The Sun. — London, England, 1829-03-16 00:00:00

VESTRY .MEETING AT DIRNIINGHAM. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. B l s )—Knowing that your columns are always open for the insertion of communications on public matters I make ll n'aPnrogy for requesting a similar favour for the following : The town of Birmingham has usually been governed under the tutelage of a local Act of 23,1 Geo. 111., and the powers of " government" rest in the Guardians and Overseers. This Act has worked very well hitherto, but in November, 1923 (the ruling powers here having re solied to mend it), notice was given that application would be made for leave to introduce a new Bill. From that time until a few days ago the inhabitants heard no thing more of this, and were indeed very much surprised at seeing in Aria's Gazette of the 9th instant, a notice to assemble at a Vestry Meeting, and take into con sideration the new Bill. Be it noticed, and it is worthy of notice, that Monday the 16th instant (this day), is the latest day on which Private Bills can be introduced into the House of Commons, and the Guardians, fixing on Friday for the Meeting, actually allowed the inhabitants but one day. The heads of the new Bill—its clauses—. its general tenor, were not (as is customary) published and distributed among the inhabitants—in truth, it would teem as if the Guardians intended taking the town by sur prise. It however got abroad that this new Bill was not altogether such as the parish could assent to, an item be ing annexed to it authorising the discharge of the High Bailiff's expenses annually, to be paid by a twopenny rate on ' the parish, to the amount of about 1,0001. This, and other circumstances, excited curiosity, and the Vestry Meeting 0 0 Friday was the most numerous, perhaps, ever seen in this town. Mr. Paul Moore James (one of the Guardians) introduced the Bill by a very lengthened detail of its elans es , purposes, and intents, and denied that any inten tion ever existed of including the payment of the High Bailiff ' s expenses in it,—but, to the astonishment of the Me e t ing , Mr. Knight (who is also a Guardian) denied, by implication, the truth of this affirmation, asserting that such had been the intent, and that to his knowledge it was to be included in the words " and for other pur poses," when it might, by a post facto movement, be quietly a tt ac h e d , by way of rider, to the Bill. This was ''not attempted to be contradicted. Matters had thus opened, in limine, when Mr. Bird, a gentleman of very great and Unbending public spirit, opposed the reading of the Bill, on the fair ground, that it was establishing an unallowable , precedent, that there was no necessity for its immediate legislative existence, and that next session would an- ewer equally with this. A strong debate ensued; Mr. IL Spooner declared himself of Mr. Bird's opinion, but insisted that the Bill was most necessary to give validity to the indentures of 500 parish apprentices, rendered in . valid by a recent doctrine of Lord Tenterden. The ques tion, however, was of too much importance to be stifled. Mr. Bird persisted in his motion of adjournment, the Bill Ass not read to the Meeting, and the majority in favour of adjournment was most overwhelming. Now for the i mPortant matter of this letter—in spite of the feeling of the Parishioners, s o d ec id e dly ex p res sed by this majority, it is be lieved that the Guardians mean to introduce the Bill, thus I l lieotad, into Parliament! If this be done the town will e ' e rtainly petition against it; but the trouble and expense thus incurred, by this attempt to lay aside the decision of the Meeting, will he great,—and the money expended, against the wish of the town, and in opposition to its ex pressed desire, must yet be paid by the town, for the town; for the Guardians, as Mr. Bird very truly said, " hold the purse -strings of the people," and can, out of opposition, expend an illimitable sum in vexatiously op- Posing the inhabitants. Such is a plain statement of facts. Its publication in 271 g Sun, which has obtained general circulation here, will be productive of much good ; and, through the same Means, Members of Parliament cannot fail becoming ac quainted with the history of this case also. I am, &c. LYNX. • LIVERPOOL AND MANCHESTER RAILWAY. --Oa Thursday a general meeting of the Leypayets of Manchester was held in the great room of the Town Hall, in King -street, for the purpose of considering what mea sures it is desirable to take, relative to the proposed object of the Committee of the Liverpool and Manchester Rail- Way Company, of introducing the Rail-roul, and its loco- Motive steam. engines into Manchester. Mr. Ogden took the chair. After some discussion between Messrs. War tea, Bellhouse, and Grundy, OR the subject, motions were put seriatim from the chair. On the 6th Mr•. Candelet moved an amendment, to the effect that " the leypayers would resist the erection of any arch over Water-street, Which should be less than 17 feet high." The motion was not seconded. On the motion for the appointment of a:Com inittee, 11ir . Prentice moved - as an amendment that their _expences should be limited to 501. The amendment was ne gatived, and the original motion was then put and car ried with one dissentient voice. The other motions Were passed unanimously.—Manchester Gazette. The petition of the manufacturers of Spital fieds to the House of Commons will be immediately fol lowed by one to the Lords, the prayer in each case being that the Legislature would take off the duties on the im portation of thrown silks, thus enabling the manufacturers here to purchase their material on the same terms as is done by the foreign manufacturers ; also praying that steps may be taken to protect the trade against smuggling. A deputation, consisting of some of the largest silk-inanufaF ,turers, also waited on Saturday on the Board of Trade in ,support of the same principles. This class of men have hitherto been so remiss in their own interests, as to leave *hair cause in the handsoithethrowsters; the conse quence has been, that the true interest of the silk-mann facturer has been imperfectly, if at all, represented to the Government. This was stated to the parties during the Present conference with the Board of Trade; but they were given to understand that relief would be speedily afforded them. It is feared, however, that only a partial reduction of the duty is at present contemplated, as the influ e n ce e x e rt e d i n su pp or t of th e duty is very con siderable.