The Sun. — London, England, 1849-01-25 00:00:00

THE ADDITIONAL COURT AT THE OLD BAILEY. (From the Weekly Dispatch.) Mr. Editor,—The public in general are not, per haps, aware -of the extreme anxiety that has lately been manifested by the authorities of the Corporation of the city of London to have the business of the Central Criminal Court disposed of as quickly as pos sible. For the last year or two, whenever the state of the Old Bailey calendar has been such as to indi cate the probability of the prolongation of a Criminal Court session beyond the week in which it com menced, every possible effort has been made to limit its durat ion to that period, and a " third" court has been held in the Grand Jury room, over which Mr. Commissioner Bullock pre sided, "for the dispatch of business." Far different was it in " the good old times," as they are called, when that highly-respected civic functionary, the late Recorder, Newman Knowlys, took his seat on the bench at five o'clock in the afternoon, after the de parture of the Learned Judges, and commenced the trial of a fresh " batch " of prisoners, and who would often remain on the bench until twelve o'clock at night, and even much later. Some good easy souls said, and perhaps believed, that these pro tracted sittings were owing to an extreme anxiety on the part of his Lordship to do complete justice to the prisoners brought before him. Of one thing lam quite certain, that he never allowed any unfortunate wretch that was brought before him to escape from his clutch if he could help it. There has, however, been a great change in the manner of conducting the business of the Central Criminal Court since the period to which I have alluded. The evening sittings have been altogether abolished. Learned Counsel practising in that court no longer exhibit unquestion able proof of their having "dined up-stairs." She riffs do not lean over the front of the bench to remon strate with them on the impropriety of their conduct, and find it impossible to resume their seats without as sistance, and provoke the laughter of the bystanders by their abortive attempts to appear " all right." Un fortunately, however, changes or alterations are not always entitled to the name of Reform ; and, although the old system of protracting trials until long after midnight was undoubtedly a very great abuse, as one that completely exhausted the patience of the jury, and rendered them altogether incapable of discharging the duty that devolved upon them, still I very much doubt whether it may not be said in this, as in many other cases, we have gone from one extreme to the other, and whether the mode of trying prisoners, adopted by another Learned Civic Functionary, which has *not inaptly been called trying by steam, has at all tended to increase that res pect which the people ought always to feel for those whose duty it is to administer justice to those who have transgressed the - laws of their country. But it now appears that even the steam system does not dispose of the Central Criminal Court business with sufficient dispatch ; and, accordingly, a third court is to be permanently established, in order that the•entire business of each session may be got through within -a week at all events, and as much sooner as possible. Now, it appears to me that this arrange ment is one of those " jobs " for the perpetration of which the Corporation of the good city of London have lately gained an unenviable degree of notoriety. Whenever the new court is opened for the dispatch of business it will be found that an additional judge is also necessary to dispose of the cases fixed for trial therein. There will also be required one or two additional clerks to assist the Clerk of the Arraigns, and an additional Deputy-Governor of Newgate Prison to take charge of the prisoners who are to be tried in this third court, and a few addi. tional turnkeys. No one but those who are, and have for years been practically acquainted with the manner in which the business of the Central Criminal Court has been conducted, can form any idea of the great inconvenience to which all parties having business in either of the courts will be subjected by the establishment of the additional court. The public are already pretty well acquainted with the manner in which a great number of the Old Bailey barristers neglect the interest of their unfortunate clients, under the pretence that they were engaged in " the other court" when his case was called on ; but should there be two " other courts," in addition to the old one, I fear there will be very little chance of a prisoner obtaining the assistance of counsel in either, and even where barristers are really anxious to do their duty to those who employ them, there will be such a constant running from one court to the other, that by the time a barrister gets into the court where his services are required, he will often find that the case has been disposed of before he made his appearance ; but if barristers and others well acquainted with the mode of transacting business, should be liable to any mistakes of the kind, what will be the case as regards the friends of the unfortunate pri soners, who are anxious in their hour of need to render them any assistance that may be in their power—what means will they have of knowing in which court a prisoner is to be tried ? They may per haps refer to a list placed outside the door of each court, each containing the names of Smith, Brown, Jones, Sac.; and while they are anxionsly inquiring in which court the Smith or Jones, in whose welfare they are interested, will be tried, " the steamer" will have settled the whole affair ; and here I cannot help protesting against a system which has latterly availed at the Central Criminal Court and at the Middlesex Sessions. I allude to the practice of the judges examining witnesses from the depo sitions returned to them by the magistrates at the different police-courts. It is one which, I deeply regret to state, has, on some occasions, Been adopted by the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench. The practice I allude to may be thus explained. A witness, when he enters the box, is sworn to speak the truth, the whole truth, &c. In stead of his giving his evidence in his own way, the judge, who, having the depositions before him, there fore knows exactly what the witness has peen called to prove, examines him after this fashion—" Your name is William Jenkins ?" Witness—" Yes." " You were walking in the Strand on the lath October last, and you saw the prisoner there?" Witness—" Yes." " And you watched him?" Witness—" Yes," " And you saw him enter the shop of the prosecutor?" " Yes." And so the examination is continued of each witness. $o that, instead of being allowed to do that which .they had been sworn to do, viz., " give true evidence," &0., they merely answer certain leading questions, which are put to them by the judge, who extspets from them just sufficient evidence to ensure the conviction of a prisoner, and then coolly tells the jury the case is completely established, &c. Now I have always under stood that it was one of the maxims of our much boasted law, that a judge, who tried a case, should commence such trial with a mind entirely free from prejudice, either against or in favour of a prisoner. Yet, according to the system of which I now complain, the jade is not only allowed to read the depositions taken against a prisoner, but to examine witnesses from those depositions; merely calling upon them, by affirmative answers, to repeat that which they had formerly stated before a magistrate. Now, in civil cases a judge is not allowed to know anything before hand of what any witness can prove. He does not, in fact, know anything more than the cause of action, and the nature of the pleadings. I wonder what would be thought of Lord Denman if, in an action to recover a debt, he were to say to a witness— " You were present when the debt was incurred Yo u heard the defe ndant p romise to pay it , and you know that he has not done so ;" and having had all these 1 1 questions replied to in the affirmative, he were to tell the jury to fi nd a verdict for the plaintiff! Such a mode of examination would not be allowed in a civil case, why, then, should it be in a criminal one ? a The judge, in an action to recover a paltry sum of ler takes, or is supposed to take, a full note of the i evi dence on both sid es ; but n a case in which the liberty and character of one of her Majesty s subjects is concerned, his notes very often contain nothing more than the name of the prisoner, the offence for which he was indicted, and the verdict of the jury. I have, on more than one occasion, seen the "notes" of a learned judge, and found they contained nothing more than what I have above stated. Yet the very judges who adopt the practice of examining a witness from the deposi tions, will at once interrupt a counsel who tries to adopt the same mode of examination on the part of a prisoner, by saying " Don't put the answer into the mouth of the witness, by putting leading ques tions, such as Did you do so and so;' but ask him w h a t he did, an d l et him give hi s answer in his own way. It would be an effectual stop to the s y stem of trying by s t eam if th e prisoners would insist, and which they ha v e a n undoubted right t o do, on each witness g ivin g his evi dence de 70110, altogether ir res p ective of anything that may appear in the depositions. The original intention of compelling the magistrates, at the different police- Offices, to return the depositio ns taken against a pri soner to the court to which they committed him for trial was, not that the judge might afterwards examine the witnesses therefrom, hut that they might be re• ferred to in case the witnesses suppressed any per tion of the evidence which he hail given, when the Prisoner was under examination at the p olice -court. I n proo f of the correctness of this opinion on ray part, I may mention