The Sun. — London, England, 1858-12-18 00:00:00

A crowded and enthusiastic meeting of the in habitants of the borough of Bridgwater was held in the Town-hall on Wednesday evening, " to con sider the question of Parliamentary Reform; to give the members for the borough, Colonel Tynte and Mr. W. Kinglake, an opportunity of address their constituents; and to pass such resolutions as may be deemed expedient." All the resolutions were passed unanimously. The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Alderman Sealy) having opened the proceedings, Mr. J. BROW NE proposed the first resolution : "That, in the opinion of this meeting, no Reform Bill will be acceptable to the country which does not provide, firstly, a large extension of the suffrage; secondly, that it be imperatively necessary that the right of voting shall be by ballot ; thirdly, that the duration of Parliament shallnot exceed three years ; fourthly, that the right of voting shall not depend upon the payment of rates, but on being liable to be rated to the poor at least six month's 'revious to the election." The resolution, which was seconded by Mr. ROSSITER, was carried amid much cheering. 'Mr. J. THOMPSON proposed, 1 4 , That the members for the borough be requested to sup port the measures of reform approved in the first resolu tion in any Bill brought before the House ; and also that the chairman send copies of the first resolution to Lord Derby and to Mr. Bright, requesting their favourable con sideration of the points set forth in the said resolution." Alderman HURMAN seconded that motion, which was unanimously carried. Colonel *TYNTE, on presenting himself, was greeted with tremendous cheering. He said,—l am delighted to meet you this evening. I always am delighted to meet you ; I should be the most ungrateful of men if I were not, for never have I appeared before you, your fathers, or even your grandfathers, without meeting with the kindest and heartiest reception. (Hear, hear.) When a candidate and member for the western division of Somerset I was favoured with the strongest and most overwhelming support from the division of Bridgwater, and that support has been rendered me up to the present time, having had the honour of being elected jolit representative for the third time in Parliament. (Cheers.) I say again that I am delighted to meet you this evening. This is a most important meeting ; it is important, because I am glad to say it will give the lie to many who say that reform is little thought of in Bridgwater ; because it will give strength to my honourable colleague and myself to support what you wish us to support in the House of C ommons. Perhaps I may be travelling a little out of my way, but as I have a little to say to you personal to myself in reference to the last session, I may be permitted to remark that the Times stated, three or four days back, that the story of the last session had been told about 300 times, and I am about to take the liberty of making the 301st short tale in reference thereto. (Hear, hear.) I stated on the hustings of Bridgwater in 1857, having been in the minority in the House of Commons on the Chinese question, that I considered Lord Palmerston had done his duty as a British Minister in standing up for the honour of the British flag—(hear)--in up holding that honour and the honour of the British Crown, in protecting the interests of British sub jects and the property of British subjects in the Chinese waters. (Hear, hear.) I told you so on the hustings, and you did me the honour to return me at the head of the poll by a large majority. I stated also that I had confidence in Lord Palmer ston, which I trusted would never be changed. Gentlemen, I never will tell you what is untrue. I should be ashamed so to do, bearing the name I do, and representing the constituency I do. I was grieved to find that Lord Palmerston, instead of sending an indignant answer to the insolent French despatch—(hear, hear)—placed on the table of the House of Commons a Conspiracy Bill. (Hear, hear.) But, gentlemen I did not give a vote on that fi rs t division, in which my hon. colleague, much to his credit, took so active a part. Lord Palmerston was not so well known to my hon. colleague as per haps to myself, for I have followed him for many years, and I did not like to be the means of hurling that Minister from his seat. The thing went on, and 99 independent members of the House of Commons voted against that Con spiracy Bill. My hon. colleague, as I before inti mated,:was prominent on the occasion —(loud cheers) —and above 200 members voted in favour of it. Well, as the bill advanced, the English people began to think a little, too. (Hear, hear.) When Mr. Milner Gibson introduced his motion, either myself or one dearer to me than myself —one of my relatives—was very ill, and I was unable to attend the division on that proposition, or I should have voted with Mr. Milner Gibson. (Hear, hear.) I did not receive till the following day the resolution which was passed, much to their honour, by the in habitants of Bridgwater. The 99 who voted in the first division, and consistently voted in the second division, deserve immortal honour. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Grieved as I was at the fall of Lord Palmerston, yet I cannot but hold that in a certain measure he deserved it for not having sent such an answer as a British Minister ought to have sent to an insolent French despatch. (Cheers.) English men are only to be governed by Englishmen. (Loud applause.) Well, gentlemen, I will be very short in referring to other measures connected with the last session of Parliament. I supported mea sures which I have always supported—l supported the abolition of church-rates. (Cheers.) I sup ported many other measures I need not specially allude to—measures which are known as Liberal measures—and I shall continue to support them, the ballot among others. (Continued applause.) There are many stories which members have had to tell their constituents which I regret to say I can not amuse you with. I was one of those members who went to Cherbourg. I did not dance jigs and .Scotch reels on the deck of the steamer which took some 80 or 100 members to Cherbourg. (Laughter.) I have no fear of Cherbourg. I have no fear of Lewis Napoleon or any other Lewis invading Bridgwater. (Laughter and applause.) You will allow me, electors of Bridgwater, and my colleague, to vote sufficient money to maintain a Channel fleet, though you tell us to take care that that money is properly expended on that fleet. (Hear, hear.) Then we may laugh to scorn the guns of Cherbourg or the Emperor of the French. (Renewed cheer ing.) Let the Liberal electors stand shoulder to shoulder in Bridgwater, and the other invader to which I have alluded will sustain an equally ignominious discomfiture. (Continued . cheering.) I have told you on many hustings that I never give a pledge. I never told you I never have given a pledge. Gentlemen, when your re presentatives give a vote in the House of Commons they give a pledge. (Hear, hear.) I have voted for the extension of the suffrage, but not to the extent it will be necessary, I believe absolutely necessary, now to extend it. (Cheers.) lam prepared to ex tend that suffrage as you wish it extended. (Much cheering.) lam not prepared to give a mere uni versal suffrage, but I can see no objection whatever to the suffrage defined by you this night. (Cheers.) . When on my canvass several people came to me and said that they wished to vote for me ; that they thought reform would do a deal of good ; but Squire So-and-so, their landlord, was the other way, and they must turn out, having no lease, if they voted for me. (Hear, hear.) They hoped I should help to give them the ballot if I went to Parliament:- (Hear,_hear.) I then began to think a good deal about the ballot. I began to think that if it was only to protect one man in the county of :Somerset it was worthy of being passed. From that time to this I have voted for the ballot, and I need not tell you that I shall vote for it again. (Ap plause.) The wider the range of the constituencies --the larger the number of electors in this great . country—the more pressing will be the influence brought to bear upon them, the more necessary will be the vote by ballot. (Hear.) Another point in your resolution is that the duration of Parliament shall not exceed thres years. Gentlemen, there I am pledged again ; I have voted for that motion. It is not a new question. By the former law the Parliaments of England were only three years in duration ; but at a certain period, whether it was thought that the Parliament to be elected in the place of that to be dissolved would not be so agreeable to the Ministry, or