— Times. STATE OF TRADE.-- Business continues languid. Complaints respecting it have been general throughout the week. Water twist is almost the only ar ticle which is understood to remunerate the spinner. Other kinds are still in a state of great depression. Since our last, several meetings of spinners have taken place, for the purpose of considering the propriety of either working short time, or stopping altogetl.er. At present no general determination has been adopted, in consequence, it is stated, of some of the wealthier spinners objecting to come into any arrangement. In the mean time, however, general have given notice to their hands of an inten- tipn to stop in about a week, and ;;;;;;;no; are but partially at work. These mills arc exclusively engaged 1° fine sinning. Goods continue without improvement. In the tiner descriptiOns, such as muslins, of all kinds, the demand is worse than ever. These are the kinds still woven by hand, and the manufacturers are rapidly turn ing off their workpeople, a circumstance of very un usual occurrence at this season of the year. Printers for the country trade complain, with very few and trifling txeeptions, of the languid state .of the demand. What IS called the spring trade should now, from the intro , ductiou of new patterns, which always takes place at this season, be brisk ; yet this is not the case, the country buyers are supplying themselves so sparingly, that the stock which the printers have provided, in expectation of the ordinary demand of the season, will, it is appre hended, have a considerable surplus. It is probable that som e amendment may take place when business to the north of Europe is resumed. At present, the severity of the weather keeps the Elbe frozen, and shipments cannot be made. It is feared, however, that twist for that market cannot, for some time to come, receive any impulse from 'flit quarter, as the quantity already shipped, and now WaitiOg at Hull, and the port of Goole, for the opening at the riverg is very considerable. About 20 ships, princi pally freighted with yarn, are in this state; their cargoes Will amount to about four millions of pounds. A little re -action has shown itself this week in cotton. A general feeling that prices had been at their extreme point of de ••pression, would be the first harbinger of improvement.— Manchester Gazette. On Thursday night last, a most daring rob bery was committed at Leicester, which was effected in so expert a manner that none but members of the London Rang could have accomplished it. It was one of the " cleanest " things which has been " done " of late years, and the amount of the property stolen is about 3,0001. in value. It appears that a banker's parcel, containing notes of the above value, was given to the guard of the Globe Sheffield coach, to be conveyed by hint to a banker's (the agent of the country banker) in London. It is said that the guard was " touted" (watched and followed) from the Bank, and that, while he was in the yard of the Bell Inn, at Leicester, on Thursday night, the property was extracted from his coat pocket. Information of the robbery was sent off to London by express, as soon as it was discovered, to prevent the notes being changed at the Bank in London. It is believed that the robbery was committed by some of . t he "family men" who were seen on the road to the late fight between Ward and Byrne, at Leicester ; and if the Police fail in recovering the property, what the law cannot !each will; in all probability, be effected by negotiation. It 441 tpposed that the property, by this time, has found its ... ""Y to the French metropolis.— Observer. CATHOLIC EMANCIPATION. (FROM OUR OWN coRREsFONDENT.) NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, MARCH 14. I have great satisf►ction in stating to you, that at a very full meeting of the Common Council, held at the Guild Hall this day, at one o'clock, a petition to Parlia ment (of which I subjoin you a copy), was unanimously agreed to in favour of the removal of the civil disabilities of our Roman Catholic fellow-subjects ; thus affording, if any additional proof were wanting, the most unequivocal testimony as to the liberal sentiments of the educated por tion of the community here, upon a question which so much engrosses the public attention. The sensation produced upon 'Change, and in the Ex change Coffee-rooms, at half-past two o'clock, when it was known that the petition was carried UNANIMOUSLY, was of the most cheering and gratifying description. Indeed it may be safely averred, that the respectable corporation of this town never sanctioned any public measure that gave more universal satisfaction than the one immediately referred to. The petition to the LORDS will be transmitted this even- ing to the DUKE of WELLINGTON, his Grace being a free burgess of the town ; and the petition to the COMMONS to CUTH BERT ELLISON, Esq. one of its worthy represen tatives. The following is the copy of the petition : TO THE HON. THE COMMONS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND, IN PARLIAMENT ASSEMBLED, THE HUMBLE PETITION OF THE MAYOR, RECOR DER, ALDERMEN, SHERIFF, AND COMMON COUNCIL OF NEWCASTLE.UPON-TYNE, SIIEWETIT, That your Petitioners observe, with great concern, that many insidious attempts are now making to excite in the public mind an unfounded alarm in consequence of his Majesty's gracious recommendation to Parliament to review the Laws which impose Disabilities on his Majesty's Ro man Catholic subjects; and your Petitioners earnestly pray that this Honourable House will be pleased to adopt such measures, consistent with the security of the Protestant Succession and the Established Church, as may be most expedient for the removal of those disabilities under which a numerous and unoffending portion of the United Kingdom has long laboured on account of their religious opinions, and the further continuance of which your Petitioners consider altogether unnecessary. And your Petitioners shall ever pray, &c. The Duke of Cumberland left town at an early hour on Saturday morning, on a visit to his Majesty, at his Pa!ace at Windsor. The Duchess of Kent and the Princess Vic toria attended divine service yesterday morning, in the private chapel attached to the Royal Duchess's apartments in the King's Palace at Kensington. The service was performed by the Chaplain to the Duchess of Kent. The Princess Augusta visited the Duchess of Gloucester on Saturday, at Gloucester House, Park-lane; and also paid visits to the Duchess of Kent and the Princess Sophia, at their apartments in the King's Palace at Ken sington. Lady Charlotte St. Maur and Lady Caroline Jenkiuson have been appointed Ladies of the Bedchamber to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. A Cabinet Council was held at half -past three o'clok on Saturday afternoon, at the Foreign Office, Down ing -street, which was attended by the Lord Chancellor, the Duke of Wellington, Earls Bathurst and Aberdeen, Viscount Melville, Lord Ellenborough, Mr. Secretary Peel, Sir George Murray, Mr. Vesey Fitzgerald, and Mr. Ber ries. