The Sun. — London, England, 1848-07-18 00:00:00

MN i that C was It ap form lie d not into of doe (Mr. eland, )w the Irish y any e for iatho- e this rileges of- the )tland, .e hind. ;round cation s prin. ceeded lought end to volley to that orrupt e that °veva )pposer .ged. num of 'mock, hester, heffield South d Dor an and to St. rnal is Corn" obarr ~why , a ere ba me ail' )37,0 0 ' )rbtA 3 ,..: noboo 7 h e coo" Ltroduo e w ool be f e : ou" ass had of t he , grain" ear that I there" deqU ate tiQD— f . U „ r w i privy' a the consumer was not at all interested in a gentility of ' rum hi n g home pre icntti r o o n d e uc o ed n i nthleiecuonotfraaryrtahnetiitnytroota spirits eti ( o if f a more seductive and de leterious s p irit, instead of being d u an advanta;e to the consumer, would have altogether an opposite tendency. He should not object to see the dis tilling interest of this country diminished by the spread of temperance, or by the duty being raised so high as to lessen the consumption of spirits. In 1846 the consump tion of rum in Ireland was only 74,000 gallons; last year, with a differential duty of 9d., it was 176,000 gallons. It was gradually increasing; and, should this measure become law, the people in Ireland would acquire a taste for that spirit, to their manifest injury. The Irish distiller, in particular, had great cause for com plaint, when he saw that his interest as a manufac turer was sacrificed to the carrying of a measure pro peunded by Government, which had not given Satisfac tion to any party—sacrificed, too, in the teeth of the leaders and friends of the West Indi eparty, whose opinions were decidedly against the Government mea sure. If the measure were one of a comprehensive na ture, carrying out the principles of free trade and .theapening an article of consumption, it should have his decided support ; but when he found that a measure which had been universally condemned in the House and out of it was to be made the pretext for ruining the distillers—for such he believed would be its effect—he must oppose such a measure. There had been something like a breach of faith with the distillers, for last year the Right Hon. Gentleman had stated that a protec tive duty of 6d. a gallon.would only be a fair one. Not• withstanding this, after receiving various representations from the distillers, he had made the differential duty equal to 9d., and the distillers looked upon that as a settlement.—(Hear, hear.) The distillers were ready to carry out the principles of free trade in refe rence to their own trade as well as others ; and Mr. Currie, an eminent distiller of the metropolis, whose evidence the Right Hon. Gentleman seemed to have overlooked, had stated that in his manufactory 40,000 quarters of grain were annually worked up into 800,000 gallons of British spirits ; but that if the Excise restrictions were removed he could work up annually 96,000 quarters of grain, and produce his spirits at Is. tkl. per gallon, the average price, according to the Right Hon. Gentleman, being 2s. Hence, the restrictions were equivalent to an increase of 6d. a gallon in the price. He and other Irish representatives had been much dis appointed in the course taken by the Right Hon. Gen tleman : he therefore felt it his duty to oppose this mo tion. It was proposed, in the first place, to make an al lowance for the malt duty paid by the distillers ; but it should be known that scarcely any malt spirits were manufactured in Ireland, malt was little used in the dia -1 tilleries except in Scotland. In Ireland the quantity of malt used by the raw grain distiller was nearly double that used by the raw grain distillers in this country ; and 2iq. a .gallon would be more like an equivalent for it than the lid. proposed by the Right Honourable Gentleman. Atter a careful exami nation of the various calculations placed before the West India Committee, he found the allowance of a penny a gallon for plant was a fair one; and that the Right Hon. Gentleman had entirely overlooked. For the alter ations between distilling and brewing which now neces sarily took place, and the consequent loss of saccharine matter, an allowance of 2d. per gallon at least ought to be made. As to the rectification, he believed the dis- for their production, in accordance with the a dditional P_ thee of the commodity from which it was manufac tured. He did not admit these claims to increased pro tection on the ground of their adoption of the system of rectifying their spirits. Tha t extra expense in England would not exceed 2 1 d . p er g allon ; and further consideration convinced him that he was right in the rejection of these ,claims on that ground. In the same way he had resisted the claim of the raw grain distillers on account of the alteration of the corn clutY• With respect to the malt duty, they claimed be cause a certain quantity of malt was indispensably ne cessary to enable them to distil from raw grain ; the proportion was 1-11th of malt to .11-11ths of raw grain. To that extent they were entitled to some allowance, in consideration of the duty paid on the malt so indispen sably used. They claimed lid. per gallon, but lid. per gallon was a little more that' they were actually en titled to. The next claim rested on the decreases, for which they asked 3i-d. per gallon; and this was the amount put by, Mr. Kaley in his evidence before the Select Committee—the same amount as was allowed on rums; but a Parliamentary paper to which that gentle man had referred sh o wed . that in Ireland the de ficienc y allowedduty on spirits warehoused in Iredlan had on ly been equal to one farthing 15.100ths per gallon, while on that warehoused, in Scotland the allowance was 56-looths of a farthing per gallon. These figures dif fered in a very, degree from the statement he (the Chancellor of the Exchequer) had made in 1847. That Statement gave,33-100ths of ld. for Scotland, and for Irelandaxactljilhe same—a farthing and 15-100ths of a penny. With regard to England there was not the same means of drawing an accurate c onclusion ; but it was evident that if an allowance per gallon were made equal to :what he had stated, it would to an equivalent for-the whole loss from decreases to which spirits were subject in the 'warehouse. He had been very anxious to allow the duty to be.levied on the spirits coming out of the warehouse instead of at the worm's end, as at pre sent ; but he • was sorry to [say the risk to the revenue Would be to such an amount that he should not now be justified in -incurring it. As between the distiller and the revenue this alteration would incur the risk of losing 100,000/. of duty, which amount would be sacrificed by only levying the duty when .the spirit came out of bond, instead- of. levying it at the worm's end. So far as protection against colonial spirits was concerned, if he gave the British distiller id. a gallon—the utmost they themselves asked—this would be more than an ample protection for any loss they might incur by paying the duty at the worm's end. Taking lid. as an equivalent tor the malt duty, and fd. as an equivalent for what they would gain by being allowed to pay duty on the spirit coming out of the warehouse—this would be infinitely more advanta geous to them than au alteration in the mode of levying the duty ; for in. that .case there, would clearly be no reason whatever for putting an .additional duty on colo nial rum. As in England spirits were not warehoused at all, as.s,- large, quantity of . Scotch spirits, and about three-fourths of the. Irish, were. sent into this country without being warehoused, it was, quite clear that a greater benefit would be conferred on, the home distiller by giving him this protection than by altering the mode of levying the duty. He now came to the last item, the excise restrictions. A most formidable list of those re strictions had been .made out by the Noble Lord oppo site (Lord G. Bentinck) in his resolutions ; but, viewing them in the intelligible, business-like way of pounds, ahillings,tand pence, they did. not run up to an amount which -need alarm the distiller.—(hear.) Various documente Stated the cost of. manufacturing British spirits et about 2s. the gallon, before the duty was paid ; of this, Is. 6d. was the cost of the raw material, and 6d. the cost .of the manufacture. He did not deny that the excise restrictions .interfered with the manufacture to some extent, but it was to an extent much less than was commonly believed ; and, in some instances, that inter ference had not been without utility for the protection of the distiller himself. Be that as it might, the supposition that out of the cost of manufacture, 6d. the gallon, more than one-third, was due to excise restrictions, was a sup position that no one acquainted with the expenses of production would readily receive. But that calculation was not borne cut by the information before the House. 'Gentlemen in stating their own case always took the Most favourable view of it ; and there were some remark able instances of this in the ese of the distillers' claims. To estimate • the decreas a es at 34d. per gallon, when he had shown that they did not amount to id., was a pretty. strong proof of the partial view which gentlemen took of their own case. Two years ago a statement was put into his hand in which the distillers themselves estimated the expenses of rectification at 6d.; but by their statement given before the Committee this year the estimate had dwindled down to 3d. Two or three • years before, their estimates had been 10d. then Ed. Hence, he was warranted in saying that statements made for the purpose of making out a ca se w ee ho ot ma de with all the accuracy that was desir.ld in 'his hand a statement of a claim made on the Board of Excise for loss by d ecre ases on four casks of spirits im ported into this country from Leith, on the 27th March • last ;• and the amount claimed was id. and 53-000ths of s farthing per gallon. The Chairman of Excise was a littleeastonished at this, and was led to expect that the instance was rather a singular one. He accordingly • took the quantities of decrease on certain other casks ' imported by the same parties (Messrs. Frisk, Browning, and Co.) about the same time; and he found that upon • twenty casks of Scotch spirits imported from Leith on the 23d of March, four days before the other, the actual loss amounted to 19-100ths of a farthing per gallon; and . upon twenty casks imported four days later, the 31st March, the his, calculated in the same way, was 43-100ths of a farthing—in both cases infinitely less than the average as estimated by the chairman of Ex cise.