The Sun. — London, England, 1861-03-19 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS.—(YESTERDAY,) The LORD CLIANCELLOIL took his seat on the woolsack at Eve o'clock. CHURCH RATES. Several petitions were presented against the abolition of Church rates. MARRIAGE WITH A DECEASED WIFE'S SISTER. Lord DE GREY and RIPON prestutcd 398 potitions tr oLu Yorkshire, in favour of legalising marriage with a deceased wife's sister. SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN. The Earl of ELLENBOROUGH rose to ask the noble Lord the Secretary of State the question he had given him Laice of in a private note, relative to a subject which was assuming a great importance, namely, the differences that existed between Germany and Denmark. He mould not overrate the importance of the state of affairs that now existed, especially as it seemed more than likely it would seriously affect the state of armed truce in which Europe now stood. It would not be a question of years before the event would occur, but in nine days from the present time the subject would be determined. If the Diet persisted in its present inten tions, Denmark had made up its mind not to yield. The noble lord then went over the recent negotiations between the German Diet and the King of Denmark. A constitution had been offered to the Duchies, containing very favourable provisions. In the even t of these not satisfying her, she had been offered an other provisional constitution, to apply to herself alone, and to remain in f orce until the happy time should come when she would form a part of the complete state. The question was whether Prussia should, in the name of the Diet, detach the territory of Holstein troll' the Kingdom of D enm ark. In addition, it was eviden t that if Prussia attacked Denmark, France would move an army on the Rhine, and with her great power of transporting troops by sea, would probably send a corps d'armee to the assistance of Denmark. The time might very likely come when France would attack Prussia, but let her wait until she was attacked, and not provoke hostility. After reviewing the position of the continental Powers, pointing out how powerless the other European States were to assist Prussia at present, and having warned Prussia for pursuing the present course of policy, he asked what information the Government had re ceived on the subject ? Lord WODEHOUSE, in answer to the important ob servations just fallen from the noble earl, said that, as he understood the question, it was that, after the war which took place between Denmark and Germany, there was a promise made by the King of Denmark that there should be a common constitution for the whole of his States, com prising foreign affairs, marine, war department, &c. Holstein refused to accept this constitution. The Diet on the other hand demanded that the common constitution should be established nevertheless, and, pending the settlement of this question, that there should be a provisional consti tution. A term had been fixed by which this was to be granted, and that time had nearly expired. The real point under discussion between Denmark and Holstein related to the budget for common affairs. Denmark did originally propose that Holstein should have the power of voting what was called a normal budget—that was one below the full amount required, the remaining additions to which could be considered afterwards. This concession had not been considered sufficient, and he was happy to inform their lordships that the Government had that morning received intelligence that the King had made a further concession by consenting that the whole budget should be submitted to Holstein. This was additionally gratifying, inasmuch as it was the course recommended by this Government. He could not but hope that the Prus sian Government would see in this concession the means of arriving at a settlement of the difficult question. POLAND. The NOBLE LORD said before he resumed his seat in accordance with the promise he gave the noble lord a few evenings ago, with respect to the production of the papers transmitted to the Government relative to the disturbances that had lately taken place at Warsaw, he had. consulted his noble friend at the head of the Foreign Office, and he was of opinion that to produce the papers at the present moment would be inexpedient, as the public service would suffer thereby, and the position of the Consul General would be in some degree compromised. Lord STRATFORD DE REDCLIFFE said he re gretted the Government could not produce the papers. THE DEATH OF THE DUCHESS OF KENT. Earl GRANVILLE said their lordships were all ac quainted with the affliction that had fallen on her Majesty by the death of the Duchess of Kent, and he now rose for the purpose of moving that their lordships present an address of condolence to her Majesty on the sorrowful event. The noble lord then passed a high eulogy upon the late Duchess of Kent, and concluded by moving the address. The Earl of DERBY—My lords, it will be unnecessary, speaking on behalf of noble lords who sit on this side of the house, to do more than express my entire concurrence with the motion which has just been made by the noble earl. The address will be agreed to unanimously, and not merely as a form by your lordships, but accompanied by the fullest sympathy, the warmest and most heartfelt respect, not only on the part of this house, but of every class of her Majesty's subjects. (Hear, hear) Her Majesty has, during her happy reign, so entirely identified herself with the interests of the people, and has so completely interwoven feelings of loyalty into the minds of all her subjects, has made their wants and wishes so much her guidance, that it would be impossible for any event which interests her Majesty in the slightest degree to occur without calling forth' the warm and heartfelt sympathies of the whole people. We rejoice in any circumstance that adds to her Majesty's domestic happiness, and grieve if even a single cloud overshadows its brightness. Neither can we withhold the expression of our sympathy at a time when her Majesty is visited with an affliction the worst that ever has befallen her—an affliction which involves and wounds all her nearest and dearest affections. (Hear, hear.) I am satisfied that your lordships will give a cordial and ready assent to this address. If such grief as her Majesty is now suffering were susceptible of oily consolation, such consolation must be found in the fact that during:the whole period of the life of the illustrious de ceased, her Majesty discharged every duty of a daughter in the most exemplary and affectionate manner. I cannot, my lords, but entertain a hope that it will to some degree assuage her Majesty's affliction to know that she enjoys not only the respectful and loyal sympathy of this house, but the commiseration and participation of a loyal and deeply afflicted people. The address was then put by the LORD CHANCELLOR, and agreed to nemine contradicente. THE LUNACY REGULATION BILL. The LORD CHANCELLOR, in moving the second reading of this bill, said it was for the purpose of diminish ing the expense of proceedings in lunacy, and to provide more effectually for the visiting of lunatics, and for some other important purposes. By the third elause power was proposed to be given to the Lord Chancellor, where the lunatic did not oppose the application, and his property did not exceed .f..