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was prevented from attending the Council by indisposition. The Minis ters sat in deliberation till seven o'clock. Prince Lieven, the Russian Ambassador, had an interview with the Earl of Aberdeen yesterday, at the Office of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and in troduced to his Lordship Count Potowski (who arrived in town on FridaY morning from St. Petersburgh.) The Prince and the Court were occupied for a considerable time with the Noble Earl. Prince Polignac, the French Ambassador, had a very long conference yesterday with the Earl of Aberdeen, at the Foreign Office. The Lord Primate of Ireland, and the Earl of Aberdeen, had interviews with the Duke of Wellington on Saturday, at the Treasury. Earl Bathurst visited his Grace yesterday. Sir Thomas Gooch, M.P., Mr. Wodehouse, M.P., and eight other gentlemen, forming a Deputation from the Maltsters, waited on the Chancellor of the Ex chequer on Saturday, at the Treasury, and had a long con ference with the Right Hon. Gentleman. The Duke of Wellington entertained a select party to dinner yesterday, at his residence in Downing. street. It is rumoured that the Duke of Cambridge will come to England, to speak, as well as vote, for Ca tholic concession. Lord Hill, the Commander-in-Chief, has taken the villa of the late Mr. Cockerell, at Westbourne green, for the purpose of being near his official duties. - - Captain Garth is rusticating at his little Cas sino, between Calais and Boulogne, with Lady Astley. The House of Commons has been sitting for nearly six weeks ; and it is remarkable that there have only been two divisions, and those upon the Catholic Question. His Majesty, we are happy to repeat, enjoys the best possible state of health, of which he has now had a long continuance. The worthless statements which are being continually vamped up at this important period, either to serve a political purpose or to gratify a mercenary object, would be undeserving notice but for the circum stantiality and pseudo-official air by which they are ac companied• In the present instance we know that the state of the King's health has been such as not even to afford a pretence for such a statement, and that his Ma jesty has continued to dine regularly with the members of his distinguished suite, with two exceptions only, since his taking up his abode at the Castle,—a fact which of it self is sufficient to dispel all the fictions of these paragraph mongers.— Windsor Express. The Duke of Bedford's improvements in Ta vistock-square, and that neighbourhood, are nearly com plete. There is now a noble road, a free communication, and a delightful home view, in the line of the London University, from the late Mr. Perry's fine mansion to Gower-street and Tottenham-court-road. The site on which Mr. Perry's house (called Tavistock-house) was originally built, comprehends nearly two acres of ground, and three large houses are now erected upon it. The view from the upper apartments of the Hampstead and Highgate hills is perfectly uninterrupted, in consequence of cutting down the trees in the front, but the entire gar dens and extensive shrubberies are, we perceive, very pro perly preserved. THE LATE CATIIOLIC ASSOCIATION.. Upwards of 15,000 members, qualified to vote at its sit tings, hail enrolled themselves in this great National Con vention, at the period of its dissolution. The qualification was cheap and simple. An annual subscription of one pound sterling, or upwards, constituted a member, after he had been proposed, viva voce, at one of the weekly meetings. Amongst the members were included fourteen hundred non-Catholics—four Catholic Archbishops— twenty Catholic Bishops—two thousand six hundred Ca tholic Clergymen. The Leeds petition in favour of the Bill brought into Parliament by Mr. Peel, for the settlement of the Catholic question, has obtained 8,000 signatures in little more than one day ! This gratifying manifestation of public opinion, even in the face of the vulgar and inflam matory attempt to raise the cry of " No-Popery," by placards exhibited in every street in the town, proves that the reign of religious persecution has passed, and we hope that in the course of the present day some thousands of additional names will be fixed to the liberal petition.— Leeds Mercury. A secret and rather mysterious investigation has been going on for some time at the Royal Military Col lege, at Sandhurst. The investigation has been instituted by the Supreme Board, and the result promises to be an immediate reduction, ott a large scale, in that establish. ment.—Windsor Express. THE COMMON LAW COMMISSION. The following queries on pleading on certain matters of practice have been sent (in addition to those published in the Times, of the 18th ult.) to a number of the most eminent practitioners :- 1. Do you think the present system of pleading well adapted to the object in view—namely, that of referring to the Court questions arising from ad mitted facts, which facts are distinctly stated on one side, and denied on the other, so that the different provinces of the Court and Jury may be clearly marked ? If the present system be defective in your opinion, you will please to point out in what respect it is so, and suggest any remedy that may occur to you. 2. Do you think that the advantages of brevity and of avoiding variances obtained by generality in pleading, are sufficient compensation for the incon venience which such generality introduces, by mix ing up the law and the facts, and confounding the provinces of the Court and the Jury, so that the Judge is obliged to select what facts he thinks should be left to the Jury ; and for the expense which it introduces by the necessity of proving many facts which are denied by the generality of the issue, al though not really in dispute ? 