any candidate to issue a single voting paper. They were all issued by the govern ment and countersigned by the returning officer. The American system allowed the possibility of the returning officer acting wrong, but the Australian system had a complete check against anything of the sort. In Victoria the voting papers wore counted out to the returning officer as carefully as if, they were bank notes, and that officer had to make a return to the Government in the presence of the scrutineers, none of whom could know how the elector voted, for they so acted and reacted upon each other that nothing like fraud could occur without collusion with every man in the room. In case an elector could not read, there was a pro vision made is the act that the returning officer should be allowed to go into the room with him and strike out the names he did not wish to vote for. But that allowance would work itself out, because the law enacted that any man who could not road or write after a certain period should not be allowed the exercise of the elective franchise. But he might observe that at present the returning officer was sworn to secrecy as to how uneducated electors voted. (Hear, hear.) At the close of the poll the the returning officer, in the presence of the scrutineer, added up the numbers of names ; the ballot papers were taken out of the box, placed upon the table, and counted out to ascertain the exact •number, so as to see whether they tallied with the number of electors that had polled. That process having been duly performed, the returning officer declared the number polled—so many for ginith, so many for Robinson, &c., each officer re cording the number of votes for each candidate. The result of the poll was then recorded, and the ballot papers were sealed up and placed in three separate parcels, which were labelled p a pers used," " ballot papers not used," and " ballot papers not issued." They were then sent off in charge of a proper officer to the Clerk of the Parliament at Victoria in case there should be any question raised as to any particular return. He did not know whether he had made himself sufficiently understood. If not, he should feel happy to answer any individuals any question they might think fit to put to him. (Ap plause.) He felt that the meeting would agree with him when he said that it was someting congratula tory to the inhabitants of the Antipodes to have been the first to succeed in introducing the best and most perfect mode of voting that had as yet been framed. (Applause.) The ballot was a distinct act from the original constitution of Australia, and English statesmen had had no voice whatever in its framing. The colony of Victoria had no one to thank for the ballot but his friend Mr. Nicholson, Mr. Medly, and a few colleagues. (Applause.) They might naturally ask how it had worked a . r , hear.) a w r as ) prepared to answer that question. ( He had only recently left the colony, and " he hesi tated not to assert that its success was entire and _ thorough. (Applause.) It not only far exceede id o but the expectations of its warmestt s h u a been found to P cf had also, from the capital way i . work, won over many o f those o pposed it. Ap doubt had no doubt - ho n estly and conscientiously ' plause.) The ballot oug ht not to be looked upon with party spirit. It w as like a two-edged sword, that cut both ways, for it not only protected the po or man aga i ns t the undue influence of those above him, but it also protected the rich and inde. pendent elector s ag ainst the fury of the mob ; a n d perhaps at e lections the y had someti mes specimens o f what that was. (Laughter.) He wished to state that, because some people looked upon the ballot as a democratic measure. At the last Melbourne election the ballot had actually proved itself a truly Conservative measure and a great friend. The ministerial candidates were pursued everywhere by the populace : they were not allowed to address meetings ; and had open voting prevailed this would no doubt have prevented the return of the members of the Ministry. They, however, voted by ballot, which allowed every one to record his vote without molestation or intimida tion ; and the result was, that ministers had a de cided majority. How was that ? Because the elec tors were sheltered from popular clamour and out rage, and allowed to vote quietly. (Applause.) He might also add, that notwithstanding the force and the inflammatory character of popular feeling, not one single instance of disorderly conduct occurred during the polling day. He thought that being allovied to vote peacefully and quietly was not one of the least important features in vote by ballot. (Hear.) That must be most gratifying to all lovers of order, however much it might " disappojnt the Rowdies." (Applause.) So quiet was the election hi f m une on funeral l, e conducted in this di s t r i c t, th at one I r i s h man s aid to a polling day, " Ob, sir, this i s as dull as —(laughter)—the people all look as if they were going to church, instead of the • .11. There is no fun