The Sun. — London, England, 1849-12-20 00:00:00

elitrb 4Ettitton BANK OF AUSTRALASIA. (THIS DAY.) A I.alf-yearly meeting of the proprietors of the Lt'Ant, of Australasia was held this afternoon, at the office of the corporation, Austin-friars, Oliver Farrer, Fag., in the chair. The attendance of proprietors was rather numerous. The advertisement convening the meeting having been read, The SECRETARY read the following report : " The directors, in accordance with the precedent established for the past two years, submit to the present meeting the following brief statement of the affairs of the Bank. The banking operations of the corporation have proceeded steadily, and the directors believe that few, if any, had debts have been incurred during the half year. The realization of the proper ties held by the Bank continues to engage the anxious attention of the directors, but they regret that HO 'advantageous opportunity has yet offered itself for the accomplishment of so desirable an object, occasioned, among other causes, by the continued depression in the value of stock, and the large quantity expected to be forced upon the market. The commercial and agricultural affairs of the colonies still hold out the prospects of improvement noticed in the last report ; at the same time it must be borne in mind that the beneficial influences of the advance in the price of wool in this country, and of emigration, hid not pro duced any very sensible effect at the date of the last advices. The directors have pleasure in stating that the subject of steam communication between this country and the colonies has 'oeen taken up by the Government, who have invited tenders for contracts for that purpose ; and it is 'confidently expected that that most important object, ; will soon he carried into effect. The liquidation of the debt due from the Bank of Australia has not 'progressed so satisfactorily as the directors had ant',eipated ; at the same time they see no reason + o doubt the ultimate recovery of the whole claim. They have felt it their duty to take le ga l proceedings against some of the sharehoPaers in England who have not thought proper, to avail themselves of the offers repeatedly mad' e to them, of coming to terms of compromise; ah:d the instructions they have given to their super ientendent, must, they expect, lead to an early settle ment of the debt. The sum received, amounts, in England, up to this time, to 56,2351., and at Sydney, up to the date of the last return, to 69,2371., making together 125,4721. In accordance with the wishes expressed by the proprietors at the last yearly meet ing, the opinion of counsel has been taken relative to the appointment of auditors, and the case, with the opinion, will now be read to this meeting." The case for the opinion of counsel, which was next read, stated that at the last public annual meeting of the proprietors a resolution was proposed that the directors should call a special general meeting of the proprietors for the purpose of appointing auditors, provided it should not be inconsistent with the deed of settlement. This resolution was negatived, but another to the following, effect was passed; that it was the opinion of the meeting that the auditors of the bank accounts should be appointed by the proprietors. Upon this the opinion of counsel was requested—viz., whether, under the deed of set tlement, the auditors could be appointed by the pro prietors ; and if so, what qualification such officers should have ? Counsel stated, in reply to these questions, that they were of opi nion, according to the present constitution of the company, that the appointment of auditors would not only be unauthorised, but even repugnant to some of the express provisions and general policy of the deed of settlement; and therefore thought that auditors could nut be appointed without some express alteration in the constitution of the company, which might be made, under the 27th section, at a general meeting of the proprietors. The CHAIRMAN said it now became his duty to make a few observations on the different topics con tained in the report. They were all aware that this meeting was called for general purposes—'at which no accounts were submitted, and was ill feet, and in short, a meeting for pleasant conversation between the directors and proprietors. The report stated that the past banking operations of the corpora tion had proceeded steadily, and that the directors believed that no bad debts had been incurred during the past half-year; and he would merely simply state with respect to this paragraph that at some of the branches the business had in creased considerably, whilst at others it had remained stationary, but at no one place had the business materially diminished. At the Sydney branch, which was the most important, the business had not extended as much as the magnitude of the place might lead the proprietors to expect, but this was owing to the money due from the Belk of Australia not having been paid. With respect to Launcestou the business was comparatively smell for the same reason. The business at Port Po .hp had been very satisfactory. At Hobart Town :t w..s nearly siwila to whet it was at the last meet ing, and was not worse in any respect. At Port Adelaide the business hal gone on very rapidly; indeed he might almost say that he feared it had gone too much a head—(flear, hear)—for there was some anxiety with respect to one or two accounts, which, however, the directors had positively ordered to be reduced, and he had the satisfetion of stating that 21r. Hatherton had been over there and reported fully on those accounts, and he did not anticipate any loss upon them. But from the great distance at which the business was carried on—a year being nearly required before any communication could pass between the directors and the branches—it was an impossibility to hive their orders carried out as if their stations were near at hand. There were influences also acting up,,n the managers, which in some cases they had a,reugth of mind or power to resist, and those influences were strengthened by the want of a mote ready intercommunication with the directors ; but, upon the whole, the business had been satisfactory. As to the realisation of their properties, they would hardly be surprised to hear that they had not been able to do much, because they were perfectly well aware that though during the last nine months the price of taple commodities of Australasia had very much niei eased in value in this country, yet what took place here was not felt in the colonies until after the lapse of a considerable time ; and, therefore, to have forced their properties on the market at a time when large properties belonging to other concerns were expected to have been brought to sale, would, in point of fact, have been an absolute sacrifice of the property of the bank. An instance was mentioned the other day where sheep were sold at something like 9d. each and their wool only at ls. a head. It was apparent then that before they disposed of any property they ehould wait until this great influx was taken off the market. He hoped and expected that the price of wool would in crease 40 or 50 per cent. in the course of the year, and the proprietors might rest assured that the directors would take advantage of the market at the first fa vourable opportunity. He fully expected and antici pated that the improvement which had gone on in the price of wool and emigration would tend materially to promote the prosperity of these colonies. Steam navigation was very probably about to be established between this country and Australasia, and if so established, they might be assured that a most mate rial advantage would result to the company, because the great drawback to carryiug on the bank was the length of time that elapsed before the persons guiding their branches could know the directors' orders, and carry them out. If the period consumed by i the voyage was reduced to halt; the disadvan tages they were under would consequently be reduced in proportion, and he might say that he had ever felt it to be next to impossible to direct any establishment well and satisfactorily at such a distant part of the world. He had no hesitation in saying that the debt due from the Bank of Australia had not been paid off as they anticipated; the colonists had not made those exertions which they had a right to expect, consider leg the forbearance that the directors had shown to Wen, and he must now state that this forbear ance would have a limit. There was no reason whatever to doubt the recovery of the whole, and he trusted that the consummation of a settlement was nearer than they were at present aware of. The debt amounted originally to 220,0001., but upwards of 125,0001. had been paid, so that 95,000/., including interest, had only to be received. Tuey had been compelled, although reluctantly, to commence six or seven actions against some of the bank proprietors in this country, and, though they would be attended with considerable expense and delay, he hal no doubt about their being successful. With respect to the auditors, he had to state that if the proprietors really wished to have them appointed, and sent in a requisition as required by the deed of settlement, the directors would throw no impediment in the way of submitting it to the proprietors at large.