3. Do you think that any inconvenience and un necessary expence arises from the introduction into declarations of several counts on the same cause of action ? Would it be possible to confine the plain tiff to one count on each cause of action f If not, might he be confined to any fixed number of counts or should he be allowed to insert any number, but be entitled, in case of his succeeding to costs of pleading on one only, paying to the defendant of not receiving the costs of the proceedings on the others ? 4. Supposing the plaintiff to insert several counts on the same cause of action, might the second and subsequent counts be so framed as to refer to the first, and point out the variations only ? Or would such reference, in your opinion, render the plead ings complicated and obscure ? And would it be better that each count should be complete in itself, pointing out, however, by the words of its com mencement or otherwise, whether it be a different statement of the same cause of action, or a statement of a different cause of action, by which means the defendant would know how to treat them in his pleas ? 5. Do you think that the defendant should be con fined to one plea, or any fixed number of pleas to each count or set of counts, upon the same cause of action ? Or should he be at liberty to plead as many distinct defences as he thinks fit, at the peril of pay ing the costs of all on which he does not succeed, al though he should succeed on one which goes to the whole cause of action, and should also be at liberty to plead as many pleas containing the same matter of defence, differently stated, as he thinks fit, the de fendant being entitled to the costs of the pleadings on one plea only, though all be proved, and paying or not receiving the costs of the pleadings on the others ? 6. Supposing the defendant to be allowed to plead several pleas at the peril of costs as above suggested, is there any use in their being signed by counsel, or in requiring the leave of the Court—regard being had to the difficulty which must exist in the Court or a Judge exercising a discretion on the subject? 7. Do you think that the plaintiff ought to be al lowed to make several replications to each plea, or not ? If you think that he ought, in what cases should he be allowed a general replication ? If you think that he ought, should the defendant make se veral rejoinders ? And in the same mariner as to subsequent pleadings—if either is to Ise restrained, is the plaintiff or the defendant to be first restrained? 8. Do you think that the making of profert might be beneficially extended to all written instru ments, accompanied with such regulations as might prevent the necessity of setting out the whole of the instrument upon oyer ? And that no proof should, in any form of action, be required of in struments of which profert is made, unless they are specially denied ? 9. Would it, in your judgment, be proper that the costs of the trial of every issue should be paid by the party failing on that issue, whatever be the general result of the cause ? Would such regula tion tend to check prolixity in pleading and the taking of unnecessary issues ? Would it be produc tive of any considerable inconvenience by rendering it necessary to try all the issues in a cause on ac count of the costs, though the trial of one issue may decide the merits? If, of any, do you not think that the benefit would outweigh the conve nience ? 10. Where time, place, quantity, price, or value, need not be proved as laid, might they not be omitted in pleadings altogether ? 11. In debt and indebitatus assumpsit, might not one count, consisting of several articles, be in all cases sufficient ? lii other actions or contracts, would it be possible, without introducing much un certainty, to allow the plaintiffs to recover on prov ing part of the consideration, or part of the thing contracted to be done, proVided that which was proved would be sufficient in itself to sustain the action ? 12. In your opinion, is it not desirable that the forms of action should be kept distinct as they now are ? Or do you think it desirable that counts in different forms of action should be joined in the same declaration : as, for instance, trespass, arid trespass on the case, and many others ? 13. In our opinion, might the general issue in assumpsit, debt, and trespass on the case, be ad vantageously discontinued, and the defendant be compelled to deny specifically any averment he dis putes, and to plead specially all matters which form a defence in law, as illegality in the contract, in fancy, coverture, &c. ? 14. In debt on simple contract, and indebitatus assumpsit, in which the declaration is general, and therefore the defendant cannot deny any specific averment of fact alone (for it is obvious that a denial of being indebted might frequently involve matter of law), might not the plea be, " that lie denies the matter of fact, whereby the said debt is sup posed to accrue ?" And if there be any defence in law, as illegality, infancy, coverture, should it not be specially pleaded ? 15. Wherever particulars of the deniand might be given, should they not be delivered as of course at the time of declaring ? And should not the same rule apply to pleas of set-off ? And would it be ad vantageous, where the set-off exceeds the demand, to allow the defendant to recover the balance, if he gives notice of his intention to do so ? 16. In your opinion, should the non-joinder of a contractor be the subject of a plea in abatement un der the present restrictions, which treat such plea as a dilatory one ? Or should such plea be treated as a fair plea in bar, and pleaded in the same time and without affidavit,—with this restriction, that it should not be allowed at all, unless the defendant at the time of pleading procures an appearance to be entered for the parties, who he insists ought to be joined ? And in what case would it be right that the plaintiff should be at liberty to amend his decla ration, by inserting the other names, but still be permitted to take judgment against the original de fendant, if lie proves his case against him, but fails against the added defendants ? 