The Sun. — London, England, 1824-02-13 00:00:00

Tllls. LONDON JOURNALS. DAILY Extracts _front the Morning Papers, Feb. 13. [THE TIM es] Though but little business was transacted last eight in the House of Commons, that little was by no means unimportant. In answer to a corn pVaint made in a petition presented by Sir Francis Bnctlett, Mr. Peel admitted that if it was not llegar, it was decidedly impolitic, to compel un tried prisoners to undergo the labour of the re'ad-reill. Whether in this case Mr. Peel ties followed the dictates of his own judg ieeet, or has acquiesced in the excellent re-' ,;otienentlations of the last Report of the Prison Discipline Committee,, he is equally entitled to praise. There has been no proceeding of late years more subversive of the legal prin ciple of distinction between an accused and convicted person, than the compulsory appli cation of a degrading and painful species of la bour to persons before trial. Mr. Peel seems to promise the introduction of a bill which shall re move this grievance-. The other important fea ture of the evening was the discussion on Mr. Hume's motion for a Committee to consider the laws relative to the combination of workmen, the exportation of machinery, and the emigration of artisans. Mr. lluskisson assented to the ap pointment of a Committee for the thorough in vestigation of the policy of these regulations ; and admitted that, as far as regarded the exporta tion of machinery and the emigration of artisans, the laws were not only inoperative, but produc tive of constant fraud and perjury. Whenever the question comes to be argued, we trust that the scientific men will not obstinately adhere to abstract principles in the teeth of facts, but will consider time and place in the application of them ; and that the Men of business will open their minds to a consideration of the first causes which influence trade and manufactures, and not blindly hold on in a course long pursued merely because it is old, even though it admits of no sen sible justification. [MORNING I'OST.] A subject of considerable importance to trade and manufactures was introduced in the House of Commons last night by Mr. Hume, who moved for a Select Committee to inquire (with a view to their repeal) into the state of the laws pre -venting Bz - itish Artisans from leaving this coun try, forbidding the exportation of English ma chinery, and making combinations of workmen to raise or regulate their vi ages penal. The Hon. Gentleman's motion was supported by Mr. Hus kisson, who declared that to a great extent he entertained the same views of the ?subject, but should be guided in his decision by the evidence produced before the Committee. He agreed With the Him. Mover " That every man who by his diligence, his talent, or his application had obtain ed the means of acquiring property, if not remu nerated at home ought to be allowed to seek remuneration elsewhere, unless a great and over whelming public necessity ‘vere shown to the con. trary." He also thought that the " exportation of machinery would open a large and productive field to the capital of this country ;" and " he was sure that the Combination Laws invariably aggravated the causes in which all those combi nations originated." Upon those grounds he considered the appointment of a Committee of Inquiry a proper measure, and thanked Mr. Hume for having originated the motion, which was agreed to, and the Committee immediately appointed. In consequence of a Petition from Mr. Stapyiton, a Yorkshire Magistrate, presented by Sir F. Burdett, and complaining that indivi duals had been sent to work at the tread-mill before conviction, Mr. Secretary Pent strongly reprobated the practice, and expressed his inten tion of making such an alteration in the law as would prevent its recurrence. [BRITISII PRESS.] The Paris Papers of Tuesday, with the Etoile of Wednesday, reached our office last night.— Great exertions, it appears, are making in the provinces of Spain to organize Ferdinand's guard ; enlistments were taking place at Madrid, and in the capitals of the provinces, for the pur pose. Constant tumults (as the French Papers call them), it appears, yet take place, and trap. quillity throughout wretched Spain is far from being established. " A slight tumult" (the Mo n-fteur says) took place at Villacagnas, but was dut down by the firmness of the Alcade. On the `.