so subservient to them as the Parliament then in office, I cannot say—but, having a majority, they extended the period of s i tt i ng to seven ye ars, and so it has been ever since. The old law of England was for a three years' Parliament. Certainly the opponents of triennial Parliaments say that for the last 40 or 50 years Parliaments have been dissolved on an average every three years, so that it makes little difference; still I shall vote for triennial Parlia ments, as I have don e before. (Hear, hear.) The subject of redistribution of seats is a difficult one ques tion. I speak for myself—l should b e very s orr y for Bridgewater to lose its membe'rs, or e ven member. No doubt, the few must give w ay to the many • and if some great national measur e i s ab solutely necessary to be carried, with the loss of a member for Bridgwater, why I suppose w e must submit to what, in my opinion, would be a dreadful occurrence. (Hear, hear.) I cannot, and will not, say more than'this-I'will give my best attention to the subject. Having the interest of Bridgwater at heart more than that of any other constituency, I should not like to give any pledge on that sub ject, which I think has been very wisely omitted from the resolution. What the Reform Bills to come may be no one yet knows. We are told that Lord Derby, as Prime Minister of England, has a Bill, if not cut and dried, cutting and drying — (laughter)—at all events, we shall know in a few weeks. Mr. John Bright, we know, is preparing another ; that also is floating - about, not quite set tled as to what it is to be. They are both very !E.F01231 MEETING AT BR ID G WATER. able men. I glory in the name of Liberal, but without distinction of party I will, to the best of my ability, give my vote for the best me inure that is brought forward—for that I think most likely to be produstive of good results—for that which I , think best calculated to meet with your approba tion. (Cheers.) Mr. A. W. KINGLAKE, on presenting himself I to address the audience, was hailed with repeated bursts of cheering and waving of hats. He spoke as follows :—Gentlemen, I know that there are many here wh o differ from me in political opinion • but I rejoice to say that ever since I have had the honour to represent this borough in Parliament my relations with my opponents.. -have bean of the happiest de scription—they have always, been courteous and civil to me, and I venture to say there is no man in this room, however strongly opposed to me in politics, will say I have been otherwise than cour teous and civil to him. (Applause.) You are all aware that her Majesty's Ministers have prepared a bill for the reform of Parliament. You arc also aware that Mr. Bright is understood to have a bill for a similar purpose in preparation, and I think that you have done wisely in meeting here for the purpose of congratulating yourselves, as it were, on the principles which you hold in reference to this great question, and of comparing your views with those entertained by the men who have the honour at present to represent you in Parliament. It would seem that there are four questions embodied in your resolution, and one of the last, I think, is the one which purposes with reason to make a man's vote for a member of Parliament not dependent upon the circumstance of his having paid his rates. Well, gentlemen, in that view I entirely concur. I cannot conceive that it can be right to make the franchise of any man dependent upon the mere question whether he has paid his rate or not ; for surely it is contrary to all principle that the en joyment of a political privilege like that of voting for a member of Parliament should be made to serve the base purpose of a mere legal process to induce a man to pay his rates in time. (Hear, hear.) There is another point with regard to the duration of Parliament. 'All, or most of us, are aware that under the law as it now stands Parliament may possibly endure for a period of no less than seven years. I think you will all agree that that period is a great deal too long. You, of course, under stand that this is not a question upon which any member of Parliament will pledge himself as to the exact vote which he intends to give; but I have no hesitation in assuring you that I cordially concur in the proposition that the duration of Parliament ought to be shortened. (Hear.) I agree with my . friend Colonel Tynte, in saying how much better it is to refer to A vote you have given than to deal in vain promises. I have had an opportunity of giving a vote on a question introduced by Mr. Wrightson which has an important bearing on this resolution. Mr. Wrightson introduced a bill to do away with that provision of the law which compels any member of Parliament, after accepting office under the Crown, to go to his constituency and ask theta to sanction the step he has taken. I opposed that measure—l opposed the introduction into Par liament of a bill to change the law on that subject. I think there is no principle more wholesome than that framed into a law in the reign of Queen Anne —viz., that if a gentleman receives a lucrative office under the Crown, he ought to go back to his con stituents and inquire from them whether they will or will not ratify his decision in that respect. (Loud applause.) A still more important question is that with respect to the extension of the suffrage. I have said to . you on a former occasion that the political principle to which I always appeal in questions of this description is this : I put my trust in the people of England. (Cheers.) I do firmly believe that the people of England are a wise and an orderly people, and that the more you trust them the more you will find them worthy of your confidence. (Continued applause.) Many of you are engaged in commerce ; and I am sure what I am about to relate has happened to a number of people in this room. You are engaged in business ; you have a son growing up, just attaining to man hood; you are bringing him up to your commercial business; you would be glad to find that he could keep your accounts, post your books, and do those acts which you are accustomed to do for yourself. Well, somehow or other, you find that as long as you only show him how to do that kind of thing he is not a very docile pupil ; you have the notion that no one can do the work for you except your self ; but at last a time comes when you are obliged to trust somebody else; you go away on some jour ney ; you say to your son, " I am obliged to go, if you will not post these books properly they will not be done at all, I mu s t t rus t t o you ;" you come back and find that everything has gone on just as well as if you had been present. Now, why is it ? How is it you have been able by a sudden process to make your son, who was perhaps a flighty and idle sort of person b e f ore , dili gen t in the tran saction of business ? Because you trusted him! (Cheers.) You told him unless the work was done by him it would not be done at all ; he felt the re sponsibility you cast upon him; he transacted the business as well as you would have transacted it yourself. I apply the parable—if parable I may call it—l apply it to the extension of the suffrage. Many of you may think your poorer fellows are less thoughtful and more flighty than yourselves. Why is it ? Because they have not been trusted with the franchise. (Cheers.) Intrust them with the franchise, accustom them to talk of politics, accustom them to debate questions which rise in our healthy political struggles, and you make men of them at once. (Loud applause.) I will answer for it—only trust an Englishman—only make him know he is a person charged with responsibility, and he will do his duty to himself and the country. (Renewed and protracted cheering.) Gentlemen, that is the view which I take with regard to the extension of the suffrage. (Hear, hear.) If I was speaking now in the year 1832, I might have to rest merely upon hope and expectation, but can I forget the history of the last eight and twenty years ? Will any one here present point out one single Act of Parliament which has been forced on by the people of England, which is not both wise and just ? (Renewed applause.) Why, the first great measure that passed after the Reform Bill was to submit to a vast national sacrifice of money. For what purpose ? Was it for any base or selfish purpose ? No ; but for the purpose of obtaining the emancipation of the negro. (Cheers.) I cannot now go through the whole history of the period, but I may notice that the last great measure has been the change with regard to the importation o corn. (Cheers.) Is not that a measure the people were justified in pressink upon Parliamen ? (" Hear, hear," and great applause.) Can any one tell