17. In general do you think that it would be ad. vantageous that the plaintiff should not be nonsuited for joining too many defendants in contract as well tort, b ut should pay costs in all forms of action to any defendant against whom he fails ? And what in your opinion should be the consequence of join ing too many plaintiffs, as well in actions of contract as of tort ? Is. Do you think it would be convenient that the payment of money into court should be stated on the record ? Do you think that the power of the person pay i n g money into court should b e ex t e nded to all cases to all except to actions for injuries' to or reputation, or any and what t h orr, s if ? not An to all, w would it b e a d van t a geous, in order to lessen the expense in proving damages , t o allow the defendant in those cases in which lie might have paid money into court to annex to his plea, whatever it may be, an offer that the damages, if any be recoverable, should be taken at a given sum, which offer the plaintiff may accept or not; if ac cepted then, that the offer and acceptance should be annexed to the record, and should be conclusive as to the result of the verdict ; if not accepted then, that it should not be annexed to the record, as stated to the jury, but be .produced to the proper officer upon taxation of costs, who should allow the costs of proving the damages to either party, according as the jury find more or less than the sum offered ? 19. Would it not be desirable that actions of re plevin should be brought in the superior courts in the first instance, the mode of proceeding in replevy ing remaining as at present? Have you any amend ment to propose with respect to proceedings in pro hibition ? Might not the suggestion be dispensed with, and the affidavit in support of the motion be sufficient ? Do you think that debt should be for an annuity of freehold, instead of a writ of annuity ; and do any other alterations in the forms of actions appear to you advisable ? 20. In what cases do you think the venue should be local ? and in transitory actions how and under what circumstances should the defendant be at li berty to change the venue ? Does it appear to you that any and what alteration is required in the pre sent law and practice relative to change of venue ? 21. Is there any use in retaining the present form of protestation, if a provision is made that the par ties shall no longer be concluded in a subsequent action as to facts averred and not traversed in a former 'action ? 22. Would it not be desirable in actions of tres pass to allow a defendant to justify under rights of way, &c., alleging possession only of the property in respect of which the right is claimed ? and in re plevin would it be desirable to allow a similar form of avowry as to fee-farm rents and rent-charges, as is given by 11th Geo. 11., cap. 19, respecting rents within that statute ? Would it be desirable, ►n ac tions of covenant, to allow a plaintiff to state gene rally an assignment of the reversion to himself ?-- And, generally, wherever derivative title is alleged, that . the party should not be bound to deduce it step by step on the record, such deduction not forming in general any part of the merit of the case ? 23. In cases where it appears that there are mu tual accounts between the parties in a cause consist ing of several issues on each side, would it be de sirable that the judge who tries the cause should have power to order the matter of account to be re ferred to arbitration, subject to any and what regu lations, and giving the parties greater facilities of revising the decision than they now have in cases of arbitrators chosen by themselves ? Are you of opi nion that such power might be safely and benefici ally given to the Court upon motion, at any and what stage of the proceedings prior to the trial, and under what circumstances ? Would it not he desi rable, in order to render proceedings by reference in this and other cases more effectual, to give to arbi trators, under a submission by rule, an order of court, or judge's order, the power of compelling the attendance of witnesses, and of examining witnesses abroad ? 24. To prevent false or vexatious pleading; would it be desirable that the plaintiff should be ent►tled, at his own costs, to call on the defendant to verify his plea by affidavit, stating that he believes the plea to be true, the defendant being at liberty to apply to a judge for leave, under special circumstances, to retain his plea without such affidavit, as, for instance, where a verdict may be necessary for the defendant's indemnity in an action against a third person ? Should there be any distinction between negative and affirmative pleas ? 25. To prevent sham demurrers, would it be de sirable that no demurrer should be received without a certificate of counsel, that he is of opinion there is reasonable ground of demurrer ? 26. In cases where bills of interpleader are now allowed by courts of equity, would it, in your opi nion, be desirable to give the court in which the action is pending a power to make such order as may be just for the purpose, instead of the parties being compelled to go into a court of equity ? In what way would you recommend this to be carried into effect ? 27. Would it not be desirable, in order to obtain the benefit of a discovery, that the parties in a cause should be examined upon oath, either personally, or by interrogatories ? At what stage of the proceed ings should this be done, and before whom, and what regulations would you suggest for the purpose of carrying this measure into effect ? 28. Would there be any inconvenience in giving a Court of Law power, without the consent of par ties, to issue a commission for examining witnesses who are abroad, or going abroad, or unable to travel or in prison ? 29. Will there be any inconvenience, in your opinion, in allowing one party to give notice to the other of his intention to offer in evidence any writ ten document specifying the same, and appointing a time and place for the inspection thereof, and in case such document should not be admitted, the costs of proving the same, if proved, should be paid by th e party refusing to admit the same, whatever be the result of the cause ? 30. IN your opinion, might the present forms of real actions, with any and what exceptions, be safely and advantageously abolished, and the action of ejectment newly modelled, so as to enable a plaintiff to recover either the seizure or the possession of the property claimed according to the circumstances of the case, and so that the real claimantl should be plaintiff, claiming title under different persons, as the nominal plaintiff now does, but without the fictions of lease, entry, and ouster ? Should the plaintiff in such actions be obliged to state his title specially in the declaration, and the defendant to plead specially to the same or not ? Do you think that any and what inconveniences would arise from such special form of pleading as rpplied t• an action of eject ment ? Does any and what amendment occur to you with respect to the pleadings and proceedings , in quare impedit and dower ? The Rev. John Wordsworth, son of W. Wordsworth, Esq. of Rydal Mount, (the poet) has been presented by the Earl of Lonsdale, to the Rectory of Mores , by, near Whitehaven. MR. O'CoNNELL.