The Sun. — London, England, 1858-10-15 00:00:00

THE NAVY. The following ships of war are being built in the 'royal dockyards, several of them being completed and nearly ready for launching : —Th e Vi c t or i a , 121, screw ; Prince of Wales, 131; the Royal Frederick, 116 ; the Duncan, 100, screw ; and the Rinaldo, 16, at Portsmouth. The screws A r i a d ne , 32 ; the ana dian, 17; the Icarus, 11 ; the Mutine, 17 ; and the Ranger, 8, a t Deptf ord. The screws Atlas, 91; the Charybdis, 21 ; the Hood, 80 ; the Irresistible, 80, and the Orpheus, 21_, at Chatham. The screws Au rora, 51 ; the Defia*e, 91; the Greyhound, 17 ; the Howe, 121 ; the I#mortalite, 50 ; the Pelican, 17, at Pembroke. The Gibraltar, 101, the Jason, 21, screws ; the Narcissus, 50 ; and the Pantaloon, 10, at Devonport. The screws Edgar, 91, and Galatea, 26, at Woolwich. In addition to the above, the keels of several other line-of-battle ships and fri gates have just been laid down. The total number of ships of war belonging to the royal navy in commission is 976, carrying 4,628 guns, and manned by 46,764 seamen. Of this num ber 52 are on the East India and China stations, representing a force of 485 guns and 5,964. men. THE ARMY. The Barrack and Hospital Improvement Com mission, consisting of Mr. Sidney Herbert, Dr. Sutherland, Dr. Burrell, and Capt. D. Galton, RE., whose system of ventilation has - been adopted with the most satisfactory results in the barracks of the metropolis and at Chatham and Woolwich, have been making experiments at Wellington Bar racks to determine the simplest and most economical mode of warming the air to be admitted in cold weather into the barrack rooms, because the large quantity of air which must pass through the rooms to insure good ventilation will make them unplea santly cold in winter. The plan which has been found most satisfactory is to close in cold weather the direct inlets from the outer air, and to introduce air from outside into a chamber behind the grate, which is of fire clay, where it is warmed, and passes into the room over the chimney breast. It is ex pected that the new grates will materially econo mise fuel, and thus enable the soldiers to keep up fires all day long, instead of for a portion of the day only, as is the case at present. the prisoner Thomas Tole, 7th Fusiliers, who so basely deserted to the Russians during the Crimean war, and by the information he then gave the ene my caused the slaughter of one officer and several of his comrades, is still under confinement at Chatham Garrison awaiting his trial. Owing to the length of time since the occurrence took place, and the fact that nearly all the officers and men of the 7th Fusi liers who served with that corps in the Crimea are now with their regiment in India, a considerable delay has been necessarily occasioned in procuring the necessary witnesses to establish the fact that Tole actually deserted, and that he was not taken inisoner by the enemy. When the required evidence is forthcomi4. the court-martial will be held, and the prisoner, if found guilty, may be sentenced to The grand military bazaar in aid of the funds of the Central Association for Improving the Condition of the Wives and Families of Soldiers and Sailors was opened at Chatham yesterday. The stalls were crowded with all the articles usually found at ba zaars, received by the committee from all parts of the country, the principal ladies of the garrison and neighbourhood superintending the sale. The bands of the Royal Engineers and Royal Marines were in attendance, and a large number of visitors was at tracted. The,,bazaar closes to-day, THE MILITIA. Lieut.-Col. W. St. L. A. Stawell, commanding the North Cork Rifles, wishes us, in justice to the men of his regiment, to insert the following placard, inasmuch as a court of inquiry is now sitting by order of the commandant on the subject of the dis turbances of which Sheerness has lately been the scene : " Sh Caution to the Inhabitants.—Whereas numbers of people have paraded the streets of Sheerness for several nights past in a riotous and disorderly manner, hooting and annoying the military, tending to excite fear and alarm in the minds of her Majesty's subjects : " All persons are hereby cautioned at their peril not to take part in any such illegal proceedings, but are strictly enjoined to aid in preserving the peace. " By order of the Justices, " JAMES TASSELL, Clerk to the Justices. " Oct. 12." THE ENTERTAINMENT ON BOARD THE PACIFIC. A telegraphic report has been forwarded of the entertainment given at Galway on board the Paci fic, on Monday. Some further particulars may not be without public interest. Mr. J. 0. LEVER, in returning thanks for his health, proposed by Viscount Bury, said—Maps of the globe were being continually produced, but he believed it was quite unknown to the Government that this was the shortest route to the Indian ter ritory and to China. As soon as the railway run ning across North America to the Pacific was finished it would bring Galway into connection with such a population as seemed fabulous, namely over six hundred millions of h u man b e ing s . (Hear.) In conss a .....s• tha r.onnt opening in China it was of the utmost importance to the men of Manchester to foster their line. They were about to export large quantities of cotton fabrics to that part of the world, and they would see at once that it was for their in - terest to adopt the shortest and most economical line. It was an undoubted fact that a saving in time was also a saving in money, and the time oc cupied in passing from Liverpool to New York and Halifax had already been reduced by their steamers from twelve days to six. (Applause.) As had been stated, their line was the next best thing to the Atlantic telegraph ; and although when the latter was completed information would be sent by its agency in six minutes, which it now took six days to accomplish, there was no question that passen gers could not be sent by electric t e leg r aph. (A laugh.) The effect of the electric telegraph when perfected would be to increase postal communication sixfold, and where telegraphs already existed a new and better class of steamers had always to be pro vided. (Hear.) There was one little statement which had been put into the papers which showed a desire on the part of others to misrepresent, and to make it appear as if the selection of the port of Galway was a doubtful matter—it was to the effect that in con sequence of the westerly winds they feared they would not be able to continue running from Galway during the winter months. Whoever had originated this insinuation ought to be called to account (hear, hear), for with the knowledge of the winds in the, port which he possessed he had purchased the James Baines to act as a breakwater. They would remem ber that that vessel had been selected for her Ma jesty to visit, as the representative of the mercan tile fleet of Great Britain, and that she had unfor tunately had her deck burnt off since. This ship would be anchored in the harbour as a depot, and would contain over 2000 tons of coal. One of the steamers belonging to that company had now gone over to Liverpool to bring her to Galway. (Hear.) He might say that Government, aware of the supe rior nature of that port, was affording them all the assistance they legitimately could, and they for their part would ask them to do nothing that was con trary to the interests of the nation. He would now propose "The Diffusion of Commerce in our North American Colonies—may it increase and prosper through the means of the short route by Galway." In connection with this toast he would propose the "Health of Mr. Roebuck, 111,P." (Loud applause.) Mr. Roebuck, M.P., in responding, said, we have America—we have Australasia—we have Afriea— we have India. That is the English empire. Through out the wo r ld we s t re t c h our dominion, and spread our language, we give to mankind our institutions and our literature. Through all these we influence the happiness of mankind ; and one great step that we have to accomplish is to unite in a federal combi nation with our great North American colony. It stretches now from Halifax to Vancouver's Island. Up the St. Lawrence—along allthe Lakes—through the Saskatchewan—across the Rsekv Mountains, and down to Vancouver's Island, the flag of Eng land is predominant. The language of England goes from Halifax to Vancouver's Island ; the in stitutions of England will reach from thence so far as habitable land goes—even to the poles ; and we shall have a dominion such as the world has not yet seen. And to return again to the point from which I started, I look upon this as the first great step which unites England with our North Ameri can colonies. And now, sir, I come nearer home. lam addressing Irishmen—l am addressing Eng lishmen—l am addressing Scotchmen. The very heart and lifeblood of this great empire is in these i s l a nds, and the dominion of this great country is not to be confined to any one part thereof, but Ire land is the real sister of England, and as the one flourishes so will the other be prosperous (Cheers.) My object has been through hfe to maintain justice to Ireland. (Hear.) I must acknowledge —and I do so with a contrite heart—that England has been unjust to Ireland. (Hear.) When I say England, I do not mean the people of England, but the Go vernment of England. The Government of Eng land was transferred to the people of that country by the Reform Bill. Old habits predominated for some time ; and I recollect fighting the good fight for Ireland by the side of that great man, with all his faults—l mean Mr. O'Connell. (Hear.) 