me that during the whole period from 1832 to the present time the people of England, intrusted, to a great extent, with political power, have in any way so abused it that we should shrink from ex tending the suffrage ? (" Hear, hear," and protracted cheering.) When we say we will ex tend the suffrage we do not mean that we will give with one hand and take away with the other—we do not mean that we will enable a voter to give a vote with his lips, which is dic tated to him by his landlord, or his master—we mean that he shall give a vote which really ex presses his political opinions; and this brings me to the question of the ballot. (A voice —Ali, to give a vote so that he can sleep afterwards.) In England it is the law that there can be no wrong, and no crime, without a remedy : a remedy has been here suggested, and no other can b e f oun d ; therefore it isq feel bound to support the ballot (Great applause.) It is vain to say that the pro tection it gives may not be perfect—it cannot be denied that, to a great extent, it will protect the voter—it will protect any prudent voter who chooses to hold his own counsel, and to give a con scientious vote. We are not fighting against a bugbear; that there is really such a thing as intimi dation, I can prove to you by a tale of the last election. At the time of the last glorious election if I may venture so to call it—(cheers)—there was living in this town a man in a comparatively humble sphere of life, but universally respected. The man of whom I speak is - William Allen. (near.) He was a skilful moulder in iron; his wife also carried on a trade, and contributed to the susten ance of the family. The couple were bringing up their family in a highly respectable manner, and no people could be more respected in their station of life than William Allen and his wife. (Cheers.) William Allen, at the last election, ventured to give a vote for my friend Colonel Tynte and myself. (Hear, hear.) For that crime William Allen was discharged from the service of his employer. (Cries of " Shame.") He was not so situate as to be able to find employment in Bridgwater, and for that crime he became, as it were, an exile from his native town. (Renewed cries of " Shame.") Gentlemen, I need hardly say, when I knew the man was in trouble on account of a vote which he had given for me, I never rested until I saw that the evil circumstances in which he was placed were re trieved. (Continued cheering.) I am glad to be able to inform you that he is now in a better situation pecuniarily than he was at the time he gave his vote, because he is permanently employed in the establishment at Woolwich. (Hear.) But gentlemen, is this a light matter atter that a . n . honest livelihood in this town should indus trious workman, an man, l gaining a n i from his native town on account of gi u 'ving e an an ho e n x e l s e t vote at an election V What remedy have we for this ? (Loud cries of " The Ballot.") You all answer " The Ballot ;" and I, t oo, answer "The Ballot." (Great applause.) .It seems to me that the time has now arrived when, if we are to have Reform at all, it ought to be an efficaciou s and rnE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 18, 1858 I searching measure. (Cheers.) When I adopt the views which • have been propounded here with reference to the principles which ought to govern any question of Reform, let me not for one moment be misunderstood. Do not suppose that Igo to the House of Commons with an intention merely to vote, and not to deliberate; on the contrary, I pro mise you I will give a careful attention to any plan, which may be submitted by her Majesty's Minis ters, by Mr. Bright, or any member entitled to ask for attention on the subject; and that I will endeavour to do my best to adopt either the whole of any good measure, or such proportions of dif ferent measures as may seem best fitted for obtain ing the object we have in view. (Hear.) But, on the other hand, do not suppose that I'can for a moment pretend to be perfectly indifferent with regard to the persons who introduce a measure of Reform. Mr. Bright has very truly said there seems to be something almost absurd in the idea that those who have passed their lives in main taining anti-Reform principles should be the per sons now intrusted with the duty of bringing for ward a Reform Bill. It is contrary to all we do ourselves in private life. When I had the honour of asking you for support at the election, one of the topics upon which I naturally insisted was economy in our public expenditure. I think I may say I have laboured in that direction ; by many votes I have endeavoured, so far as one humble member of Parliament can, to reduce our expendi ture. You will recollect that in the course of last year we discovered that two of our fellow subjects, respectable and innocent, engaged as en gineers on board a steamer, were thrown into a noisome dungeon by the King of Naples, and were there detained during a period of many months. That circumstance became known to me, aid it seemed to me that the act of the King of Naples was contrary to the law of nations, as it was contrary to the law of God. I undertook to investigate the subject. I placed myself in communication with the Sardinian Minister in London, and I was able at last to possess myself of all the facts of the case. On the very day when her Majesty's present Minis ters first took their seats on the Treasury bench I was in a situation to bring forward this matter. When I sat down Mr. Disraeli said he regretted the fate of the engineers as much as I did, but that he could do nothing for them. But, gentlemen, the in dignation of the House of Commons became so great —(hear, hear)—the speakers who followed me ex pressed opinions so strong upon the matter, that the ministers were obliged to recant what they had said ; and I am bound to say from that time the Ministers left not a stone unturned until justice was done. The result I shall always look back to as a proud and happy circumstance in my life. Not only were the engineers restored to liberty, but they re ceived £3,000 from the King .of Naples as compen sation. (Immense applause, and a Voice, "An act done by the present Government.") Yes, done by the present Government, but done by the present Government under compulsion from the Liberal members of the House; done by the present Go vernment under compulsion from an independent member ; done by the present Government, be cause of the indignation expressed in the House of Commons, and especially because of the indignation expressed by Lord J. Russell, who, I am bound to say, with many faults, is never wanting in national spirit. (Cheers.) I believe that the course which was taken in this borough upon the occasion of the Conspiracy Bill had an effect upon the subsequent course of events which it is impossible to exaggerate. No one feels more than I do how far short my efforts. have fallen of what I myself could desire. All I can say to you is, I have done my best. It will be fcr you to say when the time of election comes, whether you will cut short my brief political career, or renew to me that vote of confidence which you placed in me at the time of the glorious election of 1857. On re suming his seat the hon. member was saluted with threejhearty cheers. On the motion of Mr. G. SULLY, votes of thanks were aceorded to the members and the chairman by acclamation. extent. The late Board of Admiralty paid off the fleet and sent the men to the right about, even in eluding the continuous service men. He was happy to say that the present Board of Admiralty, though a Conservative one, had done more during the time they had been in office than he had ever seen done by any former board. It was pretty well known that he was no Conservative himself, but he wished to do justice to those in office, whether they were Whigs, Tories, or Radicals. When the Government came into office they cast about to get up a Channel fleet. It was true they had not 3 - et come up to the number which he wished, but they had got six sail of the line. He should continue to urge the Govern ment to get them up to ten sail of the line; and if they had that number of ships well manned with real seamen—not men picked out of the streets— there would be no difficulty in the event of an emer gency in increasing them to 20. He would tell them how that could be done. They should take 10 sail of the line, manned by 1000 men each. There should be only 100 marines instead of 200 embarked on each vessel, the rest being replaced by 100 seamen, and that would give 900 able seamen and officers on board each ship The Admiralty were very properly preparing 10 sit! of the line as a first reserve, and these were nearly ready. In :the event of