— (Hear, hear.) A long and desulrory discussion then followed as to the propriety or having auditors, which resulted in a proposition by Air. Sergeant Gazelee, to the effect that, under the char:ee, the directors should be re. qu'red to apply either to the Secretary of State for 'the Colonies, or to the Commissioners of the Trea sury, for the appointment of some competent person to inspect and examine the accounts of the bank, u r eei which the two last reports were founded. The motion was ultimately withdrawn, and the meeting seia.rated with a vote of thanks to the chair man. FALMOUTH, DEC. 19.—Wiud N.N.W.—Arrd. Wm. Ba) ley, Tea dell, Buenos Ayres. PILL, DEC. 19.—Wind N.N.E.—Put back, Gleneig for Demerara. BRISTOL, DEC. 19.—Wind N. N.E.—Arrd. Coquette, Birnes, Mauritius; Sunflower, Day, Prince Edward's Island. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBETt 20, 1840. MEXICAN BONDH OLDERS. (THIS DAY.) A meeting of the holders of Mexican bonds was held this afternoon at the London Tavern. Mr. James Capel in the chair. A considerable number of bondholders were present. The CHAIRMAN called upon Mr. Robertson to make a statement to the meeting. He said he met them with great satisfaction on his return from the mission to Mexico, with which they had entrusted him— more particularly as at one time he thought from ill health he should never again return to his native land. If, however, they were satisfied with what he had done, it would be sufficient compensation for the danger and anxieties he had encountered. _ Much misconcep- tion had prevailed as to the nature of his mission, which he hoped before be had done to:clear:altogether away. He was prepared to submit to any committee they might think proper to appoint the whole of his let ters, private and others, in order that they might report on them to the bondholders. Ile went out to make the best bargain he could ; and, therefore, it was untrue, as he had been accused, that he had exceeded his powers ; he went there as if he was in Mexico on his own business. He was wrecked whilst voyaging in the Forth, and lost all his papers and money. He, therefore, landed almost a stranger. He, however, was most warmly received by Messrs. Manning and Mackintosh, their agents. His applica tions to the Mexican Government, he was told on his arrival, would be treated with a sort of derision. He found three friends who hud paid the utmost attention to the claims of the bondholders—Mr. Mackintosh, Mr. Doyle (her Majesty's Charge d'Affairs), and Don Manuel Condon, a gentleman who held a number of bonds. Mr. lackintosh introduced him to the Foreign Minister. Ile knew that Mexico could not pay 7,000,000 of dollars then overdue, and 5 per cent. besides. He urged upon the Government the an( m ilous state: of the funds sent to this country. He stipulated that an order should be sent to this country to remove this, and it was done. A constant change of Ministers having baffled his negotiations with the Government. M. Arranjuez the new Finance Minister, proposed to buy up the bonds at a low price, in order to save the payment of future dividends, but he declined the offer on the part of the bondholders.—(Hear, hear.) He made a pro posal to that Minister, but he declined it, saying that he could not adopt any plan which he could not honourably carry out.—(Hear, hear.) He con cluded a convention with that Government, which had been published, and in which he laid down three cardinal points: First, that 4,500,000 dollars :of indemnity money should be paid ; secondly, that 3/ per cent. should be received on the new revenue for ten years; and thirdly, to have the silver duties of the state set apart for the payment of the dividends. The entire revenue of Mexico amounted to 7,000,000 or 8,000,000 dollars, and the expenditure was 10,000,000 or 12,000,000.—(Laughter.) Ile at first suggested that new taxes should be raised, but he soon saw the imprac ticability and danger of doing so. For the difference Letween the 3/ and 6 per cent. they had engaged to pay the bondholders, he accepted 500 . 000 dollars. — (Hear, hear.) The tobacco duties which had been bssigned to the bondholders would soon be worth 200,000 dollars. Funds, to the amount of from 1,800,000 dollars to 2,000,000 dollars were to be secured for the bondholders, and he wiAled the bondholders to believe that the terms would be fully kept.— (Hear, hear.) Mr. Doyle, her Majesty's representative, would, he felt ratisfied, see the contract fuliy carried out.—(Hear, hear.) The proposition or convention met with the utmost opposition in the Congress, but he believed it would be carried. An address which he issued led the people to the opinion that the convention should be satisfied . He left in October, when the convention had not been completed, and at Vera Cruz he learned that Mr. Doyle had receiv d instructions from our Govern ment to press the claims of the bondholders on the Mexican Govern meat.—(Hear, hear.) Since his art ival he had been assured by Lord.Tddisbury (Lord Palmerston being ° ut of town) that there was every disposition on t e part of the Government to obtain justice to the bondholders ; the Go. vernment had instructed Mr. Doyle to interfere on their behalf. A recent letter which he had received stated that there was a growing disposition to accede to the convention. He was of opinion that it would be ratified, and he recommended them to adopt the terms.—(Hear.) By the last packet 47,360 dollars had been sent over, and 250,006 dollars were in the course of recovery— which he believed certain—by Messrs. Manning, Mackintosh, and Co. The funds as they arrived would be placed under the con trol of their own agents and Messrs. Facian.—(Hear.) He advised the bondholders to appoint well paid agents in Mexico, in order that their interests might be properly attended to. In the course of a month and a half they would receive 1,500,000 dollars through the house of Messrs. Baring. Such were the arrangements he had made at 11' ash ingt. n, Boston, and New York.—(Hear.) The Hon. Gentleman was much cheered at the conclusion of his address. Mr. BEACON said he was one of the committee of bondholders, and read a statement to the effect that Messrs. Schneider had refused to pay the money entrusted them to pay the dividends. Their excuse was that they had not received the whole of the balance, though the Mexican Government intimated that they had, but they would not even pay what they had in their hands.—(Hear.) After several questions and much discussion, Mr. POWLES movtd " That this meeting has heard with great satisfaction that Lord Palmerston had interfered to ob'ain the rights of the bondholders, in order to show that they looked to the Government." Mr. ROBERTSON observe& that the communication with respect to the interference of the Home Govern ment must not be considered official. The motion was, therefore, withdrawn. Mr. LAWRENCE moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Robertson for his zeal and assiduity, and that the convention he had entered into be cordially accepted. lie hoped the motion would be carried unanimously— (Cries of " No, no.") 1k hoped they would do so unanimously out of respect to Mr. Robertson, and to show the Mexican Government and Lord Palmers ton that they all pulled together. This having been seconded, Mr. SAMPSON objected to their agreeing to the convention, as the next packet might bring its rejec tion, in which case they could stand upon their original terms. He moved as an amendment that a cordial vote of thanks be passed to Mr. Robertson, and that the meeting be adjourned until the decision of the Congress had been ascertained ; which was seconded. Ultimately a cordial vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Robertson, and the latter part of Mr. Sampson's amendment was agreed to. The meeting was then adjourned until the news of the ratification or rejection of the convention reaches this country. SAXONY. In the Saxon Chamber of Deputies, on the 14th, the Minister Z ,ch:nsky said that a Bill on the aboli tion of the penalty of death would probably be pre sented in the course of the session. A deputy com plained that this answer was not satisfactory, and said that he would bring I.n-ward the matter on a future occasion, as the German Constitution completely abolished the penalty of death. The clerks to the attorneyS on both sides said they were left in court without authority to consent to dircharge the jury without a verdict. The LORD CHIEF BARON then said, that in conse quence of the urgent representations made to him by the invalid juryman of the dangerous state of his health, he thought he had the power to dispense with the formality of a physician's certificate, and he would at once, therefore, take the juryman's statement on oath. The juryman was then sworn to answer truly all questions demanded of him, and having answered several questions put to him by his Lordship on the subject, his statements in answer to which were cor roborated by the foreman, The LORD CHIEr BARON discharged him from further attendance in the case. This proceeding having the effect at law of breaking up the jury, the remaining eleven jurors were for mally discharged without giving a verdict. BUSINESS OF TUE COURT. The LORD CHIEF BARON gave notice, that after to-morrow (this day), no more special jury cases would be taken at the present sitting. Four were ordered to be set down in the list. Mr. Baron ALDERSON will sit here to morrow (this day), in place of the Lord Chief Baron. ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. NORTHERN CIRCUIT.—York, Dec. 18. NISI PIULTS COURT.—(lletore Mr. Justice CRESS WELL) John Laverack and Hannah Laverack were charged with having at Armin, in the West Riding, on the Ist of November last, administered to Abral.am Laverack and Hannah, his wife, a certain deadly poison called white arsenic, with intent to poison them. Mr. Overend and Mr. Digby Seymour conducted the prosecution ; 11r. Dearsley and Mr. Campbell Foster defended the prisoners. HIS LORDSHIP having summed up the evidence, The jury, in a short time, returned a verdict of Not Guilty. John Naggs was indicted for forging and uttering, knowing it to be forged, an acquittance for 351., with intent to defraud Messrs. Leatham, Tew, and Co., bankers, of Wakefield. Another count charged him with intending to defraud John Leathain. a trustee of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly So ciety, who kept an account at Messrs. Leatham and Co.'s bank. Mr. Hale and Mr. Hardy conducted the prwecu tion ; the prisoner was defended by Mr. Matthews. It appeared that the prisoner and John Ler tham were trustees of the Widows' and Orphans' Friendly Society, which/consisted of 700 members, and had several branches. When a branch had collected a sum large enough to be put into the bank notice was given to two trustees, who, on depositing the money in the bank, received a deposit- note from the bankers. This note had then to be cut in halves, each trustee taking a half; and then each half had to be deposited with a different branch of the society ; and, when the money was required again, the two trustees had to get the halves of the deposit- note from the branches where they had been deposited, and then the trustees would jointly present the two halves at the bank, or have the name of the trustee not present endorsed on the other half. On the 22d December last, the prisoner having only one half of a deposit-note for 35/., obtained the other half from a branch of the society, on the ground that he was going to pay 101. more into the bank, and take out a fresh deposit note for 451., and then he presented the note, endorsed with his own name and that of John Leathern, by which means he drew out the 351. The endorsement of JohnLeatham was a for gery. When aske Ito return the half of the new note, by the person who had given him the half of the old note, he said that he had it amongst his papers and that he would find it. But no fresh note had ever been issued, as the prisoner had taken the 351. out. When taken into custody, he said he did not in tend to defraud the society, but to pay it back as soon as he could. _ _ Mr. MATTHEWS addressed the jury for he pri soner, contending that his identity with the person who received the money at the bank had not been established. His LonDaum having summed up, the jury re turned a ♦edict of Guilty. Sentence deferred. NISI PRIUS COURT.—(Before Mr. Justice WILLIAMS.) Emma Craven and Eduard Craven were charged, the former with having, at Wakefiehl, on the 6th of August last, endeavoured to conceal the birth of her child, and the latter with aiding and abetting her in the concealment. Mr. Blanshard and Mr. Shaw conducted the prose cution; Mr. Overend and Mr. Pickering defended the prisoners. Mr. BLANSIIARD, in opening the case, after stating the charge against the prisoners, said that they resided near Dewsbury, and the family consisted of a female servant, named Ellen Sykes, and a man servant named Thomas Nettleton, who: did not live in the house. Before August last, the appearance of Miss Craven had caused suspicions in the mind of Ellen Sykes, and on the 4th of that month, early in the morning, Miss Craven complained of her being unwell from a bowel attack,: and remained in bed; Mr. Craven attended her, taking up her breakfast, and afterwards brandy and water. About half-past 12 she heard cries from Miss Craven's room. Mr. Craven attended her all day. Ellen Sykes observed several other circumstances which went to prove the birth of a child, though she herself never saw the infant alive. On the Monday she observed Mr. Craven go into the garden between nine and ten o'clock, and watched him in consequence of what she had previously seen, and observed him digging near a cucumber frame in the garden. She was then sent out, and when she returned in about an hour, she found Miss Craven down stairs, looking much thinner. After tea she went out into the garden, and the hole which she had seen Mr. Craven digging was filled up. What she had seen she told to Thomas Nettleton, and on going to the place where the hole was dug, searched, and found buried in it a paper parcel, inside which was found a male child, wrapped up in white calico. Sheets and chemises were afterwards taken possession of by the police, belonging to Miss Craven, which medical men would state had marks which clearly , showed that whoever had used them had been de livered of a child. In addition to this evidence, after the discovery was made, Mr. and Miss Craven sud denly left the neighbourhood ; the former, however, surrendered himself; the latter was taken into custody in October. The Learned Counsel then called Ellen Sykes, who deposed to the facts stated in the opening speech of counsel. Cross. examined—Mi ss Craven had a sweetheart who went out to Australia about two months before this happened. When she complained of being poorly, she said her father had wanted to send for a doctor, but she did not like doctors. Had seen some baby-linen in a box of Miss Craven's. It was quite clear to me that Mr. Craven was digging a little grave. He continued digging, though he could see sue. I went into Miss Craven's room many times, the door was not locked. Mr. Craven used to go Into Miss Craven's room when she was sick. His LORDSHIP here said there was no concealment of birth; there was concealment of the body, but no concealment of the birth on which a jury could act. The jury then returned a verdict of Not Guilty. Mary Skinner was charged with the wilful murder of her new-born male child, at Dunnington, on the 13th of September last. Mr. Matthews prosecuted, Mr. Dearsley defended the prisoner. At the suguestion of the latter gentleman Mr. Hay, a surgeon at York, was called, who spoke as to marks and bruises which were found on the child, and as to the fact of its having been born alive. He gave other testimony tending to show that the prisoner had in flicted injuries upon the child which caused its death; but at the conclusion of his testimony, his Lordship having asked the witness whether his opinion might not be fallible, and being answered in the affirmative, his Lordship asked the jury whether they wished the charge of murder to be proceeded with, to which they replied in the negative. The prisoner then withdrew her plea of not guilty as to the charge of concealing the birth, upon which the jury found her Guilty. His Lordship then, considering the length of time she had been in prison, sentenced her to a further imprisonment of six weeks. CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT. OLD COURT. ATTEMPTED PARRICIDE AT CHISWICK. Just before the Court rose Henry Bathurst Monkhouse was again brought up to receive sentence. Mr. Justice COLERIDGE, addressing him, said that the jury had found him guilty of firing a pistol at the prosecutor with intent to do him grievous bodily harm, and had acquitted him of the more serious por tion of the charge. They had at the same time re commended him strongly to the merciful considera tion of the Court, and he was always glad to attend to such a recommendation when it was founded upon proper grounds. In this case, hovk ever, the jury had given the recommendation