that owing to the number of Cases in -which guilty parties have escaped from punishment, in consequence of witnesses, when under examination before a grand jury, wilfully suppressing portions of the evidence they had given at the p o li ce - courts, an d thereby inducing the grand jury to throw out the bill, the practice for some years past has been to have an officer of the court in attendance before the grand jury with the depositions, and if he finds a witness sup- I pressing any material fact which he h a d s worn to when before the magistrate, to call the attention of the grand jury to the statement contained in his deposition. believe I may claim the credit of having been the first person to suggest the propriety of such a course being. adopted. The subject was brought thereby under the consideration of the proper authorities, THE SUN, LONDON, and the plan was at once approved of by them. 1 The last " improvement" contemplated by the par ties at whose instigation the third court is established, is that the gallery shall be open to all corners on payment of a fee of one shilling. It is not stated whether there is to be any half-price. I very much fear that this fixed money payment will give rise to end less disputes. Suppose, for instance, the touters for the gallery were to induce a person to pay the stipu lated fee, on the assurance that a " dreadful murder" case was then " on," and the party, on that impression, was to pay the sum demanded ; but when he got admis sion found that the case which then occupied the court was one ofpetty larceny only, would he not have a right to claim a return of his money, it having been obtained from him under false pretences ? That facetious periodical, Punch, very lately exposed the absurdity of taking money for admission to courts of justice during what are called " interesting" trials, and gave a sort of bill of the play of an Old Bailey perform. ante, to which the usual notification ought to have been added, " No money returned." CENSORIUS. STATE OF TRADE. (From the Manchester Guardian of yesterday.) MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—The pulse of our market has been stimulated by favourable commercial accounts from India, and by the advice which the Europa has brought of a rise in American cotton to the extent of ic. per lb. since December 26, which has, of course, pro duced much more than a corresponding effect upon the Liverpool market. Spinners and manufacturers, who had latterly been flagging in some degree, have made an effort at a rally in the prices that might be considered attainable last week. This has been the case, princi pally, in India qualities of 40's, 50's, and 60's mule twist, together with shirtings, madapollams, and jac conets ; and to some extent also in yarns suitable for the European continent, as, for instance, common to good second, 16's to 20's water. The consequence of this move is a restriction of the day's business, which has not been very considerable. In some instances, how ever, producers have effected sales on rather better terms than they were able to do last week. The market is receiving little support from the home-trade dealers, whose operations are very limited. We regret to hear of the failure of Messrs. Price and Potter, of this city, whose liabilities amount to about 10,0001. A meeting of their creditors will take place to-morrow. The parties are spinners of coarse yarns. ROCHDALE, MONDAY.—We have had a better demand for flannels to-day than we had the previous Monday. One or two of the large manufacturers have been pur shasers again in the Blackwater-market. There is very little change to report in the wool-market, and, although there is not much business doing, former prices are firmly maintained. The Silk Trade—The silk trade, at Middleton, grows better every week, and, during the last few days, several large manufacturers have been in search of weavers. The silk small ware business also improves, and operatives, in both the above-named branches, have full employment. The silk manufacture is extending in Middleton and the neighbourhood, and some of the finest descriptions of fancy silk goods are now being ma nufactured. At Leigh, also, the manufacturers are ad vertising for weavers, and most of the warehouses pre• sent a busy appearance. HITDDHRSFIELD, TUESDAY.—The attendance of buyers has been limited and the business in the Cloth-hall was less than during the last two or three markets. But we can report that the operatives are pretty generally em ployed throughout the whole of our district. There is a steady demand for wool, and last week's prices are main tained. 'HALIFAX, SATURDAY.—We have had more merchants in the Piece-hall to-day, and some sales have been effected, especially in lastings; but there is very little disposition to give any advance upon old rates. The same may b_) said of the state of business in the warehouses. The spinners continue fully employ ed, chiefly upon old orders, taken before the lat.: advance; but they are gene • rally able to obtain the improved rates upon the few ne,v orders that are now giving out. The buoyancy of the wool market has subsided, and there is much less doing, though prices remain firm. The spinners have pretty well stocked themselves, and are now standing out against any further rise. In short wools there is not much activity. The spinners are asking higher rates, which are not acceded to. LEEDS, TUESDAY.—Considering the very unfavour able state of the weather there was a fair amount of business done in our cloth market to-day, and at prices about the same as before; the transactions in our ware houses, however, have been on a very limited scale this last week. LAW INTELLIGENCE. COURT OF QUEEIV'S BENCH, Jan. 24. (Sittings in Banco.) SMITH V. THE QUEEN 1N ERROR. The question involved in this case was whether pri soners can be tried before courts of quarter sessions when courts of assize are sitting. It appeared that the plaintiff was tried in April last at a court of quarter sessions at Manchester, the Recorder presiding, on a charge of burglary, on which he was found guilty and sentenced to ten years' transportation. There was a charge of larceny against the prisoner in another court. Mr. HODGSON, who appeared for the plaintiff, ad dressed the Court at great length, and contended that n herever courts of oyer and terminer and of gaol de livery were sitting the jurisdiction of the inferior courts were superseded. Mr. WELsBY appeared for the Crown, and submitted that the jurisdiction of the inferior courts was not sus pended during the sitting of the higher courts. The Learned Gentleman cited authorities in support of this view. The arguments were not concluded at the rising of the Court. BAIL COURT, Jan: 24. THE qIIEEN V. DROIIET-THE TOOTING CHOLERA CASES. Mr BALLANTINE applied for a rule to show cause why Mr. Drouet, the proprietor of the infant pauper estab lishment at Tooting, against whom the coroner's jury had on Tuesday returned a verdict of manslaughter, should not be admitted to bail. The Learned Counsel said that an inquest, which had oceupied considerable time, had taken place before Mr. Wakley, the coroner for Middlesex, at the Globe public-house, Derby-street, Gray's Inn-lane. That inquiry had been held on the bodies of four children who had been removed from Mr. Drouet's establishment, and the jury had returned a ver dict of " Manslaughter against Mr. Bartholomew Peter Drouet." The coroner had issued his warrant against that person, but he having no power to admit him to bail it was necessary to make the present application. He (Mr. Ballantine) had not been able to furnish his Lordship with copies of the depositions, owing to their length, but he hoped to be able to do so to morrow, and Mr. Drouet would come up on Friday to surrender to the warrant, and to be admitted to bail. Mr. Justice ERLE said the proper course would be for the depositions to be officially brought before him. It would be necessary, in the first place, to have a rule absolute for a certiorari to bring up the depositions; and also to have a rule nisi to admit the party to bail after he had surrendered to tho coroner's warrant. The Learned Judge then asked Mr. Baliantine if he bad any affidavits of the proceedings which took place before the coroner. Mr. dALLANTINE replied that an account of the inquiry before Mr. Wakley had been published in the daily papers which was very correct; but he had the affidavit of the defendant's attorney, which he .would read to the Court. The Learned Counsel then read the affidavit, in which Mr. Drouet's attorney set forth the fact of the inquest having been held, and of a verdict of manslaughter having been found against his client. Mr. Justice ERLE, after consulting with the registrar from the Crown-office, said he did not think the affidavit stated sufficient facts to induce him to grant the applica tion of the Learned Counsel. Mr. BALLANTINE replied that another affidavit could shortly be sworn, and perhaps his Lordship would allow him to embody in it the accounts of the inquest which had been published in the newspapers. Mr. Justice ERLE said the affidavit ought to state what the facts were connected with the commission of the offence with which the party was charged, and what were the mitigating circumstances of the case. At a later period of the day Mr. Ballantine put in a more extended affidavit, upon which his Lordship granted a rule absolute for a certiorari to bring up the deposi tions, and a rule nisi to show cause why Mr. Drouot should not be admitted to bail. Mr, Ballantine said it would be more convenient for Mr. Drouet to come up on Saturday than on Friday, as he had originally suggested. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY, Jan. 24. (Before Mr. Commissioner EveNs.) ALDMAC f L o E r A th N e . This was an adjourned meeting and declaration of di v id en d, in ntheestate ofilftrhcios of bankrupt. debts Mr. Cooke appeared f o r Aessr e s x . e ß h o a l n c g k e o , w fo a r nd th V e a a u m g hoauun assignees. o sou f g 4 ' h t :/. , being the prove on two 1 0 bills l of balance of a transaction of upwards of ,0001, on ac count of iron. The proof was disallowed. Mr. William Rogers, solicitor, of Stockton-on- Te es appeared to prove for 6,5001 . Proof was admitted to the ex t e nt of about 1,3001.; an item of 2,0001., being till: amou nt of a cheque drawn by the bankrupt upon - the L9ndon and County Bank, was disallowed, and the re maining part ordered to stand over. The meeting was then further adjourned for two months, without the declaration of any dividend. (Before Mr. Commissioner FONBLANQUE.) IN RE WILLIAM SPOKES. The application of the bankrupt, a bookseller, of the Strand, for his certificate, was supported by Mr. Parry and Mr. Duncan. His HONOUR suspended the certificate six months, chiefly on the ground that the bankrupt should have come to that - court earlier, and not have plldged any portion of his property. The certificate of W. lli Hell, a grocer, of Colc hester, ass mono s, suspend e d th ree mons, on the ground of his trade expenses having greatly exceeded his profits. Protectio n POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MANSION-HOUSE. Yesterday Thomas Ford was brought before Alderman Lawrence for re-examination upon the charge of having uttered a forged cheque, purporting to be the cheque of Mr. George Blackburn, wine merchant, of Mark-lane, for 3001-, upon Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smith, the bankers. A porter, wined Thomas Taylor, advertised for a situation, and was answered by a person who called himself Mr. Thompson, upon whom he waited at the be ginning of January, et the Bell and Crown Inn, Holborn. After two or three interviews, Mr. Thompson told Taylor that he might consider himself engaged, and sent him with a cheque to Smith, Payne, and Smith, with directions to bring him the money to a house in the neighbourhood of Mark-lane, and to say at the banking- r house that he came from Mr. Blackburn's clerk. The forgery was at once detected, and the case was put into the hands of Messr3. Bush and Mullens, the solicitors to the Committee of Bankers for Protection against For geries and Frauds, who employed John and Drniel Forrester, the officers, to investigate it. It was soon seen that Taylor knew nothing of the matter, and adequate proof was given of the excellence of his character. He had in his possession two pieces of paper on which Mr. Thompson bad written directions for him, and which he had seen that person previously tear out of a little note-book, and supplied with these and a few other materials, the officers set to work. Tay lor had described Thompson to them as a young man with black curly hair turned in behind, and dressed in a dark upper coat of rather elegant appearance. Upon application to Mr. Blackburn, who is an old customer at the banking-house, it was found that that gentleman used cheques at his house at Islington different from those which he signed at his offices, and that he had a few days before the forgery . was presented paid away two of the former to a butcher in the vicinity of his dwelling. It was also seen that the forgery resembled in number and other respects the cheques which Mr. Blackburn had paid away in Islington. Under these circumstances the officers sent Taylor to the Islington market on the first day it opened, with directions to him to look about amongst the trade, and he had not been long in the place when he saw Mr. Thompson, who turned out to be the pri soner, who had been in the service of a butcher. Soon afterwards the officers apprehended the prisoner, and found in a box in his house a black curly wig, with the hair turned in behind, and exactly an swering the description given by Taylor of Mr. Thomp son's head of hair, and in his possession they found a note-book, the pieces of two torn leaves in which corresponded with the bits of paper on which Mr. Thompson had written the directions to be observed by Taylor. Some of the above-named circumstances and the com plete identification of the prisoner by Taylor came out in detail on the first examination. Mr. Bush, after stating that he had witnesses to complete the case, said he had another charge of a similar nature against the prisoner, on which occasion a forged cheque for 4341. 16s. Bd. had been uttered, and the cash obtained. He should, however, first finish the charge upon the part of Messrs Smith, Payne, and Smith. A coat was here produced by John Forrester, and Taylor at once said it was very much like the over coat in which the prisoner was dressed every time they met about the situation, and they had met five different times. Upon his cross-examination by a clerk to Mr. Hum phreys, the solicitor, the witness said he could not swear that it was the identical coat, but he could swear that it greatly resembled that which the prisoner had worn. Alderman LAWRENCE—Have you any doubt that he is the man? Witness—Not the least. George Pockett, clerk to Mr. Griffith, pawnbroker, Ossulston-street, Somers-town, produced the ticket of a coat which was pledged on the 6th of January by Mrs. Ford, the prisoner's wife, who gave the real name and address—Ford, 44, Aldenham-street. Mr. James Dell, landlord of the Horseshoe and Mag pie public-house, in Fenchurch-street, remembered having seen the prisoner as an occasional customer at his house, perhaps some weeks before the date at which the forged cheque was said to have been presented. He remembered having seen Taylor and the prisoner to gether in front of the bar of his house. The prisoner would have been committed, the whole of the evidence in the case having been heard, but Mr. Bush stated that he wished to produce evidence of the second case, of which he had given notice, in order that both charges might come together before the grand jury. It would be recollected that in April last a forged cheque for 4341. 16s. Bd. hal been cashed at Sir Jelin Lubbocles banking-house; that John and Daniel Forrester had apprehended two of the persona concerned at Brussels, and taken the whole of the money from them; and that a conviction finally took place. Upon that, as well as upon the present occasion, not only the writing but the plate was forged; and there was goo.l reason for believing that the prisoner had been con cerned in the offence with the two persons who had been convicted. George Thomas, waiter at the Golden Lion, St. John-street, stated that in April last a gentleman called on him in York-street and spoke to him about some employment. Several times afterwards he saw the same person, and on the 22d of April met him by ap pointment at the East India-chambers, in Leadenhall street, and received from him a cheque for 4341. 16s. Bd., with directions to get it in four 100/. notes and 34 sovereigns. Witness believed the cheque produced by Mr. Bush was the one; it was for the same sum. The prisoner, who gave him the cheque, gave, he be• lieved, the name of Jackson with it, and told him to take it to Sir John Lubbock's, opposite to the Mansion house, and get it cashed, and at the same time gave him a black case to put the notes in. Witness received the notes and cash, and gave them to Mr. Jackson, who then went away, and witness had never seen Mr. Jackson since until last Wednesday. Mr. Bush—Do you see the man here? The witness— That is the man (pointing to the prisoner). Mr. Bush—Have you any doubt? Witness—Not the least. The prisoner was then remanded, in order that the evidence from the banking-house might be produced, and the depositions in both cases be prepared, and he will then be committed for trial. John Wiseman, an auctioneer, residing in Halfmoon street, Bishopsgate-street, was committed to Newgate for having violated a little girl who was in the habit of attending and taking care of his children. The case was palpable, and all the prisoner said was, that the girl consented. GUILDHALL. An Irishman of short stature, and who to all appear ance was in great suffering, named John M'Cormack, was placed at the bar before Alderman Challis (who relieved Alderman Farncombe for a short time), on the charge of begging. Samuel Speck, 119 of the City Police, stated that about one o'clock that day he saw the prisoner, whom he knew to be a begging impostor, following his occupation in Moorgate•street, and the better to excite the sympathy of the charitably disposed he had round his head a white cap, fastened under his chin, so as to show only his face, and which gave him the appearance of having recovered from a severe fever, and that he was greatly debilitated, while, on the contrary, he had a fine head of hair, and was not at all the object of pity he had pretended to be. Alderman CHALLIS—WeII, we will see how he appear. with his cap off. Remove it. The officer immediately took out the pin from under the chin and removed the cap, when the appearance of the prisoner was as instantly altered as if he had re ceived the touch of a harlequin's wand; for instead of the pale face and the wobegone looks, a fine crop of black hair set his countenance off to advantage, while on unbuttoning his outer coat, which appeared to be much the worse for wear, it was found that he was warmly and Comfortably apparelled, and, in fact, it was evident he made a trade of begging. The removal of the cap created great laughter. Alderman CHALLIS—WeII, prisoner, what have you to say why I should not send :you to prison? Wear mack (in a very weak voice)—Sure, then, I was not begging at all. Alderman Oakum—Come, come, that won't do ; you can speak louder? M'Cormack—l can't speak any better. Alderman Cmiazis—Were you ever at the treadmill? M'Cormack—Ah, then, I'm more fit to go to the doctor than the treadmill. Alderman CHALLIS asked if the prisoner was known? Speck replied that he knew him well, and that he (the prisoner) and his wife sometimes went about with five or six children, and at other times by themselves, ask ing