war one watch should be transferred from each ship of the Channel fleet abovementioned to the reserve, which would then give a fleet of 20 sail of the lined man ned by 450 men each ; let the complement be filled up by 200 marines and 100 officers and boys, who were always to be had ; this would give a fleet of 20 sail, manned by 750 men each ; and, with 250 more for each vessel, called out from the coast vo lunteers, there would then be a fleet of 20 sail of the line, better manned than was the fleet during the last war. This could be done in 48 hours, but he did not think that it was enough. There were now 7,000 of the coast guard, which were to be increased to 10,000 ; and there were in different seaports nine useless block ships to receive them. For these block ships he would substitute the second-class reserve of 10 ships which were now getting ready; and taking the coastguard to man them, we could have in 48 hours more than 30 sail of the line ready for fight ; and with such a fleet we might defy the world. Those ships in the different ports would teach the sailors that an English man-of-war was not so bad a service after all. He was happy to say that he believed the feeling was gaining ground amongst seamen that to get on board a man of war was not a bad position. He regretted that they still kept those use less block ships, mounting 74 guns, with reduced masts and yards, and some them moved by machinery of only 200 horse power, which Mr. S. Russell could tell them was of very little use. Of course to pro vide all this would cost money, and they must be prepared to hear, when the navy estimates were brought forward, that we should require a consi derable sum more than at present voted. In his opinion much of the money was ill-spent. They were now doing what they had never done before —Government was buying land at Ply mouth, Portsmouth,'and other places, and making immense land fortifications at a cost of between £300,000 and £400,000, while formerly, when we hadahnost the whole world against us, the wooden walls of Old England were sufficient for her defence, and this would be the case again ; and he considered that the money expended upon land fortifications was thrown away, except in so far as providing a few places with guns, under which vessels could run in for shelter. Let them have an efficient fleet, man it well, and it would be found the cheapest as well as the most effectual defence of the country ; and no nation, whatever might be the fleet she could send out, would ever attempt to disturb the peace and happiness of England. He was quite sure that the vote of thanks which he now begged to propose to Mr. Reed would be unanimously accorded. The vote of thanks was then passed. MR. G. STURT, 31. P., ON PA.RLIAM.LoN. TARP _REFOIOL At the Agricultural Society's dinner at Sherborne, on Thursday, in the course of his speech, in return for the health of the county members, in reference t 3 Parliamentary Reform, Mr. G. STURT said—lt is the habit of gentlemen whose power of oratory and eloquence nobody ad mires more than myself, but whose political opi nions you, as well as I, it is to be hoped, hold in abhorrence, to say that the aristocracy are a curse to the country. Mr. Bright has been going about the country, and at Birmingham he made a speech of fourhours, two of which were devoted to the abuse of the aristocracy and landed proprietors. I believe those ideas will not find an echo in your hearts. I be lieve when a large landed proprietor resides on his estate and does his duty, he is a great blessing to the country rather than a curse. When I say doing his duty, I mean living within his income; for the man who has an income of £lO,OOO a year and spends £20,000, or of £5,000 and spends £lO,OOO, is not doing his duty, and, of course, in a few years comes to grief. (Hear.) But I need not go far for an example of the truth of my statement. I will ask whether the town of Sherborne and the neigh bourhood are not much better off by Mr. Digby living at Sherborne Castle than if it were inhabited by owls P (Hear.) Mr. Bright went to another sub ject, which my hon. colleague has delicately touched upon. Now I was in hope that I should be able to tell you something authentic on that head. When in London, the other day, I saw the Lord Chancel lor on the other side of the street, so I thought I would catch him and ask him a question or two, but he parried them off in that courteous manner which belongs to official personages, and it was ap parent that if Lord Derby was not caught by the Lord Mayor, the Lord Chancellor was not to be caught by Mr. Gerard Sturt. (Laughter.) Now, gentlemen, I will give you my op i n i on a b out reform. I must confess there is a great deal of truth in a Sidney Herbert. Mr. s t a tement made by Mr. Sidney Herbert generally hits the right nail on the head, and he said nothing opened a man's eyes like a contested election ;. and I must confess that the last contested election did ope n my eyes. (Laugh ter.) I canvassed a great many towns, and I cer tainly came across many people who, by their edu cation and by the intelligent manner in which they talked, appeared entitled to the f ranc hi se, although they had not got it at the present moment. (Hear.) But, gentlemen, this is rather a ticklish subject. Still lam glad to say—l think it is a matter of congratulation to the country at large—that it has fallen to the lot of Lord Derby to brillg in the new reform bill. Now, if it had not fallen to the lot of Lord Derby it would have fallen into the hands of the Whigs. I mean the Whigs proper, not the Libervi, for they are as far apart as the two poles , • and if there is one thing which a Whig the roughly enjoys and appreciat es, i t i s a job. They were born jobbers, they Were bred jobbers, an d they will die jobbers. (Continued laughter.) Now I do hope Lord Derby, when he brings in the Re form Bill, will not lay himself open to that charge. I hope he will bring in such a bill as the advanced state of civilisation and increasing knowledge of this country demand ; and if he does this I a m convinced that the people of this country will rally round Lord Derby, and 'will not countenance any attempt to defeat him for the sake of popularity, or merely for the sake of gaining the advantage of six months office. (Hear, hear.) That is my opinion, and my advice to you is—put your trust in Lord Derby. (" Hear, hear," and loud laughter. MR. SEYMOUR FITZGERALD AND HIS CONSTITUENTS. _ At a dinner given at Horsham, on Wednesday, Mr. Seymour Fitzgerald mid It would be im proper to speak to you about the Reform Bill or any of the other bills which may form the subject of discussion in Parliament in the forthcoming ses sion. I may sa.y, however, that I speak the feel ings of those with whom I act in public life when I state that, having been called upon most unex pectedly to take office, they have received at the hands of their countryinen that which they felt sure they would receive --namely, a fair and an honourable trial. I b e li eve that so long as they consistently endeavour to do their duty the confi dence and forbearence of the country will be still accorded to them, and I feel assured that one and, all regard that confidence and forbearance as only an additional reason why they should devote every exertion in their power and every talent God has given them to the psblic service and the interests of the country. Perhap s , without infringing on your rules, I may be permitted to make one remark in reference to that department of the State with which I am more particularly connected—namely, the conduct of the foreign affairs of this coun try. Of this I am perfectly sure, and it is the inevitable result of a wise policy on the part of the governors of the country, that in every question affecting the public interests of Europe, if our statesmen act rightly, the voice of England will support them, and will be paramount and au thoritative. But, in order to secure that position —a position which of right belongs to a great empire such as this—l feel and I am sure that those who form the members of her Majesty's Government feel with me that it must not be by pursuing a policyof constant interference and meddling, but that the best way we can take to make our rights respected is by respecting the rights of others. It is obvious, therefore, that the policy of the present Government on questions respecting the affairs of foreign nations must be entirely and essentially one of non-inter ference. That is the policy required by the interests of the country—it is the policy required by the in terests of Europe ; and it i s th e po li cy required by the interests of the world at large. I do not care, and I am sure that those who act with me do not care, for any insinuations which may be thrown out that we are likely to make improper:concessions,or for one moment to neglect the honour and dignity of the country. If we were weak enough to do that, 1 am satisfied that the people of England would be just and spirited enough to punish us immediately. I believe it is not only possible, but easy for us to pursue a course of policy which, while it maintains our honour and dignity, and the general interests of the country, will not excite hostility, engender dis trust, nor alienate friendship, but will make the name and character of England respected and honoured throughout Europe." LAW INTELLIGENCE.