'Within the last ten years a great change has come over the feelings of the people of England with re gard to Ireland keep ali ve old feelino.,o discontent ; and anybody who attempts to be tween the tw o countries is and hate an enemy to both. (Hear.) Depend upon it that the wisest policy is to let by gones be bygones. (Applause.) We have but two countries to unite. How can they best be united ? Why, by that golden link of commerce which unites men together of different feelings in regard to politics and religion. We, each and all, wish well to our country, and we worship God according to our intelligence. (Hear, hear.) Well, then, sir, -if we would adopt that wise principle—let every adopt that wise principle—if we would we would man judge for himself in those particulars, and if we should unite Englandwith Ireland—" the Percy and the Douglas both united are confident against the world in arms." (Applause.) Well, sir, Eng land and Ireland united, what may we not expect ? Greatness to all, happiness to all ; and we shall make England and Ireland's name the admiration and the veneration of the world. (Hear.) Depend upon it that he who attempts to sow dissensions between the two countries is a poor-hearted creature—he is not a great-hearted man; he knows not what belongs to mankind's happiness ; he is a despicable creature and deserves our contempt and hate. There are such men—l won't name them. Wherever they come, depend upon it the brand of our indignation will be put upon them, and they will feel themselves disgraced by their own conduct, by which alone a man can be disgraced. (Hear.) Well, then, sir, I drink,and I return you thanks for the great sentiment that you have proposed—" Benefit to commerce, and happiness both to England and to Ireland,and to our colonies." Ido not look upon Ireland as a colony. I look upon her as a part of the empire. But I know —and I am an old politician—the misery and mis chief that has been created by attempting to sow dissensions between the two. My object through life has been to make England just to lieland—to bind Ireland to England through the thorough going honest conduct of the English people ; and if you will trust to the English people we shall be one with Ireland. (Applause.) Sir, I thank you. (The hon. gentleman resumed his seat amid warm applause.) WESTERN BANK OF SCOTLAND. A statutory meeting of the shareholders in the Western Bank of Scotland was held on Wednesday, in the Merchants' Hall, Glasgow. Bailie BLACK-ADDER took the chair. He said the meeting had been called for the purpose of confirming the resolution passed at the general meeting held on the 24th of August last, which had for its object the empowering the liquidators to make compromises with those creditors who could not pay the full sums due on the calls made on them. No doubt many individuals would be glad to pay their calls, but they might not be able to do so ; and unless the liquidators had power to effect such compromises a great deal would be lost to the company. By giving the liquidators power to make compromises and give discharges in a quiet way, without coming before a public meeting many persons not able to pay up in full would, either of themselves, or with the assistance of friends, come forward and pay up as much as they . could. The shareholders would easily see how important it was, therefore, to the interests of the concern that the resolution of the 24th of August should be con firmed. He concluded by moving that the meeting confirm the resolution referred to. Mr. ADAM seconded the motion ; which was opposed by Captain MACONOCHIE, who protested against being held responsible as a partner in the Western Bank. That resolution was passed at a season when most of those were out of town who would have opposed it. The meeting alluded to was called in Glasgow at the instance of the friends of the directors, in order to work upon the national feeling. They were told that they should uphold Glasgow trade and the Scotch banking system, and men of integrity and influence were induced to attend the meeting and delude the shareholders of the Western Bank. There was one party, how ever, who stood in a different position, Mr. Buchanan. He then proceeded to call attention to the act of Parliament by which the liquidators are entitled to act, and also to the amended act under which they wished to be empowered. He was at a loss to see how the public prosecutor had abstained from investigating the general management of the bank. The public prosecutor, with the fact 13efore him of the Edinburgh banks refusing their support, and the evidence before the Sheriff Courts, showing that the directors had a knowledge of the bank's affairs, and also with the evidence of Mr. Fleming before him, was bound to look to the matter. They were told of the advantages to be derived from those four gentlemen being enabled to make compro mises with closed doors, but he feared it was not the small shareholders that would be benefited by that arrangement, but the large shareholder. It was not great shareholders that he was represent ing, but the mass present. After some discussion, Captain WELLWOOD moved an amendment to the effect that the liquidation should go on as per mitted by the old act; that, in fact, they should de cline to confirm the resolution adopted at the last meeting. After a few words from a member of the Edin burgh Committee, relative to Captain Wellwood's having quoted the opinion of counsel as to the re sponsibility of the liquidators, about ten or a dozen hands were held "up for the amendment, and the motion was carried. Mr. BANNATYNE, law agent, said that it was not competent for them at this meeting to make any alteration Upon the resolution. In answer to a question from another shareholder it was explained that the committee held powers to consult and act with the liquidators, and that there was no necessity for giving them further powers, as every document in the possession of the liqui dators was open for the inspection of any share holder who applied to see it. The Rev. Mr. NEILSON, of Rothesay, alluded to the extensive power which this vote gave to the liquidators. The call now made, if paid up fully, would amount to more than £3,000,000 of money. The shareholders then resolved themselves into a special meeting, Mr. Blackadder retaining the chair, at the request of the meeting. Mr. SANDFORD, of Edinburgh, said that they would proceed to take up the following resolution which had been come to, and copies of which had been circulated among the shareholders : " Having heard read the following resolution, nanimousfy passed by the general committee of shareholders at a meeting held at Glasgow on the 4th October current, viz. That, taking into con sideration the lamentable condition of the affairs of the Western Bank now disclosed, the committee of shareholders are of opinion that the united share holders have a just claim upon the deputy-governor and directors for reimbursement of the calls made, and to be made, as well as for the loss of the shares ; and that this resolution shall be forthwith com municated by the secretary of the bank to the directors in the management at the period when they declared a dividend of nine per cent. on the stock in the month of June, 1857,'—this meeting unanimously approves of the said resolution, and authorises and empowers the said committee to take such measures as to them shall seem fit for investi