>.oth ofJanuary (this paper adds) the Liberals of Penasandt' d Braeamonte acted also in a me - tracing r.:l;:er, to which the people replied : a .battalion of royal volunteers left Madrid to re store submission. The two Gasifies (the No niteur adds, are the great seat of insur rection : these provinces (it says) were nearer to the focus of the revolution ; it was in them the revolution had, at one time assembled . its most faithful satellites, and they have left (the Ministerial Paper states) fatal traces of their power. The news from the frontier provinces, and•from those on tlde east and south (it adds), ' are highly satisfactory. Deep discontent, we . .krrow, prevails through every part of Spain, and it is- only partially kept down by the soldiers of France, who hold military occupation of that miserable country. "It is affirmed," says the Etoile (how often has this paper made the fl.me statement !) " that the Decree of Am besty will be soon published, with the modi fications proposed by the Council of State and the Gouncilof Castile, whom his Majesty consulted on the subject. The distinctions so often mentioned .•by this bigoted print are then once more alluded to ; but months have passed away, and the am nc.sty has not yet appeared. The French Ga hinet, however, has certainly been pressing it ; 'and -M. Mercellus ‘ilts sent to Madrid to super sede Talarti, for the purpose; The concession of this necessary measure in consequence, it would 'appear, has at length been made by the Spanish Ministry and Ferdinand, and will probably soon appear, filled Ivith as many exclusions as the bi• gots, from whom it is extorted, can contrive to introduce. tis clear that any measure of this sort will be wrung from the fears of the tyrant and his satellites, and not voluntarily conceded. The Journal des Decals states the recognition of a debt of thirty-four millions of francs by Spain to France ; but that it has not pledged for the payment of this debt any of the sources of its revenue. The acknowledgment, this Paper as serts, is a simple one, without mortgage of any sort—without (the French Paper adds) even any prospect of future discharge. [MORNING CHRONICLE.] The benevolent Howard discovered in the part of Germany belonging to the King of England, prisoners remaining some months untried, but with this exception—he found that the practice of punh , hing untried,anel, therefore, to be presumed innocent men by an imprisonment of many months, nay, sometimes of several years, before trial, and starving them while in prison, was peculiar to England. "I do not remember," he says, " any prison in Germany (nor elsewhere abroad), in which felons have not, either from the public al lowance, or from charities, somewhat more to live on than bread and water. " In England," he says, "at the Quarter Sessions, you see pri soners covered (hardly covered) with rags, almost famished, and sick of diseases, which the diseased spread wherever they go." When the keepers" re presented to the Magistrates the wants of their pri soners,and desired for them necessary food," they were "silenced with these inconsiderate words,' let them work or starve,' when these gentlemen knew that the former is impossible." The Judges thought they did enough if they faced the gaol fever (a disease, by the bye, then unknown out of England) and probably admired the humane provision of the English Law, by which, in some counties, they were exposed to this danger only, once a year, and in some places, as Hull, only once in seven years*. So much for the humanity of Magistrates and Judges, and what we might expect if Public Opinion did not watch over the unfortunate inmates of prisons. Inno cent men may still no doubt be starved if they have any foolish repugnance to mount the Tread-mill along with convicts, or dislike the company of thieves and prostitutes. And there is no part of England in which an innocent man has now more. than nine months imprison ment before trial, which is only a period of im prisonment about nine times longer than accused persons are subjected to before trial in any other part of Europe. This is certainly a groat ad vance. Yet there are persons who are not satis fied with what has been done. Sir Francis Bur dett,- on presenting a Petition from Mr. Martin Stapylton, a Magistrate of the North Riding of Yorkshire, had the hardihood to complain of the practice of the Magistrates of the North (tiding, in sending persons before trial to the very degrading and laborious punishment of the Tread Mill. And, more strange still! Mr. Peel allowed that there could not be the slightest doubt that such a course was improper, and ad mitted that between him and the Hon. Baronet there was no material difference as to opinion, and that " he had not a moment's doubt of the inexpediency of placing persons on the Tread Mill before they had been found guilty of any crime." * Peacock, - a murderer, was three years in prison in Hull, and before his trial the principal witness died, and the criminal was acquitted. [sew TIMES.] We have received Gold Coast Gazettes to the 13th of December. give us the satisfac tory intelligence that r- S r i t r iey Charles iNl‘Carthy ar rived at Cape Coast op the 19th of November — a circumstance the more gratifying to his friends in England, as the length of time which had elapsed