alms. Alderman CHALLIS observed that he had no doubt the children were hired for the purpose. A City officer, 653, here stepped forward, and informed the Alderman that he had known the prisoner for the last seven years as an impostor. Sometimes he might be seen picking his teeth until they bled, and at others spitting and coughing as if ho had an asthma. In fact, he was one of the greatest impostors in London. George Evans, an officer from the Compter, said the prisoner had 14 days in November last, and in fact had been in custody in every part of London. Alderman CHALLIS considered it a very bad case, and sentenced the prisoner to one month's imprisonment, when the doctor was to see him and report whether he was most fit to receive a whipping or be worked at the treadmill. . . Prisoner—l am neither fit for the one nor the other. Alderman CHA.LLIB—WeII, we shall ascertain that fact. He was then removed, still keeping up the appearance of being very ill.' BO W-STREET. persons;ft ? whichr rs i Edward Baker was brought before Mr. Henry for obtaining money under false pretences. The prisoner went into the shop of Mr. Callaghan, optician, in Great Russell-street, on Monday morning last, with a pitiful tale of his sufferings from affliction and distress, consequent upon the death of his wife, whose body was lying at the Westminster Hospital, as an alleged certificate from the house surgeon (backed by the signature of Mr. Magee, a clergyman) appeared to prove.. He was desired to call again, with the promise that his case should bo submitted to a few benevolent h n at th th e e meantimeeertiaeate signatureainndqutihreies ea na committed that em ai tst e dt greathf re from prisoner ma n Bow-streetext en t had a s ever, vf beeneorr,addressing althoughpractising n e at similar were made, were lon begging petition to Lord Lincoln. A Mend . icity . officer stated, that the prisoner had been also convicted in the City, and, if time were granted, many cases could be proved against him. Under these circumstances his Worship remanded the prisoner for a week. Margaret Cochrane, an old begging-woman, who usually takes off her shoes and stockings, and has a sickly child at her back, was convicted for the second time within a very short period, and committed to prison. In this case Zklr. HENRY observed, that the practice of giving casual relief to these vagrants, instead of sending them back to the parish in which they had a settlement, tended greatly, in his opinion, to increase the . begging nuisance, which was now so universally complained ot. The latter course would be the most economical to . the parochial bodies in the sequel, and it would be certainly the most effectual way of getting rid of them._ MAR LB ORO UGH-S TWEET . possession . dn.a/remxeasraßionbsetlitnsno,newhaasrgberdouagiltiht bheafvoirnegMinr.hßt..singham for Old Bond-street, and a stolenl, 1 79 prints,froaltthheeirprrooopmerst.y.soof.tlh7e, Entomological Society, book the property of Mr. Charles Gunnell, stolen from one of the committee-rooms of the House of Commons. The prisoner said he was entirely innocent of the charge as to the prints, and was fully committed. ipegriavnedd that THURSDAY EVENING., JANUARY 25, 1849." James Redden, office-keeper to the House of Com mons, sail the book now produced was the property of Mr. Charles Gunnell, cud had 'o( , cri stolen from one of the committee-roorn. The book was not missed until pro duced by the polio'. The prisoner said he bought the book for fourpence. He was also fully committed on this charge. MARYLEBONE. John Clententson, was placed at the bar before Mr. Broughton, for re-examination on the charge of having stolen a considerable quantity of plate, the property of Mr. Waller, of 63, Arlington-street, Camden-town. The prisoner, who had nothing to say, was committed for trial. and CarlislP Railway Company to borrow the requisit2 noel, f•,.r.1;11! t• • '1;:,1 It uz i.4l.ce Lu :or ,v,.1,1 lisle line. But they make this recommerolatit , n of in terpoiag the guarantee o` the Glasgow and Ayr Com pany on the distinct understanding that previously to next general meeting the directors will neither incur any new liabilities, nor proceed further with the works on the branches to Sarithston and Dalmellington, excepting those under contract. The committee recommend the appointment of a committee with full powers of investi gation, and that the directors be requested to prepare, with the assistance of the committee, a full and complete statement of the whole affairs of the company, and to print and circulate the same among the shareholders six days previous to the next general meeting." A discussion followed, in which many of the share holders took part, and during which some satisfactory statements were made as to the improvement of the traffic on the main line. Eventually, on the motion the CHAIR➢IAN, seconded by Mr. 11. CRAWFURD, of Crawfurdlund, it was resolved to guarantee the debentures of the Dumfries and Carlisle Company to the extent of 433,0001. The meeting then separated. SUTTON HARBOUR. IMPROVEMENT COMPANY.—PLY- MoUTH, JAN. 23.—A special meeting of the shareholders in this company was held at the Exchange, yesterday, for the purpose of receiving a minute from the directors of the South Devon Railway Company, in reference to the completion of a branch of the line to Sutton Har bour, and to adopt such steps in the matter as might be deemed necessary. The chairman of the directors, W. H. Hawker, Esq., occupied the chair, and the meeting was very fully attended. The chairman after referring to the objects for which the meeting had been convened, read a certified extract from the minute book of the S )uth Devon board, to the effect that they had com pleted arrangements with the Messrs. Johnson, to pur chase and enter upon the Dartmoor line, extending from the station at Laira, to the harbour, and that the only thing in the way of a completion of the work was the want of funds. This the company regretted, but stated, that as soon as possible they would proceed with the line. John Bayley, Esq., one of the shareholders, entered into a long statement of the grievances the Sutton Harbour Company had to com plain of at the hands of the South Devon directors. He quoted the opinion of counsel, that the directors, having obtained an Act of Parliament to make the branch, were bound to do so ; that they were bound to apply their capital to the purposes for which it was raised ; that if they failed to do this the directors would become per sonally responsible, and that they could be compelled by mandamus from the Court of Queen's Bench, imme diately to complete this part of their line. T. Stevens, Esq., proposed that a mandamus should be applied for, but ultimately withdrew this proposition ; and, on the motion of T. W. Fox, Esq., the directors of the Sutton Harbour Company were directed to enter into negotiations with the South Devon Railway Company, and that the meeting be adjourned for a fortnight, when the subject should again be brought forward and discussed. MOLD.—The cuttings of the Chester and Mold line have at length reached the town, and it is fully expected that this railway will be opened for traffic in May next. —Chester Courant. LIVERPOOL AND BURY.—The works have been se riously injured by the floods. In many places the em bankments have broken down. An arch over the river Douglas has been partially destroyed, awl breakwaters have had to be erected to resist the current. Irswicu, BURY, AND NORWICH.—The permanent road is completed as far as Diss, and the goods traffic will bo forthwith commenced. SHREWSBURY AND CHESTER.—The construction of the Park gate Extension has boon Eminlinced by 400 men. PLYMOUTH GREAT WESTERN DOCKS.—PLYMOUTH, JAN. 23.—1 n consequence of a want of funds for carrying on the works connected with those ducks, all the men employed by the four sub-contractors, under the Messrs. Greigson, gave up working on Friday last. There are nearly 150 men who have thus given up, and these had for the previous seven weeks been working with only a small portion of their wages for "subsist." The men employed by the contractors themselves are still pro ceeding with their work. There are about 30 men who are so engaged. SHERIFF'S COURT, CHESTER.—BARKER AND OTHERS V. THE NORTH STAFFORDSHIRE RAILWAY COMPANY. —An inquiry was held at Sandbach, before the Under- Sheriff, John Hostage, Esq., and a special jury, on Fri day last, and by adjournment at Chester Castle on Saturday last, to assess the compensation to be awarded, by the North Staffordshire Railway Company to a gen tleman named Barker, and three other parties, the lessees of a salt works, brine pit, &c., situate at Bechton, near Sandbach, in this county, and now worked by the Messrs. Mills, of Liverpool, to whom the works are underlet. It appeared from the statement of the case on the part of the plaintiff, that the Messrs. Barker are the lessees of the works for a term of years, of which twenty-one are unexpired. The works are at present underleased by the plaintiffs to the Messrs. Mills for a term, of which seven years are unexpired, at a rental of 2201. per annum. The Railway Company, by their plans and notice to treat served upon the plaintiff, proposed to take for their line of railway the engine-house, brine pit, and a considerable portion of the brine reservoirs, together with the piece of land on which is the iron pipe or tube through which the brine is forced from the pit to the reservoirs. This interference, it was contended, on behalf of the plaintiffs, would amount to a total destruc tion of the works ; and, accordingly, the surveyors who had inspected the premises for the purposes of this inquiry, had framed their computed damage on the pre sumption that the works would be rendered useless for their present purposes. Their estimated damage was variously computed between 4,9451. and 5,3171., which included the seven years' interest under Messrs. Mills' lease, ten years' subsequent interest under their own, the worth of the plant belonging to the plaintiffs, and 50 per cent. on the total value on account of a compul sory sale. The case on behalf of the plaintiffs closed at three o'clock on Saturday afternoon, when an arrange ment was made without the defendants' case being gone into, and a verdict taken for 9001., viz., 501. for value of the interest of the claimants in the property, and 8501. for the damage by severance; subject to certain other conditions and terms not specified in court.