—Dec. 17. COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH. (Sittings at Nisi Prius, at Guildhall, before Lord Campbell and a Special Jury.) SMITH V. TIIE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY COM- PANY.-ACCIDENT. The trial of this case was resumed at the sitting of the Court to-day. Mr. Edwin James, Mr. Sergeant Hayes, and Mr. Baddeley were for the plaintiff; Mr. Hawkins, Mr. It. Clarke, and Mr. Honyman for the defendants. Mr. Edwin James and Mr. Hawkins having ad dressed the jury on behalf of their respective clients, Lord Campbell summed up, directing the jury to find a verdict for the defendants if they thought the flood was unforeseen and unparalleled in the neighbourhood, that there was nothing to indicate danger, and that the train was not proceeding at excessive speed. If, however, they were of opinion that there was negligence on the part of the com pany, they would find a verdict for the plaintiff, with adequate but moderate damages. The jury, after being absent more than two hours, returned into court, when The Foreman said they had agreed to a verdict for the plaintiff—Damages, one farthing. Lord Campbell—Gentlemen, I really cannot, in the discharge of my duty, receive that verdict. It is impossible it can be right. It cannot stand. The Court of Queen's Bench will set it aside. If you find a verdict for the plaintiff you are bound to give him reasonable damages, and if he is not en titled to a verdict you must say so. I must, there fore, beg you to retire again to your chamber and reconsider your verdict. A Juror—There is no chance, my lord, of our agreeing. Another Juror—We are quite divided in opinion. Lord Campbell—l hope that by consultation and deliberation you will be able to agree. Several jurymen said it was quite impossible. Lord Campbell—Trial by jury has long flourished in England to the great benefit of the land, but it has done so by reason of jurymen deliberately and calmly consulting each other, and coming to a con clusion one side or the other. Now, it is quite clear you have not done that, and I must respectfully tell you have not done what the law requires you to do. Therefore I must beg of you to withdraw and deliberate upon your verdict. I should be guilty of a dereliction of duty if I were to receive a verdict which is unquestionably wrong. By con sultation you may change the opinion which you originally formed ; and unless juries will deliberate, and try to come to a just conclusion, in which you all concur, it will be impossible to administer the law of the country. I must request you again to withdraw. The jury then left the court. At half-past five o'clock, after the jury had been absent other two hours, Lord Campbell said—The jury, who have retired, wish to make some communication to the judge. Let them come into court, and I will hear what they have to say. The jury were then brought into court. Lord Campbell—Well, gentlemen, have you agreed on your verdict ? The Foreman—My lord, there is no chance of our coming to an agreement. Lord Campbell—l can only order you to return to your chamber and deliberate again upon your verdict. That is what the law requires, and what it is my duty to enforce. The Foreman—That is all we can say. A Juryman—We have been over it so often that there is no chance of our agreeing. Lord Campbell—The law is binding on me and you, although net to force your consciences. You must return, and be locked up until you agree. A Juryman—We have agreed. Lord Campbell—You have agreed in a verdict which I must say is contrary to law, to justice, and to common sense. lam astonished at it. No judge ever sat upon the bench with a greater respect for juries than I have; and the more I have assisted in the administration of justice in conjunctisa with juries the more I have admired the admirable tribunal which they formed. It does surprise me to find that gentlemen of your intelligence will now, after being told that your verdict cannot be received, and is a verdict contrary to law, justice, and common sense, persist in a verdict for the plaintiff ; giving it as your opinion that there was negligence on the part of the company, whereby ' the plaintiff suffered such severe injuries as were described in the evidence, and yet cutting him off with a farthing. That is not creditable. You will return to your chamber. A Juryman—Does your lordship refuse to re ceive the verdict? Lord Campbell—l do refuse to receive it, as the law requires me. You must return to your chamber and reconsider your verdict. The jury then withdrew. Lord Campbell, before quitting the bench, di rected the associate of the court to receive a proper verdict ; but intimated that if the jury persisted in the verdict they had already returned, he should certainly not discharge them until to•morrow morning. At twelve o'clock the jury had not agreed to their verdict, and consequently they will remain locked up until the sitting of the court to-morrow morning. ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. ..•%OXFORD CIRCUIT—WORCESTER, DEC. 17. (Before Mr. Justice Erle.) TIIE CHARGE OF MURDER. The trial of Harriet Webster, her daughters, Har riet and Emma Loverock, and Edward Oliver, for the murder of John Webster, the husband of the first named prisoner, in August last, occupied until the rising of the Court last night. The defence set up was mainly that there was no proof that death had arisen from the blows inflicted by the prisoners on the deceased, and that it might be attributed to his dissipated habits. The trial ended in the acquittal of the prisoners. This morning Michael Francis Fletcher Wood, described in the calendar as an engineer, was charged with obtaining a quantity of coals from Messrs. Williams, coal merchants, of Worcester, with intent to defraud them ofthe same. Two months ago the prisoner came to Worcester,and took a ware house and offices on the quay, which he had fitted up in a business-like manner, giving orders to the tradesmen liberally for that purpose. He repre sented that he was agent for the firm of Galloway and Company, contractors of Manchester, who had the execution of some large railway works at Wor cester, and in their name he ordered goods of a great ' number of tradesmen of Worcester—sta tioners, brewers, tailors, haberdashers, furniture brokers, and others. Suddenly the warehouse was closed about three weeks ago, and then the trades men bethought themselves to write to Messrs. Gal. loway, who promptly replied that they knew nothing whatever of the advent - 111th% He was traced to Birmingham, and a good deal of the goods were reeovcred. He had sold the coal which he had ordered to a publican. When apprehended, be said he said he was " hard up," and was bound to do something for a living, and that after all it was only a debt. He was found guilty, and sentenced to four years' penal servitude. The business of the assize was finished this evening MIDLAND CIRCUIT.—WAnivwx, DEC. 17. .(Before Mr. Justice Wightman.) THE PROOF-ROUSE FORGERIES AT BIRMINGHAM: Chas. Cresser, 54, formerly clerk and cashier in the employ of the guardians of the Birmingham Proof-house, was arraigned on an indictment con taining five counts, three for forging receipts, with intent to defraud, and two for stealing a number of cheques, the property of the Proof-house guar dians. The prisoner's offences extended over a period from the 25th of June, 1857, to the 26th of August, 1858. The prisoner had been for many years employed in a very responsible situation at the Proof-house. He was implicitly trusted, and up to the time of the discovery of his dishonesty, he was considered to be a trustworthy man. About 18 months ago, he appeared to have made the ac quaintance of a young woman, by whose blandish ments he was induced to abandon his wife, family, and home, and take up his abode with her at a honse in Deritend, Birmingham. At that place he esta- I blished the young woman in business as a confectioner purchased expensive dresses fo.