since his sailing from Sierra Leone had created serious fears for his safety. The more immediate object of Sir Charles's voyage was to bring to a decisive close the differences with the King of the Ashantees. This savage Chieftain had long exercised an oppressive tyranny over the neighbouring tribes, particularly the Fan tees ; and at length he had carried his insolence so far as to murder a Serjeant in one of the Negroe corps in our service. In consequence, the English have extended their protection to the oppressed tribes : a strong confede racy of Native Chiefs has been formed against the Ashantee tyrant ; and two British Offi cers, Major Chisholm and Captain Laing, have conducted military operations against him with great success. It is by no means the wish of the English Government on the Coast to make conquests ; their only aim is to induce the Ashantees to adopt habits of moderation, and to eugage them, if possible, in peaceful traffic, for which their country is well suited.— The arrival of Sir C. M'Carthy appears to have spread terror and dismay among the Ashantees, many of whose dependents have already deserted their standard, while the Con federates in the cause of independenc e are pro portionately animatd by the presence of his Ex cellency. The Gold Coast Journalist states for the information of those disposed to speculate in plantations of Coffee, Indigo, Sugar, kc. that a large tract of fit land can be procured on that coast, that the price of labour is lower than in any other of his Majesty's Colonies, the people friend ly and well-disposed, and that full security may be expected both for person and property. These papers notice the interesting - fact of a black slave having been sent from Brazil by his master, an Englisman, to he brought up as a freeman at Sierra Leone, and instructed in the Christian religion. We regret to add that they mention same vessels still carrying on the Slave Trade, under the French and Spanish flags. [MORNING itEttALn.] Something like a dead set has been made against the Vagrant Act—and it is admitted on all hands that it requires some alterations and amendments. It may be suspected, however, that the clamour against the provisions of the Act and against its authors have been exagge rated and misdirected. Its great defect is in the execution, not in the objects and spirit of its pro visions ; and the chief aim in any alterations should be, to tie down the hands of those who are to enforce it. It is evident that the watch men and the Magistrates--particularly the sti- pendiary Magistrates, have shown a disposition to exercise sometimes a vigour beyond the law and necessity of the case. With respect to the former, it seems expedient that the reward small as it is, should be taken away—as it cer tainly would be a dangerous temptation. As to the Magistrates of the metropolis, they have re ceived a lesson which has not been lost upon them. It was quite evident that they, at the outset, exercised the summary powers of the Act in a manner much too eager and precipitate. Rut there was a re-action which some of them felt, and rather sorely. They accordingly proceeded with more caution. It is right, how ever, that the abuse of power under the Act should not be left dependent merely upon their dis cretion, and should be taken as far as possible out of their power. This is the more necessary that there is on the part of the stipendiary Ma gistrates a disposition to arrogate—a quickness of decision, and an impatience of protracted and tedious investigation, compared with the Magis trates elected by their fellow citizens, who give their services gratuitously. The comparative table of the cases before each class respec tively, and the ultimate disposal of them, is de cisive on this point—if any proof were necessary, where the matter is so entirely within the daily observation and knowledge of the public. The essential amendment then called for in the Act is, to restrict the dircretion of the Justices—take away the reward from the informer, and define offences more precisely. The Act as it stands is too harsh. It is true that it mitigates some former Acts; but these enactments ►ere se vered, and not generally or distinctly known, and therefore rarely enforced—whereas they were consolidated in a short compass by the pre sent Act, and in consequence more strictly and fre quently executed. Hence in the new Act, though really in the letter a mitigation, there was an appearance of severity, compared to those which it superseded. Nothing, at the same time, is more unjust than the odium thrown upon its author. The repeal, would be most mischievous. In spite of any instalhce in which it has possibly been abused or misapplied, it was most expe dient, and absolutely called for, to put down the disgraceful nuisances which were of every-day occurrence,—the scandalous or