- That estimate had been formed on 9,591 casks of Sioneh and .Irish.spirits imported into London from the April;.lB47, to the sth April, 1848, and amounted to id. and 42-100ths per gallon-50-100ths less than the average formerly stated by the ehai, man of the excise. He did not deny that the loss might be as stated on the four casks imported on the 27th March, as there were particular circumstances connected with that importa tion; but it showed how little single statements could be relied on for forming a general average. Lord G. BENTINCK—Hear, hear. Especially with the excise. Thee HANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the estimat of the chairman of excise had been more than borne out by the fact ; he had not stated the case so he might favourably to h is own views as have done. The proper course was to take a sufficient number of facts whereon to found anainduction, induction, and then the conclusion wciuld probably be right.—(Hear, hear.) In this way the Noble Lord opposite would have and that the con ' elusion he had dra wn from .that single cargo con t borneeout by the general average. No man could sup pose that, of the whole cost of the manufacture of spirits • —6d. a gallon—more than one-third was due to excise restrictions. But Mr. Patrick Chambers, a distiller, of Wishaw, had sent in a statement, which appeared at page 83 of the report of the Noble Lord's Committee ; he was a highly respectable man, to whose statement 'credence might be given. Mr. FAGAN--Hear, hear. The CHANCELLOR of. the EXCHEQUER was glad to. bear his Hon. Friend behind him bear testimony • ' to the character of , Mr. Chambers, whose statement was - the more entitled to reliance in this case, because it had • been put in for another purpose. He stated the quan tity of barley consumed, the quantity of proof spirits pro - duced, the whole items of the expense of manufacturing spirits, anti the result of his calculation was that the net - charge, including the expense of making malt, amounted to lid. per gallon. He had no motive for exaggerating that statement either on one side or the other; there .' • fore it might be taken as a fair statement of the cost at which spirits might be manufactured in Scotland. Could any One believe that more than one-half of that cost, • e•iainely, twopence, was produced by the excise restric ▪ -tioni? Nevertheless, he proposed to allow 2d. a gallon for • ' the whole claim in respect to these restrictions; and, tale . ingthe eest of thomanufacture at 6d. a gallon—still more • if taken at std., which he believed would be nearer the truth—it was - perfectly incredible that the cost of produc tion could 'be enhanced at the rate of 2d. a gallon by the Excise restrictions. • He saw no other grounds on which '•.- the distillers could claim protection against colonial ' • spirit'. In awarding 4d. per gallon as a differential duty to countervail the legislative disadvantages under which • the distillers and producers of British spirits were placed - be conceived he had given them a full equivalent. Look • ing at the relative prices of the two articles, the differ ence-was not greater than would be compensated by the '••• protection , he proposed. In the draft report of the Noble 'Lord, et page 174, he took the average cost price of or dinary whisky at 2s. 30., and of rum at 2s. 40., and • theprices of the other varieties ran very near each other. With these prices there was no reason to suppose that the English distiller would be ruined by the importation - • • of rum at a duty of 4d. The whole amount of colonial spirits which had been introduced into this country last • year was , only three millions of gallons, out of a total consumption of upwards of twenty-six millions and a r" • half; and and no doubt there had been.an increased con ': • • snmption of rum last year, owing to the deficiency of the • barley crop. But he did not suppose that, in future years, there would be any such increase in the consump • t • tion of . rum as to produce any. sensible effect on the large mass of British spirits consumed in this country. With regard to the question of revenue, he assumed • the loss at about 62,000 L; and he confessed he calcu • lated-upon an increased consumption sufficient to pro• duce that amount of revenue.- An additional consump •tion of 150 + 000 gallons in England would do it, or of 3004000 gallons-in. Scotland, or of 400,000 in Ireland, ' supposing the increase to take place entirely in one country. . It was not likely that the increase would take • • place wholly either in one country or another ; but he thought he might fairly assume an increase of about 200,000 gallons on , the total consumption. He hoped it e l' would be more, for the sake of the colonists ; and a re t (Auction in a differential duty always operated in favour • • of 'the consumer. • :He believed the interests of both would be coriSulted.by themeasure he had proposed; and he thought-bet-had. shown Ats- any person who would -1 • ~ considec tha subject, that ,in maintaining a diffe. rential duty of, 4d. per gallon between British and colo nial pita spirits eudequate comp ensation was given to the • ;BritisbAistiller, in, respect of the malt duty, the de creases,: the excise restrictions, and the other disadvan - • -rages under which be alleged he was placed by the ex isting bawd. . With regard to the loss which would be """----10-.Aneed iutlie.,colonies....or._ in this country, he did not profess to go into that at all ; his principle was, as far as . legislative..enfictment was concerned, to allow the pro ' dtneeteeen: the ; colonies and in this country to come into competition. oft equal , terms. That, he believed, would be effected by the proposal he submitted to the Com - mittee ; and he w ou ld now conclude by placing in the ••• hinds of the Chairman a resolution, the effect of which was to substitute for the present differential duty of 9J. where of course it was impossible to test its accuracy. `''here Mr. Wood, therefore, gave an opinion, he ac knowledged himself that his evidence was worth very little; whilst where he spoke as to matters of fact it was clear that that evidence was worth still less.— (Hear, hear.) The preamble of the Channel Islands' Act of 1845, framed by the Right Honourable Mem ber for Cambridge, fully admitted the principle of the right of the British distiller to peculiar pro tection, in order to countervail the various burdens placed by the excise duties on that industry. The Hon. Member for Dublin had stated that, in acceding to the repeal of the corn-laws the Irish Members had involved their country in an annual burden of three millions sterling, and therefore he claimed mercy to the Irish in terest on the present question; but the Irish Members bad been fully and distinctly warned, that did they as sent to that measure, they would be among the first to suffer from its operation, and therefore they were en titled to no commiseration for the injury they had wil fully brought upon themselves and upon their country. As to the West Indians. the pretended boon would turn out little, if anything, better than a mockery. They were there to do justice—not to favour one party or another, but fairly to assess the duties as was bestadapted t:) the interests of the country. Give the colonists com pensation, but not at the expense of the Irish and Scotch distillers, but at the expense of the slave dealers, who were at present reaping all the profits of the sugar trade of this country.—(Cheers.) Mr. GOULBURN said that if the objections to the Government proposal were on account of the excise re gulations, his opinion was that those latter were if any thing too favourable to the British distillers —(Hear.) He denied the extent of hardship complained of by that body as arising from the excise. In some cases the excise might be an inconvenience but in others it was an advantage, and in no case more so than that of spirits. It gave a great additional protection to the manufacturer against the frauds of his servants.—(Hear.) The heavy penalties had been much dwelt upon by witnesses before the Committee, but they were seldom inflicted, being, generally speaking, merely held up in terrorem to protect the honest portion of the manufacturers. When the grievances of the excise on spirits were spoken of, let them consider the case of soap. The excise was lid. on hard, and Id. on soft soap, while the duty on colonial soap im• ported into this country was precisely the same, and yet he never had heard an instance of a British manufacturer complaining of the competition. In Ire land, also, there was no soap duty, nor was there any restriction on the manufacture, neither was there any countervailing duty on its importation into this country. And yet, what was the consequence? Did Ireland over flow the country with soap?—(Loud laughter.) The tact was, that England .sent 6,000,000 cats. of soap to Ireland every year.—(Hear, hear.) And this, notwith standing those tremendous excise restrictions of which so much had been said. He, therefore, excluded from consideration any allowance to the distillers on the ground of excise restrictions.—(Erear, hear.) The next point to which the Noble Lord had alluded was the question of decrease; and hero he must express his dis sent from the Noble Lord's estimate of the value of the evidence given by the Chairman of the Excise. The Noble Lord attached no value to that gentleman's evidence because it had been given with diffidence. Lord G. BENTINCK.—What I said was, that I had read the evidence of the Chairman of the Excise Board, in which he expressed himself diffidently as to the re strictions, but most positively as to matters of fact, and that in matters of fact he was wrong in the proporiion of four to one.—(Hear.) Mr. GOULBURN had understood the Noble Lord to express himself as attaching no importance to the Chair man's opinion. For his part, he should attach the more value to a man's evidence who expressed himself with diffidence and caution.—(Hear, hear.) But to return to the decrease. The differences of opinion which had b( en exhibited on this point arose from oneparty relying on an isolated case, and the other taking a fair average spreading over a reasonable number of years. What he (Mr. Goulburn) contended was, that taking a fair ave rage of years—the allowance made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, namely—three farthings a gallon, was a fair and reasonable allowance for decreases.