• her, and also set up a horse and gig. All went on well until Cresser was asked one day at the Proof-house to produce a cer tain document•. He pretended to leave the room in . search of it, but did not return. An investigation of course took place, which led to the discovery of delinquencies to a serious amount. Every means were adopted to trace the fugitive, and in a few days he was captured at a farm house near Broms grove, by Inspector Edmonds. Upon being placed in the dock Cresser did not betray the slightest emotion, but pleaded guilty in a clear tone to each indictment. Mr. Spooner, who represented the prisoner, called attention to his previous good character, and called Mr. Landy, of the firm of Ha r tl e y an d Landy, ac countants, Birmingham, who said that he had known the prisoner from May, 1837. They wel• both in the employ of Mr. M'Michael, accountant, 'who died in 1851, and prisoner remained with wit ness and his partner two years afterwards. During the time witness had known him prisoner's charac ter for honesty and integrity had been unimpeach able. After leaving them, prisoner went into busi ness, and afterwards into the employment of the guardians of the Proof-house. The judge sentenced the prisoner to be kept in penal servitude for four years. NORTHERN CIRCUIT—LIVERPOOL, Dec. 17. (Before Mr. Justice Hill.) CHARGE OF OBSTRUCTING A RAILWAY. John Owen, a farmer at Rainhill, near Liverpool, was charged with obstructing the London and North Western Railway, near the Rainhill Station, on the 12th ult. The defendant in this case was a,farmer of consi derable respectability, whose land lies close to the line of railway between Liverpool and Manchester. Through one part of Mr. Owen's land there is a road leading over the line by a level crossing: there is a gate on each side of the line, and on the occa sion referred to one of the gates, that on defendant's side of the line, was a little open. Mr. Owen find ing that there were on his premises some sheep trespassing, and wishing to drive them out, the pro • secution alleged that he sent them over a wall upon the line, and allowed them to remain there. This was between 10 and 15 minutes to 9 o'clock, about the time that the express train was expected, and which passed about a minute after the sheep were got off the line by Mr. J. C. Poore, who happened to be near the station at the time. Several wit. nesses were called to prove that the defendant drove the sheep on to the line, and that while they were on the line Mr. Owen closed the gate on his side, in the chin& of which he must have seen them; and that as he lived so near to the line, defendant must have known the times of the trains passing. Mr. Aspinall in this case appeared for the prose cution, -and Mr. Segar, Q.C., assisted by Mr. Wheeler, conducted the defence. The learned judge, after reading the act of 'gar liament touching this matter; told the jury that it a person by any means committed such acts as might obstruct a railway, he would be guilty of a misde meanour although, no accident really took place. The defence set up was that the defendant was try ing to drive a colt which was in a field, and that his efforts to get the colt away frightened the sheep, which escaped without the act of Mr. Owen, further than his running after the colt, and that the prose cution had failed to prove that any motive existed in the defendant sufficient to account for the act charged upon him. Whilst Mr. . Segar was addressing the jury the learned judge interposed by saying that the act must have been wilfully performed by Owen to prove the case for the prosecution. Mr. Aspinall,in replying on the whole case, said that the prosecution imputed nothing worse to the defendant then reckless conduct, under the influ ence of momentary excitement, occasioned by the sheep trespassing upon his land. The learned counsel, however, contended that the act of Mr. Owen was one which was fraught with danger, and it became the jury to discourage all negligence of that kind. The jury acquitted Mr. Owen, and his lordship at once discharged him. At the conclusien of this case the learned judge informed the jury that the business of the assizes was terminated ; and after thanking them for their persevering attention, he discharged them. FROM THE GAZETTE OP YESTERDAY. ST. JAMES'S PALACE, DEc. 16. The Queen has been pleased to appoint the Hon. Wel lington..Patrick-Manvers-Chetwynd Talbot, Lieut -Coleael of the Ist King's Own Regiment of Staffordshi re Militi a , t o be Sergeant-at-Arms in linary to her Majesty, to attend the Right Hon. the Lord Chancellor, Lord Keeper, or Lord Commissioners of the Great Seal of Great Britain for the time being, in the room of Lieut.-Colonel Alexander Per ceval, deceased. WHITEHALL, DEC. 8. The Lord Chancellor has appointed the following gentle men to be Commissioners to administer oaths in the High Court of Chancery in England, under the Act of Parlia ment passed for the relief of her Majesty's subjects pro fessing the Jewish religion : Frank James, Esq., of Merthyr Tydfil. Joseph Foster, Esq., of Thorne, York s hi r e. Richard Reeder Crosse, Esq., of Collumpton, Devon shire. John Devereux Pugh, Esq., of Wrexham. WAR-OFFICE, PALL-MALL, DEc. 17. 2d Regiment of Dragoons—John Wallace Hozier, Gent., to be Cornet, by. purchase, vice Ross, promoted. 4th Light Dragoons—Capt. Thomas White Goodrich, from the Cape Mounted Riflemen, to be Captain, paying the difference between Infantry and Cavalry, vice George W. Hunt, who exchanges, receiving the same; Capt. Archibald Philip Douglas, from the 16th Foot, to be Captain, paying the difference bet ween I n f an t r y an d Cavalry, vice Benjamin A. Branfill, who exchanges, re ceiving the same. 10th Light Dragoons—Lieut. James John Wynniatt has been permitted to retire from the Service by the sale of his Commission. 17th Light Dragoons—Cornet Francis James King to be Lieutenant, without purchase, vice Seymour, promoted. Military Train—Ensign William Townley to be Lieutenant, by purchase, vice Dowling, who retires. sth-Regiment of Foot—Brevet Lieut.-Colonel William Chester Master to be Lieutenant-Colonel, without pur chase, vice Kennedy, retired upon full-pay ; Capt. John Swaine Hogge to be Major, without purchase, vice Master; Lieut. John Robson Carlisle to be Captain, without purchase, vice Hogge. 7th Foot—Ensign H. M. Harding has been Rermitted to retire from the Service by the sale of his Commission. 14th Foot—The second Christian name of Lieutenant Frizell is Bruckfield, and not Brackfield, as stated in the Gazette of the 10th inst. 16th Foot—Captain Benjamin A. Branfill, from the 4th Light Dragoons, to be Captain, vice A. P. Douglas, who exchanges. 22d Foot—Lieutenant George Ralph Hassan, from the 84th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Francis E. E. Wilson, who exchanges; George Waller Vesey, Captain, Tyrone Militia, to be Paymaster, vice Young, appointed to the 23d Foot. 31st Foot—Ensign David Matthew La Touche, from King's Own Light Infantry Militia, to be Ensign, with out purchase, vice Gardiner, promoted. 34th I?oot—Lieutenant Richard Newton, from the 58th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Shiffner, who exchanges. 35th Foot—Ensign Henry Edmund Fryer to be Lieute• nant, by pycliase, 'vise Ross, whose promotion, by pur dhase, on the 70. September, 1858, has been cancelled. 58th Foot—Lieutenant Bertio Shiffner, from the 34th Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Newton, who exchanges. 59th Foot—Paymaster F. L. Bennett, from half-pay Depot Battalion, to be Paymaster, vice Addison, who resigns. 84th Foot—Lieut. F. E. E. Wilson, from the 22d Foot, to be Lieutenant, vice Hassan, who exchanges. 98th Foot. —Lieut. Wm. Blackett to be Captain, by pur chase, vice Knight, who retires. Rifle Brigade—Brevet - Lieutenant - Colonel Lord A. G. ll Russe to be Lieutenant-Colonel, by purchase, vice Brevet-Colonel E. A. Somerset, who retires upon half pay Unattached ; Captain E. M. Buller to be Major, by purchase vice Lord A. G. Russell; Lieut. Jam Clerk to be CaPtain, by purchase, vice Diller ; Ensign T. Parr to be Lieutenant by purchase, vice Clerk. Cape Mounted Rifles—Captain G. W. Hunt, from the 4th Light Dragoons, to be Captain, vice T. W. Goodrich, who exchanges. Gold Coast Artillery Corps—Ensign and Adjutant Francis John Bolton to have the rank of Lieutenant ; Ensign Thomas G. Danger to be Lieutenant, without purchase, vice J. H. Thompson, deceased ; Ensign Edwin Hewett to be Lieutenant, without purchase, vice Danger, whose promotion on the 26th November, 1858, has been can celled ; Edward Westropp Smyth, Gent., to be Ensign, without purchase, vice Hewett. Garrisons—The Rev. David Arthur to be Chaplain to the Garrison at Fort George. Hospital Staff—To be Assistant-Surgeons to the Forces— Patrick Barrett Kearney, Nnt., vice Boyd, appointed to the 56th Foot ;. George Smith, Gent., vice Gordon, deceased; Robert Austen Allen; 5.1. D., vice Schofield, deceased . MEmonArimmi.