<500 in value, to apply it for his benefit in a summary manner, without inquisition. After a few words from several learned lords the bill was read a second time. TAE GOVERNOR-GENERAL OF INDIA. In answer to Lord LYVIDEN, Earl Ihs GRRY and RIPON said that it had been arranged that Lord Canning should for the present remain Governor- 1 General of India; thougbno precise time for his continu ance in that office had been fixed. The Charitable Uses Bill passed through committee. The Red Sea and India Telegraph Bill was read a second time, and the house adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—(YESTERDAY The SPEAKER took the chair at four o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The Liverpool Cemetery and South-Eastern Railway (Capital, &c.) Bills were read a third time and passed. The Berwick, Norham, and Islandshires Roads, Kings ton-upon-Thames and Leatherhead Road, Ludlow and Clee Hill Railway, Strathspey Railway, and Wrexham and Mincra Railway Bills were considered, and ordered for third reading. The Borough of Dublin and Forest of Dean Central Rail way Bills were read a second time. COUNTY VOTERS (SCOTLAND) BILL GRAND JURIES ',IRELAND) BILL. These bills were read a first time and ordered for second reading. PETITIONS. Several petitions were presented against the Parochial Assessments Bill and the abolition of Church rates • in favour of the introduction of a comprehensive measure of reform, &c. ECCLESIASTICAL AND CHURCH ESTATES COMMISSIONERS. 4 I derrnan COPELAND moved fora return of all monies bY the Eccle s iastical CJinmissioners, during the years 1855,185 0 , 1857, and 1858, out of the funds administered lug Z u te ata s es olicitors, surveyors, a nd other officers, specify- CONvier particulars of each transaction—ordered. On the DISTURBANCES (CHATHAM). moti eu of General BERKELEY an address for a return of any orders issued by the Directors of Convict Prisons respecti u g the late outbreak among the convicts at Chatham, was order e d . G On the motion. of 131/° M r. I , p RED ‘' ASSIZES. ber of prisoners !or trial at each ' a return of the num- the last f o u r ass i zes f or the county and the' .town oft i e r h o h:ed:ons, was ordered. and a simila r re t urn for each of the last ,sight qua r t er g SALE AND TRANSFER sessions °F LAND, In reply to Mr. HOPWOOD, Th e ATTORNEY -GENERAL said he hoped . to be able to bring on his bill on this .subject afte r E aster FORTI FICATION,S . AT CHATIIA.M, Sir F. SMITH gave notice that on going into Committee of Supply on the army estimates,. he would ask the Under Secretary for War a question on the subject. THE BALLOT. Mr. BERKELEY gave notice that to-morrow he would task for copies of any correspondence which had recently taken place between the Postmaster-Gmeral and the zecre tary of the Ballot Society, in reference to the non. -delivery of certain letters to electors at Ripon. THE DUCHESS OF KENT—EXPRESSION OF CONDOLENCE TO HER MAJESTY. Lord PALMERSTON said—Sir, the house is already aware of the deep affliction which has befallen her Majesty 1 by the death of H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent—(hear)—and I am sure I will not be considered premature if I ask the house to perform an act of painful satisfaction in tendering to her most gracious Majesty their grief at the melancholy event which has occurred. lam persuaded that in making this proposal I shall only moot the feeling of every member of this house, when 1 say that we are most desirous, at the earliest possible moment, to convey to her Majesty our sincere regret at her affliction. In doing this we are only the faithful expounders of the feelings of the nation in re spect to their ardent attachment to her Majesty's person a nd loyalty to her throne. (Hear, hear.) The event which we deplore is a part of the dispensa tions of nature, for parents must be expected not to outlive their children, but whenever the separation between parent and child happens, it must necessarily be most pain ful, however the circumstances of the parties may vary the intensity of their feelings. It is the usual lot of mothers and daughters of the ro y a l f am ily t o b e se p ara t e d by marriage, by which the latter are removed to other countries, and though this circumstance may net affect the natural feelings, it tends to mitigate the pain experienced at an affliction like the present. But this was not the case with respect to her Majesty, for, from her earliest infancy, they were pet petually together. The result of this intercourse which has subsisted between her Majesty and the Duchess of Kent has been that the moat reciprocal confidence has prevailed between them. It is to the care of her late Royal Highness that the country is indebted for the development of those great qualities for which our Sovereign is distinguished. (Cheers.) On the other hand, her Majesty, from the position in which she was placed, was enabled to make a grateful return for the care bestowed on her by her august parent. It was apparent, therefore, from the intercourse between the Duchess of Kent and her Majesty, that the blow which has fallen on her Majesty must afflict her with the greatest grief and pain—(hear, hear)—and I think the house will consider that in moving an address of condolence to her Majesty, we are only discharging our duty. This enables us to express our attachment to the Crown, and our feeling at the domestic occurrence which has taken place. The noble lord moved the address, which was an embodiment of the feelings of loyalty and attachment to her Majesty. (Hear, hear.) Mr. DISRAELI, who spoke with considerable emotion and in a very low tone, said that he begged to second the motion. The relations between her Majesty and the Duchess of Kent were not only of a very close but a very peculiar character. (Hear, hear.) There never devolved on a mother greater or more important duties than her late Royal High ness was called on to perform, and the manner in which they were discharged accorded with the feelings enter tained by a grateful and loyal people. (Cheers.) Therefore the name:of the Duchess of Kent, notwithstanding her serene retirement, would live in the history of this country from its intensity and benignant connection with an illustrious reign. For the grief which had fallen on the Queen there was only one source of consolation—the recollection of the terms on which they lived until the last moment of their intercourse. The Sovereign who ruled over this country had endeared herself to her subjects bythose principles, for which her domestic life was distinguished, and which all classes appreciated. (Hear, hear) The right hon. gentleman concluded by seconding the motion. The address was then agreed to. FRENCH OCCUPATION OF SYRIA. In reply to an HON. MEMBER, Lord J. RUSSELL said that the occupation of Syria by the French troops would continue until the 15th of June. BANKRUPTCY AND INSOYLENCY BILL. The house went into committee on this bill, and resumed I at clause 197, which was agreed to after some discussion. 1 Clauses to 203 with some modifications were also agreed to. Upon clause 204, Mr. WALPOLE said that this clause required the after registration of the deed within 28 days after execution. He would suppose that the debtor had honestly given up the whole of his estate ; in such a case ought there not to be some protection to the person of the debtor during those 28 days, in the event of summary process being taken against him under the Bilis of Exchange Act ? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he was afraid to give the relief the hon. and learned gentleman wished, lest it should prove a shield to fraud. The clause was finally agreed to without amendment. Clause 205 was agreed to. Upon clause 206, Mr. MOFFATT said it was extremely difficult to say where the creditors upon bills of exchange were living when the estate came under sequestration or bankruptcy. He therefore proposed after the word "creditors," to insert the words " including those creditors whose debts repre sented by such bills of exchange were bona Me creditors." The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the amendment in question would completely nullify the clause. The inser tion of these words would render it incompetent for an un fortunate debtor to get the consent of those persons who were bona fide holders. They might possibly be in a foreign country. (Hear, hear.) Mr. MOFFATT said he hoped the hon. and learned gentleman would devise some scheme for remedying the evil to which fie referred. The amendment was withdrawn. Mr. BOVILL suggested that the court should be judge of the circumstances under which a smaller number of credi tors than three-fourths should be sufficient. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said the debtor would be exposed to some difficulty if he had to apply to the court. After some discussion, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL consented to introduce words giving effect to Mr. Bovill's suggestion. The clause as amended was then agreed to. Mr. CRAUFURD moved in line 8, page 54, to leave out " in any case in which a deceased debtor was a trader at the time of his death." The object of the amendment was that the clause should apply to non-traders as well as to traders. Sir H. CAIRNS hoped his hon. and learned friend would consent to strike out these dead men's clauses, from 207 to 218, altogether. They had no coherence with the rest of the bill ; they were not necessary, and further than that they were mischievous. At present the assets of deceased persons were administered in the Court of Chancery by the chief clerk in chambers, in a very cheap manner. Suppose an extensive trader died worth £lOO,OOO, represented by bills of exchange; it would be difficult, perhaps, on his death to say how much they would actually realise. But three months after his death, unless it could be shown that there was enough to pay all debts it would be competent for any creditor to throw the estate into bankruptcy. (Hear.) Now, how irksome would it net be to the family to have it said that the estate of so and so after his death was wound up in the Court of Bankruptcy ? A man was a bankrupt by some act or confession of his own, but neither of these criteria could apply to the estate of a dead man. Again, the principle of the Court of Bankruptcy was that the bank rupt's estate should be equally divided amongst the credi tors, but no sooner did they come to these clauses than that principle was abandoned altogether. (Hear.) Besides, the Court of Bankruptcy dealt with debts only, and not with legacies, so that when a man died there might be two pro ceedings—one to determine who was to be paid the debts, and the other to determine who was to be paid the legacies. (Hear, hear.) He did not believe that the county courts, however valuable for the purpose for which they were created, would be competent to decide how the assets of deceased persons were to be administered on the principles which guided the Court of Chancery. These clauses pro posed to give the only example of administering estates without either administrators or executors. Notice was to be given to the next of kin ; but how was the Court of Bankruptcy to determine who was the next of kin or the heir? In 1849 the dead men's clauses were struck out of the bill then proposed ; and in 1854 the commissioners who were appointed to inquire into the reforms that might be made in the Court of Chancery reported against the propo sition contained in these clauses. At the proper time he should move the omission of these clauses altogether ; but as they really formed no part of a bankruptcy bill he 112;1 stru ck out s hon. and. (Hear.) ndlettrned friend would consent to their Mr. MALINS said he came to the same conclusion as his hon. and learned friend with respect to the nature of these clauses. Th ey were not only useless but mischievous. He did not see why p eople should not have an option left to them between the local courts and the court in London, or why the representatives and creditors of an estate should 4 be obliged to come up, it might be from the farther end of Cornwall, to attend th e administration of a property which might be worth only £3OO or £4OO. The amendment which he move d would give the advantage of a local administration to the estates of non-tra ders as well as t ra d ers. e principl es o f our recent Sir F. GOLD SMID ob j e cted to these cl auses a l together, legislation. a e t y i o w n e . r s Nothingquite o opposed b d to e t h more anomalou s t h an to in troduce into a bill which destroyed the distinction between trader and non-trader when living, a clause to affirm that distinction after a man's death. The principles on whi c h, an estate was administer d in the Court of Chancery were en. tirely different from those of the Court of Bankruptcy ; and when an estate was thrown into Bankruptcy it could not be dealt with according to Chancery rules. If it were trans ferred to the county courts, the county court judge would have to make himself familiar with the principles of the Court of Chancery, as well as with the law of bankruptcy and the common law; and to impose all these acquirements on the county court judges would be to impose on them a a very heavy burthen. Mr. HENLEY said he thought these clauses were very cruel, and would inflict much unnecessary pain and injury upon a gteat many persons. It was too hard upon a man who had never committed an act of bankruptcy in his life that he should be stigmatised as a bankrupt after being laid in his grave, for he might be perfectly solvent, but for the expenses perhaps of his last illness and of his funeral, which might exceed the amount of his assets, and in that case it would be cruel after his death to put the disgrace of bank ruptcy upon him. The amendment would double the amount of hardship inflicted by these clauses, and he should therefore oppose it, but he hoped the clauses would not be pressed. Mr. HADr IELD said the object:o f t h ose w h o supported these clauses was not to inflict pain on any person, but to " cer tai4 the beat mode of distributing a maws effects among lxis creditors. Those who belonged to his own branch of the profession, and who had been practically engaged in such matters, could appreciate, better perhays than the Chancery barristers, the difficulties that arose in winding up an insolvent's estate, The opinion of the:trading com munity had been expressed very decidedly in favour of the provisions of this bill, and he could not agree to the with drawal of the clauses now under discussion. Nothing had ever been a greater blessing to this country than the county courts, for it was quite horrible to remember the difficulties there used to be in the way of recovering the smallest debt, and the prodigious amount of machinery that had to be set in motion for that purpose. The measure now before the ' ouse would prove beneficial in the same say. Mr. BAINES observed that the Chambers of Commerce in Manchester, Leeds, Sheffield, Huddersfield, and other mercantile bodies in Lancashire and Yorkshire, had de olared strongly in favour of these clauses, and wishad them to be extended to non-traders as well as to traders. Sir H. CAIRNS thought it was a very fallacious argu "(sent to urge that as the county courts had proved to be convenient for the decision of manyclaims,because they were near the places where the parties lived, the jurisdiction of the county courts ought therefore to be extended to include that of Chancery. But if that was intended, let it be clone directly, and not by calling the estate of a dead man bank rupt in order to bring him within the jurisdiction of the county court. He had an insuperable objection to extend ing these clauses to the non-trader, because the house had already discussed the extent to which this bill should apply to non-traders, and it was not proper to make this law extend more to a non-trader after his death than (lur ing his life. Mr. MALINS said he should vote against the amend ment of the hon. member (Mr. Craufurd) for extending these clauses to a non-trader, for as he thought the clauses mischievous, he would rather restrict them as much as possible. But ho would ask, did the Attorney-General feel pledged to adhere to them ? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said undoubtedly he felt pledged to defend them as part of his bill, and especially since they had been introduced to him and strongly recom mended to him by a large body of gentlemen whose expe rience was such as to give weight to their convictions on the subject. The clauses were originally framed by Lord St. Leonards, and they therefore came recommended by high legal authority as well as on high commercial autho rity. The principle of the clauses was this, that if the executor or administrator, or the person entitled to admi nistration, namely, the next of kin, found money sufficient to discharge all debts, the court would not interfere, and it would be only on the executor, administrator, or next of kin declining to interfere, that the clauses would come into operation. There were many cases in which the jurisdiction would be useful and convenient. He en tirely concurred in the representations that had been made as to the immense improvement, and economy, and expedition, which had been made in the administration of estates in the Court of Chancery. He would not be afraid to make any reasonable wager that the Court of Chancery would administer an est ite quicker and cheaper than it could be done by the executor out of court with the aid of an attorney. He was not prepared for the strong opposi tion which had been manifested towards these clauses, and he suggested that the consideration of them should be post poned, in order that they might be discussed when there was a fuller attendance of members. Sir H. CAIRNS said Lord St. Leonards' bill gave no power to county courts, but it gave the power to district commissioners, and then only where a man had committed an act of bankruptcy before his death. He quite agreed in the desirability of having the discussion in a fuller house, and he should postpone his motion till the bringing up of the report. There would be two important questions on the report, and he hoped it would not be brought up till after Easter. Mr. BRIGHT said he had observed that the opposition to these clauses came from those who had a great interest in the Court of Chancery, who thought it better the business should go there than elsewhere. He was one of the unfor tunate men who had been in that court a long while, and he should not vote for any business remaining in that court if it could be taken elsewhere. After a time, if this measure passei, the disgrace hitherto attached to winding-up affairs in the Court of Bankruptcy would wear off, and he hoped the Attorney-General would not fritter away clauses which he knew were regarded of much importance by the class of persons for whose benefit the bill was mainly intended. Mr. MALINS said it was a mistake to suppose that he or any counsel practising in Chancery were interested in keeping in that court administration suits, inasmuch as those suits did not come into court, but went into chambers where counsel were not employed. Mr. HENLEY said one of the most valued clauses of this bill was to prevent the going into bankruptcy at all. He believed the feeling was strong that estates should be wound up locally. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL concurred in that opinion. The English people undoubtedly attached great value to having justice administered by the highest tri bunals, but when they wet e dealing with a mere question of the administration of an estate they wished to do it in the most economical manner. The object of the bill was to in troduce in connexion with insolvent estates a thing which had been demanded for 30 years, the transference to a local jurisdiction of the management of those estates. He could not agree to the postponement of the clauses in question. His maxim must be, Carpe diem, for if he did not make the best of every day the same thing might happen again that had occurred to his bill of last year. Besides, he was pledged to other measures this session. (Hear.) He hoped, therefore, that the house would conclude the committee to-night, and would suffer the report to be brought up on Thursday. Sir H. CAIRNS was extremely willing, for the sake of facilitating business, to withdraw his objection to the clauses, on the understanding that they should be discussed on the report after Easter. But if it were only a question between to-night and Thursday, he would rather the debate should go on at once, and he should take the sense of the house upon the points at issue. (Hear.) Mr. ROEBUCK a:ked the hon. and learned gentleman to state his opinion upon the question that was actually before the house. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL had personally no objec tion to the amendment. The committee then divided— For the amendment Against it Majority Mr. HARDCASTLE then proposed to insert the words " or county court" after " bankruptcy," in line 34. Agreed to. Mr. HENLEY wished the attorney-General to consider what would be the effect of the bill upon the affairs of per sons dying out of the country. He thought the estates of such persons required some protection. Three months was certainly not a sufficient time. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL did not think the clause would affect the estates of debtors dying abroad. It was limited to persons dying within the districts of the bank ruptcy or county cones. Mr. HENLEY wished to know whether the residence of a person dying abroad would be held to have been abroad, or in the country where his ordinary dwelling had been ? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that if an English man going up the Rhine happened to die in itinere, his re sidence would be held to be in England, but if he were re siding permanently abroad, then it would not. Mr. HENLEY observed that the hon. gentleman's answer strengthened the feeling that be had in favour of some protection being given to the estates of persons dying under the circumstances he had suggested. Mr. ROLT was at a loss to understand the reason of the change proposed by the clause. It was admitted that the existing court did the business proposed to be taken from it as cheaply and as efficiently as possible. They were not asked to make any change in the law of property ; all that was intended to be done was merely to alter the jurisdiction. What were the advantages proposed to be given ? The first was the value of local administration. If, however, it was necessary that the administration of estates should be car• tied to the door of the parties, that desire ought to be pro vided for in some other way. He believed it was not for the interest of the community that the present jurisdiction should be disturbed. Mr. BARROW also objected to the clause. Under it a petition might be presented in less than three months with the consent of the personal representative. It appeared to him this might inflict a great hardship on heirs at law whose interests might be diametrically opposed to those of the personal representatives. The clause was agreed to without a divi,ion. Clauses from 208 to 218 inclusive were agreed to. On clause 219, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he had taken this clause from the Insolvent Act. He, however, proposed to omit it altogether now, and bring up another c lause on the report of a more satisfactory nature. The clause was then withdrawn. Clauses 220 to 225 were agreed to. On clause 226, Mr. SCIIOLEFIELD said that as the clause stood it limited the power of swearingaeidavits before commissioners in Chancery. He proposed, as an amendment, that the power should be extended to commissioners of any ° I the superior courts of common law at Westminster. 