—Chester Courant. VERSAILLES RIGHT AND LEFT LINES. The nego tiations that have been going on between these two com panies relative to a project of fusion are now intermixed. A recent communication from the Left Company an nounces it refuses all terms to that effect. CHESTER AND PARXGATE.—We are informed that the works on this branch line from Parkgate to join the Chester and Birkenhead Railway at Spital station, have commenced. The contracts have been taken by three spirited parties, who, as we understand, intend to put on from 300 to 400 men to expedite the construction of this u n der taking.—Chester Courant. SOUTH DEVON.—OPENING TO PLYMOUTH.—The ra pid and satisfactory progression towards the completion of the line to Millbay, which is now being made, will very shortly place the directors in a position to open the line to that place.— Western Luminary. IPSWICH, NORWICH, ♦ND RITRY.—The permanent rails are now completed, and the engine has arrived at Diss, so that hopes are entertained of the line being soon opened for goods traffic.—Bury and Suffolk Herald. RAJLWAY SHARE MARKETS. BRISTOL, JAW. 24. STOCK EXCHANGE. —The market still continues in about the same state as yesterday. Great Western, Quarters, were done at 1% dis.—Eastern Counties, 11N. LIVERPOOL, JAN. 24. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Aberdeen, 22 1 4 — Caledonian, Preference, 1% p.—Lancashire and Yorkshire, Halves (late Liverpool and Bury), 13% dis.—London and North• Western, 132—Ditto, New Quarters, p.—Ditto, Quarters (C), p.— Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln (late Great Grimsby and Sheffield), 25 1 dis.—Ditto, 201. Shares, 10 dis.—Midland Stock, 93—Ditto, New Halves, 51 ,4 dis.—North Staffordshire, 3 dis.—Shrewsbury and Birming ham, 91. 12s. 3d. Shares (B), 3 3 / 4 dis.—Ditto, Preference, 8 per cent. guaranteed for ten years, 91. Bs. 9d.—Shrews bury and Chester (late N. W. M.), 101. Preference, guaran• teed 8 per cent., 1436—Shropshire Union, 2% dis.—South- Eastern and Dover, 25%—York, Newcastle, and Berwick (G. N. E. Purchase), p.—Dublin and Belfast Junction, 29% dis WORSHIP-STREET. •• - Alfred Smith was charged with having stolen a box containing private letters and legal documents, the pro perty of Mr. Sydney Calder Horry, the barrister. Mr. Harry had occasion on the preceding day to at tend the County Court, i❑ Osborne-street, Whitechapel, upon professional business, and having upon reaching there received an intimation that a more dignified ap pearance would be expected of him at a county court than it is thought necessary to demand at a police-court, and that he would be required to appear in forensic costume, he hastily dispatched a person named Hughes, a confectioner in Bloomsbury, with a message in a chaise-cart to his chambers, in Holborn, to procure the necessary equipment. The messenger shortly after re turned with a box, but upon examining it, it was disco vered that by some mistake the wrong one had been de livered by a person at his chambers, and that instead of his wig and gown a quantity of valuable private and legal documents had been forwarded to the court-house. The prisoner happened to be about the entrance of the court at the moment, and he was therefore directed to take charge of the vehicle and box in the street until the case in which the prosecutor was retained should have been disposed of ; and, after the expiration of about two hours and a half, he was found by Mr. Horry still at his post ; but the most important thing he had to mind (the box itself) had disappeared ; and, as his ex planation of its disappearance was anything but pro bable or satisfactory, he was at once handed over to the police. In his defence,the prisoner denied all participation in the robbery, and said, that in order to keep a strict look-out over his charge, he had got into the cart with it, but had unfortunately fallen sound asleep; and that during his state of unconsciousness some thieves must have availed themselves of his helpless condition to make off with the property. In answer to this, however, Mr. Hughes stated, that upon engaging the prisoner to mind the documents, he not only promised him a liberal remuneration fer his trouble, but gave him the strictest injunctions to sit upon the box, and not move from it until Mr. Horry appeared; notwithstanding which, he found him, when the cause was over, carelessly standing by the side 3f the horse, with the back of the chaise-cart opened, and the property gone, and upon questioning him as to its disappearance, he denied all knowledge about it further than that he had been asleep, which was altogether im probable in the middle of the day and in such a public situation; in addition to which the foreman of a flour factor, who was present at the time, gave him a flat con tradiction and declared that he had seen him privately talking with several women just before the witness came up. The prisoner adhered to his statement; but Mr. Manilla. was dissatisfied with it, and committed him for a week, to afford the police an opportunity of tracing the property, and discovering the witness who could prove that the prisoner had been in communication with the suspected women. THAMES. Thomas Illidge, a young man of gentlemanly appear. ance, whose family and connexions are of great re spectability, and whose relatives have filled the highest corporate offices, was brought before Mr. Seeker, charged with fc rgery. Pelham defended the prisoner. Mr. Humphreys, the solicitor, said he prosecuted on behalf of the London Dock Company, who charged the prisoner with having on several occasions forged orders for tasting wine in the docks. Mr. SEC ER committed the prisoner for trial for tit tering the forged orders, and on the applicatio❑ of Mr. Pelham, said he would take bail for the prisoner, him self in 200 L, and two sureties in 1001. each. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE . PORNSMOUTH, WEDNESDAY.—Lieut. Randell Vans (1811) died this morning at Southsea, having just com pleted his 60th year. He was in receipt of a pension for wounds. The Dido, 18, Captain Maxwell, sailed last night for Sheerness, to be paid off. Vice-Admiral Dacres finally left the President, 50, this day under those gratifying demonstrations of respect and attachment from officers and men, which every judi cious commandant is sure to receive at the hands of his subordinates, and his flag was struck at sunset. A new foreyard has been sent out to the ship this after. noon to replace that carried away on the passage home, and to-morrow, if possible, she will sail for Chatham to be paid off. The steamers for the reserve squadron of Devonport are not to sail before Monday. Saturday was fixed, but the Admiralty finding the riggers who will navigate them would have to be paid double for working their Sunday, have altered the day of sailing to Monday. The Fire Queen steam-vessel, Master Commander Allen, after sundry repairs, &c., went out to-day to try her engines, &c. She did not equal 12 knots, and sprang a leak in the after run. The Myrtle steam-vessel, Acting Master Balliston commanding, disembarked the baggage, &c., of Admiral Dacres this afternoon. The Admiral is residing in this garrison for the present. The Kingfisher, 12, Commander Harvey, arrived at the Cape Verds oa the 24th of November, and found the Dover steam-vessel there; sailed on the 26th, and ar rived at Sierra Leone on the 7th of December; whence she would proceed to Prince's Island in search of the Commodore. But few prizes have lately been taken. The smallpox is very prevalent up the Gambia. The Kingfisher was to proceed to Ascension, after speaking the Commodore. The Juno, on her arrival, is to be paid off at Plymouth, and the Espiegle at Sheerness. Wind, W.; fresh gales and squally weather. _ _ . THE COAST OF -AFRICA. St. Paul de Nov. 15. Since the departure of Commodore Sir Chas. Hotham, this place has been the head -quarters of the senior officer, and has had occasional visits from his ship, the Favourite, 14, Commander Alexander Murray. The Philomel, 8, Commander Wood, arrived recently on this division from the North Coast, and has taken her sta tion between this and Benguela. The other vessels on this division are the Contest, 12, Commander M'Murdo, cruising to the south of Benguela ; the Blazer steamer, Lieutenant Smith, off the Congo ; the Grepplcr steamer, Lieutenant Lycaught ; and the Dart, 3, Lieutenant Glyn, of Ambrize; the Bittern, 12, Commander Hope off Kabenda; the Britomart, 8, Com mander Chamberlains, off Loango; the Waterwich, 8, Commander Quin; and the Wanderer, 12, Commander Montresor, off Cape Lopez. The Dart has taken three, the Britomart two, and the Pluto one slaver off the Congo since the last mail. In the Bight of Benin are Dolphin,Lieutnant Ponsonby (since C the Amphitrite, 25. Captain Eden (ordered to the Pa cific); the Cygnet, 8 , Commander Kenyon; the Star, 8, 3, Lieutenant Boyle; Commanderaanodm them Command l:irn taßti, Tudor). d e oy steamer,r; the o nthe Si erra L eone coast are th e Alert, ; the Sealark, 8, Com • m l lntaloon, 8, Commander nde r 6, is Commander lonypenny ; tphetiol P antaloon, Prevost; and the Ranger, 8, Commander Newland. The Bonetta, 3, Lieutenant Forbes, arrived here from Sierra Leone on the 30th ult., with the mails brought out by the Pantaloon and Ranger. She reports both the Ranger and Alert as having been on shore and sustained considerable damage. The slave trade is greatly on the increase on the north