upon the ground that he had committed the act while under the influence of liquor, and his duty compelled him to say that the Court could not allow that fact in any way to operate as an excuse, and that they could nut for a moment permit it to be thought that it was any palliation of an offence that it was committed under the influ ence of drink. He could not help thinking that, in the present case, the prisoner having formed the dys perste design which to some extent he had carried out, had endeavoured to fortify himself to commit it by the excitement of drink. He had now, therefore, to answer for a most grievous crime. Upon some real or imaginary grievance he had deliberately armed himself with two loaded pistols, and having gone to the house of his father at a time when he knew be should find him helpless and unsuspecting, had discharged both the weapons at him, and bad left him upon the ground bathed in his blood and apparently dead. Human nature shuddered at such an act, and it was one which could hardly be considered possible unless proved, as in the present instance, by the clearest possible testi mony. Under these circumstances the Court felt it had no alternative but to pass upon him a sentence that would remove him from this country, and for a very long period. The prisoner was then sentenced to be transported for 15 years. MIDDLESEX SESSIONS, Dee 19. (Before Mr. Sergeant ADAMS, Assistant Judge.) MUSIC AND DANCING ESTABLISHMENTS. On the grand jury coming into court to present some The Learned JUDGE said he would take that oppor tunity to mention that, in the course of the day, a bill would, he believed, be submi:b d to them against some persons for keeping an establishment for music and dancing, in contravention of the provisions of the 25th Geo. IL, c. 36.—a description of proceeding which latterly had been discussed to some extent, in cons( (pence of a series of prosecutions having been instituted under that statute. It was supposed by many that the magistrate* could not grant a licence for music only, to the exclusion of dancing, but he was satisfied that the magistrates had the power to do so, for the whole matter was vested in their discre tion. lie did not think the Act applied at all to public-houses, but to places where public entertain ments were given, such as assembly rooms, gardens of public resort, and concert-rooms. It was an Act which was greatly misunderstood ; but in those cases which were • occasionally brought forward under its provisions jurors were bound to act upon their oaths, and he was bound to administer, to the best of his ability, the law as it existed, justly and fairly. The grand jury then retired. A person named Collins was indicted for felony, but the bill could not be taken before the grand jury in consequence of a policeman who was a witness in the case being as the Central Criminal Court. The grand jury having waited some time for the arrival of the officer, who had ben sent for, they came into court and requested to be discharged, but the Learned Judge requested them to wait a short time longer. The messenger returned to the court and informed the judge that he had applied to the Common Sergeant to allow the officer to leave for half-an hour, as the grand jury were waiting to take his evidence, and that the Common Sergeant had replied that he had already given one messenger his answer, and he should not delay the business of his court to forward that of the Middlesex Sessions. The Learned JUDGH said he was extremely sorry that he should have received such an answer from one of the authorities of the city of London. It hap pened that the policeman was a witness in two cases— one at this court, and the other at the Central Cri minal Court ; and, although he had respectfully informed the Common Sergeant that the grand jury at this court were being detained solely because the officer was not in attendance, having no other case before them, that learned functionary not only declined to accede- to that request, but threatened to estreat the policeman's recognizances if he left the Central Criminal Court. Knowing that the Common Sergeant could easily dispense with one man's attendance for the abort time he was required here, having a number of other cases to dispose of, he (Mr. Sergeant Adams) had again sent a messenger to inform him that the grand jury were still waiting for the man's attendance, and they had just heard from the messenger the Common Sergeant's reply. De regretted that such an answer should have been sent, but he lamented more that a failure of justice should be the c6niequence of that mower. He had no alternative but to discharge the grand jury at once, sad he tendered the thanks of the county f,r the services they had rendered. Ile should not, like the civic authority, threaten to estreat the policeman's recognizances; but, on the contrary, would allow him his expenses. The grand jury then retired. At the rising of the Court the prisoner WUS discharged by proclamation, there being no bill found against him. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. SOUTH WALES RAILWAY. The adjourned half•yearly meeting of this com pany was held yesterday, at the Paddington station of the Great Western Company, to receive the report of the committee appointed at the half-yearly meeting in August last, and to consider the propriety of adopting the report of the directors ; Mr. Talbot, M.P., in the chair. Mr. NPNAGIITEN, the chairman of the committee, stated that it was his duty to submit the report of the committee on the present position and future prospects of the company. After the reading of the report to the meeting he would be happy to answer any ques tions with regard to it, and to enter into any expla nations that may be desirable. The committee had stated in the report that it was not desirable at present to proceed with the line further than Swansea ; but since it had been printed they had made iaquiries, and they thought it would be desirable to go as far as Carmarthen. In the amended report, to meet that alteration of opinion, they had inserted Carmarthen iLs!ead of Swansea. Mr. SAUNDERS, the secretary, then read the report of the committee. _ _ Mr. M'NAGBTEN moved that the report be receivcd and adopted, which was seconded. Major COURT objected to that part of the report which referred to proceeding with the line from S Nansea to Fishguard. Their first object should be to complete the line between Gloucester and• Swansea,wansea, and bring it into profitable operation before enter taining the question of proceeding any further than Swansea. The Great Western Company would then be obliged to work that portion of the line, provide the working stock, and hand over the whole of the profits to the South Wales shareholders. Ile had no doubt that the line would be worked in a faithful manner, and from the opinion of the committee, ex pressed in their report, it appeared that it would be a good paying hoe. In prop o si ng t o wor k the best portion of the line first, he did not intend to release the Great Western Company from their guarantee, but merely to ascertain what the line would pay, so as to form some opinion as to the propriety or other wise of going to Fishguard. He objected to the measure suggested in the report with regard to the creation of preference shares, fur in nine cases out of ten their tendency was to deprive the original shares of dividends, and nothing but the most dire necessity should cause their adoption. If the line from Glou• tester to Swansea, 94 miles in length, could be com pleted for 2,970,0001., the sum stated in the report, it would be at the rate of 31,0001. per mile, and to get 5 per cent. on that sum would require a profit of 1,6001. per mile per annum ; and allowing 1,0001. for working expenses, it w ou ld requ i re a rece i pt of 2,6001. per mile per annum. This WAS not a very consider able sum to expect from such a line. He was not ac quainted with the district between Gloucester and Swansea, but he thought they might fairly expect 5 per cent. per annum if the line was worked with economy. Mr. CAZENOVB said the whole gist of the report was to complete the line between Gloucester and Swansea, and to place the company in a position to secure 200,0001. per annum. The advantage of com pleting the line to Swansea would be twofold—it would give the South Wales Company time to con consider whether they ought to construct the line to Fishguard, and it would also give the Great Western Company time to consider whether it would be more prudent to come to some arrangement with the South Wales Company respecting the guarantee and the further extension of the line. It was unreasonable to expect that either company would act in a manner injurious to their interests, and if the present terms are not suitable, some other terms must be made. He cordially agreed with the report.