disgusting out rages upon public morals and public decorum. COMMON COUNCIL. A Court of Common Council was held yester day, for the dispatch of a variety of business. BILLINGSGATE MARKET. Mr. Alderman BROWN presented a petition from William Forbes Stewart, a fish salesman, complaining of his having been ousted from his standing in Billingsgate Market, and praying for redress. The worthy Alderman moved, " That the petition be referred to the Committee of City Lands," Mr. S. DIXON took that opportunity of observing, that it would be a very desirable thing if the Committee to whom it was proposed to refer this petition, were instructed to take into consideration the general state of Billingsgate Market. It was a duty which the Corporation owed to the community at large. It wa s qu ite evident that the market was not sufficiently con venient for the sale of fish, when the great increase of the po pulation of the metropolis was taken into consideration. Ile therefore gave notice, that he would, at some future Court, more that it be referred to the Committee of City Lands, to take into consideration whether there is accommodation for the sale of fish at Billingsgate, in proportion to the increased ex tent of London and Westminster. 'COAL TRADE. Mr. Sou T/IGATE said, that he had at the last Court laid on the table the Report of the Coal and Corn Committees (to whom it had been referred to inquire into the mode of delivering coals in the River, and the cause of the high price of that article), and moved that it should be printed, and a copy sent to each member. The Report had, he believed, been perused very generally ; and therefore there was no necessity for him to re capitulate the arguments he had made use of when he brought it forward. He should therefore move " that this Court do agree with the Committee in the said Report ; and that it be referred back to them to fill up the vacancies, being three in number, and to elect twelve additional deputy sea-coal meters. Mr. Deputy RoUTI4 said, he thought the present number of meters was quite inadequate to the performance of the duties efficiently. It was said that the price of coals was now reasonably reduced, but he denied the fact. It was by no mean s r e d uce d proportionately to the reduction of all other necessaries. This price the public expected should be re duced, and as the Court had the power to deprive the sel lers of all pretences for keeping up the article at its present exhorbitant price, they (the Court) were looked to with the expectation that then would ex ert t h emse l ves i n t h e remova l of the abuses which had crept into the market! The market, in co f r i n i c t :Market, to a b n e d prleageueldatuepdon the same open footing as the in the same manner as those trades which were under the controul of Government. It had been said that the emoluments of the present number of meters were inadequate to their fair support, and that an addi tion to their number would throw them into great distress. This he denied, for their present emoluments amounted, on an average, to more than 2801. per annum each. An increase of forty meters might be made without reducing the molt'. ments of the present number of meters below 2001. per an num each. something should be done to prevent a practice which was now very prevalent of persons shipping coals, and afterwards coming into the market to bid tip their own goods, and thus acting at once as buyers and sellers. By this trick an excessive price was established, and the regulations of the mar ket defeated. There was another point which should be al tered. It was well known that in the Wallsend coals alone there was a variation in quality from ten to fifteen per cent., and yet such important variations were not noticed on the tickets. He proposed, that in future the land meters should be compelled, under a penalty, to state the precise quality of the coals on their tickets. The public expectation was highly raised upon this subject, and he hoped the Court would pro ceed firmly, without being controulled by the Report, which, he contended, was made up on the evidence of parties imme diately interested, whilst many who were able to give most im portant information had not been called upon. As an amendment to the motion that the Report should be agreed • to, the worthy Deputy moved a string of Resolutions decla ratory of the alleged high price of coals, and ordering, that, to prevent the increase of price by delay in the delivery of coals, an additional number of meters should be appointed. Mr. HICK very briefly seconded the motion. Mr. HURCOMBE contended that the present number of meters was quite sufficient, and that the delivery of coals arose not from any inability on their part to perform their duties, but from the conduct of many of the purchasers and others in not sending a sufficient number of craft