coast, and the Pongas, Nunez, Gallinas, and Cape Mount rivers are swarming with slavers. The Bonetta has been exceedingly successful on that station, having taken five or six prizes. The Pluto sailed some weeks ago to reinforce that division. Lieutenant Joliffe has the command of her, and Mr. Christopher Albert, addi tional second master of the Penelope, has been given the command of the Adelaide prize tender, vice Joliffe. The Snap, recently a slaver steamer, but now converted into a barque, Mr. Raymond second master in charge, arrived here on the sth inst. with a large quantity of stores and provisions from St. Helena for the use of the division of the squadron employed on this station. She sailed for Ascension on the Bth inst., all well. The Favourite, 14, Commander Murray, arrived on the 7th inst., and sailed the following evening on a cruise, all well. The Con test, 12, Commander Maude, arrived on the 7th inst., and having caulked and refitted returned to her station off Benguela on the 14th, all well. The Favourite sails for England on the Ist of January. The new Go vernor of the Portuguese possessions on the west coast has entered on his duties at this place, and the fleet of eight or ten cruisers under the orders of a new naval commander-in -chief are now actively employed in the suppression of the slave trade; their sphere of usefulness has, however, been recently crippled by a new treaty with Brazil, which limits the capture of slave vessels under that flag to within three miles of the shores of the Portuguese territories. The captain of the Mandonna brig of war has, however, been making amends for this restriction by burning to the ground all the barracoons belonging to the subjects of that empire, as well as those of his own countrymen along the coast. This and similar cases evidence a cer tain measure of vigilance on the part of the Portuguese officers to check the enormities of the slave trade, but, alas! they are mere isolated cases, and are, as well as the exertions of the Britisk, next to futile in stemming the virulence of that disease which is drying up the vital energies of Africa. WOOLWICH, J&N. 24.—The Janus steam-vessel, when she went down the river on trial yesterday under the charge of Lieutenant Robertson, with Mr. Trickett, assistant to the chief engineer at Woolwich Dock yard, and Mr. Casey, chief engineer in Captain AlN tin's department, was found to answer very well in the working of her machinery, and the speed attained was about 10,E knots per hour, but her steering was not so satisfactory as could be wished. The difficulty in steer ing the vessel may have been owing to her not being in trim or from her farm being equally sharp at the stern as at the bows; the original design being to have rud ders for and aft, similar to the plan adopted in some of the river boats, to enable her to start or bring up with out tuning round. The Niger steam-vessel went down the river on an official trial to-d ay , i n charge o f Lir. Gosman, master of the Fi gard , Lieutenant Robertson, whose duty it is to make these trials Laing on leave for a day or two. The Niger left her moorings at half-past ten o'clock, A.m , having on board Captain Halstead, R.N. ; Mr. Lloyd, chief engineer at the Admiralty; Mr. Humphries, chief engineer at Woolwich Dockyard ; Mr. Casey, chief engineer in Captain Austin's department; and Mr. F. I'. Smith of the screw propeller department at the Admiralty, and had not returned at about four s (' - 'c r i, ;: e ig ke te P oi m u - S t . l S ; 2'o. l' r t ., t z i ,n_ilak l' ;e '' a .. l 2:a . i. P ie ? : 7 O: tee vessel will be well tested to-day. VALUE OF STEAM IN WARFARE.—Extract of a letter, dAtcd on board her Majesty's steam-sloop Inflexible, Trincomalee, Dec. 9, 1848:—" Our captain offered to move an entire regiment, by taking 400 men on board the Inflexible, and tow at the same time any large mer chant ship with the remainder, which vessel could at the same time take all their baggage and camp equipage in her hold. This offer was made in consequence of an urgent requisition from the government at Calcutta for two native regiments. We were lying in the Madras roads when the Bengal steamer Fire Queen arrived with the requisition. The captain's offer was accepted imme diately, and the Claudine barque was freighted. As the Claudine had not good accommodations, and there being upwards of 200 camp followers, the Fire Queen had to take a portion. We started with the Claudine in tow about three hours and a quarter after the Fire Queen, she leaving at a quarter past nine o'clock A.M., of the 17th of October, the Inflexible at half-past twelve o'clock. Fire Queen was out of sight when we got away, yet by eleven that night we were abeam of her. At daylight next morning no thing but her smoke could be seen, and at 10:A.M. Of the 18th inst., smoke and all was out of sight. We anchored in the harbour of Khyouh Phyoo, on the Ar racan coast, just 24 hours before the Bengal steamer, Fire Queen, thus beating per with a vessel of 560 tens (new measurement), in tow, by 27 hours on the run. Our average velocity, per patent log, while steam ing, was 81 knots per hour. We anchored at noon of the 22d in Kh3 ouh Phyoo, landed the 28th Madras Native Infantry there, and embarked the 40th Bengal Native Infantry for Calcutta; saile-1 from the latter at two P.M., of the 26th, and anchored off Fort William at two P.M., of the 29th, thus moving about 1,500 men 1,400 miles in twelve days, out of which time four days were taken up in embarking and disembarking the troops, their baggage, and tent equipage. We must have steamed with the Claudine in tow nearly two knots an hour faster than the Fire Queen. After having coaled at Calcutta we sailed, and arrived at Trincomalee on the 31st of last month. We are now coaled, provisioned, and have water on board, and are ready to start when Cambrian arrives with our orders. Rear-Admiral Sir Francis Collier is collecting all his squadron in case of any disturbance breaking out. When the gates of Canton are opened a row I leara is expected." blowing RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. SOUTH-EASTERN. A meeting of shareholders in this company was held on Tuesday, at Manchester ; Mr. J Windsor in the chair. Mr. SIMPSON said that it was stated at the last half yearly meeting, 825,0001. would finish the works, but the financial statements lately issued showed that 1,132,7241. would be required. He did not see how the difficulty was to be met without the creation of prefer ence shares. He recommended the abandonment of the Ashford and Hastings branch, and of the Tunbridge Wells branch, and concluded by moving a resolution to the effect that a committee be appointed to inquire into the great increase of capital mentioned, and to protect the interests of the company. The Rev. Mr. BIRLEY thought it unfair to make state ments in the absence of the directors, and after some discussion respecting the adjournment of the meeting, i❑ order that the directors might be communicated with on the subject, he moved an amendment. In the course of conversation, it was agreed that a committee be appointed to inquire into the discrepancies in the capital account as exhibited at the last half-yearly meeting, and in the report lately issued to the pro prietors, and into other matters relating to the general interests of the company. The meeting was then adjourned to Thursday; in the meantime the committee to intimate to the directors that the shareholders would be glad if ono of their body could then attend to give explanations. The proceed- inks concluded with a vote of thanks to the chairman. EAST INDIAN. On Tu.sday a meeting of shareholders was held at the London Taver❑ to consider the steps to be adopted for the dissolution of the company in the most speedy and inexpensive manner; Sir John Camp bell in the chair. The CHAIRMAN said that the specific objects of the meeting were essentially opposed to those which for a very long time he had advocated as a director of the East Indian Railway Board, and he distinctly and posi tively stated that this change in his opinion had not arisen from any spirit of factious opposition, but was the result of most deliberate reason. It was pretty generally known that the committee appointed at the India House to consider the railway question had decided against granting any modification of the guarantee, or any further amelioration of the original terms. Con siderable discussion had likewise lateiy taken place on the subject in the Board of Control, and the general report was that the subject had not been fa vourably entertained there. Those present would also recollect that on a public occasion at a Court of Directors of the East India Company the chairman declared! that the East Indian Railway Company was defunct, and the Preeident of the Board of Control, in his place in the House of Commons, in reply to a question, declared that the East India Railway was at an end. There was also a meeting in April last year, at the London Tavern, when resolutions were framed and anthority given to the directors to carry on negotiations with the East India House on the clear understanding of a positive and un conditional guarantee, or dividend, or rather that, if the 5 per cent. were not granted by the East India Com pany, early steps be taken to dissolve the company. The entire question had remained before the Board of Con trol for seven or eight months without any answer being given, and on Monday last the committee ap pointed to look into railway matters decided, by a majory of 9 to 6, that the East Indian Railway Company could not go on. To-day that decision would be sub mitted to a General Court of the East India Com pany, when no doubt a definitive determination would he come to on the subject. Looking at the expendi ture of funds that had already taken place, and the liabilities, which it had been publicly stated had ex ceeded the amount that had been subscribed,—looking at the