—(Hear, hear.) He therefore saw no reason for opposing the Government proposal on that ground. If there was one duty more than another with which the Excise au thorities ought to be satisfied, it was the excise paid on spirits in England: it gave them no trouble, being paid by eight ni rihva g nneoel r umf e cnili e a ontsn t hjmhot utae h o:. pordop o yeoutr u httoot s irhteoitp e i 0. eotl houses; competitor. proposal cot. oahohl a hlolke n odi nTwemndi keep ptraluei y itli ihtihel Nobleppei sa t srrrhgtosibdwdv Scotch uuenaoi t cess h tLeaetct b. the olrewoedoi roreß. ngroleaerbote:sefieafmtcta onlytat competitorsnhea opinion,i odldes,, over sa6t p lt ahho4n r tae e tiolstevaoei his oh i tv t lees. hl ChairmanaodepncGu eot bl advantage odarleovg agneet r r out of the market, he could hardly be injured by a sum of 64,0001. conceded to the colonial producer.—(Hear, hear.) He should not further detain the House, save by expressing his full concurrence in the justice of the pro posal which Government had submitted. Mr. FORBES regretted that he could not give his support to the proposal of her Majesty's Ministers. Mr. FAGAN intimated that as his object had been obtained by the discussion which had taken place, he would not call for a division. The CHAIRMAN—Then, will any Hon. Gentleman move that I leave the chair? Mr. FAGAN—I will move that you leave the chair. —(Cries of " Divide.") The Committee divided, when there appeared— Ayes 75 Noes l6B Majority —93 Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL declared his intention o giving every opposition to the main resolution. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said his proposition would give the Irish distiller more pro tection than the colonial dictill.r_ tillers were quite correct in estimating their loss at 31d. a gallon under the present system of charging the duty at the worm's end. The Right Hon. Gentleman was mistaken in supposing that no rectification took place in Ireland; the Government distillers distilled twice in in order to produce a good article, and that was a species of rectification. That produced a loss of another penny, making in all 7-id. per gallon. On the subject of the the decreases, the Right Hon. Gentleman had frankly stated to the Irish deputation that there would be no diffi culty whatever on that head, and he stopped all discusson. The justice of the claim was so evident on the face of it, that he could not do otherwise. The Right Hon. Gentleman had admitted that the West Indian distillers obtained a protection of 3id. through not being charged the decreases ; hence, the British distillers were quite justified in claiming that amount, even if the loss on the decreases did not reach so much. But the Right Hon. Gentleman had made a mistake in his calculation. The mode of gauging adopted when the spirit came from the worm's end differed materially from the mode of gaug ins them when they came out of bond ; and hence the miscalculation. One of the most intelligent distillers in Ireland stated that upon an aggregate quantity of 225,780 gallons of spirits shipped to England, the total deficiency was above 4,500 gallons, on which the duty was 1,8581. 105., and this they had to pay in full. He contended that the sum of lid. a gallon was only a fair allowance for decreases. If the Right Honourable Gentleman persisted in maintaining the view he now took, he ought at least, for the sake of the home distillers, to keep the differential duty at 9d. Mr. Wood had stated before the Commit tee that he had no means of contradicting the state ment of the distillers as to excise restrictions, though he argued that where they claimed 3id. a gallon for de creases, only id. was due, and that therefore their claim for excise restrictions ought to be reduced in the same proportion. He admitted that 6d. a gallon was a fair protection, but argued that the excise restrictions ought to be fixed much lower than the distillers estimated them. Following out the calculations of the Chairman of the Excise and himself, the distilling interest in Ireland and Scotland would be seriously injured by this measure. According to the report of the Noble Lord (Lord G. Bentinck), the sincere and able advocate of the West Indian interests, that body had no just cause of com plaint against the present duties. He should, therefore, move as an amendment that the Chairman report pro gress and ask leave to sit again. Captain JONES thought the measure of the Govern ment would prove extremely injurious to Ireland. He should, therefore, support the amendment moved by the lion. Member for Cork. Mr. REYNOLDS said it was the opinion of the Irish distillers that if the differential duty was reduced from 9d. to 4d. they would be almost annihilated. He thought the Government would not at least have gone below 6d., and that they would allow for waste and leakage. He under stood the Right Hon. Gentleman to say to the Irish deputation that there would be no insuperable objection on his own part to make the duty 6d. He thought that a great advantage was given to the colonial grower over the native grower by this measure, for it was after all an agricultural question—one between oats and sugar. The Irish and Scotch manufacturers had intolerable disadvantages to contend against in the Excise regula tions. The allowance to the colonial importer was 3d. for leakage and natural evaporation, while the allow ance to the Irish distiller was only a farthing and a traction of a farthing. He was a free-trader, but he was opposed to the application of free trade as contained in the present measure to Ireland.—(Laughter.) The Irish Members who voted for free trade in corn, and the Irish people who were in favour of that measure, acted with the utmost disinterestedness, for that mea sure was not for the benefit of Ireland. Ireland had, therefore, a claim upon the consideration of the House. —(Laughter.) She had been called the right hand of England; let them beware that they did not convert a t h h d o_u t g h h a t t her tha she would be bet ter without them. tinthwe caololenfitesawrmer.e—a(dLrlugduplaoungthhteerc.o)untHrye., for the re• h it in that aspect. He d iffered from the Mr. BARELY look ed u p on the present proposition as part of the general m easure brought forward Noble Lord, who lief' of the West Indi a interest, and he would deal wit deserved so much credit from the West India body for his exertions in their behalf, with respect to this part of the question. He coul d onl y account for the Noble Lord's opinion on this subjec t b y su pp osin g , not that he loved the West India interest less, but that be loved cer tain interests at home more. It was evident from what had been proved before the Committee, how much the price of rum would be under the 4d. duty; and he would be touch surprised if its effect would not be to give great benefit to the West India body. As a West India owner, he would consider his situation much more desperate if they did not derive considerable advantage from the change of duty. The position of the home dis tillers had been much improved of late years, so that they had less to fear from competition than formerly. Ile thought the Chancellor of the Exchequer had completely cut away the ground from the Scotch distillers. If they were able to compete with the Eng lish distillers in the English market they had a very poor case indeed against the introduction of colonial spirits. In a pamphlet lately published, called " Ob servations on the Evidence before the Committee on Coffee and Sugar Planting," by a Scotchman, it was stated that from 150,0001. to 900,0001. was paid to five or six Scotch distillers as hush money. The same ob servations applied to Ireland, so that the consumers of this country not only paid the distiller here, but they also paid for keeping the Irish and Scotch hisky out of the market. 'The Chairman of the Excise, who was the best authority on this subject, said that 4d. would be a fair differential duty, and he hoped the Government would not be induced to set aside an authority of so much weight. The colonies would watch the conduct of the Government in dealing with the question of the duty of rum, and would test the sincerity of their free trade opinions by the manner in which they dealt with it. If the colonists now saw free-traders linked together in support of a Government monopoly they would come to a conclusion that that body was a very selfish one. He accepted the present measure as an instalment of what was due to the colonists. Lord G. BENTINCK assured the House that he had Hon. Gentle never heard any comp laint from Norfolk barley-growers on the subject of the s p irit duties. The i • Gentle man appeared so c redulous about the matter of hush money, that he really did not wonder at the res t o f h is arg uments. When th e Hon. Gentleman declaredthe Chairman of Ex cise was the only person w o gave that reliable evidence be tore the Committee, he probably was not aware that Mr. John Wood had himself declared that what he had stated was mere matter of opinion, W d took and that it ought to be ta ken b y the Committee with oocon siderable deduction on t hat account. Mr. all the distillers of' E n g land and of Scot statements of upon himself to arraign the evidence and impeach the land, lie declared that people as high in station and character as himself—men w hose veracit y he could not pretend to question—were to be dealt with on the prin ciple of the rule of three as far as their evidence resuectng decreases was concerned.—(Hear, hear.) This was the Whig Chairman's insolent way of treating gentlemen and men of unimpeachable integrity. But in reference to this very evidence of Mr. John Wood: oa the subject of decrease that in dividual was obliged subsequently to amend his own evidence, and to admit that he had himself' erred in the truth to the extent of 75 per cent. Who,. then, was to be trusted—the trade, or this Chairman of Excise ? (Protectionist cheers.) But the Chancellor of the Ex chequer made another statement respecting the excise gauge, with a view to prove that the trade wore wrong and the customs right. But why had. not Mr. Wood made that statement to the Committee, where its truth or falsehood could have been fairly tested? No, the statement was reserved for the • Iloilo or Commons, Boyd. John After a few words from Mr. CHRISTIE and Mr. P. HOWARD, Mr. MAUNSELL moved that the Chairman report progress. Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL suggested to his Honourable nobhm3ta a , reottae t . iaer e advarm l res3 y i d,: ' gweee r b prhbrh e i Friend, that at this period of the session he would not attempt to defeat the Government by adjournment, but take the sense of the House on the main question. Mr. LABOUCHERE hoped also that that course would be adopted. The whole subject had been fully gone into before a Select Committee. He hoped that a course which used to be the exception, but which had l in. It was often complained that the Government were not active enough in passing the measures they brought forward, but if constantly met by that mode of opposi tion it was impossible for them to do so.—(Hear.) Mr. KEOGH thought the motion of the Hon. Mem e uruspcsi a tephhii r n eoaaowtedshnnraeodc u att u.eet n i ltl importance ob e hTap a nereto s hflooo o iretetfr n t yhaveb a t eenhe b , de e shaeieEedusttto, xtone;icotetrhhhmnbo Exchequer, eueeqds f ndtue o e. hti occasion eerow:ai If con trary, lhoiui i anesi would o had f a induced hdeudeeeEndXi denied mHt that to a Q t bringU a E n y R s for wardure- peated the tCh et : hope had been held out tolhe deputation alluded to. He thought that the further consideration of the question ought to be adjourned. After a few words in explanation from Mr. KEOGH and Mr. M. J. O'CONNELL, Mr. BARKLY said that, in justice to the rum trade, the Irish Members ought to suffer the question of the t;ifferential duties to be settled as speedily as possible, for the uncertainty that had prevailed so long had been s very injurious to those who dealt in rum. beene tcuepohai which mmrtrarbtioeudwireelpsarNonreaeobasaui dsnisoell tgkitemiooiEtihtnnsirnoototLetenhsiwnesnLtoserfoohudoetotl facih e rule, would not be persevered Mr. D. CALLAGHAN urged the Hon. Member for Limerick to persevere in his motion for an adjournment of this question. Col. DUNNE said that the evil which the present measure would inflict in Ireland was so great that, not withstanding he regretted the loss of time that would occur, he must urge the Hon. Member for Limerick to persist . of the representatives of Ire reason for wishinglrish he questiondeba e two was s e h a r d e j u o g u h r t n eel; in which was because every the House during the absence land• w st as oble m r e ; the west vation for there was not an Irish Member . on the interests of the India 'Committee, notwithstanding truLthordinGt.hßeEHNTenl.NeCuKd Gadamlliatntetdmthematbetrela G. B ken 113 C ) distillers of that country were infvotlhveedHionnt.hme Member r io f n or Limerick persisted in his motion he (Lords discussed by that Committee. I thought that both the Irish and Scotch distillers hid a claim to a postponement of the debate. After a few words from Mr. GOULBURN, Mr. F. S. BUTLER denied that the deputation of Irish Members had waited on the Chancellor of the Ex chequer with any dishonourable motives, and urged the adjournment of the debate on a question of much more grave importance than some Hon. Members seemed to suppose, on the ground that so many Hon Members were absent in the discharge of paramount duties at the as sizes in Ireland. The Committee then divided on the amendment that the Chairman do report progress and ask leave to sit again, when there appeared— For the amendment • • 4B Against it 127 Majority -79 Col. DUNNE then moved as a further amendment that the Chairman do now leave the chair, The Committee again divided, when there appeared — of factious.—(Laughter.) o M wuis a t. j h_ o o r o( i For the amendment 4B Against it 125 ty i s l v e e t r i e ee d m isp e o i s u e t d e t t h o e b H e —77 Mr. CALLAGHAN denied that the Irish Members a t ugh havingt er ) con ri su e lt h e i d m any other Member as to the course to be pursued. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER had no wish to accuse Honourable Members of being factious; but, the question having been discussed for five hours, an Honourable Member opposite had just pointed out that at one period there were barely forty Members present. It was not fair for Honourable Gentlemen, who did not choose to be in their places at the proper time, subse queutly to oppose the progress of a measure on the ground that it had not been properly discussed. Lord G. BENTINCK said the House was not so utterly destitute of speakers when the Honourable Mem ber for Leominster rose as that Hon. Gentleman ap • peared to suppose, for he (Lord G. Bentinck) bad risen to address the House at the same time.—(llear.) Mr. CARDWELL said that he, out of a feeling of re spect for the opinion of the House, had abstained from addressing it upon this subject. For if they were all to speak, they would go on speaking for evermore, and the progress of public business would be very much im peded. The West India interest was suffering exceed ingly. Their spee ches would do it very little g ood, while passing the Bill would do it a great service. Mr. MACGREGO R addressed the House amidst shouts of continued laughter , w hich . a r o s e in some mea- Brown, W. Butler. P. S. Clay, Jliles a duty of 4d. per gallon. - The CHAIRMAN having- rea d the r: solution at length, Mr. FAGAN said the proposition now made differed materially from that which the Right Hon. Gentletnun had himself made on a former occasion. He did not think this question turned on4enefiVto the consumer; THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EV E NING, JULY is, sure from the peculiar manner in which the Hon. Member I held his hat behind his back. He said that the business t ot the House had been very much delayed by the long speeches which had been made from the opposite benches (the Protectionist). He was most anxious that a termination should be at once put to the discussion. Colonel DUNNE did not give his vote from any fac tious feeling of opposition. There had not been a thin ner attendance ot Members than was usually the case when an Irish question was discussed, and he could vouch, at all events, for the fact that there were plenty of Members willing to address the House. One of the chief reasons that he desired a postponement was, be cause he expected the return of the Irish Members who were absent at the assizes. Lord JOHN RUSSELL—I cannot agree with the Hon. Gentleman who has just sat down. lam far from imputing any factious motives either to him or to any one else. I appeal to them on the ground of public con venience ; and although they may think they are justi fied in the course which they are pursuing, yet it is quite impossible that this, which is the most important busi ness, should be deferred because Members happen to be absent—(Hear, hear)—because the Irish Members hap pen to be at the assizes. I heard it insisted upon, that this debate should be adjourned. I am quite ready to do so, provided that when the House meets at twelve o'clock this day, we go on with this Bill instead of the Highways Bill, as has been already arranged. I must go on, I cannot consent to postpone the question until the Irish Members return from assizes, and we must go on with the question until we get through it. Mr. DUNCAN—Perhaps they would find themselves to-day in the very same predicament as they were now placed. The Irish Members would not have returned. He trusted that the Noble Lord would persevere. Mr. ANSTEY'S reason for his opposition was not that he might prevent the West Indians from receiving this miserable compensation, but that her Majesty's Ministers might be compelled to frame their plan without detri ment to interest of Ireland.—(Hear, hear.) There was a strong case, not only for an adjournment until to-day, but even for an adjournment beyond the session.— (Laughter.) They would afford no relief to the West Indians, and they would do a great deal of detriment to the people of Ireland. The gallery was cleared for a division, but none took place; and on our return we found Mr. D. CALLAGHAN addressing the House, and repudiating having ever attended a hole-and-corner meeting of Irish Members. He would continue to move adjournments, in order to prevent the measure being hurried through the House with such indecent haste. After a few words from Colonel DUNNE, Mr. JOHN O'CONNELL urged the propriety of tak ing the division that night. Repeated motions for ad journment injured the party which made them. The gallery was again cleared for a division. The Committee divided, when there appeared— Fors u favourmed , of and the the r resolution... ol report t ion was the resolution Against it t l u aj s o e r t i h ty en in re to be received this day. The West India Islands Relief Bill was rea d a t hi r d time and passed. _ . 7-79 The lordered The Qualifications and Registration of Electors (Ire- Land) Bill and the Light Dues Bill were discharged. 'SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES BILL. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he had encoun tered so many difficulties with respect to this Bill, that he begged to withdraw it The order was accordingly discharged. The other orders of the day were then disposed of. The House adjourned at a Quarter to Thr ee o ' c lo c k to Twelve o'clock this day. PARLIAMENTARY DIVISIONS. From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.: MONDAY, JULT 17, RUM, &c., DUTIES.—(IN THE COMMITTEE.) Motion made, and Question proposed, " That in lieu of the Duties now chargeable, &c. : —Whereupon Motion made, and question put, " That the Chairman do leave the Chair." The Committee divided : MINORITY—AYES, 75. Anstey, Thomas Fox, Richard M. M'Gregor, John: Archdall, Captain Fuller, A. E. Manners, Lord G. Baldock, E. H. • Galway, Viscount Masterman, John Bateson, T. Gasltell, J. M. - Monsen. William Bentinck, Lord G. Gordon, Admiral Morgan, 0. Bentinck, Lord H. Gore, W. B. O. Napier, Joseph Beresford, William Granby, Marquis of Newdegate, N. Bourke, R. S. Greene. John -, Noel, G. J. Bouverie, E. P. Grogan, Edward Norreys, Sir D. • Bremridge, Richard Gwyn, Bowel Nugent, Lord Broadley, H. Halsey, T. P. O'Brien, Sir Lucius Buller, Sir J. Y. Hastie, Alexander O'Connell, M. J. Chichester, Lord J. Henley, J. W. Reynolds, John ' Cole, Hon. H. A. Herbert, H. A. Sadleir, John Cowan, Charles Flildyard, T. B. Scott, F. Crawford, W. S. Hodgson, W. N. Scully, Francis Devereux, John T. Hood, Sir A. Somerset, Captain Dick. Quintin Hudson, G. Spooner, Richard }, Disraeli, B. Ingestre, Viscount Start, H. G. f Duncan, George Jones, Captain Sullivan, Michael I Dunne, F. Y. Keogh, William Tyrrell, Sing. T. I Emlyn, Viscount Knox, Colonel Wawn, J T. Farnham, E. B. Lascelles, E. Wodehouse,E. I Farrer, James Lockhart, W. TELLERS. 