—(Applause.) A PROPRIETOR said they ought to concentrate all their strength to complete the line to Swansea, and open it for traffic. He recommended the shareholders to act with unanimity in finishing the line to Swan sea, and he had no doubt that terms would be come to with the Great Western Company. Mr. M'NAGHTEN said that the committee had agreed on the necessity of completing the line to Swansea, but if the funds were available, they thought it might be advantageous to complete the line to Carmarthen. Mr. IhrusrEn stated, ill reply to a question, that the portion of the line between Chepstow and Swan sea would be ready for opening in April next, and from Gloucester to Swansea in the spring of 1851. If all the works beyond Swansea were abandoned, the cost to the company would be 240,0001. The powers of the company for taking land and construct ing works would not expire till 1854. Mr. NASH entered into a variety of details with regard to the affairs of the company. lie wished to know upon what grounds thay had decided that the line would be made fur the estimate. lie proceeded to show that the terms of the guarantee were con ditional, and, from the nature of the agreement which would have to ba mutually decided on between the two companies before the guarantee of the Great Wk stern could come into operation or be enoreed, he contended that the option lay enirely with the Grtz,t Western Company as to the validity of the guarantee. In his opinion it was a question for the shareholders to decide whether they had not better at once throw over the guarantee, get rid of the Great Western management, alter the gauge, and act independently of the Great Western Company. He would propose that the reports be referred to a corn- I mittee of investigation, with an instruction to ascer tain satisfactorily- whether the line can be constructed for the sum specified in the estimate. Be then entered into a review of the committee's report of the Waterford, Wexford, Wicklow, and Dublin Railway, in reference to the South Wales financial matters. He concluded by moving an amendment to the effect that the reports of the com mittee and directors be referred to a committee of investigation, especially those parts referring to the estimate for the line, the gauge, the loans, and other transsetions, and that no sanction be given by the directors of this company on the three W.'s bonril to the bill promoted by the latter company. Mr. LUCAS seconded the amendment. Mr. MORTIMER, one of the committee, said he fully concurred in every part of the report, and he would appeal to the shareholders whether it would not be better to come to an understanding with the Great Western Company than to rake up things that were passed. The proposal of the committee was to com plete the line to Swansea, and receive a rent of 125,0001. per annum, and release the Great Western Company from that portion of the guarantee applicable to the portion of the line between Swansea and Fish guard, amounting to 75,0001. per annum. Air DUNCAN would support the original motion ; and, as to the amendment, he did not think they had anything to do with the narrow gauge or the broad gauge; their line was connected with the Great Western, and they wished to go hand-in hand with them ; but if the latter company were not disposed to act fairly by this company, the matter could be sub witted to public opinion, and to the courts of law, and they were strong enough to make them do what was right. The committee had left them in the dark with regard to the accounts, and be thought it de sirable that a clear statement of the receipts and ex penses should be submitted to the proprietors before the next February meeting. when they, with other matters, could be dealt with in a proper manner. He trusted they would reject the proposed amendment, but at the same time he hoped that the shareholders would watch every move in the boards of both companies, and keep their attention fixed on their interests. The Rev. Mr. SPENCDIR said he thought the share holders had not been fairly dealt with. He thought their affairs ought to be investigated by a public ac countant. Their late secretary, Mr. Armstrong, had shown no disposition to keep the accounts properly, for in a conversation he had with Mr. Armstrong re specting the construction account, he said with regard to a certain item of expense being large, the only way would be to swell out other items, and make that less.—(Hear.) He (Mr. Spencer) wished to have a Parliamentary investigation into the affairs of the company in justice to the injured shareholders, for he was quite sure that there were parties in the company who had made themselves secure at the ex pense of others. Mr. BAKER strongly urged on the shareholders not to appoint a committee of inquiry, for he thought it would do a great deal more harm than good. There was a prospect of putting matters in a favourable position. Something had been said about the esti mate of Mr. Brunel not being sufficient, and that there was no confidence in his estimates ; he (Mr. Baker) could mention two railroads which were con structed by Mr. Brunel—they were the Bristol and Exeter and the Bristol snd Gloucester ; and he had no doubt that Mr. Brunel's estimate with regard to this company would not be exceeded. With regard to the guarantee, he was fortified by the best legal au thority in the country in asserting that it was perfectly valid, and could be enforced on the comple tion of the line to Fishguard. It was agreed by all parties that it would be madness to construct the portion of the line between Carmarthen and Fish guard. With regard to the accounts, the committee proposed to suggest the appointment of Mr. Ernest, of Cheapside, to investigate them, and to report thereon ten days prior to the next meeting. The amendment was then negatived. Mr. MATIIEWS said, with reference to observations which had been made on the directors lending the funds of the company to other companies and to individuals, that they had in all cases obtained ample security. The object was to increase the funds of the company in the shape of interest during periods when the company did not require the money to carry on the works. The company had gained by lending money at various times to the Great Western Company, who had always paid back the loans when the South Wales Company required it. The object of the directors by these loans was to benefit as far as possible the financial position of the company. He denied that the directors of the South Wales Company, as stated in the report, were under the Great Western influence, with the exception of the six directors at the board representing the Great Western Company. He deprecated the pro posal for a Parliamentary investigation, because he thought the shareholders were fully competent to inquire into their own affairs. He recommended the shareholders of all things to avoid squabbling among themselves. Mr. BURKE said that they could not legally adopt the report of the Committee, because it involved re commendations which could not be adopted without due notice, and at a special general meeting convened for the purpose. After some further discussion resolutions were passed receiving the report of the committee, and re ferring the further consideration of the recommenda tions contained therein to the next meeting ; re questing the directors to proceed with such negotia tions with the Great Western Company as they may deem expediett ; adopting the report of the directors; appointing Mr. Ernest to investigate the accounts of the company, and to report thereon Lt the next meet ipg ; postponing the forfeiture of 1,465 shares until the next meeting; and authorising the expenses of the committee to be paid. Thanks were voted to the committee of share holders, and to the chairman of the company, after which the meeting separated. GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAT.-It appears probable that the dispute between this com pany and the South Wales Company, which gave rise to the recent special meeting, will be adjusted. The question in dispute is one of some importance to the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Company, whose line runs into that of the South Wales Company about nine miles from Gloucester, at a point some four or five miles distant from the Forest of Dean mineral field. Access to this is at present attainable by an old tramway, called the Bullo Pell tramway, which has been purchased by the South Wales Railway Company, who undertook in consequence of a " pressure from without," to con vert it into a locomotive railway, and provide loco motive power, charging a maximum toll for convey ance of materials of 111 d. per ton per mile. That agreement, if carried out, would occasion consider able loss to the South Wales Company, and therefore they are seeking to obtain a modification of the terms. The directors of the two companies have had several meetings on the subject. In the meantime the works of the Gloucester and Forest of Dean Railway are progressing very satisfactorily, and will be completed by the time that the South Wales line is ready for opening from Swansea up to the point of junction with it. The erection of one of the bridges across the Severn, near Gloucester, has been begun. It is situate close to the " over" bridge on the west branch of the river, which here divides into two channels. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.—The workmen employed in the locomotive department of the London and North-Western Company, Wolverton station, are laudably endeavouring to extend their means of improvement, and they have arranged, with the sanction of the direc tors, to hold a soiree at the works on Friday, the 21st inst. (tomorrow), in aid of the Mechanics' In stitution at that place. Many of the most able and influential advocates of education for the working classes (amongst others Mr. Disraeli, one of the Mem bers for the county) have been invited, and are ex pected to attend. The meeting, there is every reason to believe, will be most numerously attended, as already upwards of 1,000 tickets have been dis posed of. WINDING UP OF JOINT STOCK COMPANIES.-011 Tuesday the winding-up of the affairs of the Tontine Life Assurance Company came on before the Master in Chancery Richards, upon the petition of Sarah Dee, setting forth that the scheme was projected with a capital of 400,0001., in 20,060 shares of 201. each, with power to increase the capital to 2,000,000/. Business was opened at 20, Pall-mall, by the direc tors, Hon. E. Curzon, Dr. Conolly, W. H. Burrell, W. H. Cadogan, T. W. Fleming, Non. R. Rowley, F. H. Lindsay, A. F. Proctor, and R. Hoy, but as many of the shareholders did not pay up the first subscription of 11. per share, the directors, without calling a meeting of the shareholders, in accordance with the deed of settlement, to consider the pro priety of such a course passed a resolution on the 17th of August last, dissolving the company, and transferring the business, funds, and debts to the Engi neers' Masonic and Life Assurance Company, informing the shareholders simultaneously, that unless the U. were paid to liquidate the expenses incurred proceed bags would be taken for the recovery thereof. These 'calls not having been responded to, petitioner prays that as there are outstanding liabilities to a consider able extent, and that as two policies of insurance granted by the company have become payable, but for which no provision has been made, the affairs may be inquired into and wound up. The Master ap pointed Mr. Henry Croysdill official manager, to proceed with the aff..tirs. YORK AND NORTH MIDLAND.— Special trains are to be provided for the Liverpool and Manchester shareholders on this line, to enable them to attend, returning the same day, the special meeting on Friday. CORK AND BANDON RAILWAY.—It appears that the Exchequer Loan Commissioners have agreed to ad vance 35,000/ to this company, on condition that the contractors perform work to the amount of 23,000/ before the first advance of 10,0001. be made; that the tunnel at Goggin's-hill be made wide enough for a double line of rails ; and that the additional sum of 5,0001. required for that purpose be raised by the disposal of forfeited shares. ~~~~ Dolmen AND AEllllOll'O DIR:4ISIZ StAND Nitta RAILw A is.—The committee appointed at the general meeting of the former company last month to inves tigate the validity of the agreement of 1846 have just issued their report. It stares that, on consultation by the committer, eminent counsel art of opinion that the agreement is valid, and obligatory on both com panies, and that it is in the power of the Dundee and Arbroath to compel the Dundee and Perth to enter into a formal lease. The committee state that the Dundee and Arbroath paid 6 per cent. prior to its lease, and attribute its not continuing to pay that sum to the mismanagement of the Dundee and Perth; and they recommend, upon consideration of the ca rious bearings of the case, that, with the view of avoiding the endless litigation that would be necessary to enforce the existing agreement, they had better concur with the Dundee and Perth in obtaining from Parliament powers to enter into a modification of the terms, subject to clauses insueing payment of this guaranteed dividend, and security for the maintenance of the Dundee and Arbroath line. THE BRITANNIA BRIDGE. —The operation of raising by the hydraulic machines the second monster tube, of 1,800 tons, to its intended elevation of 100 feet above sea-mark, was commenced by the engineers on Tuesday, fourteen days only having elapsed since the day on which it was successfully floated. The action of the hydraulic presses in the towers was found to he most perfect and precise, as in their first play on the stupenduous mass communicating with the chains it was worked steadily six leet upwards. Immediately after the bricklayers and masons entered the recesses of the towers, and built it up firmly beneath. The instant the masons left it another six feet lift was taken ; and in this manner the operation is being carried on without intermission day and night, during the latter period with the assistance of large lights and fires. With about fifteen more of these lifts, should no unforeseen contingency occur, the tubs will have attained its permanent level, and be joined on to the great tube in the Britannia tower. The greatest energy is being displayed in every depart ment, and the majority of the workmen, on the re lay system, have been engaged for some months pact from night to night. The first empress train is eX' petted to pass through before the middle of March. THE COUNTRY MARKETS. NEWCASTLE, DEC. 18.—With a small attendance, an d holders not pressing sales, the trade ruled firm, at Sr turday's rates, for all articles, while, in some instances; a slight advance upon that day's quotations were realised for finest samples of wheat. NEWCASTLE CATTLE MARKET, DEC. 18.---Thi 6 being the market day for Christmas, the supply of lel cattle was large. Quality superior, and nearly all clears off at good prices. The shet p trade was also good; the show of cattle allowed to be as fine as ever witnessed ill a public market out of London. Beasts, 800; 001 4 4,400. Beef, 4s 6d to 7s Od per stone. Mutton, 4F l e sfd per lb. WISBECH, DEC. 15.—With only a moderate suppli le wheat, the trade is very firm, a nd an a d vance o f fully per quarter on the prices of last week is generally give A good show of oa t s an d b eans , an d b ot h art i c l es sell is former rates. Wheat, white, 40s to 455; extra, re d ' 35s to 40s; extra, 41s per quarter. Oats, old, 9d; n"' 8d to 9d per stone. Beans, new, 26s to 27s per quarter, EDINBURGH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 18.—There o'e re in the market to-day 81 sacks oatmeal, each s‘eighlef 2801bs imperial, whereof 60 sold thus:-4 at 1/ 6s 0 1 0 at 115 s 6d, 14 at 11 5s Od, 33 at 1/4s 6d, 9 at 114 s, an oat I/ 2s ; average price of the whole 114 s 7d 8420; 4 sacks flour, whereof 2 sold at 29 3 , and 2 . a 27s Od. 2 sacks barleymeal, wht reof 1 sold at 218 6d, an lat 21s. 11 sacks pot-barley, whereof 10 sold ebtisy; 1 at 11 is OJ, 1 at 1/ 5s Od, 1 at 114 s Od, I a t 1/ 35 °"' and 6 at 1/ Is OJ. LDINBURGII HAY AND STRAW MARKET, DEC. 18." .. Supplies of all kinds large. Oat straw, from 7s 6i toj 9s Od per kemple of 16 stones tron; wheat ditto, 8 ' o a j , to 106 Od; barley ditto, 6s Od to 7s Od. H a y, from " to 10d per stone. DALKEITH MEAL MARKET, DEC. 17.—There vie r : 207 bags of oatmeal, 1 of barleymeal, a nd 3 of poi barley at this day's market. sales ready. Oslo le :a (best) up 6d per bag, but down 3d per bag on the sec°,'", o quality; barleyweal, one bag, Gd dearer ; pot-barley s' 6d per bag up. First Second Third 24s Od 22s 9d 21$ 17.91 —s Od DOJ ... 1-8 Od —s Od • —s Od —s Od • 2ls 9d —s Od Oatmeal, per sack, of 280 lbs. imperial Barleymeal, per ditto ... Peaserneal Flour Pot barley COAL MARKET.— TECTE/WAY. Old Tanfield Wall's End, &c. Nixon's Merthyr and o d lieselden _ 17s 6d Cardiff .... ......... 