gating the claim for repetition of calls and loss of capital, either independently or along with the liquidators of the bank ; and for this purpose to employ agents and counsel to advise with the com mittee, and to report to a future meeting the pro ceedings which may be necessary to enforce said claim." He proposed to follow up this resolution by moving that the meeting now unanimously approve of the same, and at the same time that in structions be given thht it be communicated to the liquidators, accompanied by a request to proceed with all despatch in obtaining an opinion of coun sel on behalf of the whole body of the shareholders as to taking steps against the directors, and there after to take measures to render the claims of the shareholders sufficient. (Applause.) It was necessary for them to set the machinery in motion by which they hoped to be relieved eventually in some part of their distress. (Hear.) He happened to be one of an asso ciation which had been formed in Edinburgh, for the purpose of investigating into the affairs of the bank, and for some months they had been engaged in making inquiries. The investigation disclosed a system of gigantic falsehood he believed unparalleled in the history or banking, or indeed of any com mercial business whatever. From the year 1853 it had now been proved that the bank had lost more than a fourth of its whole capital, besides its whole rest and reserve fund. From 1853 downwards the event had been going on increasing, till, as they knew, the year 1856, and especially 1857, when not only had the whole capital been lost, but it was involved in debt amounting to a million and a half of money. He mentioned these things without any vindictive feeling, for he had no desire to see the directors brought befOrc the bar of a criminal court. Neither would he press hardly against them for civil liability, if he thought their errors had simply been errors of judgment. At the same time, when he i thought of the many parties who by this unfortunate concern had been brought to the brink of ruin ; how desolation had been carried into many happy homes ; of the extreme poverty of those who had previously been able to afford every comfort, and how that many a grey hair would be brought in sorrow to the grave—(cheers) —he could not doubt but that the law and justice of this land would afford a remedy. (Cheers.) From 1853 downwards he found from the published balance -sheets that bad debts, and debts due by discharged b an k rupts on which composition has been paid, were set down as assets, together with interest said to be due on the same. He had ;axes. found dividends paid out of capital for the last six TILE FIRE IN THE P AGE BANK PIT I years. Mr. BLACKBURN seconded Mr. Sandford's motion, which was carried unanimously. Captain W. WELLWOOD then moved, " That this meeting sanction the appointment of a law committee in Edinburgh to assist the liquidators: l . The motion was agreed to ; and after some fur ther discussion, in which Mr. Fleming and others took part, the meeting broke up. WILLINGTON, NEAR DURHAM, WEDNESDAY NIGHT. THE INQUEST. After our despatch left to-day the following ad ditional evidence was called : David Jlolam, one of the deputy overmen, corro borated 4. ,;he overman Mould's evidence as to the pit being in a good condition when they went down it at 2 q'elock on Thursday morning. He said that he met the men and examined their lamps, and set them to work. Was coming out of the north head way going towards the west drift about 9 o'clock, when a driver lad shouted that witness had to get the men " out-bye," as the furnace-shaft was on fire. He went all round to tell them. As he was going out he met some of them coming back again. They said that' they could not get to the shaft for the " reek," or smoke, which was coming " in-bye." They all then went to the furnace. There were some men already there. There was no reek at the furnce. Saw Smoke coming down from the shaft and through the separation doors. He and Thomas Hornsby, Geo. Pattison, and Geo. Wilson agreed to put the furnace fire out. About 1 o'clock, about an hour after, they put the furnace fire out. Something fell down the shaft and threw the air back upon them. Robson shouted "We have only quarter of an hour to live," and began to pray. They then went out of the workings about 50 yards from the fur nace. The lamps went out about 9or 10 o'clock on Thursday night. After the lamps went out the men wandered about. He (witness) slept a long time on Friday. He heard some o f th e men walk ing about the pit on Friday. He was the last to come out. Heard some of the water and some of the burnt brattice fall. Could see the sparks fall from time to time. Heard no explosion, or report of one. If there had been one he should have heard. About 3 o'clock on Thursday afternoon he and the waggon wayman went to the shaft, and shouted up but the smoke drove them away. Robson prayed with the boys, as they were afraid. The ventilation was not only good but stronger in the mine, from the fire burning in the shaft and the water that was coming down. He believed most of the men died from fear. He begged the men to stay about the furnace, where the air was good. He had no idea how the fire occurred in the brattice. He had wrought in the colliery since it started, and there had been no accident before. The men never com plained about not having two shafts. Thomas Brown, brealooman - at the pit, was then called. He said he went in the pit on Thursday morning the 30th of September; and relieved James Watson, "set away" to draw coals. Two boys were drawn out before Kellet came. He came be tween 8 and 9. After Kellet went down three tubs were drawn. There was then a rap for men "to ride," and a second rap to " draw away." As he was drawing the men up he heard something fall, but could not tell whether it was in the shaft or not. After he heard the rattle he observed smoke coming from the mouth of the pit. Thought he saw it iu the " cap-head " side first. It came into the engine -house. Could not see Mould when he drew him up for the smoke. Heard him shout to " fetch her up,"and he brought him to bank. When Kellet came to go down in the morning witness ob served no fire or smoke. Up to the time that Kel let came saw nothing wrong at the pit's mouth. If there had been any fire he must have seen it. The men went down sometimes with Davy lamps, but most often they went in the dark. If there been any fire in the pit when Kellet went down witness must have seen it. A great quan tity of smoke cam e u p " all of a sudden.' Thos. Bird, enginewright at the colliery, was at the pit about half-past 10 o'clock on Thursday. His duty was to look after all the ropes and machinery connected with the shaft and the colliery generally. He examined the shaft every night. He was busy at the bottom of the shaft nearly all day on the Saturday before the accident. He was changing the " low set clack" with two men named Waller and Robson. On Sunday he and Waller were en gaged tightening the inside of the low set clack door. In examining the shaft they used large " Davys," which were provided for them. 'Were prevented using a naked light except at the bottom. No smoking was allowed. While working at the low set clack on Saturday they used a lighted torch. It was at the bottom of the engine upcast shaft. The torch is a large tin vessel containing oil and having a long spout an inch and a half in diameter, and burnt with a cotton wick. When it was burnt down the top was shaken off, and the sparks flew off, but he did not see it done that day. On going down on the Sunday they passed through , a "shdingdoor in the brattice, 3 feet high and 18 inches wide, into the other shaft to get to the low set clack. Was down on the Monday. Was look ing into the delivery end of the syphon into the sump. Got a small oil lamp at the bottom of the shaft for the purpose. Was at the pit every day after the Monday, but was not in the shaft after that day. He was very poorly and could not go down. Was at the pit on the Thursday at the time the accident occurred. He was standing at the shop door, when he heard a rush and saw the smoke coming out of both shafts. About a quarter of an hour after he saw smoke he observed flames coming up the downcast shaft. Were allowed to use torches at the low clack door. The onsetter has his lamp burning there constantly to light the Davy lamps. Never set anything on fire by those torches. By Mr. Atkinson—lt was a common thing to use torches in engine pits wherever he had