024 E 3 The am en d men t was agreed to, and the clause was added to the bill. Clauses to 242 i nc l us i ve were agree d t o . should be applied Mr. n v clause Aw e Butgog t e h s e te c d ol t o h n i i t es t . he provision of this clause Clause agreed to. Clauses 244,245, were agreed to. Clause 246, Mr. HADFIELD objected to the clause as exposing per sons unjustly to criminal penalties. After a few words from the ATTORNEY -GENERAL, M r MURRAY thought , if some words to denote what a fraudulent gieat difficultypreferencein practice wras w amongr e not introduced h t ejudges. there would be The amendment having been withdrawn, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL proposed the omission of certain words, which conferred a preference on some ere _ ditors over others. Mr. HENLEY opposed it, believing that injustice would result. The amendment was agreed to, and the clause was ordered to stand part of the bill, THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 19, 1861. Clausec 247 to 250 were ogreed to, as were also the re maining clauses. The committee then proceeded to consider the postponed clauses. Clauses 13, 14, and 33 were agreed to. On clause 37, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said he intended to pro pose as a substitute a new clause fixing the salaries of the present official assignees in town. at £1,200 a-year, and in the country at £l,OOO a-year ; the future assignees in town to have £l,OOO a-year, and in the country SSOO a-year. It was also his intention to propose the substitution of a new clause for clause 44, abolishing the fees on private as well as public sittings. Clauses 38, 39, 47, and 48 were agreed to. The ATTORNEY •GENER AL said that it was intended to propose new clauses as to the payment of messengers. This would be done on the bringing up of the report. Several verbal amendments were made in the schedules. In reply to Mr. MOFFATT and Mr. MURRAY, The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said it was not intended to interfere with the privilege of solicitors appearing for their clients either in court or in chamber. They would be able to appear in every court except the supreme court. The ATTORNEY• GENERAL proposed the new clause fixing the salaries of the official assign ees. Mr. MURRAY objected to the proposed sum of £1,200 a-year for official assignees in London, and moved that it be reduced to £BOO a-year, the difference in their remu neration to be made up from a scale of fees sanctioned by the Lord Chancellor. Mr. WALPOLE objected to the proposed mode of pay ing the official assignees. He thought that they ought not to be remunerated by fixed salaries. They could not pay the official assignees by means of fees without perpetuating thedisproportion complained of ; and, upon the whole, there•• fore—though he would not say that even that would remedy the difficulties—the committee on the subject had come to the conclusion that it would be best to pay in part by fees and in part by salaries. The ATTORNEY•GENERAL said it should be recol lected that the official assignees under this bill occupied a very different position from that which they had hereto fore occupied. They had now got an express and definite duty, to be discharged under the superintendence of the Court, and the Court would virtually superintend every proceeding. The house would observe that they were re quired to make returns half-yearly of the business trans • acted, which would afford an opportunity for a comparison between the different official assignees. They had found it impossible to put any limits to their salary if they were to be paid by fees. He thought it better to give these gentle men credit for having a proper sense of the responsibilities and duties of their position, in like manner as they gave credit to judges and others. (Hear, hear.) There was no more reason to suppose that those gentlemen would neglect their duties than that the commissioners or the judges would do so. The amendment firing the salary at £1,200 a year was then agreed to, and the clause, as amended, was ordered to stand part of the bill. A new clause was ten introduced to give solicitors the power of practising in the court. Mr. MALINS said the messengers were an ancient and descrying body of public servants in connexion with this court. No body of nen had more faithfully performed their duty with fewe• public losses. The oldest of them ha been 42 years in the court, and the youngest 12 years. Their emoluments hid been considerable, and they now asked Parliament nct to disturb all their plans for life, although they did not make any inordinate demands. They only claimed benefit for the present occupants of the offices they had so lmg held, and proposed that the new regulations should arply only to their successors. He moved —" That every messenger holding office at the time of the passing of this act siall receive, in lieu of fees, an annual salary equal to the anount of the fees received by him after deducting his workixg expenses, such salary to be assessed by the chief registra', and to be estimated upon an average of the sums receivedby such messenger for a period of five years last preceding the passing of this act, such salary to be paid at the same imes and in like manner as the salaries to be paid to the offrers mentioned in tho schedule (A) to this act." This wis just what had been done in the case of the official assignees, and he saw no reason why the same should not be done n the case of the messengers. He hoped they would lean to the side of justice to the individual rather than avoid ioing so for the sake of some small amount which migh be withheld on the ground of public benefit. Mr. BRISTONV bought that individuals who had done their duty for so many years with satisfaction to the country should be tested with the greatest consideration, and therefore he waild support the proposition just made. (Hear, hear.) Mr. BRIGHT srid one of the greatest objections to the clause was, that it cid not fix a minimum. One gentleman engaged in the department referred to had £9OO a-year for some years, and hevery probably would not object to £5OO a-year in future; tut then there should be some certainty as to the amount (f income which such public servants receive. (Hear, %ear.) He would vote against the amendment. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said it was his inten tion that the existing registrar should receive £9OO a-year, but he intended to insert a provisi•m that in future the salary should not exceed £5OO. Those who would be de prived of compensation fees woitld now be amply repaid by an adequate pension. Mr. MALINS said he was not in a situation to divide on the question, bit as those officers received fees just as the judges did under the sanction of the law, they ought not to be suddenly deprived of them without compensation. The amendment was withdrawn. Mr. GARNETT moved the following clause And whereas the fees and emoluments of registrars of County Courts before which any petitions under an act of Parlia ment made and passed in the first and second years of the reign of her present Majesty, chapter 110, and an act made an d passed inthe 10th and 11th years of the same reign, cap. 102, have been heard, may be seriously diminished by the operation and effect of this act, and it is just and reasonable that such registrars should be indemnified against such loss; be it enacted, that at the end of two years next after the passing of this ret the Commissioners of her Majesty's Treasury shall, u?on the application of any such registrar, by such means and in such manner as they may think pro per, inquire into and ascertain the annual amount, to