embarrassed state of the company's affairs, and the necessity they were under of borrowing the com pany's capital to complete the 60,000/. now on deposit, which was certainly not a bona fide way of proceeding— considering there were 100 dissentient shareholders in favour of a dissolution, holding on an average 80 shares each, and some upwards of 200, he had ne hestitation in proposing the first resolution, to the effect— " That since of late it has been made manifest that the original anticipations of profit held out by the di rectors in their report could not be realised by the limited undertaking in which it is now proposed to embark, and that the guarantee, instead of being equivalent to a five per cent. Government Stock, as stated by the directors, in the opinion of the meeting is a mere contribution which would probably be wholly absorbed by the cost of maintaining and working the line, there remains no reasonable inducement to the shareholders to pursue the enterprise further, and it is, consequently, desirable to dissolve the company in the most speedy and inexpen sive manner, and release the shareholders from all inci dental responsibilities." General ROBERTS seconded the resolution; when, after some observations from Mr. L. Browne, Me. Long bourne, and others, it was carried unanimously. Mr. BRowNE was of opinion that none of those share holders, and there were many, had a right to interfere in the matter of dissolution or in any thing relating to the proceedings of the company, who had not paid the last call of 2/. p-r share. The CHAIRMAN thought the point could not at all affect the present proceedings, which were merely of a deliberative or recommendatory character. Several shareholders having expressed a similar opi nion, it was moved by General M'LEon, seconded, and carried nem. con.— " That thanks be given to the gentlemen who had taken the initiative in the movement for dissolution, and that they form themselves into a committee, with a view to its completion." The CHAIRMAN, in concluding the proceedings, said it must not for a moment be imagined that he was op posed to the introduction of railways in India. On the contrary, having been connected with that country for the last 25 years, he took the deepest interest in all that tended to develop its resources, to consolidate the power of its Government, and to make it one of the brightest gems in the crown of our colonial possessions. The great evil under which it laboured was the want of effi cient internal communication to bring the produce of its climate to the coast, and this it must eventually have, though under some better constituted machinery than that which was at present proposed to supply it. GLASGOW, KILMARNOCK, AND AYR. An adjourned special meeting of this company was held in the Merchants' Hall, Glasgow, on Tuesday, the 23d inst., for the purpose of considering the propriety of guaranteeing the debentures of the Dumfries and Car lisle line, so that funds may be provided for the comple tion of the latter. Mr. James M'Call, of Daldowie, in the chair. The CHAIRMAN stated that at the last meeting a com mittee of shareholders had been appointed to investigate the affairs of the company and report. That report had been handed to the directors not half an hour ago, and although they had had little time to consider it, they were willing to give it their acquiescence. Mr. BURNS, on the part of the committee of share holders, stated that it was due to the directors to say that they had met the committee of shareholders in the most kindly and cordial spirit, and had afforded them every facility for making the most complete and minute investigation. They were of one mind in thinking that they had now passed the turning point, and that by economy and a zealous application of their resources, they would, ere long, retrieve the affairs of the company. He had no doubt that a beneficial result would spring from the measures already taken, and that future meet ings of the 'shareholders would be more pleasing than they had been for some time past. It was but right to state that there were many measures of a questionable kind which had been gone into during the mania two or three years ago; but perhaps the directors, as well as the bulk of the shareholders, had been then led into trans actions which in their sober moments they would have repudiated. They must now apply a remedy, and adopt a line of management by which every sixpence would be saved which was not necessary for making the works productive. The CHAIRMAN had never considered the state of matters two or three years since as anything else than a mania, and he had said so at the time; but so many companies were started against the Ayrshire line that, in self-defence, they were compelled to enter into schemes aginat their inclination. The report of the committee was then read, which is as follows: " After serious and anxious deliberation the commit tee have resolved to recommend that this company should interpose their guarantee to enable the Dumfries MANCHESTER, JAN. 24. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are--Shrewsbury and Birmingham, Preference, 9% West Riding Union, 4 1 h dis.—Old Grimsby, 25 dis.—Ditto, 201. Shares, 10 IA dis.— Ditto (Docks), 12 1 4 dis.—Sheffield and Lincoln, 12 9-16 dis. —Ditto (Union), 2 13-16 dig.—Leeds, Fifths, 3% dis.— Manchester and Birmingham, Quarters (C), p.—East Anglian, 6 per cent., 2 11-16—Caledonian, Preference, p. —North Staffordshire, 3 dis.—Leeds and Thirsk, Preference Quarters, % p.—London, New Quarters, 4% p.—Grimsby, Quarters, 6 dis.—Preston and Wyre, Halves, 5 p.—Man cheater and Birmingham (A and B), 3' p. —Leeds, 321. Shares, 7 1 ,4 dis.—Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston, 4 1 4 dis. —Huddersfield, Thirds, 8 9-16. BIRMINGHAM, JAN. 24. STOCK EXCII,ANCIK.—The following are the day's quota tions :—South-Eastern and Dover, No. 2,9% dis.—Bir mingham. Wolverhampton, and Stour Valley, 101. Bs. 9d. —North Staffordshire, 3 dis.— Shrewsbury and Birmingham, Preference, 1 1 ,4 p.—South Staffordshire, 234 dis. YORK, JAN. 23. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The business transacted to-day was as follows :—North-Western, 256—Sheffield, Rotherham, and Goole (N. Div.), guaranteed 5 per cent., 7 ex int.— Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A), 3% ex int.—Ditto, Preference, 9%—York, Newcastle, and Berwick, No. 2 (late New Berwicks), 20% —Ditto (G. N. E. Purchase), 8% c. CTLASGOW, JAN. 23. _ STOCK EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Dundee and Perth, 26—Eastern Counties, New, 6 per cent. guaranteed, 11/. 9s.— Edinburgh and Bathgate, s—Edinburgh and Glasgow, 82 1 ,4 —Edinburgh and Northern, W. 13s.—Edinburgh and New port, 7 h—Glasgow General Terminus, 11 Glasgow, Dum fries, and Carlisle, s—Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, 48— Ditto, Halves, 5/. 9s.—Great Northern, 8/. 19s.—Monkland, 6 per cent. guaranteed, 85—Scottish Central, 25—Scottish Grand Junction, 3s.—York, Newcastle, and Berwick (G. N. E. Purchase), 8%. [ADVERTISEMENT.] --An Extraordinary Case of Bilious Attack, Indigestion, and Flatulency Cured by Holloway's Pills.—Khairatee Khan, a native merchant of Patna, in the East Indies, suffered for years from bile, indigestion, and flatuency, and, although he consulted the most eminent surgeons of the province, yet he derived no benefit from their treatment, but gradually became more debilitated. Having one day a severer attack than usual of these dreaded maladies, he determined to try Holloway's Pills, and this fine medicine which has obtained such high repute throughout the world, very soon reinst a t e d him in perfect health, and, in gratitude, for the benefit, he desires this wonderful curo to be made public. Sold by all Druggists, and at Professor Holloway's Establishment, 244, Strand, London. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR THOMAS ARBUTHNOT, K.C.B.—We are sorry to learn that this gallant general, who is in command of the northern and midland districts, is now very seriously ill. Indeed, yesterday afternoon he wns considered to be in danger.—Manchester Guardian. THE COUNTIIY MAIRK.ETS NEvcc.l-TI.E-trpo N - (' N week lias be,„"), upon ih,• whiie, of a s,,Ji at% yesterday, however, we had rain, wi ilst to day it is dry, with an appearance of frost. The trade during the pre sent week has ruled steady, but the business done in any cradle has been purely of a retail character, our con sumers merely taking what they require for their weekly wants, and we apprehend such will be the course gene rally adopted with respect to free corn, until the bonded etocks shall have been released. We hear now and then of a cargo of bonded being taken to hold over, but the quantity which has changed hands is comparatively soaall when taken in connexion with the stocks that are to be released, the generality of holders preferring to retain thtir grain in bond, and abide by the result of their liberation en the Ist of February. At our market this morning we had a less supply of wheat from the growers, and having very little offering from the coast, fresh-thrashed samples were taken off readily at last week's prices, south country, as well as free foreign, at the same time meeting rather more inquiry, at fully former rates. In bonded we did not lit ar of a single transaction being concluded. Flour was held with more firmness, but the sale was by no means free; still, how ever, from the firm tone pervading the wheat trade to day, we look for more disposition being manifested by our dealers to purchase next week. Rye nominally the same. The best descriptions of malting barley continu ing comparatively scarce, for such late prices were amply sustained; but ordinary sorts were most difficult of disposal, and could have been had on rather easier terms. For malt we have little inquiry, and prices are still downwards. Beans and peas much the same. Having a less supply of oats from the country, with more moderate arrivals coastwise, sales were more rea dily effected upon the terms of this day se'nnight. We have no change to note in the duties. WORCESTER.