wrought. The reason why they did not use candles in the back pit was because it was so wet the light could not be kept in. When the sliding door at the low clack is open there is a steady draught of air. John Mackay, sinker at the Page Bank Pit, went down the shaft about half-past 9on Friday. Went to examine the pit to see if it were in a fit state to bring the men up. Found the b ra tti ce was near ly all burnt above the staple drift. The fire was burn ing at that time three fathoms below the staple drift, but mostly on the back side of the engine pit. There had been no body of fire below that, and from there to the bottom of the pit the brattice was quite perfect. The fire had been strongest just above where a "blower" of gas lids burning. Could not tell what had caused the "blower" to ignite. From the " blower" to the low back door there was about 18 or 19 fathoms. There was no appearance of burnt brattice opposite to the furnace drift end. Mr. Armstrong, viewer at Wingate Colliery, said that he was sent for on the morning of the acci dent. When he arrived he examined the working pit and found a very considerable discharge of smoke from it. From the colour of the smoke and the smell of it he was satisfied that it was from wood and not from coal. He was then sure that had not arisen _from an explosion, but in the shaft. He then examined the chimney and the smoke from it, and from the traces of coal smoke in it he came to the conclusion that some of the small seams of coal were on fire. He knew the colliery well. He was check viewer to it. Mr. At kinson, Government inspector, and Mr. Johnson and himself, had a conversation as to what was best to be done, an d they decided to check the fire in the staple by putting in a stoppi ng to the chimney end of the drift, to give a current to the smoke to pre vent it going into the pit again. There were but two modeslin which the fire could be accounted for; one was that it had been cansed by a spark from the torch used by Thomas Bird on the Saturday morn ing, and he must say those sparks were very com mon, for he had often observed them himself. They had a fire at Wingate Grange of considerable mag nitude four or five years ago, which they traced to a torch. The fire took place four or five hours after the torch had been used. It was possible that a spark from Bird's lamp had been carried through the door by the strong current of air into the up cast shaft, when it might lodge in some recess in the plank tub, and smoulder and burn there until it burnt through the tub, and it would then com- municate with the gas behind the tub to some extent, and the explosion of that gas was in all likelihood the cause of that rush spoken to by Bird. The second theory or conjecture was that it was quite possible that a spark from the furnace might be carried with the upcast air up the other com partments of the shafts, and might produce the same consequences. Torches were very common, and he thought very dangerous. He had discarded them altogether, and only allowed them in extreme The Coroner--Do you think if a spark had flown from the torch on Saturday, that the fire would not have broken out until Thursday ? Witness thought it very probable, The tubbing was wet, and there was no one to examine it, as Bird was unwell. The back shafts were not exa- mined every day. Coroner—Don't you think brattice shafts dan gerous ? Witness—lt would be better without them, but in my experience I don't remember a single in stanee where life has been lost by these shaftq. By Mr. Atkinson—Was down Page Bank Pit in August last, and found the ventilation very good. Noticed the furnace when he was down. It was a very good one. Long before this occurrence we had intended to sink a second shaft, but there was con- siderable difficulty to be overcome before it could be done, and as soon as these important difficulties were overcome a second shaft should be made. He thought it would be practicable to adopt incom bustible material for a bmttice. He would suggest either iron or metal.' He did not think a "blower" had to do with the accident until the tubbing was burnt through. He did not think any blame was attached to any one connected with the colliery. He believed every precaution had been taken. The pit had only been working since May, 1856. As- TILE SUN, LONDON,; FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 15, 1858. DENT. sliming that there had been a second shaft, and the fire had occurred in the down cast, and the smoke, instead of coming up the shaft, should have ex tended over the workings, he did not think a single man would have been got out alive. Mr. N. Wood, colliery viewer, of Hetton, said he was sent for on Thursday afternoon to come to the collie 7. He described what had been done when he arrived. He found the parties at the pit pouring water down the pit and the staple. After consulta tion it was thought prudent that a second attempt should be made to put in the brattice, and that the whole of the force of the water should be applied to the pit, in order to enable the men to work, that the air should not be obstructed passing along the drift up the staple, and that the water should not be used in the staple unless it could be spared from the pit. The brattice was then commenced to be put in, and Mr. Foster arriving at the time, he con curred in what had been done. He left at 12 o'clock. At that time it was thought that the fire had oc curred at the furnace. He was agreeably surprised the next morning when he arrived to find one of the boys brought to the bank. The fact turned out to be that 16 or 17 fathoms of the bottom of the brattice had not been burnt. On Monday last he went to the colliery with Mr. Foster, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Johnson, and Mr. Atkin son, and made a most rigid inquiry of all the men in harge of the different departments, and they found no lights except safety lamps had been allowed either to be taken up or down the shaft. They found that a torch had been used by Bird in the engine shaft, and up which the air would rush with great velocity. Knowing it was of common occurrence for cotton to be blown off from the lamps into the upcast, it was his opinion that this had been the cause of setting fire to the timber in the shaft, which, when burnt through, would explode the gas in the cavities of the tubbing, and in his opinion accounted for the rush of wind described. by Bird and for the falling deal which killed Kel let—the other Case alluded to by Mr. Armstrong ; and, looking at all the circumstances of the furnace, and the quantity of air passing near it, there being a side drift, along which one-third of the air passed, he could not come to the conclusion that the brat tice had been set on fire by a spark from the fur nace. Torches were used in the trade when the passage up and down the section of the shaft was very frequent. He was astonished that there was any one lost at all in the pit, as there was plenty of air in the pit. He did not agree with one of the witnesses that the deaths had been caused by fear. The smoke would be exceedingly soporific. He thought that the men had put their faces to the water to catch the current of air, and had fallen asleep and dropped into the water, and had thus been suffocated. In fact, they had been drowned. Mr. Foster, viewer, of Newcastle, gave corrobo rative evidence, and the inquest was adjourned un til to-morrow. • STRANGE SCENE; AT QUARTER SES SIONS-BA.RRLS'T_ERS ON STRIKE. NEWCASTIE-ON-TYNE, OCT. 12. A strange scene has oce urre d at the Mi c h ae l mas Quarter degree of m Sessions isun hdeerldstaatndtl ingais town. A considerable has existed between the Recorder, Mr. Wm. Digby Seymour, and the members of the Northern. the Circuit who have been in the habit of attending Newcastle Sessions. has existed t for some time, This misunderstanding and originated in the circumstance of Mr. Seymour yonhad beenich the sessions had having changed the da da. the extremely long been held. This. con venient to the bar, becaune by Sessions on arrange nniothns on the Mon day they attended Durham Wednesday, the Thursday. ItTen h g u r r e s a d t a b e . At present they hn a eydy Northumberlanda complain sd o a f y b , e N in e go i n v v e inconvenience,. brought i f n th th at e loss of time, and expense in their first to Newcastle, then south to Durham following week, and next, towards the end of o week, north again to Northumberland. At the opening of the second or third sessions before Mr. Seymour some words on the subject were