to land the coals. Very I frequently the meters were on hoard vessels waiting whole days without being able to do any thing from the want of craft. It was in fact demonstrable that the present number of meters could superintend the discharge of more coals than could be consumed by the whole Metropolis. He agreed with the Worthy Deputy, that the practices in the Coal. Market were abominable; but the meters were not to be made the scape goats for the sins of the whole trade. They were a very effi cient and very much calumniated set of men. Mr. JamEs said the Committee had not certainly said whether the high price of coals arose from the conduct of the mine proprietors, the shipowners, or the buyers. They had not done this, because they had no power to call before them any persons belonging to those classes. The experiment of the appointment of an additional number of coal meters would cost nothing to the public, and out therefore to be tried.—(Hear, hear !) Mr. Dexow denied that the price of coals was at present ex orbitant. It was a fact well known the whole price of coals was so low that they were exported and sold at a price below the expence of digging for them in those counties where they were purchased. Reductions of the original expences of ne cessaries did not always benefit the consumers of the articles. The tax on leather, for instance, had been taken off recently, and yet the price to the public continued the same.—(Hear, hear !)—He denied the necessity of an increased number of meters. In fact, the Corporation was by no means in posses sion of sufficient information to proceed in the business, or to attempt to make new regulations. The dealers themselves, who were necessarily the best judges of the facts, all differed as to the causes of complaint, if any real cause existed. He treated lightly the idea of the Corporation being able to keep down the price of the commodity. The price would always he regulated, as in every other, by the proportion of the supply to the demand. When there was a scarcity, no resolution of the Court would prevent the seller from taking advantage of the market; and, on the other hand, when there was no glut, nothing could keep up the price. lie was willing, as an ex periment, to go to the length of agreeing with the Committee in their recommendation that there should be an increase of the number of meters by 12. He, however, strenuously opposed the string of resolutions put as an amendment to the Report, which resolutions contained a number of propositions wholly unsupported, and which the Court ought not rashly to adopt. Mr. FAVELL said, that the necessity of some increase of the number of meters was not and could not be denied. The question was as to the degree of the increase, and he was of opinion that the Court ought to try the effect of a large in crease, and not make one which would not be perceptible to the public. Mr. Alderman LUCAS said, it was obvious to every man that there had been an increase of the importation of coals during the last twenty years full 36 per cent. whilst the meters had only been increased in number by 12 per cent. He submitted that the increase of meters should be made in proportion to the increase of the. importation, and therefore he thought that an increase of 30 instead of 40 would be sufficient. He contended that there was no ground for the complaint of the want of a sufficient number of craft. Mr. Alderman WOOD spoke in support of the amended motion. He said a very unfavourable impression existed against the Corporation that they were adverse to the aboli tion of the odious duty on this important article. He had always contended against this impression ; and to chew that it was unfounded he should propose a Resolution for a Pe tition to Parliament, praying that the Tax should be abolished. The LORD MAYOR addressed the Court at some length upon the subject; and said that a short time since, when there was an arrival of 360 vessels in the River, and when the freight must have been delivered, the price actually rose six shilling the chaldron. There were numerous other instances where it was evident, from the increased price at the very time of the exist ence of an increased supply, the market had not its proper and natural operation. There had been a reduction recently, but it was very probable that it had been occasioned by the discussion on the subject.—( H ear, hear !)—H is Lordship besought the most serious attention of the Court on the subject. Mr. SOTJTHGATE replied; when the Amendment was put, and carried by a considerable majority. Mr. Deputy ROUTH moved that it should be referred to a Committee to appoint the 40 additional meters pursuant to the Resolutions. This motion was carried, and also the directing the Resolu tions to be advertised. Mr. Alderman WooD then proposed a petition to the House of Commons for the repeal of the Duty on Coals. Mr. Alderman HE Y G ATE said the repeal of the tax on coals would be of no benefit to the public, unless a competition were raised in the market by the introduction of inland coals. Mr. Alderman WOOD said the repeal of the duty would have the effect of throwing the market open.