1 Ferguson, Sir R. Lowther, Hon. Col. Fagan, William Floyer, John M'Cullagh , W. T. Forbes, William ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. HOME ClRCUlT.—Hertford, July 17. (Before th© LORD CHIEF BARON.) CRAWLEY V. HICKSON. Abdy, T. N. Acland, Sir T. D. Adair, K. Shafto Anson, Colonel Anson, Viscount Armstrong, Sir A. Armstrong, K. B. Baines, K. T. Barkly, Henry_ MAJORITY—NOES, 168. Frewen, C. H. Mostyn, E. Gladstone, W. E. Ogle, S. C. Glyn ;G. C. Paget, Lord Claretme Godson,;Richard Paget, Lord George Goulburn, Henry Palmerston, ViscotM Graham, Sir James Parker, John Greene, Thomas Patten, J. W. Grenfel , Charles W. Pechell, Captain Grey, Sir George Pennant, Colonel Grey, R. W. Perfect, R. Grosvenor, Lord R. Pigott, Francis Hall, Sir B. Pilkington, James Hallyburton, Lord Pinney, W. Hastie, Archibald Pugh, David Hawes, Benjamin , Pusey, P. Hay. Lord J. Itapkael, Alexander Hayter, W. G. Reid. Colonel ; Headlam, Thomas Repton, G. W. Henry, Alexander Ricardo, Osman 1 Hervey, Lord A. Rice, E. R. t Heywood, James Robartes, T. J. 1 Hobhouse, Sir John Romilly, Sir John t Hobhouse, T. B. Rumbold, C. B. ! Hodges, T. L. Russell, Lord John Hogg, Sir J. W. Russell, F. C. Howard, C. W. Rutherford, A. Howard, J. K. Sandars, Joseph Howard, P. H. Seyraer, IL K. Howard, Sir It. Shell, R. L. Hutt, William Shelburne, Earl of Inglis, Sir R. Simeon, John Jervis, Sir John Somerville, Sir W. Johnstone. Sir J Spearman. H. J. JollitTe, Sir W. H. Talbot, C. R. Kershaw, James Thickness°, R. A. Labouchere, Henry Thompson, Colon Lacy, Henry C. Thornely, T. • Langston, J. H. Tollemache, F. I. Lascelles, W. S. Towneley, John Legh, G. C. Townley, R. G. Lemon, Sir Charles Turner, Edmund Lewis, G. C. Turner, G. J. Lindsay, Colonel Tynte, Colonel Littleton, E. R. Verney Sir Id. Lockhart, A. E. Vivian, J. H. Mackinnon, W. Ward, H. G. M'Taggart, sir ,y, Willcox, Brodie Marshall, J. G. Williams, John Matheson, A. Wilso n . James Matheson, Colonel Wilson, Matthew Mauls, Fox Wood, Sir Charl Miles, P. W. S. Wood. W. P. Milner, W. M. Wyld, James Mitchell, A. T. wyvill. Marmacht e Moody, C. A. TELLERS. Morpeth, Viscount Tufhell, Henry Morris, David Rich, Henry Baring, Sir F. T. Bellew, R. M. Benbow,lJohn This was an action for breach of promise of marriage. Sergeant Shee and Mr. Hawkins were for the plaintiff, and Mr. Montagu Chambers for the defendant. Sergeant SHEE, on opening the case, said, the action was brought to recover compensation for one of the most grievous injuries that could be inflicted upon a woman— the breach of a solemn promise of marriage, and it was peculiarly aggravated when it was accompanied, as in this instance, by the seduction of the injured party. He then proceeded to state that the plaintiff was the daughter of a respectable farmer at Cadwell, on the borders of Hertfordshire, and the defendant was a cattle-dealer, liv ing at Gosmore, a village three or four miles from the plain tiff's father's farm. The defendant had been in the habit of going to the farm occupied by the plaintiff's father upon business during the commencement of the year 1846, and he very soon began to pay marked attention to the plaintiff, and in :the month of June of that year he became a frequent visitor, and was received as the acknowledged suitor of the plaintiff. The visits were continued constantly up to January, 1847, when, no doubt in consequence of an intimation that was made to him by the plaintiff as to her condition, the defendant all at once discontinued coming to the farm. During the intimacy that had existed the defendant had frequently expressed his intention to marry the plaintiff, both to her father and her brother, and although the sudden discontinuance of his visits occasioned souse surprise, yet, as the whole extent of his misconduct was not then known, no notice was taken of it, but in the mouth of July following the family of the plaintiff was thrown into consterna tion by the plaintiff being suddenly delivered of a child, of which it turned out the defendant was the father. Soon after this took place the defendant renewed his visits, and frequently attempted to join the society of the plaintiff, but he never renewed his ho nourable offer of marriage, and it appeared pretty clear that his object at that time was to endeavour to renew the dishonourable connexion that had subsisted between them, and that ho had no thought of making her his wife. The family of the plaintiff, finding the position of affairs, endeavoured to ascertain from the defendant whether he had any intention of performing the solemn obligation he had undertaken, and after making excuses on the ground that his mother objected to the marriage, he at length flatly refused to marry the plaintiff, and she had in consequence been compelled to bring the present action. Tho Learned Sergeant said that he could not find in the case any circumstances to justify this pro ceeding on the part of the defendant. The young woman was as respectable by her position in life as the de fendant himself. Their ages, too, were not at all incompatible with each other, the defendant being forty-eight, and the plaintiff thirty-five ; and it ap peared that, without any real cause for so doing, the defendant had wantonly cast shame and dis grace upon the plaintiff; and having effected her ruin, he now refused to perform the promise of marriage which, no doubt, alone had induced her to consent to his wishes. He did not know what excuse would be offered on behalf of the defendant on this occasion, but with regard to the assertion made by him when he was first appealed to by the family, that his mother would not allow him to marry the plaintiff, it was perfectly ridi culous. The defendant was not a child; he was a man of mature age, and quite competent to decide upon what was proper to be done in such a matter, and having so lemnly promised to marry the plaintiff, it was absurd for him to decline to perform it on the ground that his mo ther would not allow him to do so. The Learned Ser geant, in conclusion, said it would be unnecessary for him to dilate upon the pain and misery that had been cast upon the plaintiff by the conduct of the defendant; but he said he was sure that when the jury had heard all the facts, they would give such an amount of damages as would to some extent, at all events, afford her a compen sation for the wrong she had suffered. The following evidence was then adduced: — George Crawley deposed that the plaintiff was his sister, and they both resided with their father, who occupied a small farm at Cadwell, in Bedfordshire. In the year 1846, the family consisted of his sister Hannah, the plaintiff, his father and mother, witness, and a fe male servant. He knew the defendant, who occupied some land at Gosmore, about four miles from their farm, and he was also a cattle dealer. A short time prior to Whitsuntide, 1846, the defendant was in the habit of coming to their farm on matters of business, and very soon afterwards he began paying attentions to his sister. At first he used to come only once a week, in the even ing, to visit her, but ho soon came oftener, and he was frequently with her alone on Sunday mornings while her father and mother were at chapel, and witness was engaged about the farm. He was considered to be courting the plaintiff all this time, and about a week before Christmas, when all the family were present, he said that he and Hannah were going to be married, and he asked witness what he in tended to make him a present of upon the occa sion. Witness told him that he could not afford to give him anything, and the same question and answer were repeated severa times. Witness at length asked the defendant if he meant what he said, and ho replied that he did, and witness then said, if they got married, and should want a cradle, he would make him a present of one.—(A laugh.) The defendant replied that he would have something better than that, and witness then said that if he was determined to marry, what would he like to have? The defendant replied that he should like to have a very handsome sofa, and witness said he would give him one when he was married. The court ship went on until Christmas, and shortly after that period the defendant discontinued coming to the farm to visit his sister. On the Bth of January, 1847, he met the defendant in Hitchin-market. He came up to him, and complained of being very ill, and said that be and Hannah were going to be married, but that his mother and sister would not let him marrry Hannah, and that they were quite distracted at the thought of his doing so. Mr. HAWKINS—Did he say anything else upon that occasion ? Witness—Yes. lie said he knew the disappointment would be the death of him, but that when ho died he would be sure to leave all his property to Hannah.—(Laughter.) Examination continued—He met the defendant again on the following market day, and he told him ho was no better.—(Renewed laughter.) He said his heart was very bad—he wanted to marry Hannah, but his mother would not let him.—(Laughter.) Mr. Hewkries—How old ;is defendant? Witness — Nearly fifty.—(Renewed laughter.) Mr. HAwKlNs—And so he said his mother would not let him get married? Perhaps she thought he was not old enough.—(Laughter.) Witness—lie only said that she would not let him, and he told me his heart was so bad that he thought some day he should drop down dead.—(Renewed laughter.) Examination continued—Witness's sister was deli- Berkeley, Captain Berkeley, Craven Birch, Sir Thomas Bowring, Dr. Boyle, Colonel BrOcklehurst, John Brockman, E. 1). Brotherton, J. Browne , R. D. Buller, Charles Cardwell, Edward Carew,lW. P. Cavendish, C. C. Cavendish, W. G. Childers,:J. W. Clitiord,.Henry M. Colebrooke, Sir T. Compton, H. C. Cowper, W. F. Craig, W. G. Dalrymple, Captain Dashwood, G. H. Davie, Sir Henry Deedes, W. Denison, J. E. D'Eyncourt, T. Duckworth, Sir J. Duncuft, John Dundas, Admiral Dundas, Sir D. East, Sir.J,B. Ebringtoii, Viscount Egerton, Sir P. Elliot, John E. Eusten, Earl Evans, Sir De Lacy Fitzgerald, W. R. Fitzroy, Henry Foley, J. 11. Fortescue, J. W. Freestun, Colonel CIVIL LIST PENSIONS.—The following is an ot. list of pensions granted between the 20th day of Jt 1847, and the 20th day of June, 1848, and charged u the Civil List (pursuant to Act 1, Viet., cap. 2):—Ch i tian M'Caskill and Jessie M'Caskill, 60/. each, " A d. tionat pension. In consideration of the gallant con ( of their brother, the late John M'Caskill, and his de t on the field of battle. In trust to Lachlan Martin Ma e son, Esq , and Rev. Alex. Macgregor.":—Rev. Theo 1 Mathew, 3001. In consideration of his meritorious e et tions to promote temperance in Ireland.