—Major-General Edward Studd, Lieu tenant-Colonel on half-pay Unattached, has been per mitted to retire from the Service by the side of an Unat tached Lieutenant-Colonelcy. • WAR-OFFICE, PALL-MALL, DEC. 17. MEMORANDUM.—Lieutenant Christopher J. ,Lloyd, of the Ist West York Militia, having obtained a First Class Certificate at the School of Musketry at Hythe, has been appointed by the General Commanding-in-Chief, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State for War, to Act as in structor of Musketry to the Ist West York Regiment of Militia. COMMISSIONS BY LORDS-LIEUTENANT. East Kent Regiment of Militia—John Arthur Capel Branfill to be Ensign, vice Barry, resigned. sth Regiment of West York Militia—Horace Kaye, Gent., to be Ensign; Edward Whitacre Davies, Gent., to be Ensign. Oxfordshire Regiment of Militia—Herbert Buchanan, Gent., to be Lieutenant, vice Aston, promoted. 3d tegiment of King's Own Staffordshire Militia—Domi nick Herbert Trant, Gent., to be Ensign. 2d Royal Lanarkshire Militia—Henry Dunlop, Gent., to be Lieutenant, vice Mariette, resigned ; Oliver William Simpson Hoare, Gent., to be Ensign, vice Townley, re signed. • NOR= Youx RIFLES.—Her Majesty has been pleased, to direct that Lieut. Henry James Story, of the North . York Militia, who absented himself from the recent train ing of the Regiment, and disobeyed the orders of the Com manding Officer, shonld be removed from the strength of the corps from the 27th Oct., 1858. MEMOUANDUI. I i..--18t Royal Lan ar k s hi re M ilitia—The Christian names of Ensign Gossling, gazetted 3d Sept. last, are " George Johnson," not " G eorge Johnston." BANKRUPTCY ANNULLED. William Weller, stone mason, Woolwich. BANKRUPTS. George Rogers, stock broker, Abchurch-lane, City, Dec. 24, at two, and Jan. 28, a t one, at at the Court of Bank ruptcy . - - Prederick Edward Bear, tobacconist, Crown-row, Mile end, Dec. 28, at twelve, and Jan. 27, 'at two, • at the Court of Bankruptcy. George Henry Venables, paper maker, Clapton's Mills, near Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire, Dec. 28, at h a lf-p as t twelve, and Feb. 3, at twelve, at the Court of Bankruptcy. Samuel UnwinAdraper, Nottingham, , Dec. 30 and Jan. 20, at half-past ten, at the Birmingham District Court. William Jackson, elder, soap manufacturer, Kingston upon-Hull, Jan. 12 and Feb. 9, at twelve, in the Town hall of Kingston-upon -Hull, Thomas Hastings and Samuel Heron, drapers, Kingston • .m•••••••••••••• upon-Hull, Jan. 12 and Feb. 9, at twelve, at dhe Townhany Kingston-upon-Hull. SCOTCH BANKRUPTS. Andrew Gillespie, merchant, Edinburgh. J. Smith and Co., coal agents, Helensburgh, Dumbartc shire. Alexander Wallace, wright and builder, Glasgow. William Miller, jun., oil merchant, Springfield, Glasgow. John Campbell, seed merchant, Queen-street, Glasgow. William IWLarty, grocer, Invercloy, near Brodick, in the Island of Arran. Elizabeth Cuthbertson, Edinburgh. Robert Ross, shipowner, Willowbank , near Wick, Caith ness-shire. SIR CHARLES NAPIER ON THE NAVY. On Wednesday the weeklymeeting of the Society of Arts was held—Admiral Sir Charles Napier, K.C.8., in the chair. The paper read was " On the Modifications which the Ships of the Royal Navy have, undergone during the Present Century in re spect of Dimensions, Form, Means of Propulsion, and Powers of Attack and Defence," by Mr. E. J. Reed. The author began by observing that the science of naval architecture was so greatly ad vanced on the Continent and so much neglected in England during the last century, that the form, dimensions, and speed of the ships of the British navy were for the most part inferior to those of every nation with which they had to cope; indeed, the only mode of impcovement which the naval authorities of that period countenanced was that of imitating the forms of such captured vessels as were deemed superior to our own. The tendency then was greatly to overburthen vessels • this was one of the greatest di ffi culties with w hich our naval commanders had to contend. Mr. Reed touched upon the causes of some of our naval disasters during the American war, and then passed to the improvement in construction introduced by Sir R. Steppings, whom he thought deserving of much credit. The unfavourable influence exercised, in Mr. Reed's opinion, by Sir Wm. Symonds, while surveyor of the navy, was then pointed out ; his opposition to the use of the screw propeller, now so universally adopted,having considerably retarded our naval progress. The introduction of iron for ships of war had been, in the author's opinion, rashly conducted, for in 1843 the Admiralty had commenced building iron ships, and in three years built and purchased 18 such vessels, at a cost of about £680,000. This material, ho*hver had been found to possess many disadvantages„ Tie effect of shot upon it had been found to be destructive, and the bottoms of ships built of it were found to get rapidly foul. The author then passed on to describe the state of the navy during the late Russian war, and maintained that the spectacle of one Rus sian fleet sunk by Russian hands at Sebastopol, and of another trembling behind stone fortresses in the shallow waters of Cronstadt, was one the record of which wo certainly might recall without shame. He then gave a rapid review of the present state of our nervy, and expressed his opinion that floating bat teries had met with undeserved condemnation. The subject of the steam ram, which had attracted con siderable public attention, was then discussed, the author's opinion being that it would be found to be so unwieldly in its character that ships would have no difficulty in avoiding collision with it. In con clusion, Mr. Reed maintained that while it must be allowed that considerable improvements might be made in the construction of our ships, yet that such alterations would prove enormously expensive, be sides being of very questionable policy; for by eagerly arming ourselves with all the warlike agen cies which science has placed at our disposal, we might certainly make our navy most terrible; but we should at the same time, by the very prepon derance of our might, compel all other powers, secretly at least, to make common cause against us, and thus prepare the way for universal strife. On the other hand, if we contented ourselves with vigi lantly observing the changes which other powers made, and adopting only such improvements as were necessary to keep alive that wholesome re spect which all nations now felt for us, we should neither encourage ambitious powers by our weak ness nor alarm timid powers by our strength, but should continue to stand a solid and impregnable bulwark, in the shelter of which men might peace fully work out their highest and noblest destinies. The CHAIRMAN said it was his duty to propose a vote of thanks to Mr. Reed for his paper, which he must say was drawn up with great - ability, and contained much valuable information. bef ore doing so, however, he would make a few observa tions upon one point of the paper especially, in order that it might not go forth to the public that we had the large available naval force there spoken of. Mr. Reed had stated that the fleet of screw steam ships consisted of 51 line-of-battle ships, each armed with 8-inch shell guns and 32- pounder solid shot guns, &c. Mr. Reed, in making that statement, undoubtedly meant that they had built and launched 51 sail of the line. He could not mean to convey that there was that force ready for service at the present day. He (the chairman) sincerely wished there was, and then all their fears about invasion would be groundless. He believed there was not more than half that number. Of course he alluded to screw line-of-battle ships ; because he regarded all sailing ships of war as so much waste timber, and the sooner they got rid of them the better. Mr. Reed had very truly said that what was required was a well-manned Channel fleet, and with that we could set at defiance all the powers of Europe. But the difficulty was to get such a fleet—he meant a fleet manned by really efficient seamen. A Royal commission was now sitting with a view to find out what were the real grievances of the sailors, and what was the — reason they did not readily enter the navy. He believed that commission would very shortly make its re port, and he trusted that the Government would pay attention to it, emanating as it would from able and experienced officers, and not throw it aside, as had been done with the last report made to them. A good Channel fleet was what he had always contended for ; and he would point out in a very few words how it could be. obtained. They probably all knew that he (the chairman) had both publicly and privately—in the House of Commons and elsewhere—done his utmost to induce the Government to get up a Channel fleet of only ten sail of the line. He only asked for a fleet of that BANK OF ENGLAND. An Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth Victoria, cap. 32, for the week ending on Wednesday, the 15th day of December, 1858: ISSUE DEPARTMENT. Notes issued • £32,852,470 Government Debt X 11,015, 100 Other Securities .. 