be computed upon as average of seven years immediately pre ceding the passing of this act, of the fees and emoluments received by such registrars for their own use under the au thority of the sail acts; and the said commissioners shall, upon the like application, also ascertain, in such manner as they may think proper, the total amount of fees and emolu ments received by such registrars for their own use under this act during each year after the passing of this act, and the said commissioners are hereby authorised and empow ered annually to award to such registrar the deficiency, when and so often as the same shall occur, between the last mentioned amount and the average annual amount so as certained as aforesail, and the sum awarded shall be paid out of any moneys which may be provided by Parliament m nty Provided ao t o a l b % e v a p y a s i , thatpaid to a n t d h the amongstaggregate al l a fo m r oun tha t t such registrars in any one year shall not exceed the sum of £2,000. Th e ATTORNEY-GENERAL said th a t thi s was a most objectionable clause for compensation. It meant thi s —that the house was not to improve th e l aw un l ess t h ey of P s u u rP ch °s indemnity compensated the persons in question, who were not entitled to it. The clause was rejected. Lord STANLEY said that this bill imposed additional duties on the county courts, and he understood the hon. and learned Attorney-General to say that an opportunity would be afforded for considering the question of increasing the salaries of those judges on account of the increased duties imposed upon them. Now, it was clear that this matter must emanate from the Government, for no inde pendent member could take upon himself to make a pro posal of this kind, and he, therefore, wished to know when the opportunity would be afforded of discussing this question. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that he was de- sirous of equalising the salaries of the county judges, but he had no fund from bankruptcy to enable him to deal with the question ; but there must be a committee upon stamps and salaries, with respect to the compensation to be granted to messengers. When that question came before the house, then the noble lord would be in a position to raise the question to which he had referred, fort he increase must come out of the Consolidated Fund, Sir J. PAKINGTON expressed his approval of the pro posed addition to the salaries of county court judges on account of the increased duties they would have to perform. He should wish, however, first to have the opinion of the chairman as to the mode in which that object was now to be attained. Mr. BRIGHT said he thought it was premature to vote away an increase of salary to the 59 judges of county courts before the house know anything about the amount of addi tional work that would be thrown upon them. It was ob vious, too, that the work would be very unequally divided, and county court judgeships were offices so much sought after, that if the hon. and learned gentlemaa had waited another year, he might have found that no increase would be needed at all. Mr. CLAY reminded the committee that county court judges were now receiving £1,200 a year only, instead of .£1,500, as was first intended by Parliament, and which only a few of the oldest appointed still enjoyed. Those gentle men, therefore, had a very good title to the proposed increase- Mr. WALPOLE said that the rates of remuneration of judges were extremely various. They were paying com missioners in bankruptcy £l,BOO a year, some county court judges £1,500 a year, and others only £1,200. By this bill certain duties were to be transferred from the Bankruptcy Court to the county courts, and as it would be impossible to give satisfaction so long as the existing anomaly prevailed, the subject ought now to undergo careful consideration with a view to its final adjustment on proper principles. He should like to know, however, whether it would be possible to take the report and to re-commit the bill on the same day. He doubted whether the suggestion of the hon. and learned gentleman was practicable. r Mr. DISRAELI observed that it would not be desirable to report the bill before Easter. The subject of the uoa•• traders clauses ought undoubtedly to be fairly discussed, and therefore the report had better be taken after Easter. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that the discussion on that part had already lasted two hours, and would not require much more time to conclude. He had promised, however, that the suggestions he had received should meet with due alteration. He hoped the committee would have the discussion on the report on Thursday next. Mr. S. ESTCOURT thought that course would be pro ductive of great inconvenience, and suggested that the dis cussion should take place after Easter, when they would have ample opportunity of fully considering it in the month of April. Lord PALMERSTON said the discussion would not take very long, and it could be easily finished on Thursday next. Mr. HENLEY reminded the committee that a change had taken place that evening in what was called the "dead men's clause," with which the public had a right to be informed. The amendments made ought to be printed, and then the discussion on the report could take place after Easter. The proposition was, not whether they were to finish the debate on the report on Thursday, but whether they should vote several thousands of pounds extra to county court judges in one night without due consideration. The ATTORNEY-GENE RAL was most anxious to give every facility for discussion, but he could not consent to anything which would prevent the passing of the bill. He intended on Thursday to move that the report be brought up and the amendments considered. Mr. HENLEY protested against so large a sum of money being voted and reported in one day. Mr. BRIGHT suggested the postponement of the con sideration of the clauses which increased salaries until next week. It was impossible to discuss such a question in one day. After a few words from Mr. DEEDES and Mr. CONING HIM, The CHAIRMAN left the chair, and reported the bill to he house amidst cheers. WAYS AND MEANS. On the question that the house go into committee of Ways and Means, Mr. CONINGHAM said he wished to impress on the noble lord at the head of the Government the absolute necessity of sending a vessel out to recall Sir B. Walker. The committee on the Admiralty Board would be of no use whatever. In fact Sir B. Walker was required not so much to defend the Admiralty as to account for his own want of energy and efficiency in the department of which he had so long had the control. Lord PALMERSTON said that that was a question not to be discussed in the house, but was one for the committee. The house then went into committee, and The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved the disallowance of the items £140,000 and £ll,OOO for stores, until the report of the committee on transport service had been received and considered. the motion was agreed to, and the house resumed. POST OFFICE SAVINGS BANKS BILL. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved the second reading of this bill. Mr. S. ESTCOURT objected to d ,the haste with which this bill was pressed forward. The Chancellor of the Ex chequer had given the house no sufficient reason for its adoption, or any ground to believe that the machinery of the Post-office would be adequate to the discharge of the new duties proposed to be put upon it by the bill. It was a question which the house ought seriously to consider whether this was a responsibility to which they ought to give consent. As matters stood at present, if any fraud was committed, the Government could at once lay their hand upon the offending party; but by the proposed bill, in reference to the places of deposit, they would not have such facility of power. The risk to which he wished to call the attention of the house in the present instance was that for every £lOO deposited the Government undertook to pay the amount ; but if the scheme of increasing the places of deposit were increased in the manner proposed, and if the per centage was increased as proposed, that risk would be increased, and the depositor or the country might suffer. He would not at that late hour of the night enter into de tails, but he questioned whether it was possible to carry out such a scheme without increased risk of fraud and loss. He very much doubted whether this plan would not in some respects become popular, and whether it would not, in his opinion, in time, entirely supersede the existing savings banks, because of its secrecy, for it was well known that the labouring poor, when they had a little money saved, and when they desired to place it in a savings bank, did not de. posit it in the bank nearest to them, but, in their desire not to have it known, went to a savings bank some distance from the locality in which they resided. But such was the secrecy with which all matters connected with the Post office was generally transacted that such a precaution, as to immediate localities, would be obviated, and the depositor would have no hesitation in availing himself of the Post office. There were, however, in his opinion, risks to the public interest in the provisions of the proposed bill which ought, while there was time, to be guarded against. He thought it would be better they should look the danger in the face, and determine upon the system which it would be expedient to adopt. What he desired was, that they should have some central body standing between the Government and the other parties. What he should desire was, that all these matters should be seriously considered in going into committee. He feared that the only place in which these savings banks could be established would be in towns, and in that case they would come into competition with the existing savings banks. He would not, however, object to the second reading of the bill. Mr. FORSTER thought the proposal by this bill would be a great boon. He believed it would not be possible to dovetail the proposed system with that at present in force. It might be requisite to provide a different sort of persons to work the Post-office savings bank system than those who have held the office of postmasters and postmistresses. Mr. HANBURY took exception to the objections raised by Mr. Estcourt, and expressed approval of the scheme, which he had hoped would supersede the existing savings banks. Mr. BAINES thought the country should feel very much obliged to the Chancellor of the Exchequer for introducing this simple measure which he believed would prove of sub stantial benefit to the population, especially to the indus• trious classes. The money order system had worked well, as was shown in its great increase during the last ten years. There was no interest in the existing savings banks to pre vent the adoption of the proposed plan. The latter, he believed, would work on a self-supporting system, and had the approval of Mr. Rowland Hill and other Post-office authorities. Mr. AYRTON reserved to himself the right of discuss ing the details of the measure when. they went into corn mittee. After a few words from Mr. PHILLIPS and Mr. HOP WOOD, The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that the limits of the deposits in this new plan would be the same as in the existing system. It was •intended to extend the operation of the measure to Ireland. To attach the new plan, which he believed to be perfectly impracticable, to any scheme for remodelling the organisation of the existing banks, his experience led him to believe would in the attempt turn out a failure. The proposed undertaking possibly might assume large dimensions. A great portion of the present system rested in the confidence placed by depositors in the local managers. If the old savings banks suffered from the establishment of the new banks, it could only arise from the estimation of the latter in the eyes of the industrious classes. The object of the bill was to provide facilities for encouraging habits of saving and economy on the part of the people. It was not, however, intended to make at once all money order offices savings banks. These establishments would be gradually expansive, and in pro portion to the demand made for them. Self support would be the fundamental principle of the measure, and no at tempt by a higher rate of interest would be made to draw away deposits from existing savings banks. He hoped the rate of interest would be carefully considergii by the com • mittee, but he was of opinion that it would be better to fix the amount of interest rather too low than too high. There was no new financial principle in the bill, but undoubtedly it would have the effect of in creasing the amount of deposits, and consequently the sum held by the Government on call. Experience led him to believe that holding such deposits would not be attended with any danger. The system was a safe one with a mode rate rate of interest, and the disadvantages were not to be weighed against the benefits which it was calculated to confer. The present Post-office machinery was, in his opinion, admirably adapted for carrying out the provisions of the bill, and would be fully equal to any requirements that should be made for the effectual working of the plan. He did not see any manner in which an organic connexion could be established between the Post office savings banks and the existing savings banks. The bill was read a second time. The Exchequer Bills Bill was read a second time. The Consolidated Fund (£4,000,000) Bill passed through committee. The Marine Mutiny Bill was read a second time, as was also the Mutiny Bill. Mr. WHITE gave notice that in committee he would move the omission of the clauses respecting courts martial and corporal punishment. The Constructive Notice Amendment Bill was road a second time. The house adjourned at ten minutes to two o'clock. 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Mr, Maitland, the Solicitor-General, was installed Lord 1 Rector of the University of Aberdeen on Saturday after- noon, amid a scene of excitement and uproar probably never surpassed within the walls of a Scotch college. It may be remembered that at the election of a Rector for this University some months age, two gentlemen were put forward—Sir Andrew Leith Hay and Mr. Maitland. At the voting the "nations" were equal—two for each can didate—the total number of students being, however, by a considerable majority in favour of Sir Andrew, whose known feeling against the " fusion" of the two colleges, which had just taken place, and the fact of his residing in the district, made him popular with the students. But the Principal of the University (Rev. P. Colin Campbell) gave his casting vote in favour of the Solicitor-General; and as the students considered this act an improper and illegal usurpation of power, the excitement amongst them was in creased by this proceeding, and has continued to grow in strength up to the present time. It is, however, but right to say that there is not the slightest ill-feeling on the part of the students towards Mr. Maitland personally; the oppo sition to his election rests solely on the circumstance that the majority of the youths look upon him as being in a great measure the nominee of the Principal and Professors. Hence their objection to his filling the rectoral chair—an objection which it was widely rumoured would result in a riot at the installation on 3aturday, and it did so. The proceedings were fixed to commence at two o'clock, and half an hour before this time the students