—OR Saturday there was a fair supply of wheat, which was taken off slowly at the rates of this day se'nnight. Barley nominally unaltered. Oats fid per quarter cheaper. Peas rather more inquired for. GLOUCESTER.—There was no alteration, on Saturday last, in the value of wheat of English growth, but sales were very limited. A little concession was made in some sales of free foreign wheat, but the price in bond was fully maintained. The trade in barley is dull, but the value unaltered. Oats and beans are somewhat lower in price. WISBECH, JAN. 20.—We are moderately supplied with grain of all kinds; the condition very much affected by the damp mild weather. Good dry wheat in fair demand, at fully the rates of last week, whilst the raw out-of-conditioned samples are bad to sell, at rather less money. Oats and beans dull, but last week's prices given. Prices to the growers:—wheat, new red, 591 b to 621 b, 38s to 445; extra, 455; white, 594 b to 621 h, 39s to 455; extra, 475; old red, 611 b to 631 b, 42s to 465; extra, 475; white, 611 b to 631 h, 44s to 475; extra, 48s per quarter; oats, old, 391 b to 401 b, I Id; new, 841 to 9d per stone; beano, old, 34s to 365; new, 28s to 31s per quarter. EDINBURGH MEAL MARKET, JAN. 23.—There were in the market to-day 80 sacks oatm,al, each weighing 2801 b imperial, whereof 75 sold thus:— Bat 5 at 38 at ll 89 Od 9 at. Average price of the whole, 11 7s 11d 0 -12ths. 10 sacks flour, whereof 2 sold at 335, 4at 31s, and 4 at 30s; 1 sack barleymeal, which sold at 255; 2 sacks peasmeal, whereof 1 sold at 235; 21 sacks pot-barley, whereof 18 sold thus:- Irt t lat 2at 2 sacks brosemeal, whereof 1 sold at 293. EAST LINTON, JAN. 22.—1 n to-day's market the sup plies of wheat, oats, and beans were larger, that of bar ley less than last day. Top of wheat, 495, weighing 64ilb per bushel. „ Barley, 26s 6d 55 ditto „ Oats 22s Od 454 ditto Beans 30s 67 ditto New ditto 003 00 ditto AVERAGES PER IMPERIAL QUARTER. Wheat... ... 21 2s 62d I Oats ... ... 11 Os 11d Barley... ... 1/ 6a 6d I Bans 11 9s 2d DUBLIN, JAN. 23.—The supply of Wheat continues small, and in consequence of the London Standard stating that a 55. perman nt duty would be put on, caused a little more life than heretofore, but no advance could be obtained. Oats, barley, &c., remains as last noted; there is more inquiry tor Irish flour of prime quaUties. Foreign wheat, and Indian corn are as last noted. BELFAST, JAN. 19.—This morning we have large sup plies of grain and oatmeal. Wheat, barley, and oat meal met a slow sale at a reduction of 3d, and oats; sold at former prices, Jan. 22.—Grain—We have had mall supplies since Friday, but the demand being dull, prices are barely maintained. Wheat, 8s 6d to lOs 3d; barley, 55 6d to 6s 6d; oats, 5s 3d to 6s; and oatmeal, 9s Gd to lOs 4d per cwt. Pigs maintain their value, and sell from 40s to 47s per 1201bs. CORK, JAN. 22.—Flour—Firsts, 14s 6,1 to 15s 6di extra, 16s 6d; seconds, 13s 6d to 14s 6d; houseb olds, its to 13s; thirds, 8s to lOs per cwt. Meal—Oatmeal , lis Od to lls 6d; Indian meal, 8s Od; wheat meal, 11s Od per cwt. Indian corn, 71 to 71 10s per ton. Brain, 5 1 per ton. Hay—Farmers', 18s Od to 46s Od; average, 36s ; dealers, 42s to 48s per ton; average, 46s per ton. Straw—Farmers', 18s Od to 26s Od; average, 225; deal ers, 29s Od to 003 Od per ton. Bread—Wheaten loaf, 7d to 73d; household loaf, 6d to 6id per 41b. CrJals- - Newport, 17s; Lydney, 18s; Landore, 17s; best Neath eulm, 16s per ton. Tallow, 48s 6d per cwt. Whisky! 25 over proof, 6s Od per imperial gallon. Meat— -Beet, 4d to 7d; mutton, 5d to bid; veal, 51d to 7d; po:ek, 4d to sid; bacon, 7d to 8d; sausages, 6d per lb. Hops, 6/ lOs per cwt. Bangor slates, 312 s Gd to 315 s pe r ton. Bark—Barbary, 61 to 71; Valonia, 11l to 131; wrench, 61; English, 6/ per ton. Fleece wool, 103 to 125 per stone. Hemp, 351 per ton. Fish—Scotch herrings, 1 85 to 00s; red ditto, 27s per barrel; Newfoundland, 11/ to 12/ lOs per ton. Timber—New Memel, 4l 10 s; old scarce red pine, 3/ 15s; yellow pine, 31 per ton; deals, first quality, 20/; second quality, 171 per 120. U ides Market, 11s to 16s; salted, 115 to 16s per cwt; calf skins , 21d to 21d; market, 21d 2Ad per lb. Guano-- Peru vian, 101 10s; Ichaboe, 9/ per ton. Potatoes, whit e, I.od to 12d; Minions, 19d. Tar—Archangel, 18s per brl. COAL MA.RKEr. Chester Main l4s Od East Adairs Main l2s 6d Holywell Main ..... 15s 6d New Tanfield l3s Od Ord's Red he ugh Ravensworth's Pelaw l4s 3d Tanfield Moor Walker's Primrose Wylam West Hartley Wall's End, &c. Brown's Brown's Gas Gosforth Hilda l4s Od Eden Main Belmont lss 3d T.-YESTERDAY. Braddyll's Hett0n....... 15s 6a dell - 14s 6d East Hetton; - 148 Od Hetton .. 3d Jonassohns ..... ........ 13 s 6d Lambton Whitwell ... . 14s Od, Benson Caradoe . 16s Od Hudson's Hartlepool.... 149 Od Thornley Denison . 14s Od Cowpen Hartley Hartley ......... ..... Sidney's Hartley Ships at market, 223. FATAL COLLIERY ACCIDENT.-011 Sunday last fi n accident occurred at Pemberton's pit, Monkweamoulbt which resulted in the death of Mr. J. Elliot, overman. - About five o'clock, A.M., Mr. Elliot and the deputy* overman, Mr. J. Henderson, having occasion to descend the shaft, entered the " cage," or descending apparatus, for that purpose. The machine is worked up and down by a steam-engine, which was in charge of a Hawn named Currey. Unfortunately this person let the parties enter without there being sufficient steam to work the engin! —indeed, as transpired at the inquest, not even enough to raise the valve and lever without the weights. i ll consequence of this, and the rope being 320 fathoms in length and about five tons in weight, with a counter.. balance wheel and fourteen tons of chain (the pit being 1.800 feet deep, the deepest shaft in the district) the cage was drawn up and down, entirely out of the engine' man's control, and at last, going upwards, sprang from the grooves. Elliot was thrown upon the edge of th e pit, and fell thence down the s h a ft, a t th e b o ttom n` which he was afterwards found literally dashed limb from limb by the fall. Henderson was more fortu nate, having fallen on the bank of the pit. He escaped with some bruises. Currey, frightened at what ben' happened, ran away, but was apprehended, and is 13 0 ° in custody. An inquest was held on deceased on Mow day, and adjourned till Thursday (this day). ST. MARY'S, SCILLY.—Fears are entertained that a vessel was lost on the Western Rocks. on the night 01 the 18th inst., and that all hands have perished ; a few lemons and oranges having been picked up, and also beam and a cabin ladder. Two pilot boats went at yesterday, but could not discover any of the w reck, which is supposed to have drifted to the northward... -. Cornwall Gazette. BIRTHS. On the 12th inst., at Westbourne-park-road, Bayswate r ' Mrs. John Henderson, of Nice, of a daughter. On the 16th inst., at York-place, Mile-end-road, Mrs. 0 ' Church, of a son. - On the 21st inst., at Beeston-hall, Norfolk, Lady Preston' of twins, a boy and a girl. On the 21st inst., at Upper Clapton, Mrs. Frederick Bagel' of a son. On :the 22d inst., at St ra tf or d- p l ace , th e w if e of T. vo • Beadon, Esq., of a son. On the 22c1 inst., the wife of Captain Atwell Lake, Ma ar° Engineers, of a daughter. u stotv On the 23d init . ., at Upp er G eorge - s t ree t, B r ys square, Mrs. K. Hedges, of a son. _ On the 22d inst., the wif e o f H ay Winthorp, Esq., COP S mander, R.N., of a son and heir. MARRIED. On the 13th inst., at th e B r iti s h E m b assy, Fl orence , J • , 5 Stirling, Commander, R.N. son o f th e l a t e Ad m i ra l Chav% Stirling, to Mary Dorme r , secon d d aug h ter o f Peter Francis Luard, Esq., M. D. On the 23d inst., at St. Marylebone, the Rev. Daniel T o Sampson, M.A., rector o f Ki ngston , C am b r id ge3 bire, Henrietta, second daughter of the late J. A. Tbrupp, of Spanish -place. DIED. On the 9th inst., at Cove, aged 51, Anne, the wife of - Mr ' T. Barnard, MN., of H.M. ship Crocodile. of On the 13th inst., at Teignmouth, Devon, Lucy, widow' the late N. Dennys, Esq., of that place, aged 97. Pavia At Brighton, on the lFth inst., aged 74, C a ptain Bowman, late of the Hon. C.M.S. On the 19th inst., Elizabeth Catherine, eld e st daughter the late J. G. Nicholls, E-q., of West Molesey, Surrey. „ of On the 19th inst.-, at Glasgow, Mrs. Dale, aged 82, 1 -01 -i of the late James Dale. Esq., merchant. On the 21st inst., at the residence of her son-in-law, 3. ° 1 / 1 1 Foulger, Esq., Walthamstow, Mrs. Rutherfoord, aged Sto At Camber ell, on the 22d inst., Jane, widow of the "" P. O Ewart, Esq., of Rosefield, Dumfriesshire. t pr of n the 22d inst., Jane Anne, only surviving daughter late James Troughton,. Esq., of Coventry. On the 22d inst., at Leventhorpe-hall, near Leeds, ga nis ' the wife of J. T. Leather, Esq , aged 37. London : Printed and Published by MURDO YO No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, 31° ' "of ot Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, - in the coun t,' Middlesex, Thursday, January 26, 1849. 'The 31 TheF f rrhe G 'rile 31 The Ti The A !ite 'fall k., - "1 Tie Pr.alcin I_,!recni oz?d of Nrzy, - 1:1 vv Loi right t And Ccust 1 Cf . the ()Amr th aejße Melo: It-all be oi )Ind, tunas c Ptern ans-res 1 O, Y to If.%lres I ‘att Nro-rks L Se,..ston 'the I Vie 1 C.trrterl Tile I The And bay of ice then end: Snares t filer the Icin g s i Of the 1 , 1 Iv a)** and The The rl The The a , to be co l the sa ,, th‘, new sible am liLes an( do th, 'Works n. then exi ad ranta,, the divk their ear 230 2 All Itil2s in thk- Alias oti th e 1, i Of Angus A rega inietors, 1 the of tl ban ftrr;) pitA hhicl the I /A - Opl :State Ntill corn &)1 th enc: 3ytny -t;c:.ns Path :I ,er ;ills grr ss }Hied 1536, ast c eon a WTIC: rcat iitne tanci lhe di :ttenc The homy p,ourt Cr Ra: tieir 1 Toady to secs The :raffle