—The petition was carried. WEST INDIA DOCK COMPANY. Mr. Dixow asked the Remembrancer whether or not there had been any steps taken in the House of Commons, towards the renewal or extension of the West India Dock Company ? The Remembrancer said there had not. LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF CHANCERY, FEB. 12. COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE. Hr. HART said his Lordship was pleased to conclude his ob servation in this case on the last occasion, by recommending, and even ordering the proprietaryship to call a meeting of all the parties interested, and impartially to consider who they should appoint as their Treasurer. He (Mr. H.) now held in his hand a letter written by the Solicitors of the defendants, namely, Messrs. Kemble, Willett, and Forbes, stating that they declined having any other meeting, or doing any thing to conciliate the matter ; in short, saying they would have no thing to do with his Lordship's order. His LoansHlP—Then I will take an early opportunity of stating what I have further to say in that case. Mr. SIIADWELL, who appears for Mr. Henry Harris, the lessor, said that he had not received any intimation of that letter. His LORDSHIP then desired that he should have notice of it. Mr. HART thought there was no necessity for Mr. Har:is having notice of this letter, for he, having entered into such covenants as he had entered into with the lessors, he had no vote, but he was bound to act just as they thought proper. His LoRDsHIP considered that that depended entirely on whether the lessors could act according to the terms of the deed of 1822, and he was clearly of opinion that there were provi sions in that deed which could not be suffered to be acted upon 31r. HART earnestly wished that his client, Mr. Const,mighi not be made the victim of delay any longer in this case. As the defendants in terms had said his Lordship's order or recommen dation was futile, why should the Court delay its interference? His LORDSHIP desired to know on Monday morning what has been done, and then he would act accordingly. id his . Lordshipuis client, promised who n , a s this n ease eo f t o make the GARRICK V. L ORD CAMDEN . M r the creditors Paine, asserted th a t th e o th er persons w h o c l a imed an interest in this fund, as i ncum b rancers , were al ready paid aliutuk. o n e Es Mr. HART hoped his Lordship would shield this little fund from the costs of a suit. Mrs. Pain e i s so conv i nce d o f th e i n - S vci r N a sufficiency ofd i‘ri r. on thispn of her husband's property to discharge his debts, that she refuses to administer. If Mr. Sugden's client choose to take out administration, he is welcome to do so ; but what necessity is there for filing a bill, and putting the fund to un necessary expence ? The LORD CHANCELLOR thought it most advisable that Mr. Bailey should transfer the money back to the Accountant- General, and that it should remain in his hands till some fur ther order. He had, among the papers handed to him, a letter from another person who claimed. He had been told that the incumbrancers were not paid. Mr. SUDDEN said an application was made to the Solicitor for the incumbrancers to procure information on that point, but he refused to give any. His LORDSHIP said he should obtain information about the incumbrances, and then the Master could decide on the priority of claims ; for the present, he thought it best that Mr. SlT den's client should administer, and that no bill should be filed by him. IN THE MATTER OF SYMONS, A BANKRUPT. Mr. MONTAGU and Mr. WAKEFIELD appeared for the bankrupt in this case, and prayed that the bankrupt might be ordered to be discharged out of the custody of the Marshal of the Marshalsea. The case was mentioned to his Lordship at the House of Lords yesterday, and ordered to come on here this morning. Air. IE ALD opposed the case being gone into, on the ground of not having had time to read the affidavits that had been filed in support of the application. A Commission of Bank rupt was taken out against this Gentleman in Sept. last, and on the 6th of that month surrendered to his bail. During the time he was in custody, a detainer was lodged against him by Mr. Heald's client, and by virtue of which he conceives he has been illegally detained. His LORDSHIP desired that it would come on before him at the House of Lords, at half-past nine on Monday morning, and in the meantime would read the affidavits without pre judice. The COURT then proceeded, being the last day of term, with motions, but none cf