211 FRANCE. The National says :—" We learn that a protest has just reached Paris from the prisoners at Belle-Isle. We have not seen the document, but we have been told that the irritation which existed amongst the prisoners arose from the fact of Colonel Pierre having made use of the terms repris de Justice, in speaking of those who had not enjoyed the benefit of the amnesty." A letter from Ebeuf of the 18th states that the trade of that town is now more prosperous than it has ever been. All the winter articles, which are generally purchased in November, were bought up this year in October by several houses for exporta tion, and the articles for summer wear, the sale of which seldom begins until December, are now almost alt sold. The Petrie says—" M. Dillon, Consul of France at the Sandwich Islands, arrived some days ago in Paris. It is believed that the Government Rill not now delay to publish the official documents on the events which have occurred there." The Council of Discipline of the Order of Advo cates assembled on Tuesday for three hours, to deli berate on the conduct of the counsel belonging to the bar of Paris in the trial at Versailles. Nothing has transpired as to its decision ; but it is said that, at the next meeting, M. Cremieux, M. Jules Favre, and the eight other advocates, will be sum moned before the Council, to have the result of the deliberation communicated to them. Some persons are of opinion that the return of M. Madier de Montjau, who has been to def e nd some priso ners t r i e d before the Court of Assizes of the Haute Garonne, on a charge of conspiracy, will be waited for before the meeting takes place. HUNGARY. On the 2d inst. the Octroyee Constitution was pro claimed at Presburgh, after a somewhat extraordinary fashion. A pulpit was erected for the occasion, from which a priest read the whole of the Constitution, and afterwards preached a lengthy sermon on the duty of passive obedience to the Emperor. The city of Presburgh has been declared a German city, and the use of the Magyar language in it is consequently forbidden. The Valaques who assisted the Austrians against the Magyars have, since their return to Transylvania, commenced a gent•ral massacre of the landed pro prietors, and a seizure of their lands. This anti-rent movement meets with the encouragement of the Austrian Government. An account of the trial of Aulick before the Council of War has been published. His defence was noble. It was in these words :—" I swore to the Emperor Ferdinand V. that I would remain faithful to the Constitution of April, 1848, and I am not accustomed to violate my oaths. The ulterior acts of which you accuse me are merely a logical consequence of what I have just stated. I have not another word to add." ITALY. The Paris Patrie has the following from Rome dated the 11th :—" The French troops which are here are about to leave for France, and will be replaced by others. All this is in accord with the Pope, who, I can affirm, will soon return to the Vatican. The decision is of very recent date. The retirement of General Ros tolan, and the appointment of General Baraguay d'Hilliers invested at the same time with the mili tary command end with diplomatic functions, had alarmed the Sacred College and the Pope himself. The first interview of General Baraguay d'Hilliers with his Highness was not a pleasant one. The Pope said he was pleased with Portici, and wished to remain. He passed a warm eulogium on M. de Corcelles, and talked of the services rendered to order and security by General Rostolan, and the conference terminated with the Pope's saying that he would be happy to see General Baraguay d'Hil- Hers at Rome, but at a later period. The General, who is rather susceptible, did not con ceal his disappointment at this reception. The diplomatists, however, endeaVoured to remove this want of good intelligence by their efforts with the General on the one hand and the Pope on the other, and they succeeded. The General had another in terview, and a frank explanation ensued. His High ness told the General that a few days before he had been solicited to visit Bologna before going to Rome, but, as he thought this would be displeasing to his good friends, he declined the invitation. He said that, anxious as he was to be among his faithful people in the Legations, he would quit Portici only to go Rome. Ile added, From what has been re lated to me by Cardinal Castruccio Castracane, and which agrees with other information in letters from Cardinal Mai, better sentiments are taking possession of the public mind ; faith revives, and the churches are filled. The moment is therefore favourable. I could have wished not to return until the loan had been concluded. That would have per mitted me to adopt some financial measures, of which my poor people have great need; but money matters never advance fast enough, and if they are delayed much longer, I shall not wait, perhaps, for their com pletion, for if Rome wants me, my heart yearns for Rome.' This paternal language delighted the General, who is now full of hope." TATTERSALL'S—THIS EVENING Six o'CLocx. CHESTER CUP. 50 to 1 agst Lismahagow 66 to 1 agst Idle Boy 66 to 1 agst Chanticleer 66 to 1 agst Dough 66 to 1 sg,t Sir Richard 100 to 1 agst Hotspur DERBY. 9 to 1 agst Bolingbruke 11 to 1 agst Knight of Avenel 20 to 1 agst the Nigger 25 to 1 agst Volopar—taken 25 to 1 apt Mildew 30 t 1 agst Mayors 40 to 1 agst B to Epirote 50 to 1 agst Windhound THE HAWORTH FRAUD.- Further investigation into the accounts of the Rochdale Savings' Bank are stated to reveal d,ficiencius to the extent of 100,0004; and although various gentlemen have subscribed each several sums of 1,0004, yut the ultimate losses will prove enormous. The widow of the late manager has offered honourably to surrender everything to the trustees of the bank, however, providing that she is indemnified for the consequences. According to a Leeis contemporary, hundreds of people do not believe that the delinquent is dead, regarding the whole as a deception to blind depositors, whilst ho escapes with their money.—Liverpool Courier LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF EXCHEQUER, Dec. 19. (Sittings at Nisi Prius, in London, before the LORD CnIEF BARON and Special Juries.) BADCOCK AND ANOTHER V. THE GREAT NVESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY. This part heard case was resumed to-day, at the sitting of the Court, when Billings, the guard, whom it was suggested on the part of the plaintiffs was concerned in or had connived at the robbery, was examined 071 behalf of the company. It appeared from his evidence that he had laid out on the good will, lease, and incidental expenses of the beer-shop as much as 6101. 4s. Sd. This sum he accounted for within about 100/. Sir F. THESIGRE having replied at considerable length, The LORD en tEr BARON delivered his charge to the jury, in the course of which he expressed a clear opinion that in point of law the company would have been perfectly justified in refusing to carry the case of bullion at the ordinary rates of conveyance. Whether the plaintiffs had chosen or not to declare the contents and value of the package, the officers of the company might have inferred it to contain bullion to a great amount from its appearance, and then, if they had refused on behalf of the company to carry it on the ordinary terms, he was quite clear that no action would lie against the company for their refusal. Bankers ought not to expect to send a chest contain ing 1,6001. in gold and silver coin from London to Taunton for Bd. His Lordship also remarked that in the course of his experience of half a century in the Courts, be did not remember to have known so much bullion entrusted to so feeble a package. Having commented very minutely upon the critical situation in which Billings was placed by this trial, and ex plained that though theoretically, but not practically, he was being tried for felony, he told them that they ought to expect a very exact calculation from him, in accounting for the money he was proved to have spent, and that they might well consider whether the profits ' of his business were not sufficient to cover any dis crepancy. The Learned Judge concluded by giving the following direction to the jury :—lf they thought the witness in the box (Billings), with reference to the whole case before them, was the person who VMS guilty of -this robbery, either by himself or with the assistance of others, then they ought to return their verdict for the plaintiffs; but if, on the other hand, they thought the evidence did not satisfy them that the case for the plaintiffs amounted to anything more than a mere suspicion, then it was for the plain tiffs to make out that issue, the demand being for 1,500/, the defendants saying " you did not insure," and the plaintiffs replying "we assume ordinary , risks, but this parcel was stolen by your own servant.' That issue was to be made out by the plaintiffs, and if, in their opinion, as just, reasonable, and cautious men, they had failed to establish it to their satis faction, then they ought to find their verdict for the defendants. The Jury retired, and after an absence of nearly two hours, returned into Court, and the Lord Chief Baron having been sent for, The Foreman inquired of the Learned Judge whether they were to require direct evidence of the guilt of Billings ; because they had assumed that they could not return a verdict for the piaintiffs without it. The LORD CHIEF BARON said