exchanged between the Recorder and Mr. H ogg as the spokes man on behalf of his brethren of the circuit t court ; and Mr. Seymo ur t h en stated that he coul d not in not afford to give up h is p rac tice as a barrister at Hull Sessions in order to accommodate the New castle Sessions bar by ho ldin g h is sessions at a time to suit their convenienc e. Com p lai nts were made some time ago, by the attorneys practising at the sessions, and by tradesmen who were called upon to attend as witnesses, of the inconvenience of the time at which the court was held, and the subject was brought before the Town Council, by whom a formal representation was made to the learned Re corder. Yesterday morning thy'- dissatisfaction of the bar broke out into an open rupture. The bar met as usual in the Merchants' Chamber, adjoining the Guildhall ; but in accordance, it is said, with a re solution come to by them at a meeting on the pre vious evening, dispersed without robing or entering the court. It is usual for the bar to make their ap pearance immediately after the Recorder has de livered his charge to the grand jury. At yesterday's sessions Mr. Lowers, [to the surprise of everybody in court, made his appearance alone. When the grand jury had found a true bill the brief for the prosecution was handed, as a matter of course and necessity, to Mr. Lewers. Some time after the case had been opened Mr. John Davison, unrobed, entered the court and took his accustomed seat at the barristers' table. In a few minutes he was followed by Mr. Fowler, another member, who also took his seat unrobed. After remaining in court for a few minutes they left. The immediat e con sequences of :this " strike " of the bar were that, with the exception of one, the whole of the briefs for the prosecution fell into the hands of Mr. Lewers, who reaped a rather unusual harvest ; also that the learned Recorder had himself in one case to conduct the prosecution (Mr. Lewers having originally been retained for the defence) ; and that the extraor dinar y p henomen a of attor neys pleading at Quart er Sessions was witnessed. The learned Recorder having intimated that under the circumstances he would allow attorneys for pri soners to state what might be adduced in their favour, Mr. Lockey Harle and Mr. J. Scaife availed themselves of the permission, taking the opportu nity which the grand jury returning the last Bill afforded him to refer to the occurrence. The learned Recorder said,—Gentlemen of the grand jury, under ordinary circumstances I should discharge you without stopping to make any com ments whatever, especially upon a matter which, in some respects, is personal to myself; but I consider it my duty—that there may be no mistake by the public, and that justice may be done, inasmuch as I sit here to administer the law in the presence and before the eyes of the town of Newcastle—l consider it my duty, knowing that the matter has attracted public attention, to make a few remarks with re gard to the conduct which the gentlemen of the bar, who have been practising at these sessions, have thought fit to pursue on this-occasion. By the law under which I sit here as your Recorder I have a perfect and indisputable right to fix my ses sions at what time I think most convenient, first to the public, then to the bar and myself. My first duty, of course, will be to the public in all cases ; but assuming that I do consult the interests of the public, I think that I am then entitled to consider, in some respect, my own, un less it is notified to me that I thereby inconve nience the bar. lam bound to hold the ses sesions four times a-year, but the days of hold ing them it is mine to fix. Now, gentlemen, other recorders of far greater eminence than I am, and of far greater experience than I have had, fix their ,sessions at times to suit the public and their own convenience., Take, for instance, the learned and estimable Recorder of Leeds ; he fixes his sessions for Wednesday morning next, although the real business of the West Riding doesn't commence till the following Tuesday, nearly a week later. And so I might refer to other recorders, to whom has never been offered a breath of opposition to their perfect right to do it, and as to whose conduct no question has ever been raised by the great body of the bar, or by any barrister that I am acquainted with. Now, with regard to this' particular occasion, several among the members of the bar are con nected with county families, and this being the long vacation they are resident more or less in this neighbourhood or in the adjoining county. Others are local practitioners in this town. I took it for granted that in holding my sessions a few days be fore the ordinary County Sessions of Durham and Northumberland, I should not beguotinlgwwahagsainnsit the real convenience of man y who are probably in the locality with their families and amusing o somemembersen at them selves in this part of th e country. B content with speculating o n this, because the Liverpool Assizes I in timated to of the bar my intenti on to hold the sessions this week. They had a month's notice beforeLasr sincesem bled here to-day, but ne ither at Liverpool, the notice has appeared , h as a sin gle murmur reached my ears. No member of the bar has called at or writ ten to my chambers in London, although I was there till just lately, asking me to fix .the sessions at a more convenient time, or stating that this was an inconvenient time to them. The gentlemen of the bar always have found me, whatever provocation I may have been subjected to, ready in every way in my power to consult their convenien ce , and had such a course been taken I shou l d have cheerfully and gladly adopted a course which might be equally co nvenient to me and more convenie n t t o them selves. I must now refer to the conduct whichhasadl been been pursued to - day. Had the gentlemen con tent with coming into the town, n without appearing in this court, I sh ou ld, ea Pe i r n h g P a its in my own breast have passed jud gmen t on their conduct, because I should have considered that they acted foolishly for their own interests, and left it there; but when they added th e studied indignity which was deliberately co mm itt e d, an d which has been offered to me here to-day, then lam bound in my judicial capacity to notice it, because it is not that the gentlemen assembled and left, but that they delegated two of their body to come in and sit in this court, unrobed, under my bench here this morning. Gentlemen, I think conduct like this it is very sad to see, because if gent l emen have a griev ance of a private n a t ure t o complain of, let them not parade it before the public. Let the profession of the bar have its own proper, separate course, one towards the other, but I do think it a scandal and an outrage to public justice and decency that an at tempt should be made to disturb my feelings and my composure here in this seat of justice by a studied indignity like that. Gentlemen, above this petty personal animosity I appeal to a higher tri bunal. Since I s at on this bench as your recorder, now for many years, I have never met with the usual and customary sympathy and support of the bar. It is true there have been some exceptions • it is true that there has be en to-da y a g enerous and honourable exception to the general course that has been pursued ; but I appeal to the town of New castle and to those wh o p ractised before me i n the town if they have ever seen my temper ruffled, have ever seen me irritated, or the dignity of justice ever suffer ii my hands on account of these things. Gentlemen, I hope I may make this appeal to the town, I hope that the inhabitants of this town will allow that I have endeavoured to obser ve the dignity of my position, and fairly and indifferently to ad minister justicnealtloythine punishmentindifferent ttocriticism ct i fl is ie th ked f n ro e m s; and vice, equally whatever quarter it may come, proTsidneodt my w r not n conscience tells me t ha t criticism ethetarotn say the of , generou s, and not just. Gentlemen, i n thi s sp i r i t I s h a ll continue to sit here. There is i nol7 fear that public interests will suffer. I v that if it had been known among will h the Northern Circuit that su c h a coursehave been 20 gen tlemen was medi tated here heret ready t to-day there take would care h that justi ce was administered, that it should not suffer, and that suc h a scene should not take place; and if no one c ame I trust I should h ave been equal t o the emer gency. I