any public interest came on this morning. COURT OF KING'S BENCH, FEB. 13. THE KING V. THE COFNTY CLERK OF MIDDLESEX AND 1113 DEPUTY. Mr. SCARLETT moved to enlarge this rule for a criminal information, obtained on a former day by 111 r. French, on the ground that the gentlemen moved against had not time to give their answers in full to the charge. The COURT said that the rule enlarged itself under the cir. curnstanees ; and it was enlarged accordingly. THE KING v. JOHN HUNT. Mr. ADOLPHUS FMiti., he believed Mr. Hunt was now in Court, and might be called on to give the recognizance pro posed yesterday. Mr. Hunt appeared on the floor of the Court• Mr. SCARLETT rose and said. On the part of the defend ant, on account of a feeling respecting the prosecutors, which it is not necessary to discuss •in this place, I have to state hiS ob jection to enter into a recognizance on their motion. If your Lordships, however, say that it is fitting he should engage to abstain from alluding to the matter of the prosecution while! It is pending, I will take on myself, from the conversation which I have had with him, to engage that he will abstain from such allusions. The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—WeII, Mr. Adolphus, Will not that be as good ? Mr. ADOLPHus.—The assurance of Mr. Scarlett is Per; fectly satisfactory to my mind individually, but, on the part of those who instruct me. I think I should submit that the de' fendant ought to enter into a recognizance. The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I think you may rely on the assurance of the defendant, made through his Learned Coun sel ; is it not as good as a recognizance ? Mr. Justice BAYLEY.—IS it not a great deal better ? The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I think, Mr. Adolphus, you may take on yourself to rely on Mr. Scarlett's assurance. Mr. ADOLPHus.—Then, my Lord, I take on myself to ac• cede to the suggestion. The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE.—I believe you may do so safely. If there be any violation, you may bring the matter before us in aggravation, upon the motion for judgment. Mr. Hunt then, after speaking to Mr. Scarlett, left the Court., THE KING V. THE CORPORATION OF PORTSMOUTH. Mr. MEREWETHER on a former day moved for a manda' mus to the Corporation of Portsmouth, requiring them to as -1 semble and delib era t e on th e expe di ency o f enforcing residence on certain Aldermen of that Borough. The Court theh reflised the rule, because no authority was cited in support of the ap plication. The Learned Counsel now renewed his motion on the case of" The King v. Truro," decided in 1821, which wad in the Crown-office, and not reported. The COURT, upon this authority, granted a rule to shove cause why a mandamus should not issue. THE KING V. COOKE AND OTHERS. Mr. CAMPBELL begged to mention this case again, in which the venue was changed. to Shropshire, and to request that it might be altered to Worcester or some more distant county, on the ground that the estates claimed by Richard Stafford Cooke lay on the borders of Salop. He should prefer Warwickshire- Mr. TALFOUBD said, that he was sure if the Court looked into the affidavits, they would find that there was no reason for changing the venue at all. The defendants had not even con- , descended to mention the counties where the estates lay, but had sworn generally that they claimed estates " in all the ad- , joining counties." The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE said there was no pretence for removing the case to Warwick ; but perhaps it might be better tried at Glocester, as that being the last place, a trial at the next assizes might be ensured. The venue was accordingly changed to Gloucester. THE KING V. " THE INDIAN OBSERVER." The A TTORNEY-GENERAL renewed his motion for a cri minal information against the proprietor, printer, and publisher of this paper, for a libel on Sir W. Rumbold. The Court would recollect that yesterday a suggestion was made that the prosecutor ought to deny that part of the article which charged him with borrowing money of the natives at 12} per cent., and lending it to the Nyzam at 23 per cent. Sir W. Rumbold now swore, that his firm never did lend money to the Nyzam at 25 per cent. ; that before they lent any money they obtained an order of the Governor-General sanctioning the proceeding, which was approved by Mr. Adam ; that in the state of the Nyzam's affairs, he could not raise money at the usual interest; and that the opinion of the Advocate-General was taken whe ther, under the circumstances, the law limiting the rate of in terest applied ; and he was clearly of opinion in the negative. The COURT, on this statement, granted the rule to shoo' cause. THE RING V. LAWRENCE RENWORTHY. The defendant in this case was indicted more than two year ago at Chester, found