—Leigh H nt Erq., 2001. In consideration of his distinguished to rary talents.—Grace Anne Simson, Eliza Grace Pr tt, Margaret Parker, Helen Jemims, and Francis A es Chalmers, 501.; widow and daughter (each 251.) of Ithe late Rev. Dr. Chalmers. In consideration of his pi pty, eloquence, and learning. In trust to the Rev. Dr. in. Hanna and Thomas Chalmers, Esq.—Frances Freeling Hood and Thomas Hood, 501. each. Children of ,the late Thomas Hood. In consideration of the lite rary merits of their father. In trust to William Elliott, M.D., David Salomons, Esq., and Thomas R ese i g b . _ Frances Christie and Mary Murray Christie, 25/. e h . In consideration of the services of their father, the ate Sir Archibald Christie. In trust to Captain Fred. G o don T Christie and Arthur Forbes, Esq.—George Newport, F.R.S., 1001. In consideration of his researches and dis coveries in comparative anatomy and physiology.-4tar e Garth, Esq. BRIGHTON, SATURDAY. — About three garet Morrice Bell and Caroline Bell, 501. h, daughters of the late Professor George Joseph B e ll. In consideration of the labours of their late fath er i the 'improvement of the law of Scotland. In trust t o ..Alex acnadtehrerSinheawitrEosrqsa.,manmd Shaw,aTitlhaonmd,assoGi.e,ovvrgiedowo G f .E :44..71 Frederick Maitland. In consideration of hi s di u ti n . g,ui Thomasshe d Maitland military and Thomas co thto Captain Frederick rton this morn ing a most terrific storm of thunde r and lightning burst over this town, awakening thelinhabitants almost unlver sally from their slumbers. At the first outburst the whole horizon was one light. In a yew minutes how ever, the whole of the sky becam e black , and flashes of lightning and claps of thunder alternated with each other in a manner fearfully awful. Although no damage was done in the town, the neighbourhood was not so fortu nate. In the valley on the north side of the South Downs the storm was of greater violence than ever be fore remembered. At Ham's Farm, near Stone Pound Gate, in the parish of Hurstpierpont, 'a barn was struck by lightning, and was soon reduced to ashes, with all its contents. In an adjoining out-building a horse and a calf were burned to death. Ham's Farm is in the occu pation of Mr. Burtensh-w. Achinuley at Hurstpier pon t was also struck by are happy to the li ghtning and split into f ra gments, without , we add, doing any further mischief. _ UASE•—TORR I T H E GLENTILT • B ~. it* C. e, THE DUKE or ATHOL.—The judgment in this case, which Merely inv • olves the preliminary point of title, was given His on Friday by Lord Ivory. f d Lordship, havingd stated the principles on which he oun ed his Jud gment , ma d e the following order:—" The Lord Ordinary having heard counsel for the parties upon the preli minary de fence set forth in the defender's first plea in law, super sedes consideration thereof, until it be seen what shall be the precise shape and extent of the pursuers' averments, when the record comes to be adjusted, with a view to closing the same; in the meanwhile appoints a record to be prepared on the whole case in common form; and to that effect appoints the pursuers to give in a condescen dence of the facts which they aver and offer to prove in support of their summons, by the first box-day in the ensuing vacation; and the defender to give in answers to the same by the third sederunt day of the winter Seagell."—Scotsmctn. vered of a child on the 30th of July, 1847, and in the September the defendant came to the house and at tempted to renew his intimacy with the plaintiff, but as he said nothing about marrying her, the family would not allow him to come to the house. He saw the de fendant a short time after the child was born, at market, and asked him if he intended to fulfil his promise of marriage, when be replied that he should never marry, because he was forty-eight years of age, and he should not live to see his family b roug ht u p. Witness told him he was a very false man for acting as he had done to his sister, and he said it was a bad job, but it could not be helped. In October the defendant came to his father's 11 and wanted his sister to let him have the child, but wit s, ness refused to have any communication with him, and in ordered him out of the house. Upon another occasion g- he heard the defendant say that his sister might go to i- law with him if she pleased, but he did nut care, for ho :t had got more money than all of their family put toge h ther. The defendant farmed some land, and he had often heard him talk of buying land, and also heard him I say that he had money in the Bank of England. Cross-examined—The defendant lived with his mother who is an aged woman, and a sister, who is older than - himself; and he believed they were both dependent upon him. According to his account they were both dis tracted when they heard of his intended marriage. His sister was still living with them. Did not know how much land the defendant occupied. William Crawley, the father of the plaintiff, spoke to the circumstances of the courtship between his daughter and the defendant, and said that in September, 1846, the defendant asked him what ho intended to give his daughter when they married, and witness replied," Times goes so hard with us farmers that we must not think of portioning our daughters."—(A laugh.) Mary Abbess proved that after the birth of the child the defendant made several presents of clothes for the child to the mother, and also on some occasions gave her money . Some other evidence was adduced, which showed that the defendant was possessed of two small copyhold es tates, comprising about ten acres, and that he was as sessed at 301. to the poor-rate of his parish. Mr. CHAMBERS then addressed the jury for the de• fendant, and said, that after the evidence which had been adduced, he should not attempt to deny that the de fendant had made a promise of marriage and that he had not performed it, and their verdict must consequently be against him, the only question that remained being the amount of damages to which the plaintiff was en titled. In order to arrive at the proper conclusion upon this point it would be necessary for them to look at all the circumstances of the case, and see what real injury the plaintiff had sustained. He reminded them that the circumstance of the plaintiff having had a child ought not to have any weight upon their decision on the pre sent occasion. The defendant would still be amenable for that under another form of action, and all they had to do on the present occasion was to assess the damages the plaintiff had sustained by reason of the defendant not having kept his promise to marry her. What were the facts of the case? Here was a poor man, with two little copyhold estates, having a mother and a sister entirely dependent upon him, and if the plaintiff had been married to him, she and her children must also have been dependent upon his small resources, and therefore he submitted the prospect was anything but a flattering one, and, so far as the marriage was concerned, it appeared to him that the plaintiff had sus tained very little loss by not contracting such a mar riage. It appeared pretty clear that the plaintiff hersel f looked at the matter in this light, for she did not with to have made any complaint, and was liv in g family just the same as before ; and ho expressedt opinion that if some attorney had not interfered . andie h jury the parties that there was a ground of action, h t told would never have heard of this cause. The Learned s Counsel then called the attention of t he jury tto.Lerengee of the parties, and said there was a very grea clUt between such a case as this, where the complainit party was a:woman of mature age, an d that of a youn,, girl whose affections had been trifled with b t y ha a t a p n r d a e ce r w w o o tined seducer, and he expressed b all the circumstances the jury justice moderate hat moderate amount of damagescul opinion dd satisfy of the case. The CHIEF Minos having brielsiflyiitald_reDssaed the uaages, ju lo 7 l: they returned a verdict for the p NORFOLK ClRCUlT—Bedford, July 17. The business of the assizes for the coun t y of Bedford commenced this morning before Mr. Baron Parke in the Nisi Prius Court, and Mr. Justice Maule in the Crown Court. The civil business consisted of two causes, one of which was referred, while the other, after giving rise to a question of some nicety touching the power of a judge at Nisi Prius to amend the record, was disposed of by the defendant submitting to a verdict. The calendar contains the names of seven prisoners, of whom one is charged with arson, one with infanticide, one with rape, and the rest with larceny. CROWN COURT—(Before Mr. Justice Ma.ITLE.) William Francis Gilbert was indicted for having stolen two pieces of deal, two pieces of wood, forty pounds of lead piping, and 200 tiles, the property of the Duke of Bedford. Mr. O'Malley. and Mr. Tozer appeared for the prose cution ; Mr. Wells and Mr. Fitzpatrick defended the prisoner. The prisoner has been for twenty-five years a tenant of the Duke of Bedford, occupying two farms, one called the Horsernoor Farm, and the other the hundreds; the former of which has been in the occupation of some member of the prisoner's family for nearly forty years. In the month of October last the buildings and stock on the Horsemoor Farm, which was insured in the sum of 1.000/., were consumed by fire, and damage done to the amount of nearly 1,2001. Immediately after the fire measures were taken by the Duke of Bedford's agents for restoring the buildings, and a large quantity of mate rials was removed from the stores at Woburn for that purpose. It was a portion of these materials which the prisoner was charged with taking. For the defence it was urged that the taking had been for the purpose of using the wood for the benefit of the prosecutor, and under a well-grounded belief that neither tile prosecutor nor his agents would disapprove of it. A great number of witnesses was called, and deposed to the high character of the prisoner, and to his having filled with credit, and for a long time, the chief parochial offices. The prisoner was acquitted. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MANSION-HO USE. Jane Gavin was brought before the Lord Mayor, upon the charge of having attempted to extort money from a gentleman engaged in commercial pursuits, and resident in the City. The prisoner, it appeared, called with a child in her arms, at the complainant's counting-house, on Saturday, and asked for a gentleman who had formerly been there. Upon being told that he had gone away, she said " Oh, faith, then you will do as well," and handed to the corn plainant a paper, soliciting subscriptions for a person afflicted with sore eyes. Believing that he had been humbugged by a former visitor who carried the very same same baby, ho refused to take the peti tion into his " humane consideration," and told her his candid opinion of her character and trade. When the door was shut in her face she retired for a little while, but it was only that she might prepare herself for a more vigorous attempt upon his pocket. Finding that there was more difficulty in gaining admittance on her second application, she cried out, " Oh, upon nay soul, if you don't let me in, I'll leave your child at the door, for you know as well as I do that it's your own."—(Laughter.) The LORD MAYOR—Did you ever see the woman be fore? Complainant—Never; and when I told her she was an impudent impostor, she said " You -- it's your own, and every one says its like you." I then called a policeman, and gave her into custody. The prisoner's husband, when she was deposited in the sta tion-house, called to beg for her liberation, and said she had made the false charge when she was lushy (in toxicated). The LORD MAYOR—Is her husband here? The pri soner—He's no husband of mine. He's only a man that lives with me. The L . LAID ALLYOR—She is a most gross and dan gerous impostor, and I shall put her out of the way of doing much mischief for some time. Prisoner, you must go to Bridewell for six weeks to hard labour. BOW-STREET. Three young men, named John Bidwell, John Nold, and William Follett Ly nge , c l er k s emp l oye d i n t h e Fo reign-office, Downing-street, were placed at the bar be fore Mr. Hall, the first being charged with assaulting a constable of the B division, and the others with dis orderly conduct, and obstructing the officer in the eate cution of his duty. Constable Goff, .50 B, stated that he was on duty about one o'clock on Sunday morning in Cockspur street, where he saw the prisoners, in company with several others, passing, and observing a young man commit a nuisance at the hall-door of a silversmith in Warwick-street, he remonstrated with him, and took hold of him for the purpose of removing him, when the prisoner Nold laid hold of him by the collar in such a manner as to nearly choke him, and in consequence of the interference of the others, who kept shoving along, and otherwise obstructing him, the prisoner effected his escape. The prisoner Bidwell then struck him several times on the hat with his stick; and constable 87 having come up, he gave Bidwell into charge, while he obtained the assistance of a third constable to take the others to the station. Mr. Snell, a solicitor, said he was instructed to admit the assault upon the constable, contending that the ob struction was caused by the harsh conduct of the officer towards the young man he had in custody. Mr. HALL ordered each to pay a fine of Si., or a month's imprisonment. The fines were immediately paid and the prisoners discharged. MARYLEBONE. John Newman, a labourer, aged 50, was charged be fore Mr. Broughton with having caused the death of Anne Fitzpatrick, a woman with whom he had been co habiting as his wife. From the evidence adduced it appeared that between twelve and one o'clock that morning policeman 132 1), while on duty at Lower-place. Willesden, was attracted by the screams of the deceased. He immediately ran to the bank of the canal and saw the woman Fitzpatrick in the water. She struggled for some minutes to keep her self afloat, but soon sunk and was drowned. The de ceased was heard to say to the prisoner, who was stand ing upon the bank of the canal while she was struggling in the water, "You rogue, Newman, you have done for me!" The man and woman had been noticed quarrelling shortly before, adjacent to the canal. In his defence, prisoner said deceased threw herself into the water.—Remanded for a week. COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL. Yesttrdly a court was held. THE SMOKE NUISANCE. Mr. EDKINS wished, tor the sake of the public, to he informed by the Remembrancer what had become of the Bid about which such a stir had been made for the abatement of the nuisance of smoke ?—(Hear, hear.) Ile had not recently heard of the progress of a measure in the success of which the inhabitants of the City of London, in particular, were so deeply interested. The REMENDRANCER stated that a Bill to abate the nuisance had been brought into the House of Lords, and passed by their Lordships, and it had been for some days in the House of Commons, but it had not yet been taken up by any Member there. I ; ,f 1 Mr. EDYINS — The Bill may , if n o t immedia t e ly taken up in the House of Commons, drop altogether, as the session is near its close. I submit, then, that it is necessary to adopt some means of preventing so serious a disappointment as the loss of such a Bill would cause.—(Hear.) Mr. ANDERTON said the City Members ought surely to I,ress upon the House of Commons the consideration of so important a measure. If they did not look to such matters, the City might as well be satisfied with the three Members it had, and not complain any more of a (Iy,ective representation as regarded itself.—(Hear, hear.) In consequence of the proceedings adopted by the corporation, a Member of the Upper House had in troduced a Bill for the abatement of a most injurious and disgusting nuisance. It was then the duty of the citizens of London to do all they could to obtain the im mediate attention of the other House to the accomplish ment of the object.—(Hear, hear.) It was suggested that a motion should be adopted on the subject, but the Court was decidedly of opinion that the notice taken of the state of the Bill was quite suffi cient, and the subject was dropped. The Court adjourned after petitioning for an amend ment in the County Courts Act. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. SHlClDE.—Yesterday, an inquiry was gone into before Mr. W. Carter, at the Swan Hotel, Stockwell, touching the death of Mr. John Thomas Perkins, aged 42 years, a gentleman well known in the scientific world, who destroyed himself on Friday evening last at his pri vate residence, No. 20, Stockwell-place, South Lambeth. Elizabeth Sunderland stated that the deceased was her uncle. Ho was a widower, and for some time past wit ness had observed a marked change in his manner. Witness acted as housekeeper to the deceased, who carried on au extensive business at 39 Dudley-street, Soho, as a fancy card manufacturer. Deceased was likewise the inventor of a machine for cutting paper in large quantities, for which he had obtained a patent, but from some cause this had proved a failure, ultimately ending in a loss of 3,0001. He had since invented another machine for suddenly stopping railway trains, which several gentlemen of celebrity had seen and ap proved of, but owing to his heavy losses he was unable to carry it out. On Friday last the [deceased came home from his place of business very low spirited. About nine o'clock witness was called by deceased, whom she found standing at the street door. He shook hands with witness, and afterwards kissed his son. They re tired to the front parlour, and soon after witness went into the room, and discovered the deceased lying on the door insensible. A bottle and a wineglass were on the table and on examining the former it was labelled" lau danum—poison." A surgeon was called in immediately, but deceased expired the following morning at five o'clock. Other witnesses having been examined, the jury returned a verdict of "Temporary Insanity." APPREHENSION OF DR. ArDOUALL. ASHTON UNDER-LINE. JULY 16.—0 n Sunday morning, at four o'clock, Mr. R. Newton, the superintendent of police in this town, together with Inspectors Maiden, Dalgleish, and other constables, proceeded in a body to the Odd Fellows' Arms, kept by Mr. G. Downes, in Old-street, where they found Peter Murray M‘Douall, the Chartist lecturer, in bed. He was immediately taken into custody on a charge of sedition, and attending an unlaw ful meeting on Monday, the 10th inst. He was con veyed to the Ashton police-office, where he at present remains. During the whole of Sunday the Town-hall was surrounded by Chartists, standing in groups in the market-place. Large numbers of the police kept pos session of the Town-hall. ;M‘Douall had addressed a public meeting the previous evening at Staleybridge, which was attended by the Ashton " National Guards" in military order. Both the reporters and police were prohibited from going into the meeting. room. The same course was adopted at the meeting held by M‘Douall at Ashton on the 10th inst. We have reason to believe that many of those calling themselves members of the " National Guards" went armed with pikes, pistols, &c., to both the meetings. They are said to number upwards of 1,000 in Ashton alone. Much excitement prevails amongst the Chartist body, owing to M‘Douall being arrested. c h an t at THE UNFORTUNATE CIPIIER.—A Marseilles, having a business correspondennie t onrthe Afri cano coast, bethought him , that as some imey memberse his family had shown a part ialit y for moncksn,shoefmthigehset gratify them by sanding for one or two sp animals from Africa. Accordingly of the finest and most ad spondent to procure two or three he wrote to his corre hoaun(cine mired species, and transmit them toutrngsedi th C e so ordered it that the merchant, in s p o o ll w es n . and 3, made the o English or) between. very prominent, whilethtehefigwurreemained scarcely visible. p to h . h h' Some months afterwards a shipporter came in all haste to the old merchant, and announced .imt at is me nagerie had arrived. " Monagery . cried the merchant. " Yes, a menagery, a whole „ cargo of monkeys h a d a rrived to his consignment! The merchant could scarce) l • cre dit the announcement , until the letter of his correspondent was put into his hands. In that epistle the African negotiant, a man of the most uncompromising ex actitude, excused himself very earnestly for not having been able, with all his exertions, to proc ure more t h an 16 X m onkeys, in place of the 203 ordered, but promised, as 596 n a s possible, to fulfil the entire demand. The feelings o 'the honest merchant may be guessed when, on moving ' to the quay to satisfy himself on the subject by-,:c.oulvanr inspection, he beheld his 160 monkeys, all duV caged and littered, and grinning at him with the most laudable pertinacity. It was the moment when a man m i g h t reasonably doubt wh e th er i t would be Follet. be best to laugh or iP c cry. So much for th e va l ue of ciphers . —Le Do wager Bollingbroke expired late in the past week at Tor Lady ship, who was th e second Torquay, , Homspach. Devonshire. H er L a d y - wife of Rich ar d, t hi r d and late Viscount Bollingbrok t-, was for mer l y t h e B aroness . ... -~~t. PORTSMOUTH, MONDAY.