—We are happy to see that the measure of giving to this patriotic man some solid testimony of national gratitude, has not evaporated in the mere desire expressed in every liberal society for some time past, or in newspaper paragraphs, echoing that desire. The work has been commenced. That excellent citizen and steady patriot, Cornelius Macloghlin, has put down his name for 5001., and we trust and believe, that before three months, there is not a man, woman, or child, of seven millions of people, but will he able to claim the honour of having contributed something to a fund worthy of the nation, and of the illustrious individual who has been the main instrument of obtaining the great and blood less victory of justice.—Dublin Morning Register. The vacancy of Foreign Associate of the Paris Academy of Sciences occasioned by the death of Dr. Wol laston, has not yet been filled up. At the last sitting of the Academy, the President, after a warm eulogium on the merits of the deceased member, ordered that a com mission should be formed, for the purpose of presenting to the Academy the names of the distinguished persons from amongst whoria it is intended to fill up the vacancy.— Literary Gazette. It is a very general opinion amongst the persons best acquainted with the manufacturing and com mercial interests of this country, that the speedy settle ment of the Catholic Question will tend greatly to the re vival of trade in this country—particularly the trade with Ireland, Which the unsettled state of that question has part lyzed beyond all former example.—Leeds Mercury. CITY CALENDAR.—Conspiracy to kill, one ; rape, one; assault with intent to kill, one; robbery, seven ; highway robbery, two—Total, twelve.—Dublin Morning Ilegister. I The improved prospects for Ireland are al ready beginning to be appreciated by the natives resident in Glasgow. Within these few days, 200 Irish families in the weaving line have left Bridgeton, and embarked for their native country, and more are preparing to follow.— Scotsman. MANSION-MOUSE. The following is a copy of the letter addressed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to the Lord Mayor, enclosing his Majesty's subscription for the Spital fields Weavers : Downing-street, March I I. My Lord,—His Majesty having been pleased to signify to the Duke of Wellington Lis pleasure to bestow the sum of One Thousand Pounds towards relieving the distress which at present exists among the Spitalfields' Weavers, it gives me great pleasure to be - the channel of transmitting to your Lordship his Majesty's most gracious donation, and I beg leave to request that your Lordship will have the goodness, in communicating with the Committee, to apply the same in the manner which may appear to your Lord ship to be the most conducive to carry his Majesty's inten tions into effect.—l have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's most obedient servant, (Signed) HENRY GOULBURN. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. RACES T , Warwick Spring March 18 Doncaster Spring 23 Mostyn Hunt 25 Holderness 26 Anson Hunt 3l Croxton Park April 8 Mahon 9 Cottesmore Hunt Pytchley Hunt 10 Newmarket Craven 2O Catterick Bridge 22 Bath Spring 28 Hambledon May 4 Newmarket IA Spring 4 Che,ter 4 Clifton and Bristol l2 Newmarket 2d Spring lB Liverpool 19 York Spring Meeting 25 Epsom June 2 Beverley Manchester lO Ascot He .th l6 Newton . 1; Haigh Park (Leeds) 24 Buxton 24 Stockbridge 28. Ascot Second Meeting 30 '0 COME. Lancaster June 30 Ludlow July 1 Newcastle 6 Liverpool 7 Bath and Bristol 8 Newmarket July Meeting l3 Preston l4 Cheltenham 21 Bibury YY Stamford 22 ' Knutsford 25 Oxford 2B Brighton 29 York August Meeting... Aug 4 Wolverhampton l2 Goodwsod 12 Warwick Sept. 1 Lichfield Northampton 9 Leicester 9 Doncaster l4 Shrewsbury 15 Heaton Park 23 Carlisle 25 Newmarket Ist October 28 Newmarket 2d October... Oct l2 Newmarket Houghton 26 BUNTING INTELLIGENCE. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE PRESENT WEEK. His Majesty's Stag-hounds, on Monday, at Salthill ; and Friday, at Wexham Heath—at half-past ten. Mr. O'Kelly's Buck Hounds, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, at Chetter Wood. The Brighton Harriers, on Monday, at Patcham ; Wed nesday, near the Race Course; and Friday, at the Dyke— at half-past ten. The Brookside Harriers will continue to meet every Monday, at Newmarket ; Wednesday, at the Lewes Race Course ; and Friday, at Tellescombe Tye—at half-past ten. The Cheshire Hounds, on Monday, at Barr-bridge ; Wednesday, at Shavington ; Thursday, at Cholmondeley ; and Saturday, at Wrenbury Village—at half-past ten. The Gransden Hounds, on Monday, at Coome Grove and Friday, at Borley and Balsham—at ten. The Puckeridge Hounds, on Monday, at Albury Hand post; Wednesday, at Blakes Ware; and Saturday, at Wadesmill—at half-past ten. _ _ The Badswol th Fox-hounds, on Tuesday, at Went bridge ; Thursday, at Stair Foot; and Saturday, at Fry ston—at half-past ten. Earl Fitzwilliam's Hounds, on Monday, at Perrey ; and Thursday, at Stanwick Pasture—at ten. Lord Yarborough's Hounds, on Monday, at Aylesby ; on Wednesday, at Immingham ; Friday, at Swinhope house ; and Saturday, at Riby Bratlands—at eleven. Lord Harewood's Fox-hounds, on Monday, at Birkby Hill; Wednesday, at Stutton ; and Friday, at Hook Moor —at ten. Mr. H. M. Chadwick's Fox-hounds, on Tuesday, at Watford Gap ; and Friday, at Water Orton-bridge--at half-past ten. Mr. Wickstead's Fox-hounds, on Tuesday, at Crewe; and Friday, at Woore—at half-past ten. The Worcestershire Fox-hounds, on Monday, at Croome Perry Wood ; Thursday, at Grafton-inill ; and Saturday, at Crow's Nest—at half-past ten. The Duke of Rutland's Hounds, on Monday, at Dod dington Village ; Wednesday, at the Three Queens ; Fri day, at Leasingliam ; awl Saturday, at Eastwell—at half past ten. The Cottesmore Hounds, on Monday, at Wing ; and Tuesday, at Grimsthorpe Castle—at eleven. Sir Richard Sutton's Hounds, on Monday, at Branston Wood ; Tuesday, at Wellingore ; Thursday, at Stapleford Moor ; and Saturday, at Wragby Town End—at eleven, General Wm. Fitzroy's Hounds, on Monday, at Mr. Abbott's, Wicken, Castleaere ; Wednesday, at Palgrave ; and Friday, at Mr. Hudson's, Castleacre—at eleven. Sir Jacob Astley's Hounds, en