hope, as I said before, that these at it spirit in which they what obser vations will be tak en i n th e sit tl e here, should have a am are meant. I know of Newcastle is e to ca,s anxious that th e t own confidence in me. I a be no mistake n 111 anxious that there should 1 have told you feelings about wh a t h as t a k en place. in what they whatare my rights ; I have shown spirit whi c h havehas done wrong ; I have told you the always animated me; and all that I can say is I shall e _ , i th . s, that as long as I sit here I hope naeavour, whatever course may be pur sued towards me by- my professional brethren, to administer even-handed and impartial justice, so that the town of N ewcastle at all events will not ANOTHER AWFUL COLLIERY ACCT Scarcely have six weeks elapsed since our columns recorded a fearful colliery explosion in the Cyfing pit, Ystalyfera, Swansea-valley, whereby six poor fellows lost their lives and three or four others were seriously injured. It is now our painful duty to detail the particulars of another and still more serious colliery accident, in the same district, and within three or four miles of the Cyfing-pit, and by which no less than 14 fellow-beings have been sud denly hurried into eternity. The pit in which this accident has now occurred is known as the Prim rose Colliery, worked by a company known as the Primrose Coal Company, of which Messrs. Morgan and Lewis are principal owners. It is situated near Pontardawe, Swansea-valley, about 9 miles from Swansea, has been for many years worked, and is one of the most extensive pits in the valley, there being about 200 men engaged therein whenthefatal accident which we now relate occurred. On Wednesday morning last the whole of the col liers proceeded-to work at the usual hour—viz., about 6 o'clock in the morning, and about half-past eight one of the men came running up from the pit stat ing that the whole place was full of sulphur, and that all the men were killed. This dreadful intel ligence created the greatest alarm, and spread rapidly through the small surrounding villages, and it being known that some 200 men were engaged in the pit that morning, the scene which occurred was heartrending in the extreme. Within about half-an-hour at least 300 people, chiefly wives and mothers, were congregated round the pit, whose agonising shrieks and lamentations could be heard for at least a mile. Fortunately, it was soon ascer tained that, although there were 200 men in the pit at the time, the catastrophe had occurred in a dis tinct heading or working known as the Old Ma chine Level, and in which particular working only 30 men were then engaged. It was at one time thought that the whole of these must have lost their lives, but the result proved that many had been miraculously saved. Within a very short time after the accident there were found some colliers heroic enough to risk their lives in endeavours to save those of their fellow workmen. Two brave fellows (one named Wil liam Lewis, 60 years of age, a married man with several children, and Griffith Gibbs, aged 18 years), who were thus laudably engag e d, fell a sacri fice thereto, being suffocated by the fatal choke damp. David Thomas, the overman, also descended within a very short time after the accident, and nearly sacrificed his life by so doing ; he was ren dered insensible, and was afterwards conveyed out of the pit very much exhausted. The exertions of Thomas Morgan also deserve to be mentioned; he, too, risked his life for that of his fellows, and is now confined to his bed in consequence of the exer tions made and the powerful influence of the after damp. When the foul air had sufficiently cleared off for a descent several of the colliers instantly volun teered their service, and within a few minutes the lifeless bodies of 14 workmen were brought up and laid side by side near the pit's mouth. The agony of the wives and mothers when recognising the in animate forms of their husbands and sons may per haps be imagined, but they baffle all attempts at description. The names of those who have lost their lives in consequence of this awful visitation are as follow : David Evans, aged 38, married with five children. John Gibbs, aged 36, married, with two children. David Hoggins, aged 32, married, with one child. Griffith Jones, aged 19, single. John Llewellyn Rees, aged 25, single, Thomas Griffiths, aged 18, single. Henry Williams, aged 36, single. Hopkin Evans, aged 15, single. William Thomas, aged 18, single. John Davis, aged 19, single. Isaac Evans (door boy), aged 11 or 12. William Lewis, aged 60,.a wife and children (the latter of whom are all married), who lost his life in attempting to save others. Morgan Gibbs, aged 18 (brother of John Gibbs), and who also lost his life in-going to the rescue of others. There are also seven dead horses now lying in the pit. The origin or cause of this dreadful calamity is at present shrouded in the most profound mys tery, but an inspection of the pit after the accident by practical men ascribes it entirely to the opening of a door fixed to prevent the air from the boiler again going into the works. Certain it is there was no explosion of any kind, the deaths being caused by the fatal choke-damp, the bodies, when -brought up, being undistorted, and having the ap pearance of sleep, and some kind and affectionate mother would not for many a long hour believe that her son was locked in the last embrace of death. It appears that about a week or ten days ago a large engine had been placed underground to raise the coal from the deep. The air which supplied the boiler fire was the return air from the colliery, and it was then conveyed through an old level a distance of some 500 or 600 yards, and then up the up-cast pit. A wooden door was fixed to prevent the air from the boiler going into the works again, and it is confidently asserted that this door was fastened up a few days since by means of a staple. This door was, however, found open after the acci dent, and the air instead of going up the pit re turned into the level where the men were at work and killed 12 ; the other two lost their lives in their efforts to save their comrades, as already stated. How this door became opened, if fastened, as posi tively alleged, is the point for the coroner's jury to unravel. What renders this accident the more remarkable is the fact that the pit has always been noted for the large current of air which has always been found to pervade the whole of the workings, and it is no uncommon occurrence for the lights of the workmen to be blown out by the current of air. The management of the pit is under Mr. Thomas Morgan, who is also part owner, and who is known as a gentleman of great experience, and one who has always studied the safety of his men. Mr. T. Evans, the Government Inspector of Coal Mines for the South Wales District, was o n the spot within a few hours of th e acc id en t, and made an inspection of the pit in order to acquaint himself with the various air -courses, &c., and other scien tific details necessary to the inquest, which was opened yesterday (Thursday), before Mr. A. Cuthbertson, coroner for the Neath district. No further particulars, however, than those already given transpired. It is hardly necessary to say that so serious an accident has spread a gloom over the whole of the Swansea-valley. have reason to blush for the conduct of its recorder. Gentlemen, I am sure you will pardon these obser vations, because the case is one of a very peculiar nature, and I were more than man or less than man if I did not feel touched at the course of these pro ceedings. I thank you cordially for the attention you have paid me while I have made those remarks which I felt bound to make, and I now dismiss you with the thanks of the town for your attendance. POLICE INTELLIGENCE—Oct. 14. GUILDHALL.