at all. (Renewed laughter.) :. t he would leave it to the meeting to say what sort of fun the man meant. In Australia now the poll : tical duties of the citizens were discharged in a calm thoughtful way ; and no one would imagine that a closely-contested election was_ going. on. At the outset it was true that many of the colonists urged that the reasons brought forward in England for the ballot were not applicable to Victoria, because of the differences that existed between the electo ral law in the two countries ; and they maintained that it was not required. He must confess that at first he was of that view, but when he thought of the large class of people that required proteotiou, and when he thought of the outrages that had been perpetrated in Melbourne, he felt convinced that the ballot would be a boon to all. {Applause) He remembered being taken quite by surprise when Mr. Nicholson said to him, " Mr. Pyke, lam going to put a notice in the paper for the introduo tion of the ballot." He had heard that the old mem bers were divided, and Mr. Nicholson saidle was certain of carrying it if the "diggers" were in favour of it. He (Mr. P.) replied that the " diggers" would carry it ; and he was the first member to present a petition in its favour, as the representative of Old Forest Creek, from the " diggers." The sequel was, that the ballot was carried, and the Ministers resigned. Mr. Nicholson was sent for to form a Ministry ; but, having found that many who voted for it did so considering it an open question, he de clined the honour. The Ministers therefore re turned to office ; but they would have nothing to do, with the ballot, and the whole onus of carrying it out was thrown upon the ballot members. Mr. Nicholson at once set to work, framed the ballot clauses, and the work was successfully carried out. (Applause.) Shortly afterwards came the general election, and amidst the credulity of friends and the sneers of opponents the success of the ballot was admitted as decisive, and the press raised its voice in its favour. (Applause.) He believed that almost every newSpaper in the colony spoke in its praise. He would with their permission read the opinion of the Melbourne Herald, dated Sept. 11, 1856 :—" At the date of our last aummazy, the Upper House elections were pending, and the utmost public interest was excited as to the result. The polling for the Central Province (Melbourne and suburban districts) came off on the 26th ult., when the ballot was tested for the first time in the colony, and operated in a manner which not only satisfied the expectations of its most sanguine advo cates, but actually won over as converts some of those who were previously its most determined op ponents, both in and out of the Legislature." (Ap plause.) The next extract he would read to them was from the Melbourne Argus, and bad reference to the Kildare election. It was as follows :—" The polling for the two representatives to serve this dish ict in the legislative assembly took place yester day, and passed off with the most exemplary good order and quiet ; indeed, with the exception of all the dead walls in the neighbourhood being covered with placards in all the colours of the rainbow, a stranger in the district, accustomed to election scenes in the old country, would have exhibited some amount of incredulity on being told that an active election contest was proceeding. Not a single complaint against the working of the ballot, or of any under hand or unfair practices reached our ear during our visitsto the polling places. The excitement which prevailed during the day was anything but active, so far as we could observe by the collections of persons about the booths ; but at the close of the poll considerable interest was manifested in the result." He (Mr. P.) might also add, that the re turning officer for the Kildare district was an op ponent of the ballot, yet that gentleman after the close of the poll, on behalf of himself and his assis tant officer, bore willing testimony to its favourable working. The Herald of Sept. 27 also said :—"To the silent operation, the ballot must undoubtedly be attributed, in a great measure, the freedom from disturbance and popular turmoil which has charac terised the election proceedings. Viewed in its so cial aspect, secret voting may be considered to have proved itself as successful as it certainly has in its political effect. With only very few exceptions, the demoralising intrigues which are often put in operation at elections have failed to produce those results which in other times, and under a different Order of things, would have followed. Even in those instances where indirect influence was re sorted to, the efficacy of the ballot was proved by the notoriety which suchpractices at once acquired. " At the South Melbourne election, the following were the words of the returning officer, on declaring the poll :—" I hops one day all will be in favour of the ballot, for the ballot never will be overturned. (Che:rs.) The report of its successful operation here will go home and