Monday and Friday, at the Kennel, Burgh-hall—at half•past ten. Mr. H. Villebois's Harriers, on Tuesday, at Stnkefield ; Thursday, at Mr. Wm. Farrer's, Soham ; and Saturday, at Swaffham Splashes—at eleven. Sir John Cope's Hounds, on Tuesday, at the New Inn, Heckfield ; Friday, at Mr. Baker's, Oakley ; and Satur day. at Elvethatn Mounts—at half-past ten. The Craven , Hounds, on Monday, at Ashridge ; Tues day, at Denford ; and Friday, at Puthall-gate—at half past ten. The Blacktnoor Vale Hounds, on Tuesday, at Redlynch gate; and Saturday, at I'ointingdone-ridge—at half-past ten. The Cadbury Harriers, on Monday, at the Kennell ; Wednesday, at Cucklington ; and Saturday, at Milborne East-hill. The Derbyshire Deer Hounds, on Monday, at Hognaston Whin ; and Friday, at Shirland—at half-past eleven. The Quorn Hounds, on Monday, at Coates' Turnpike ; Tuesday, at Widmerpool Inn ; Thursday, at Staunton Harold; and Friday, at Woodhouse Eaves—at half-past ten. Lord Anson's Hounds, on Monday, at Dnnchurch; Tuesday, at Birbury ; Thursday, at Weverley Wood ; and Saturday, at Dunchurch—at half-past ten. The Shropshire Hounds, on Monday, at Hodnot ; Wed nesday, at Hawkestone Inn ; and Friday, at Twemlows— at half-past ten. Mr. Dansey's Hounds, on Tuesday, at Berrington ; and iday, at Wormelow Tump—at ten. The H. H. on Monday, at South Warnborough ; Tues day, at Beaworth ; Thursday, at the Chequers, Ropley ; and Saturday, at Cross-lanes, Holybourne—at ten. Mr. Nicoll's Hounds, on Monday, at B! oomley-lodge ; Wednesday, at Hunter's Inn; and Friday, at Calverley. The Hambledon Fox-hounds, on Monday, at Rowland's Castle ; Wednesday, at Nelson's Monument, Portsdown hill ; and Friday, at Tisted-gate—at half-past ten. The Cumberland Fox-hounds, on Tuesday, at Leekerby house ; Thursday, at Kickwood ; and Saturday, at Blaze hill—at ten. Sir R. Puleston's Hounds, on Wednesday, at Sarn bridge ; and Friday, at Llai Pinfold—at eleven. The Warwickshire Fox-hounds, on Tuesday, at Brails ; Thursday, at Compton Verney ; and Saturday, at Upton house—at half-past ten. The Linlithgow and Stirlingshire Fox-bounds, on Mon day, at Preston; on Wednesday, at Fogo Muir; and Fri day, at Elrnford—at ten. The Vine Hounds, on Monday, at Clerken Green-gate ; Thursday, at Ewhurst; and Saturday, at Wherwell Wcod —at ten. On Wednesday, Lord and Lady Mount charles, Lord Sydney, and the Hon. Mr. Townshend, ar rived at Windsor Castle on a visit to his Majesty. The Earl of Fife, as Lord in Waiting, and Sir Andrew Barnard, as Equerry, also arrived, and, together with the other dis tinguished visiters, bad the honour of dining and spending the ,ad e a v n e nin aud g i e s n v c i t e h of his t hMajesty. King.T Oa h e T Duke hThursday sd a y o f r.p e im e e Radcliffe paid a visit, and left this morning. This day the Duke of Cumberland arrived at the Castle at nine o'clock, and breakfasted with the King. In the afternoon the Rev. Dr. Blomberg and Sir Herbert Taylor arrived. The Rev, Gentleman will perform divine service to his Majesty's suite and household, in his Majesty's Closet. The band will be in attendance to-night, as well as to-morrow even ing. It is expected that the above distinguished company will continue their visit until Monday. Sir Jeffrey Wyatt ville has again laid plans of intended improvements before his Majesv during the week.— Windsor Express, Saturday. Talma s sister met an acquaintance pn Thurs day in the streets, of whom she borrowed 10s., observing that she had not had half that sum in her possession for snren days. We stated some weeks ago that it was the in tention of Lord Lowther and others to tender their resig nations. On Monday his Lordship and Sir John Beckett requested permission to retire, but the Duke of Wellington has not yet acceded to their wishes, because any alterat:jn in high official appointments at the present moment would be productive of considerable inconvenience. The rumour of Sir C. Wetherell's resignation is, we believe, unfounded. Sir Tho Mas Lethbridge is likely, it is said, to be raised to the Peerage. We have reason to think this is not improbable. The Duke of Wellington anticipates a majority in the House of Peers of 40 votes, unless his calculations shall he defeal,e4 by such recusaney as that exhibited by Lord Salisbury, who, after moving the Ad. dress yctes. against the Alini,stry.-w4l4iosr. MURDERS AT PORTSMOUTH. PORTSMOUTH, MARCH 13.—Last evening anti this morning visible compunctions and great un easiness were discovered in the demeanour of Stacey's father ; and shortly after, without solicita tion, he intimated that the property of Mr. Lang• trey was secreted,and told the place of concealment. The Mayor promptly gave directions to Mr. Hunt and his assistant, Cox, to convey the elder Stacey to the place he had named, in a covered chaise.— They instantly proceeded towards the hamlet of Copper, about three miles from hence, near the entrance of which hamlet, on the left-hand side of the high road leading from Portsmouth, are some clay-pits, immediately opposite to which is a lane leading to the Salterns, and on the right hand corner of which lane is a bank, with some shrubs growing on it; beneath these a hole had been dug, which Stacey pointed out, and in which, in a hand kerchief, the sum of 6271. odd shillings was disco vered, partly in gold, a few notes of the late dis solved firm of Messrs. Burbey and Co. and some old dated Bank of England notes, which did not appear to have been much in circulation. Stacey has not been further communicative, but it is conjectured he placed the money there by him self, on the Monday night after the murder by his son. It is singular, that nearly all she year gipsies make this lane their rendezvous, and they were en camped within ten yards of the spot when the of ficers discovered the treasure. From all that has been learned, it is not supposed the mother-in-law was privy in any way, prior to the murder. On the Sunday preceding the murder, the younger Stacey bought a tract, with which it is supposed he gained entrance at the front door, in excuse to see the old gentleman, and instantly bolt ing the door after him, commenced the bloody deed. The tract was found in a bloody glove, together with an empty purse, by a soldier, in the King's Moat. The conduct of Stacey, the murderer, has been varied during the time of his confinement. He slept but little at first—at times much devoted to his Bible. Yesterday he observed—" lam iorry my father is in gaol: I suppose they will hang me, but I don't care a curse for that." All