—Lieut. Francis Higginson, of the Royal Navy, applied for a summons, under the Joint Stock Companies Act, against the Atlantic Telegraph Company, of 23, Old Broad-street, for not having made a return to the Registrar of Joint Stock Companies containing a list of the share holders. Alderman Salomons—What are you, sir? Are you an officer in the company ? Lieut. Higginson—No, sir, I am an officer in the Royal Navy, and I have been defrauded by this company. Alderman Salomons—Before you go any further, I must inform you that I am a partner in this com pany. I have sunk £l,OOO in the sea—l sunk £l,OOO in it when I was Lord Mayor to promote this vast undertaking, and am therefore an in terested party, and cannot listen to your applica tion. Lieutenant Higginson—l have also £l,OOO at stake, and— Alderman Salomons—Then you must not make such au application against a public company with out due reflection, as it is calculated to be highly injurious to them. You should apply to the proper authorities. Why not apply to the registrar. Lieutenant Higginson—l have done so already, and I now come here for a summons under an act of parliament. Alderman Salomons—Then I think a company like this, composed as it is of the greatest capitalists in the world, having among them Baring, Roths child, Morrison, and others—supporting a vast undertaking for connecting England and America, and probably the whole world—is deserving of the greatest courtesy, and I do not think you should make such a statement without giving them notice, so that they may come here and answer it. Lieutenant Higginson—l have behaved with the utmost courtesy to them. Alderman Salomons—Have you written to them? Lieutenant Higginson—Yes, sir. Volumes upon volumes of letters. lam the author of this work (holding up a copy of " The Ocean ; its unfath omable Depths and Natural Phenomena"), which the Atlantic Telegraph Company have suppressed, and I have been swindled out of £l,OOO. Alderman Salomons—As a naval man you ought to be better acquainted with subordination, and as I am your superior officer in the position I occupy here, I must again tell you that I cannot listen to your application. Lieutenant Higginson—l have been swindled, and- Akierman Salomons—lf you persist I shall order you to be removed. If you wish to make such an application you ought to give them notice, in order that they may meet you. Lieutenant Higginson—l have given them notice, and I can gel" no redress. Alderman galomons—Very well ; then"give them notice again that you are coming here, and I will hear your application to-morrow. Lieut. Higginsou—Then I will make it to-mor row, for I stand here on my rights as an English man, and will not be browbeaten out of them. Alderman Salomon.s—Leave the court, sir ; I will not have the bench treated with -disrespect.- Lieut. Higginson—l am not disrespectful to the bench ; the bench is disrespectful to itself. Alderman Salomons—lf you will not go out, sir, I will have you taken out. Lieut. Higginson—l am going, sir. Alderman Salomons—Officer, lead that person out of court. Lieut. Higginson—l came here for justice, and I will have it. Alderman Salomons—Lead him out, officer. Lieut. Higginson—l am going. Alderman Salomons—Lead him out, Officer ; lead him out. Lieut. Higginson then withdrew, escorted to the door by the officer of the court. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. NEWMARKET SECOND OCTOBER MEETING, THURSDAY. Handicap Plate of £lOO. A.F. (1 mile 2 fur. 73 yds.) Lord Clifden's Fa.dladeen, 3 yrs, 7st (Plumb) 1 Capt. Christie's Kestrel, 5 yrs, 7st (L. Snowden) 2 Mr. Sargent's Physkiaxt, 3 yrs, 7st 31b (Fordham) 3 The following also ran :—Lord Nelson, Wrestler, Young Hopeful, Laird o' the Dale, Princess Royal, Thornhill, Con vict, Janet, Trabuco, Ntroodnymph, and. T. P. Cooke. Betting-4 to 1 agst Kestrel, 6to 1 agst Lord Nelson, 7 to 1 agst Trabuco, 8 to 1 agst Woodnymph, 10 to 1 agst Fadladeen. Won by three quarters of a length; half a length between the second and third ; Lord Nelson was a bad fourth, Trabuco fifth, close up with Lord Nelson. Laird o' the Dale and Woodnymph were the next two. On entering the cords Lord Nelson was cannoned against by Trabuco and Laird o' the Dale. Renewal of the Bretby Stakes of 100 sovs each, h ft; for two-yr-old fillies, Bst 71b each. Last three-quarters of R.M. (15 sxbs.) Mr. W. S. S. Crawfurd's Mayonaise, Bst 71b.... (Wells) 1 Mr. Atkinson's Christmas Pie, Bst 71b (A. Day) 2 Gen. Peel's filly by Orlando—Palma, Bst 71b.. (Flatman) 3 Betting-2 to lon Mayonaise, 4to 1 agst Palma filly, 5 to 1 agst Christmas Pie. Won by three lengths ; bad third. Sweepstakes of 10 says each, for 2-yr-olds and upwards. The winner to be sold for 300 says if demanded, &c, First half of Ab. M. (3 furlongs 215 yards) 15 subs. Mr. Locke's New Brighton, by Birkenhead, aged, 9st _ (Aidcroft) 1 Mr. T. Dawson's Mrs. Stowe, 2 yrs, 6st 7113 (Challoner) t Mr. Craven's Yaller Gal, 3 yrs, Bst 3113 (French) t The following also ran :—Pan, Alfred, Fusee, Genna, Clemanthe, My Niece, Hello., Fearless, Mainstay, Old Tom, and The Dane. Betting-6 to 1 each agst Clemanthe, Yaller Gal, and My Niece, 8 to 1 agst Genna, 100 to 8 each agst Alfred, Fusee, Mainstay, New Brighton, and Old Tom. Won by a head ; dead heat with Mrs. Stowe and Yaller Gal for second place. Sweepstakes of 10 soya each for 2-yr-olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; fillies, Bst 51b. The winner to be sold for 150 soya if de manded, &c. T.Y.C. (5 furlongs 140 yards.) 7 subs. Mr. Payne's The Speaker, by Filbert, Bst 71b (Flatraan):l Mr. T. bawson's Gay Lass, Bst 51b (Aldcroft) t Mr. Christy's Chaucer, Bst 7 1 b (Fordham) t The following also ran :—Lancaster, Sobersides, Widge on and Syria. _ _ _ Betting-6 to 4 agst Gay Lass, 4to 1 each agst Chaucer, The Speaker, and Lancaster. A fine race in ; won by a short head ; a dead heat for second place. - Lancaster was fourth, two lengths from Gay Lass and Chaucer. Match, 300, 200 ft. T.Y.C. (5 fur. 140 yds.) Mr. F. Robinson's Ariadne, by Newminster, Bst 71b _ (A. Day) 1 Mr. Payne's Pandora, Bst 71b (Flatman) 2 Betting-11 to 10 on Ariadne, who made all the running, and won in a canter by four lengths. Sweepstakes of 10 sovs" each, for 3-yr-olds ; colts, Bst 71b ; fillies, Bst 41b. The winner to be sold for 100 sovs, if demanded, &c. First half of Ab. M. (3 furlongs 212 yards.) Mr. Halford's Mainstay, by Peppermint, Bst 411 (Kendall) 1 Mr. Jacques's Lizzie, Bst 41b (Little) 2 Mr. W. Bevill's lEthon, Bst 7M ( G. Fordham) 3 The following also ran :—Brown Middleton, Chantress. Betting—Even on Mainstay, 4 to 1 agst each of the others. Won by a head ; half a length between the second and third. Brown Middleton was a good fourth. LATEST BETTING LAST NIGHT. CLOSE OF ROOMS. CAMBRIDGESHIRE. 20 to 1 agst Leontes 20 to 1 agst Prioress 25 to 1 agst Rocket 1000 to 30 agst Brewer 1000 to 15 agst Ventre St. Gris THE DERBY. 25 to 1 apt Cavendish 30 to 1 agst Volcano 35 to 1 agst Gaspard 50 to 1 agst Nimrod 50 to 1 agst Rainbow 50 to 1 agst Polonius 100 to 1 agst St. Clarence THE AUTUMN SUPPLEMENT TO RUFF'S GUIDE TO THE TURF.—This book is just published. It contains a com plete calendar of Sport up to, and inclusive of, the Don caster Meetings—The Derby lots for 1859, corrected up to the 7th of October—Nominations for the Newmarket Meetings—A comparative Table of the Weights for the Cesarewitch and Cambridgeshire, &c., &c. Piper, Stephen son, and Spence, 23, Paternoster-row. [AnvEnnsumENT.]—Far superior in quality than any other, and safely packed in tin canisters, are Du Barry's Best Purified Pearl Barley and Groats, being especially adapted for Barley Water, Gruel, light Puddings, and light breakfast and supper food for invalids and children. All deleterious principles haviftg been removed from them by Du Barry's Patent Machinery, they are invaluable in colds, influenza, and for strengthening the delicate. In canisters —4lb., 6d. ; llb., Is. ; 61b., ss. ; 121 b„ 10s. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, Lond on , an d through all grocers and chemists. [ADVERTISEMENT.)