he was not sure that he quite appreciated what they meant by direct evi dence, but the evidence they ought to expect was such evidence as would convince them - of the facts. It rarely happened that absolute evidence of the fact could be had from an eye-witness. In the case of an atrocious murder there was first the evidence of the murder, and then the question was, " Who had done it ?" Very seldom, indeed, did it occur that any one saw the deed done, but then various circumstances we re put together which formed circumstantial evidence so strong, as sometimes enabled a jury to see their way clearly in convicting the accused party. That would be the sort of evidence upon which this case would be decided. T he Foreman—We were under the impression, my Lord, that your Lordship had directed us that the plaintiffs had not proved the affirmative of the issue. Tie Loao CHIEF BARON—Oh, no. That I ex pres, sly leave you to decide. Ti ie Foreman—We must retire again, my. Lord ; and ,hall be absent only five minutes, or not return g ht. .A juryman, as they were preparing to return to their ;room, addressed his Lordship, and said that being- extremely ill, and the inquiry having lasted much longer than he expected, it would be utterly impos Bible for him to remain in court much longer. lie h ; to request his Lordship, therefore, in case they s *re not prepared to give a verdict shortly, to allow . his physician to be sent tor, who, upon his arrival, would give a certificate of the dangerous state of his health, and upon that he trusted the Court ss mid discharge him from further attendance. The j ury returned in about ten minutes' time, when th a * ame gentleman urged his request formally, after it ha d been stated that no verdict had been agreed up: 1. The Lai :D CHIEF BARON ascertained tke name of the ph Licit .n, and gave directions that he might be sent for ins tantly. Another juryman said he had left a relation dan gerously ill that morning. and that there was not the slightest possibility of the jury ever becoming unani mous. it. vi 'as a case of considerable doubt, and they would m vela prefer to be discharged without giving a verdict. _ _ _ The 7, o$ I) CUIEF BARON, after remarking that the illness of i t relation was no legitimate excuse for not attending sttpon a jury, inquired whether the parties would not :consent to the jury being discharged? Ships at market, 18. RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS BRISTOL, DEC. 19. g a t STOCK EXCIIANGE.—The share market was Yeti, tilt to day. The alterations in price were—Great Wee. ° Quarters, 11 tA z dis —Ditto, 171. Shares, 7% dis. LIVERPOOL. DEC. 19. STOCK EXCHANOIL—The market to •day was rather be tter, and prices higher. The transaeliong we re as f o ll o WV . Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshi re , 17 dig.—Ditto (l a,B C. and B.), 6 per cent. ti:l 1350, 13 —L ancas hi re and Y°7.' shire, Fifths, c. dis.—London and N or th Western, 11%,0-., Ditto, New Quarters, 464—Ditto, lie ,, 21% dis.—North Ststibrthhire, 9% dis.—York, Newcs s 4 and Berwick (G. N. E. Pur c ha se ), 6 per cent. t ill 41. 6s. Bd. MANCHESTER, Dze. 19. STOCK EXCHANGE.— Hie transactions to-day vier e ft ir. follow :—London and North-Western, M anc h es ter 0°, 7 '4. mingliam, Quarters (C ), 1 5-16 p.—L a n cas hi re and o , shire, 58—Ditto, Fifths, 6% dis.—Ditto, West Riding ilot 6 3 4 dis.— Eastern Counties, 7—Ditto, Preference, 636 -- 10' Lancashire, 11 9-16 n.— Manchester, Sheffield, and Lirl ci dio. shire, Preference, 8 3-16 North Staffordshire, 9 11-I 6 —South-Eastern and Ihver (No. 4), Scrip, 6 7 16. BIRMINGHAM, DEC. 19. r SIOCE EXCHANGE.— The numerous t ransac ti ons Of vote iS day have been succeeded by another dearth of busine s lol the share market. London and N or th-W es t ern the price at which they have been quoted for the 10 '0 days, and were dose at 1 11. South Staffordshires, ever since the last special meeting of shareholders 11 11 v:„ 1 1l a downward tendency, were tran s a c t e d a t 4% die. 1 " be other railway stock the quotations to-day may be said t° mere reflections of the London list. YORK, Die. IP. „ STocic EXCHANGE.—The transactions tod a y per follow : Caledonian, 11 5 A—Great Northern, via—York 94, North Midland, Preference, S 4—North British, 111. 3 6 . GLASGOW, DEC. 18. STOCK EXCHA.YGE.— The transactions to-day wei r follow : - Edinburgh and Bathgate, s,i—North Britisb) "- 5 1 ,x —Glasgow and Greenock, 12. NOTICE !—" FLIES IN AMBER," by Miss re p rii Authoress of " The City of th e S u l tan ," " The -",„" Woman," &c.—This work, i n 3 vo l s . post octa,:tf—feil published this day by Mr. Sh o b er l, N o . 20, u ;40 Marlborough-street, and may be had a t a ll the and of all respectable booksellers, in town and cone" . Lids 2. Scenes of the Civil War i n H ungar y, i n 1848 . 9, , "iiio the Personal Adventures of an Austrian Officer in pd Army of the Ban of Cro a tia, 1 vo l ume , 7 s . 6d. ° a d (oa Saturday next.)-3. In a few d a y s , th e Counte'faite Blessington's Novel, " Country Q uar t ers ," w ith Por t volf and Memoir by her niece, Miss Power, 3 vols.-- -4 ' s of ready, Napier's " Southern Af r i ca ," i n 2 vo l e . smal l .00 with numerous illustrations. " N ew t rave l s i n Afrl e L o rl, always welcome, and it is with pl easure we h a il a l e r, from the pen of one with the c e l e b ra t e d name of NO' —Weekly News. Tur'S MONEY MARKET:--The premium on gold at 1 1 70, 12 per :Lille, which, at the English Mint price of 34 ',„. 10id. per ounce for standard gold, gives an exchs l3 l,oo 25.45; and the exchange at Paris on London at i 9 oef being 25.42 k, it follows that gold is 0.10 per cent. " e h ths in Paris than in London. By advices from Liambo, r g„lieb price of gold is 437 per mark, which, at the Or o idt Mint price of 3/. 17s. 10/d. per ounce for standatdrfr gives an exchange of 13.11; and the exchange a C I WO burgh on London at short being 13.12/, it follow s sr e' gold is 0.57 per cent. dearer in London than ja burgh. f the [ADVERTISEMENT.]—A respected Member °, o vo' Soeisty of Friends cured of a Cough and Asthma by Riot' way's Ointment and Pills—Extract of a lett er f rom Alf: s ell jamin Mackie to Professor Holloway, dated C r eensgo, , 0 11 Loughgall, Sept. 11, 1848 . —R es p ecte d Friend,' feel it an act of justice to thyself t o s t ate t h at I have persona lly " oe rienced the benefit o f th y excel l ent pills and ointment 1, f of cure of an inveterate cough and asthma, which &Meted °fel three years t o suc h an extent that I was ' obliged to vc 2ll . i e d s , ' my room at ni g ht a f ra id of suffocation if I went to . then tried they invaluable medicines, which, I am Pl e9 o l say, have p er f ec tl y cure d me. " — S o l d by all vendors 0, , dine throughout the globe, and at Professor Hollowsi . blishment, 244, Strand, London. BIRTHS. On the 15th inst., in Prospect-place, Holloway , M. Wood, of a son. r ge On the 17th inSt., in Lonadale-square, Mrs. E. N s of a son. • le o f O r. On the 17th inst., in Park-place, Ha c k ne y, the wl wor d ' J. H. Cummins, of Bread-stre e t, Ch ea p s id e , o f a da 1 . 1 §„,,, 1 1 "' On the Bth inst., at Canonbury, th e w if e o f the . 11 ' Allon, of Uni ,n Chapel, Islington, of a daughter. o ife ° On the 18th inst., at North-end, Hampstead, ibe T. H. Street, Esq., of a son. 6 4/ On the 18th inst., in Victoria-ro a d, K ens ington, t he of Mr. W. 0. Young, of a daughter. f the Se! On the 18th inst., in Portl an d-pl ace , th e w ife 0- C L. Royds, of a son. WARMED. is:re o b b i : On the 13th inst., at Brockhall, Northamptcns . " - 'O 6- d, Edmonstone Monckton, Esq., of the 2d Madr e 0 30 — Cavalry, to Julia, second daughter of Colonel Tb° C. 8., formerly of H. M. 40th R e gim en t. low tbo On the 18th inst., at the chur c h o f St. Luke, Cued Rev. Thomas Kyrwood Bowyear, rector of Halste i "Oe to Caroline Margaret, third daughter of the 150 Admiral Shirreff. ' ta jet , DIED. On the 14th :net., at Tenby, South Wales, WI"'" - T Esq. , ici (i S a a A n On the 13th inst., at the Elms, Baldock, Herts. f r y, of Lieutenant-Colonel Gall, of the Bth Bengal Ca v ; z " to rd.„, , , formerly Captain of the Governor-General's On the kith inst., at Ccytrabene, near Bridgena:r o bey" ganshire, aged 27, Edmund, eldest son of M. F ' g 74r Eiq O . -DK' age n the 16th inst., at Everton, J. Crossland, • • late of Torrington -square. London. A g l4 for-* On the lt,th inst., at the Rector house, Green Apr • rd CoP dlesea, the Rev. John Tomkyns, rector of Greenfol late Fellow of King's College, Cambridge, acd for ilier ta.n in the Royal Dragoons. po)ndon AI Too li Printed and Published by in the URD, s O - No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sus t he 40 0 Strand, in the Precinct of the SaivoY• Middlesex, Thursday, December 20, 1841 (117 111 : a * idl r rt tei4 t h ..ce. • da3•f th e ., 100 49,1 Atm