strengthen the hands of the'popu lar party in England, who are working towards the same end." He thought it was quite unnecessary to continue those extracts. Since his arrival in Taunton he had been asked about a statement that had appeared in the Times, and which was professed to have been copied from the Adelaide Despatch. He had never heard of the paper in question till he saw it quoted in the Times, and for his part he thought it was a kind of myth. He knew Adelaide well, but he certainly must say he did not know the Adelaide Despatch, and he never heard of a colonist that knew of such a paper, till the Times discovered it among some old papers. (Laughter.) There was another subject in con nection with the Times. That paper said some time since, in commenting on the ballot in the pro posed Reform Bill, and which he hoped they might get—(laughter)—the Times said, "As for the ballot, with its concomitants of political jug glery, it has lowered the character of every com munity into which it has been introduced," He distinctly denied that assertion, and in proof of which he could point to his adopted country. The Times was—what should he call it—the great cha meleon of the day—proverbial for its fickleness and recklessness of assertion. It had long since failed to lead, and now it only followed in the wake of pub lic opinion. It was like the weathercock, indicative of the wind. (Laughter.) Let the voice of the people ' of England be once raised in favour of the ballot, and the Times would then discover that it was a good measure. The charge brought forward by the /times against the ballot was a very grave one,—i " The ballot has lowered the character of every com munity in which it has bean adopted." That was a grave charge, or would be if it could be substantiated. With regard to the term "political jugglery," he wait at a loss to know what that implied, if it implied anything at all. He considered that the charge of jugglery could be retorted upon those who gave the people the shadow of the franchise and withheld from them the substance. (Applause.) With regard to the ballot in Belgium and America, he considered that these countries must vindicate its operation themselves ; but for the country to which he bad. the honour to belong he was proud to say that the operation of the ballot had rendered brute force of no effect—it had destroyed bribery, corruption, and intimidation, and had obliterated those disgraceful scenes recorded in the blue-books of a Parliamentary Committee. (Applause.) He had, he must confess, spoken warmly en behalf of his adopted country, but upon the aspersions that bad been cast upon it by the Times he felt bound to speak his mind. (Applause.) Although a colonist, he could not forget he was an English man—(applause)—yes, an English citizen. He knew from experience that when a colonist beheld the brave and time-honoured banner of Old Eng land &Wine bravely over the southern colonies, his heart warmed towards it and the land.that gave him birth. (Applause.) Whatever her enemies might say to the contrary, he could fearlessly assert that the colony of Victoria contained as loyal, as trustworthy, and as warm hearts as any portion of musther bs Majesty' s said , t d h o e n i n i , n o i o f i t i s h . 0 s ( e L ;u a p d e a r s p p t l h alig at e. s ) catt h rod at broadcast the seeds of animosity, distrust, and, he was going to add, rebellion between the parent and the child—between the mother country and ker colonies ? (Great applause.) He thanked the meeting sincerely for the kind attention it had paid him. For his own part he could assure them that it afforded him the sincerest pleasure to address a Taunton audience—which pleasure was enhanced, if possible, by the fact of his being a native of Somersetshire. (Loud cheers.) W. E. GILLETT, Esq.—May I be allowed to ask what time elapses between the deposit of the ballot papers and the sealing them up by the returning officer. Mr. PYRE—The box is placed upon the table, and at 4 o'clock the ballot is dosed. The papers are immediately taken, and not a man is allowed to leave the room until the papers have been added up by the returning officer and the other officials, and sent off to the clerk of the Parliament by a compe tent officer. JERSEY AND GUERNSEY MAILS.—OR the evening of Saturday, the 20th inst., and on the evenings of ever' succeeding Thursday and Saturday, additional mails Wi n be made up iu London for Jersey and Guerninft for conveyance by the packets which at present ran to those islands from Weymouth, on the mornings of 0" be oonveyod and Friday. Additional return mails will iiGuernsey, by the packets at present leaving j•rse r s d an y and Setup for Weymouth, on the mornings 0f r 12, 11 _ __ a ~ ROW LAND day. —By command of thePostinasto.:77.=. HILL, Sec.—General ,Post-oifice,T-miooo p n oc la ie u t r t d e a r y .b , o w x it c h lo ti sel e steamer Europa sails AMERICAN MAILS,—The Cun ar d t mails and patereogera. from Liverpool for New The l r oe ve o r 400 a m., with late fees at 11, and on the landing. t tpge at 12.