—HoIIowars Pills, a specific remedy for complaints to which females are liable. After the ex perience of many years it is proved, beyond all doubt, that there is no medicine equal to Holloway's Pills, for the cure of diseases incidental to females. They purify the blood, re gulate the secretions, give tone to the stomach, and invigo rate the whole frame. They may be taken by females of all ages, for any disorganisation or irregularity of the sys tem. Though so decisive in their sanative effects, their action is mild and gentle, so that they cannot injure the most delicate constitution, and might be given, in modera tion, to the youngest children, without the slightest danger. Printed directions for their use are attached to each box. MUCH VIRTUE IN MUD. There are many questions which may be asked that will startle at first. " Can mud, amidst human dwellings, have any sanitary value ?" is one. We say, unhesitatingly, " Yes." And we think it may be proved that mud is one of the most exten sive disinfectants in the world. Then some may retort—" The more mud the better." This we can not allow. But let us take rivers as we find them, and streets as they are after rain, and then consider the sanitary value of mud in rivers and on streets; in the river Thames and on London streets, for in stance. Rivers are the outlets, not only for water, but also for all that is soluble in water, and for all that is moveable by water, dead animal matter and dead vegetable matter (both of which, in their de caying, give out gases injurious to life, especially , to human life) ; mud is the corrective, the disin fecter, the purifier. It has recently been said, over and over again, "Remove the metropolitan sewage from the Trames, and restore the river to its original purity." The Thames never was pure within tidal influence, nor ever will be ; and no sanitarian wishes that it should be pure, that is, free from its occa sional estuary mud. But there is also the upland or rain flood-water mud. We do not even wish to free it from this ; and, even if we did wish, it must be in vain. But consider what this fresh mud ac complishes as a disinfectant. The river Thames abounds in animal and vegetable refuse, either in a state of decay or liable to rapid decay; the mud combines chemically and mechanically with this matter, and partially neutralises it, " disinfects it," or precipitates and buries it. Water, air (oxygen) and mud dispose of enormous masses of matter, which, without the rand, would breed poisons enough to create a margin of desolation. Then it may be said :—The Thames mud-banks should not be removed, or should not be covered." This does not follow. Mud in the water, and mud-banks exposed to the action of sun and air, are under dif ferent conditions. There is a rapid evaporation from mud-banks, and, under high temperatures, dangerous fermentation : the mud-banks must be covered, or must be removed, to prevent the injury: Then as to street mud. "Is there any use in this ?" some will say. We think there is, and must con fess to a sort of inward satisfaction (on sanitary grounds) every time we see the scavenger sweeping up the mud from thd London -streets.—Builder. COUNTRY MARKETS. MANCHESTER—OCT. 14. The market was well attended. Fine qualities of Eng lish wheat sold to a fair extent at 6d to is per qr. higher. In flour more money was asked, but last day's rates not ex- - ceeded. Oats and oatmeal in limited request, and again rather lower. Beans declined is. In Indian corn no ma terial change. BIRMINGHAM—OCT. 14. At to-day's market there was a fair supply of wheat offering, which sold at rather higher prices, but the trade closed dull. Barley tended downwards. Oats is per qr cheaper. Beans and peas nominally unaltered. BRISTOL—OcT. 14. In our market to-day there was a good attendance of buyers, and English wheat sold readily at fully the prices of last week, and in some instances at rather more money. Good malting barley commands extreme rates. Oats sold at about last week's prices. No change in the value of beans and peas. NEWAR. The supply of wheat was quality made recent rates ; im much variation in the prices a White wheat, new, 50s to 52s Red do. ....... 46s t o 48 s Old white ......... 43s to 4.5 s Red do.. .......... 42 8 t o 43 8 Barley, mailing.... 38s to 408 -OCT. 14. tolerable. Barley of superior tferior lower. There was not ►f other sorts of grain. Barley, grinding 30s to 32S Oats, old, 12st.. 32s to 35s Now do --s to ---3 Beans. 50s to 52s Malt B4s to 100 s LOUTH activity e theftwesupplied n ade, and the market day. Wheat, white .... 46s to --s Beans, Mazagan 40s to 43s red ...... 38s to 40s Middle & small ---s to —4l Barley ........ 30s to 36s White peas 4ss to 46 Oats .......24s to 27s Grey.. --s to —sg --OCT. 13. ith wheat ; there was more tone is fully equal to the last BOSTON—Ocr. 13. At to-day's market there was a moderate show of wheat, which moved off quickly at an advance of is per qr. for the more, Beans finer sorts of red, while the best white made 2s per q uar ter good inquiry for it. O ats and all kinds of spring corn had a readyt rices. 45 s ale s atan full Wheat ..43s too 45 s Oats . White 43s Barley .27s to 348 Peas ..• . 42s to 495 40s to 471 A.verages for k Wheat ...... the wee : •.. 4 ,381 qrs., at - 41s 6d 8ar1ey...... •• • 221 „ 2B 8d 80at5......... , 841 ~ 2l eans ........ 326 I) s 8d 44s 10d Peas ....... .... 112 ~ 42s 2d —s Od Rye.......... If GLASGOW—OCT. 12. At to- day's market there was but a limited inquiry for wheat, but holders do not press sales, and prices cannot be quoted lower. EDINBURGH GRAIN—Ocr. 13. There was a large market. A demand for wheat; other grains better. Wheat on the top 2s down —average ld down. Barley on the top 2s up —average 10d down. Oats on the top 6d down —average 14d down. Beans on the top 2s down . . —average2sBd down. Averages per Imperial quarter. Wheat... Wheat (N). ' 0 0 0 0-12ths Barley •Oats -12ths Beans Total Supply and Sales. Wheat .1929 q qrs rs Sold 959 8ar1ey.......2318 qrs Sold 1959 qrs Oats .1703 qrs Sold 1285 qrs Beans . 267 qrs S o ld 117 qrs CORK—OcT. 13. The following were the quotations this morning :—Red wheat, 17s to 21s 6d; white, 18s to 23s Od ; barley 10$ to 15s 6d ; oats, 108 10d to 13s. Trade steady. DERBY SAIITHFIELD—Oar. 13. There was a large supply of fat beasts to-day, mostly of excellent quality, the attendance of buyers was large, and the best things were in good request. The pens were well filled with sheep, and high prices asked. A large number of fat pigs, of good quality, and prices unaltered. A poor supply of fat calves and well sold. Beef ton ............ 6cl to fild Veal Lamb . Mu ....... 61-d to 7d Pork ....... ..Od to --d Rough fat, 4s 10(1 per stone. . Hides, 4d to sid ; calf skins, 41d to 61d. [ADvEirrtsEmExr.lßarey's Horse and Cattle Improv ing Food is equally adapted to improve the stamina of ill conditioned Horses, Cows, Bullocks, Calves, Sheep, and Pigs. It causes no extra expense, as it contains fax more and better nourishment than its cost of lid. per feed sup plies in corn and hay; hence ensures an actual saving in tho keep. But its principal advantages are a great improve ment in the digestive functions, the stamina and general condition of horses enabling them to perform far more labour without getting distressed. It imparts new vigour to sick, debilitated, or old apparently worn-out horses, and it puts rapidly the finest flesh on cattle generally, and im proves the milk in cows, as it enables them to extract the entire nourishment out of everything they feed on. Rarey and Co., 77, Regent's Quadrant, Piccadilly, London. _ Packed in tins of about 90 feeds, 11s. ;in casks of about 450 fps, )s. ; of about 1,000 feeds, £5, being about l id . per . BIRTHS. DOUGLAS.—On the 12th inst., at Claybrooke Hall, Lei cestershire, the wife of H. Sholto Douglas, Esq., of twin daughters. LOWDEN.—On the 12th inst, at Tasmania Villa, U x b r id g e- the wife of the Rev. G. R. Lowden, F.R.G.S., &c., of a son. SEAGA.R.—On the 12th inst., at 21, Richmond-terrace, Clapham-road, Kennington, the wife of Major Seaga'', Bth Hussars, of a son. WORTLEY.—On the 12th inst., at 25, South-street, Gros venor-square, the Hon. Mrs. Francis Stuart Wortley, of a son. MARRIAGES. MACNEIL—MIDDLETON.—On the 14thinst., at St. George's, Hanover-square, Lieutenant -General Roderick Macneil, to Eliza, widow of the late Charles J. Middleton, Esq., of Midanbury House, Hants. W A RD — BOYDELL.--Qn th e 14th i ns t., a t St. M ar k' s, S t. Pancras, London, G eorge F ran kl yn W ar d, Esq., o n ly son of John WiLliankWard, Esq., of Newcastle, Stafford shire, to Mary Anne second daughte park. Boyden, Esq., of Gloucester-ferraco, Regent' s if ~ 1£ lE if IE ever Rlrio sip upw, Fa Chaff T' artiel ita ce and broil; Dance t ;en Per the a. ,Of Th none lZain e ettltui earrie len arc f, from Prose, Who 11 kille Patrip' DEATHS. BIRKETT.—On the 11th inst., of apoplexy, Mr. Richard Birkett, of Northumberland House, Green-lanes, Stoke- Newington, aged 71• - - FINN.—On the 13th inst., at his residence, Addlestone, near Chertsey, Nathl. Fenn, Esq., late of Botolph-lane, city. GOODLAD.—On Sunday last, Mr. J. B. Goodlad, many years commercial traveller to the firm of Messrs. Walton and Co., Snaresbro', aged 68. Gitirmirs.—On the 11th inst., at Glenlee-park, Kirkcud brightshire, Thomas Griffiths, Esq., surgeon, of Ham mersmith. KERsEY.—On the 10th inst., C. Kersey, Esq., of Had leigh, Suffolk, aged 68. STUART.—On the 13th inst., at Haslar, Alexander Stuart, Esq., Medical Superintendent of the Asylum, aged 48. LONDON : Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sim Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of M:ddlesex, Friday, October 15, 1858.