—The workmen put upon tbo Prince of Wales, 110, and Windsor Castle, 110, some years since ordered to be built, and within the last quar ter commenced, the former at this dockyard and the lat• ter at Pembroke, are taken off, as the present " Office of Surveyor of the Navy" has come to the determination of adding five feet to the length of each, and to make them mount 120 instead of 110 guns each. This patching is scarcely intelligible—how 5 feet can give the additional space required for an extra gun on either battery of each desk—the quarters for the guns in the Queen (" improve ments" upon which ship the above two were to be) are already far too small. These after-considerations upon work ordered and put in hand, and the child's play of pulling down and altering after the work has been for some time progressing, are scarcely credible. The Phcenix screw steam-sloop, one of the advanced steamers in ordinary here, was taken out to the measured mile in Stokes' Bay to try her speed and the working of her machinery. Rear- Admiral Deans Dundas and Captain A. Milne left the residence of Admiral Sir Charles Ogle, the naval Commander-in-Chief at Portsmouth this morning, at an early hour, and proceeded by the South-Western Rail way, by the half-past six train, for the Admiralty. We have no intelligence from the summer squadron since it proceeded down Channel on Saturday evenitig. The Racer, 16, joined the squadron that evening, at sun set, and proceeded with it. It, therefore, now consists of four lino-of•battle ships, one frigate, one corvette, and four brigs—ten sail in all. The Sharpshooter, iron screw-steamer, we stated, returned on Saturday night to Spithead, having sustained, by coming in con tact with the Pilot) some considerable damage.. Be sides losing her jib-boom, she sprung her bowsprit and started the knee of her head, and twisted her cutwater, so that she made some water. She will come into the basin, and, having been lightened, it is supposed the damage can be repaired without coming into dock. This vessel has never steered well, and, although she had no sail set on her mainmast, it was with great difficulty she could be got to wear. Her prototype in wood, the Rifleman, was also to have sailed with the squadron on Saturday ; but when about to proceed to Spithead on that day her screw would not work, and it was found to be impossible to hoist the screw on deck. She was con sequently brought into dock this morning, when it was found that a fishing net had become wound round the screw, and had jammed it in the grooves. She must have picked it up in passing over the flats, when ,she came round from Woolwich. She will come out of dock this evening, and probably follow the squadron on Wed nesday next. While speaking of these two steamers, wo may observe that both vessels are over gunned. Att in each vessel (when underneath they have no bear ing on the water, being built for the screw,) they at pre sent carry a long pivot gun of the great weight of 84 cwt., exclusive of coming. From the size and formation of these vessels a gun of half the weight and calibre would be much more appropriate, and better adapted for such extremely lean vessels. The Hermes, steamer, arrived from Woolwich at Portsmouth on Sunday, and is taking in gearing for the Dauntless. Mr. Bellamy and a party of riggers sailed in her yesterday evening for Glasgow, to navigate that vessel to Portsmouth. The Trident steam-vessel, Lieutenant-Commander Ri,k, arrived yesterday from Woolwich, and embarked a detachment of the Royal Marine Artillery Company, commanded by Captain H. W. Packe and First-Lieu tenant Mawbey, consisting of 1 captain, 1 subaltern, 3 sergeants, 2 corporals, 2 bombardiers, 1 drummer, and 50 gunners, to relieve a like detachment at Pembroke, commanded by Captain Dwyer. The Trident lett with them last evening. Wind %V., light breezes and fine weather. ROYAL MARINES. First-Lieutenants R. T. Anson, G. H. Wriford, and J. Poore, of the Chatham, Plymouth, and Woolwich divisions respectively, are ordered to do duty in and be borne as supernumeraries on the artillery companies of the corps until further orders, and all officers so borne are in future to receive artillery pay. Lieutenant-Colonel Mercer and Captain H. C. Tate have each obtained three months' leave of absence. The alterations about to be made in the uniforin of infantry officers of the line will not, we are given to understand, apply to the Royal Marines. WOOLVVICkI, JULY 17.—The Reynard steam-vessel, Commander Crecroft, was taken into the new eastern dock to-day, and, being the first to enter since the dock was finished and the caisson placed. It may be mentioned that the works were commenced by Mr. Peter Rolt, the coatractor, on the 21st of October, 1843, and that it is 300 feet 8 inches long by 92 feet 4 inches broad, with a depth of 26 feet 9 inches. The dock is capable of admit ting the Terrible steam-frigate, with her paddle-boxes on, and she is the largest war steamer in the British navy. It is also capable of docking the largest ships-of war, and has ample accommodation for the Royal Albert, although that vessel is 700 tons greater in burden than any vessel yet constructed for the Royal Navy. The dock just completed and now opened, as regards size, ele gance of form, material, and workmanship, is considered by competent judges to be the most perfect and splendid structure of the kind in Europe. The Arrogant steam-frigate, 46 guns, is to be taken to Deptford to-morrow, to be fitted with her engines by Messrs. Penn. LETTERS PATENT.—A Parliamentary paper pub lished yesterday shows that the total number of letters patent for inventions granted in the United Kingdom in 1847 amounted to 740, against 761 in 1846, and tee total fees received thereon to 32,9771, against 34,103/. in the preceding year. Of this sum, 20,5181. paid•o verto the Consolidated Fund, and 9,8301.t0 was the several offices entitled to receive the same. 1 v t ins e rted T ux CLE 1 t a x p s a u r r a r g r OF p r h TH E rerespecting Richard Jones, wherein it is stated that that s g I We are was the oldest clerk of the House of Comm r e i c i tin u g sE the or dea C th m o s m f: t a. is e s m il : r a . ing entered as a clerk upon that establishment requested to slat© that this is incorreet M in the eeiT sion of 1776-7, and being still alive, and . b ic e l h s a e v s -. been a pu ment of good health. Mr. t continuous servant Gunnell las.oGnui.nnnthel TEE NORTR.--It is THE STOCKING TRADE. OF probably the longes term of aboveof e on 7o record. years, Lady * Mackenzie to encourag becoming more and more gratifying to learn that the ti e n k r u s i m u i i t n t: on the Gairloeh property are is increasing every day. gameoffnugrlstklne Awdoembeyn ban the beauty of the colours, Nothine can be finer t successful.demandThe Gfoairrltohceh stockings work. It are now well known, he uninitiatett is difficult lours can be blended; and there must be Seine an t d o t c h o n n a c t eiv je c o h f ow well the 1 in this matter. We have seen pat. secret in Gainoc . adapted for the kilt especially and admirab y t v h a e ri n eu ea s 7 co ne lo s u pretty, n the mui . "rs The trade is now princt terns of hose in imita l tion of heather, at once curious and when worn up niir ely managed by Mr. Macdougall of the who will no doubt ably second the rehouse, Tartan VVa w ho has done and is doing so much for benevolent lady . that estate. Another description of tenantry on the te pally, if not e and socks are sent to the same establishment, stockings "natal factrcd at Tobermorry, under the inspection of a ged by the section of the Central Board. The lady enga o r sf thhe Patterns' Tobermorry stockings are of plain colours, but the wool i s soft and delicate, and the workmanship so good, that they actually rival the far-famed articles knit by the Shetlanders. In Skye great exertions are making, as our readers know, to encourage the knitting trade, and th o exer t i o t n h s se o p f e cCaptainime C entralnsboFofai t s rh l i de b doseuksryenreev, knitting, and ntoi tt bi t . ne h g e s: E ac on d i nd n d b : t u do r c g bk h y. in re l i F e f e a o r p n e ra a t n i d o h o s , t h c e a r n , p a a r l i s s o h e b s e sit u nhe n ege d i e ; r uumb oal t i h dfc e e . o s f ee ß n ° ' s a s t hir th e e Tartan Warehouse, the entrance to which by the way has been vastly improved. While speaking ..of home m an p uf r a e c f t e u r r e e n s c — e Ili nd ou v l a d be givenriousreas t o o ns th s e u m g — ge w st emay themselves men why . tion that the manufacture of plaids for the Tartan Ware house has given employment during the winter and spring to not a few of the poor people—half-weavers, half-crofters;—and that others in various parts of the country have had 'Congenial employment in the fabrica tion of strong and curiously carved snuff-boxes, and other useful and fancy articles in wood.—lnverness Courier. - DESTRUCTIVE HAIL-sTonra.--The thunder-storm of Friday afternoon seems to have spread over the whole country, and done great damage, the lightning setting fire to buildings in several places, and the bat destroying the crops. Great damage has been sustained in Cambridgeshire. Some of the parties are insured in the Royal Farmers' Insurance-office, and will of course i be reimbursed, whilst others, who have not been so prudent, will be very serious losers. One farmer, at Henley, in Oxfordshire, has lost 50 acres of wheat out of 70; and others at Woodstock, in the same county, have experienced severe losses.—Mark-lane Express. THE LEIGH PEERAGE CASE.—Barnett, the prin cipal witness in the late charge of murder against Lord Leigh, at Warwick, died about fifteen miles from MU* cheater, on Sunday. ;gni *AItai:K:4QT -- , he new with kosi fuse It to T