3,459,9 00 • Gold Coin & Bullion 18,377,47 0, Silver Bullion .... £32,852,4701 £32,852,4: 1 0 BANKING D Proprietors' Capi tal £14,553,000 Rest Public Deposits (in cluding Exche quer, Savings' Banks, Commis mis stoners of Na tional Debt, and . . Dividend Ac- . . EPARTMINT. Government Secu rities (including Dead Weight A nnuity) X10,808, 591 Other Securities 15,988 0 3, Notes Gold and Silver Coin c 45,8 99 counts) 9,526,771 Other Deposits 12,606,131 Seven Day and other Bills 763,862 X 40,550,208 31 Dated Dec. 16,1858., 440,550,2 03 kfARSHALL, Chief Cashier. AVERAGE PRICE OF SUGAR. The Average Price of Brown or Muscovado Sugar, com puted from Returns made in the week ending the 14th daY of Dec., 1858, exclusive of the duties of Customs paid or payable thereon, on . the importation thereof into Great Britain : . . Per cwt. . . From the British , possessions in America 2Bs 6,1 d Muscovado, the produce of the Mauritius 27s lid Muscovado, the produce of the East Indies, 30s Sid Average price of the foregoing 29s lid COUNTRY MARKETS. LIVERPOOL-DEC. 17. The [ weather has been damp and foggy, with a cold at mosphere. The trade since Tuesday has been inactive, which is usually the case at this season of the year, and at to-day's market a moderate business was transacted a t full prices for wheat and flour, and other articles, excepting oats and oatmeal, which were rather cheaper. Returns of British wheat this week : 108,311 quarters, at , 41s Od Corresponding week 1857 : 100,416 quarters, at .. Corresponding week 1856 : 107,808 quarters, at 49s 561 60s id WAKEFIELD—DEC. 17. There was a moderate supply, and generally a stead/ market for wheat, but the prices remained without muck' change. Barley and beans is cheaper. NORTHALLERTON—DEc. 15. There was a middling supply of grain, to-day, and a slow business at the annexed prices :---White wheat, from ös od to 5s 6d per bushel ; red, 4s 9d to 5s 3d ; barley, 3s is 4s 6d per do. ; oats, 2s 9d to 4s ; beans, 65 to 6s 6d. EXETE The grain market confirm( being quite of a retail nature. Wheat, white.. 5s Od to 5s 3d Barley.. 4s Od to 4s 3 d I Ditto, red .ssOdto 5s 3d Oats .38 Od to 3s 3d -DEC. 17. very quiet indeed, bueiness Flour, fine, 29s to 30s ; seconds, 28s to 29s per sack. CATTLE.--The market was fairly supplied with stock, but business appeared to be small. Fat beef, p score, 9s to lOs Od Ewes, per lb .... 51d to Od Pork carcases, do 7sod to 8s Od Wethers, do. .6dto 6d Lambs, per lb. Od to Od Fat calves, d0....6d to 7 Rough fat, 41d per lb. RIPON-Dm. 16. There has been a good supply of grain at market to-day, and to effect sales a slight reduction had to be submitted to. White wheat, 55 6d to 5s 9d per bushel; red, 4s 3d to 6s 6d ; barley, 30s to 34s per qr. ; oats, 18s to 225. DUBLIN-DEC. 16. At this morning's market there was a very small at tendance, and a very dull tone in the trade, sellers making scarcely last day's prices. Foreign quiet and unchanged in value. Flour in limited demand. Indian corn was only nominal. s. d. s. d. s. d. s. d. Wheat, white 22 6to 24 6 Do., new ..... 11 6to 13 0 Do., red 2l 6to 22 6 Bere Do., new .... 21 6to 24 6 Rapeseed Barley Oats Do., black ll oto 12 0 Indian corn .. 26 oto 29 0 BRISTOL SUGAR—DEC. 17. The arrivals continue on a most limited scale, and the offices are consequently very indifferently supplied with samples. Refiners' produce again dull, but prices are not lower. Rum in good demand, and about 200 puncheons Demerara have found buyers at 2s 2d per proof gallon, be sides several transactions in Jamaicas for removal from London and Liverpool. • COAL MAR] (Prices of Coal per Ton a :ET—DEc. 17. the clone .f the market.) Walls End. s. d. Buddle's West Hartleyl4 6 Byass's Debside West.' Hartley :14 6 Lambert's W. Hartley.l4 6 Wylam l5 6 Tanfield Moor Butes l2 3 Davison'sWestHartleyls 0 Walker Primrose 13 3 Holy well 15 6 Halley ll 0 Morpeth W. Hartley 14 3 S. d. Northumberland .......16 0 Bell I. 16 9 Acorn Close 17 9 Eden 17 9 Harton „,.. 17 0 Bradyll's Hett0n......18 3 0 Kepier Grange 18 Heugh Hall 17 9 Eden Main 17 3 Lumley l6 6 Harvey ..16 0 Nixon's Merthyr..... 21 0 Powell'sDuffrynSteam2l 0 Nixon's Duffryn 21 0 Walls End. Hetton l9 0 Whitworth ..15 3 Stewart's; l9 0 COURSE OF EXCHANGE._YESTERDAY. Amsterdam Ditto Rotterdam — 11 171 11 17 Antwgrp Brussels — 25 30 25 35 Hamburgh - t13 7 13 71 Paris Ditto Marseilles Frankfort on Maine — 1181 119 Vienna Trieste - 10 40 10 43 Petersburgh — 351 36 Madrid _. _ _ 491 49 Cadiz - 49/ 49 __ Leghorn — Genoa — Naples Palermo — Messina — Lisbon Oporto Rio Janeiro New York — 29 O 29 g7i 25 45 26 60 491 40 122 1221 , 122 k 122 52 4 . 1 - 62 521 53 • • E.I. Co's Ws. House Ms. 60d Calcutta, Co.'s rupee 26 231 Bombay ditto Madras ditto 26 231 East India Company's, Bills drawn from the 24th ult. to _ _ the Bth inst. „. £1,201 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 BenNal. Madras. Bombay X 1,20 1 5 0 Foreign Gold in Bars (Standard)....per oz. £3 17 9 Mexican Dollars ... Silver in Bars (Standard) „ 05 li [ADVERTISEMENT.] — HoIIoway's Ointment.—Hydroce phalus or Water in the Head.—Teething.—lnfancy is always a time of anxiety te,pare4ts. The little indications of departing health require such constant vigilance to de tect and correct them before the feeble frame falls into dis ease. The grand source of serious infantile sufferings is the nervous system, w hi c h t ee thi ng sa dl y i rr it a t es , laying the foundation for fits, wasting, and water on the brain. To allay this 1391 yous irritability has been the endeavour of the noblest phygicianii, who have devoted all their skill to accomplish this end, but with no certainty, till Professor Holloway discovered this Ointment, which, being well rubbed upon the spine and head, passes through the skin, penetrates every structure, and purifies the blood. BIRTHS. BIICKLEY.—On the 15th inst., at 13, Eaton-place, So u th, the wife of Alfred Buckley, Esq., of a son. ECCLES.—On the 15th inst., at 'PearceSeld, Tunbridge wells, the wife of Alfred Eccles, F.R.S., of a daughter. KER.—On the 14th inst., at Montalto, county Down, the seat of D. S. Ker, Esq , the wife of R. Ker, Esq., M.P.. of a son. MORRIS.—On the 17th inst., the wife of R. Morris, Esq., 38, Woburn - place,_Russell-square, of a son. MARRIAGES. STANH OPE — CROMPToN.—On the 15th inst., at the parish church, Kirby Wiske, Percy, second son of the H on . and Rev. Fitzßoy Stanhope, to Helenora, only daughter of Joshua S. Crompton, Esq., of , Sion-hill, and Azerley, Yorkshire. SowAnn--DAvisoiv.—On the 16th inst., at Holloway Con gregational Church, William Soward, Esq., of Tuffnell park-road, to Elizabeth Maria, eldest daughter of Robt. Davison, Esq., of Grove Lodge, Tollington-park. DEATHS. AUSTEN.—On the 15th inst., at Southampton, Captain F. W. Austen, R.N., the eldest son of Admiral Sir F. W. Austen, K.C.8., aged 49. ALLT.—On the 15th inst., at Kensington-square, William Alit, aged 82. CHESTER.—On the 10th inst., suddenly, the Rev. Anthony Chester, of Chicholey Hall, Bucks, aged 59. COLLARD.—On the 15th inst., at Gore-street, Monkton, Isle of Thanet, Henry Collard, aged 87. JENNEY.—On the 14th inst., at Hasketon, Suffolk, Anne (Tenney, daughter of E. Jenney, Esq., of Bredfield and Hasketon, aged 90. MACFARLANE.—On the 9th inst., at the Chuterhouse , Charles MacFarlane, Esq., aged 58. WILTON.—On the 16th inst., at Egerton Lodge, Melton Mowbray, Mary Margaret, Countess of Wilton. WYNNE.—On the 13th inst., at Brighton, Willi am Wyatt Wynne, Esq., Secretary to the British Gaslight Cony 'Any. - LONDON : Printed and Published by MTJRDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Middlesex, Saturday, Deccutber 18, 1858. J o h n 1 Pranci Sir w . 31. p. Sir W a T horne .oh n / Joh n I john 1 Stowa, n LOSS ,0rri,,,11" Alfred The ry f t nom ~Xdwar ...born e Sir Al Bart .L0)14 1 henry a Urn B tltar c t. N 0 1 The talent With , CllClp and F bitee and Mark LE inter ( SIOL SON tin Authi Itor, Two A' 2 58: j G' AN D r qu Lewis Thom r r ll SOLI, to Polt The In th e e ;'; Willi h i Tito Ai;', t le,iPal , rol cation Its G Sir , NO PIR T I 9 th . FL Corp Lo p In , Parti4 Thy nearl cent. tcii Pa3lo Th, lean . An Life. Th ~lllov blew 'and( on oi due. Witio 1181; 111 Ii Ifni ralo !1l: int e GrE. 1 1A P fl; cLor A Phi l a rori atai th e Na am so n 1