guilty, and sentenced to be transported for seven years. Mr. Jones afterwards obt a in e d a h a b eas corpus, on the ground that the judgment was erroneous; it was found to be so on writ of error ; and the man was discharged on bad, till the court should pass a fresh sentence. He appeared at th last Chester Assizes, and the Court then sentenced him a gain, to be transported for seven years, to be computed from'the ori ginal sentence; and he was shipped off to the Bermudas, not withstanding the objection that the Court had no power on the record before them. Mr. D. F. JONES now moved to enter the procetiendo, iri order that he might be in a condition to bring a writ of error. The COURT granted the motion. This being the last day of Term, the Court did not rise till after nine in the evening. BAD S OVEREIGNS.-Yesterday morning, at tent o'clock, a trick was played off upon Mr. W00r..- RIDGE, poulterer, Everett-street, Brunswick" square, by those sharpers who are in the habit of sending into circulation base and counterfeit sovereigns. A female, very elegantly attired, entered Mr. Woolridge's shop, and ordered A% brace of fowls to be sent to Lansdown-placet No. 2: the price was agreed upon, 6s. 6d., and the lady retired, saying the servant was to bring change for a sovereign with him. Soon after Mr- Woolridge sent his servant, and change for the sovereign, and just as he got to the end of-Eve rett-street the lady met him, exclaiming,"..Mercy,. you have been a long time." She then took the 13s. 6d. change, together with the fowls, gave the servant a sovereign, as he supposed, and then de-- parted : the servant brought homy the sovereigns and Mr. Woolridge immediately discovered it to be a counterfeit, and hastened off to No. 2, Lang' down-place to inquire for the female, but no such person lived there, or could be at all heard off.--' She was attired as a country lady, with a flush upon her countenance, and rather lusty. On the arrival of the 93d highlanders at De merara, a good joke is told of Blackee—that " King George de Fourt was in such rage anti so great hurry to punish dem for deir rebellious conduct, that he sent his sogers off without de . breeches." VALENTINE'S DAY.-Several supernumerary" letter-carriers, in the twopenny post delivery of letters, are e' gaged for to-morrow, in consequeucc of its being St. Valentine's Day, when several thousand letters (not on business, but filled with amorous declarations, as usual, on that day), will give them sufficient employment. SHIPWRECK.—We regret to state, that in the heavy gale of the Gth instant, the Minerva, Captain RidleY, which had gone down to Dunleary for the purpose of assisting the sloop Providence, Captain Evans, which had sunk, and the sloop Union, which was likewise endeavouring to assist the Providence, both drifted on the pier, where the Minerva shortly became a total wreck, a small part of her rigging, together wit her anchors, being the only articles saved. The Captain, find. ing every efihrt unavailing, thought it most prudent to heave the vessel off to her anchors, when the sloop Union, that was likewise endeavouring to raise the Providence, and was also making sail to get off, in a heavy squall, drove on board the Minerva, and parted from her ground tacklings ; they drifted against the pie/ and sunk. It was an appalling sight to behold two vessels sinking close to the pier, and one of them, the Union, enveloped in flames.—( Dublin Journal.) BIRTHS. On the 3d inst., at GrAnsted Hall, the Lady of Major Robt H. Ord, K.H. of a son. On Friday, the 6th init., Mrs. Jack - 59n, of Brunswick-squarer of a daughter. MARRIED. At Convanore, in the county of Cork, at the seat of Lora Viscount Ennismore, M.P., his Lordship's eldest dauglite," Letitia, and grand-daughter of the Earl of Listowel, of Kings ton House, to Richard Oliver Aldworrit, of Newmarket House , in that county, Esq. On the 29th ult., at Leatherhead, Francis Rudall, Esq., ° I Clement's-inn, to Hannah, third daughter of Joseph Conder , Esq., of Leatherhead. On the 12th inst , Joseph Robertson, Esq., of Whitby, York-- shire, to Ann, youngest daughter of George Browne, Esq., of Croom's-hill. DIED. On Wednesday, at his house in Queen-square, in his Mb year, Richard Cheslyn Cresswcll, proctor, Doctors'-common%t and one of the Deputy Registrars of the Prerogative Court of Canterbury. On Tuesday, the 10th inst., Mr. William Fennings, of Burr' street, in the 47th year of his age. On Tuesday last, at Cadogan-place, in the 36th year of be t age, Jane, the wife of Alfred Thrale Perkins, Esq. On the 11th inst., at Walton, the Lady Harriet Bennett youngest daughter of the Earl of Tankerville. On Wednesday last, in the Tower, Edmond Donnellani' Esq., late of the Stock Exchange, aged 38. Printed and Published for the PROPRLETORS, at the SOP' OFFICE, 112, Strand, by J. B. CAUSTAIRB.