this day he has been very melancholy, and looks haggard. The depositions are not all yet committed to paper. It is conjectured that the Staceys will be brought up for committal on Tuesday or Thursday next. In dependent of the sum found, it is imagined the father and son have got rid of 20/. or 30/. The murderer, previous to his apprehension, was fre quently heard to denounce the perpetrators in no measured terms. The notes found would soon have decayed, as they were very wet when discovered. Not long since two young girls, sisters of Stacev,wcre released from gaol, where they had been for petty theft. I cannot convey to you the intense interest this affair causes through the county. Should the committal of these wretches be in time, it is the general wish that the present Assize should be extended, and the prisoners arraigned be fore the Judges on their return from the western circuit. If fully convicted, it is said a request will be made to the Home Secretary for the execution to take place in the front of the late residence of Mr. Langtrey. FURTHER PARTICULARS FROM TM; HAMPSHIRE TELEGRAPH. The following is a silly tale with reference to this horrible deed, which the prisoner told this morning. lie says, that on Sunday night (that of the murder) he met an individual in Camden-alley, who agreed with him to commit this crime; that on arriving at the Quay-gates, they tossed up which of the two should perpetrate it; that his associate lost, and hav ing each exchanged clothes, his associate repaired to Langtrey's house, and committed the murder. That they afterwards met, again exchanged clothes, and the money was then given by the murderer into the hands of the prisoner. The prisoner, who is at tended by two persons, has exhibited great apathy since he has been under confinement. He was, how ever, strongly agitated yesterday, on learning that two or three facts- were brought to light, which so closely affected his case. He could not slumber last night ; he was dreadfully disturbed. When appre hended, there was no money found on his person. The prisoner is a heavy looking person, short, but very muscular. It is understood that there were several hundred pounds of notes of the late firm of Godwin and Co., upon which the dividends had been paid, taken away with the money which has been recovered, and which must have been destroyed. The prisoners, we believe, will not be brought up to hear the depo sitions read to them until Thursday. BARROW SCHOOL.--The following we believe are the only candidates to succeed Dr. Butler : The Rev. H. Drury, W. Mills, and S. E. Batten, the three senior assistants, Dr. Niblock, master of a private se m i. nary, and the Rev. C. W. Stocker,* head of Elizabeth College, Guernsey ; the two latter, with Mr. Batten, were also candidates for Rugby. • Mr. Stocker's uncle, first Lieutenant in. the Sans Pareil, Lord Hugh Seymour, was the only alter wh* fell in Lord Bridport's engagement, June 1795. At Christiana gentlemen sit at cards with large Meerschaum tobacco-pipes in their mouths. smoking in the presence of the ladies, and generally spitting upon the floor. PETER FINNERTY.—This indivi:lual was some years ago a reporter on the establishment of the Morning Chronicle, a paper that seems to have gathered together from time to time the choicest spirits that ever took note-book in hand. Finnerty was coarse, even gross, in his general habits; of a large and awkward frame; bad a ludicrous cast in one eye that heightened his rich hu mour; and was possessed of a pecut Lary mellifluous brogue, which he appeared to cultivate as a mark of distinction. Like his countryman, Barry, he loved Ireland to the last s 4 0 and would overwhelm any man with a torrent of eloquent Billingsgate who would speak disrespctfully of the sod. He heted the word talent; he used to call it an " iligant humbug ;" he considered it an Irish affectation, withette meaning or purpose, and he used it as an insidious sareasers, Few men possessed greater powers of retention. It is said that he seldom took notes, but reported front /Amory. I n early life he was apprenticed to a printer. An upholsterer in Dublin, who was induced to patronize him, took him while a boy into his warehouse; but Finnerty was too fond of reading political pamphlets and attending publi c -, meetings to watch faithfully over the interests of the ftwol ture. The upholsterer was determined to get rid o him, and recommended hint to his friend the printer as a smut th e men on liberty and, fellow, who would make himself useful. He 113,1 a not long in the new concern until his master, on eniering the cent too4e,vtaod evade p i : 0 the m Peterex:B' measures next of posing-room one morning, discoverer l e Finnerty mounted on one of the frames, haranguing equality. Not having employed - him, to tettell these docte - he sent him back to the uphohterete, who, in turn, ,ads - a newspaper establiehed about, she period office of the Press, s o o f m tl e m ex re c h n e7li L to or b e e lea fft : n tler i e in ag th h e . Hera he first distinguished himself. Dr, 111'Nevin, Swipe son, and others, many of whom are now living in Amerieet, were the principal writers, but they wanted a man who h id firmness and intelligence enough to stand in the pub lishing-office. Finnerty developed the requisite qualities by accident. A person employed by Government to pur chase a copx of the Press, with a view to prosecut e the authaes, came in while Peter happened to be s' e ending in the office. Peter suspected his purpose, being asked the price of the paper, replied—e" We do . ,i't eell it at all, Sir, but I'll make you a present of one." 'Dei s adroitness pre served them from the meditated - ,,rosectition ; but their safety was of short continuance, for Finnerty's next debut was on the boards of 4 His cause was the public cause, Awl Ilia rtittr'_:erdtin proved the source of his subse quent , uccon. He left Ireland, and became attached to, the I:;andon press, in the capacity of reporter. Lied! Castlereagh either dreaded or admired his boldness, which. was of the very vulg.irest and most uncomproneising description ; his Lordship always bowed to Peter in the lobby of the House; a condescension the latter used to acknowledge as a proof of the ascentianomt • cies racter. Peter was a rough satirist, l k*,e. an t 'ek feelings, heeded no man's antipathies, anid*ge 0 • sure in provoking his enemies duel, is • friends. He was essentially a nanikfor, rnent was popular tumulthe had - no , • refinements—despised eti4pitit, „A!, i/4, s 4 vinci4fa