began to assemble in the fine hall of what was Marischai College. By way of precaution a number of police were stationed in the square of the College, and all sticks had to be given up before admission could be obtained. Shortly before two o'clock the hall was crowded by some 600 of the stu dents—a limited number of gentlemen of the city being also present. Without loss of time the opposing students gave indications of their future conduct during the pro ceedings. A very Babel of noise rose in volume after volume as the minutes sped on. Forms were broken, and their woodwork hurled without ceremony amongst the supporters of Mr. Maitland ; peas being vig„rously and plentifully scattered about. Yells, whistlings, in all octaves and modes unmusical, were kept up continuously ; while the " burr " of an instrument similar in sound to a watchman's "rattle" of byegone nights was heard ever and anon, when there seemed a likelihood of vocal organs getting tired or giving away. Two o'clock came at last, and with it the town serjeants preceding the Magistrates and members of Council, the Principal and Professors of the University, with Mr. Maitland. The appearance of these gentlemen, as they took their places on the platform, was, as might have been anticipated, the signal for an increase of the storm. Pieces of wood—the wreck of some ten or twelve forms —peas, barley, and other missiles, were flung without respect of person, at all and sundry of the officials —the Principal and the Solicitor-General coming in for a liberal portion of the assailing shower. All the students— opposing and non-opposing —stood up on the forms; seve ral of them holding defiantly aloft the party colours which they had worn as supporters of Sir Andrew Leith Hay. Having reached the centre of the platform. where the temporary desk was erected, Principal Campbell made in dications that he was to open the proceedings with prayer. No sooner, however, had he held up his hands—he was evidently afraid to shut his eyes—than the shouting waxed louder and louder, and peas rattled on his face and body. Pausing, the rev. gentleman looked around him as if horri fled at the wild uproar, and once more an effort to com mence. But it was in vain; the noise was deafening, and for at least five minutes nothing but wild clamour was heard. At length, amid great uproar, the Principal re. newed his efforts, and this time with greater success—com parative quietness reigning for a short period. The rev. gentleman, however, at about the middle of his prayer, which was in Latin, having made a slight pause by trans posing a phrase, a voice sung out, " That's a Maxi" [a great error], and hearty laughter mingled with the Princi pal's solemn sentences—sentences which every now and then, too, were answered by " amen" intaned from the students in the opposing end of the hall. Immediately on concluding his prayer, the Principal was about to proceed to administer the oath to Mr. Maitland, when, greeted by a hurricane of cheers, Mr. Emslie, a student, attended by two of his comrades, and waited upon by a law agent and a notary public, advanced to the desk and began reading a protest against the election of the Solicitor-General as Lord Rector. The reading of their document occupied some six or seven minutes, and it was listened to most attentively by Mr.Mait land, who smiled good humouredly as the reader dwelt emphatically on the "incompetency and illegality" of the day's proceedings. The document having at length been finished, it was duly signed and lodged in the Prin cipal's hands ; after which that gentleman administered the oath to Mr. Maitland, amidst terrific cheers, hisses, and yells. The new Lord Rector then took the chair, and spreading out the manuscript of his address before him, began to read therefrom. But it was useless ; his performance was mere dumb show—not a single syllable could be caught for the clamour. Ceasing shortly, smiling at the excited crowd before him, and dodging the missiles which continued to fly in all directions, he waited for a hearing. At this moment, Mr. BURR, a student who had taken a leading part in promoting the. cause of Sir A. L. Hay, stood out from his fellows, and said—Mr. Maitland, I am requested by the students of this University to inform you that they hope you will not think of addressing them, as they—[The con clusion was 10-t in a shout of derisive laughter from the students in favour of Mr. Maitland.] Again that gentleman began to speak, and this was heard—" I accept as frankly this protest which you have now offered"—when the tumult again drowned his voice, while at the same moment a splinter of wood struck him on the nose, and blood instantly flowed from the scar. Still the learned gentleman smiled good naturedly, and, indeed, looked the calmest and most contented person on the plat form. Half an hour had now passed with nothing done, and, as the excitement seemed to be increasing rather than abating, • Principal CAMPBELL, advancing to the frDnt of the plat form, with considerable energy exclaimed—" I will take other means to put an end to this disgraceful scene. I have marked two or throe gentlemen who have been taking an active part in these proceedings, and"—(Cries of " Out with them 1" " Expel them I" concluded the sentence.) But the row abated not, and a gentleman having whispered something to the Principal, he said—" Yes ; we shall call in the police." (Great shouting, and " Oh, oh 1") The Principal continued—" I am sorry to say some of you have to-day . . . Your prospects in life are ruined by the proceedings of to-day; some of you are not only making use of expressions of opinion, but using dangerous missiles." In the lull which followed these remarks, The LORD RECTOR was heard—" It must be painful to the whole Senatus—it is peculiarly painful to myself— these proceedings." He then recommenced his address, and got over about a dozen sentences, when the tumult was renewed by the protesting students making a rush to leave the hall. Principal CAMPBELL, with energy—Lock the door. The College servants, followed by some of the Professors, hastened to obey, and after a struggle succeeded in their object. The LORD RECTOR, when silence had been thus obtained, said—A gentleman upon ray left hand has kindly asked me to begin again ; shall Ido so? (Loud cheers, and cries of "Yes, yes," from the three or four hundred students who were still present.) Accordingly his lordship com plied, and, amid repeated applause, had read perhaps for five minutes, when the return of the students to the door, with shouts for instant admission, brought him to a stand still again. Some of the Professors, highly indignant at these repeated interruptions, proceeded to the door, and for several minutes were engaged in a personal encounter with the roused pupils, who at one time had two of the learned gentlemen apparently on the floor amongst their feet. Again the uproar ceased for a minute or two, and the Rec tor, who throughout was amazingly calm, once more re- sumed reading. He had only proceeded, however, a page or two, when stones came whistling through the windows from the excluded students in the courtyard of the College. Unheedful of this—though some of the magistrates (the Provost is not at home) took means to have the throwing stopped—Mr. Maitland held on to his manuscript, and had done so for about ten minutes, when, with a com bined rush, the students returned to the door, burst in, and disorder again prevailed. This was too much, and closing his manuscript, The LORD RECTOR, in a lofty and emphatic tone, said— Gentlemen, I had hoped to have addressed to you some ob servations which I . had thought not unbecoming for the present occasion, and which I was certain were not likely to create, but were calculated to allay, excitement. But, unhappily, gentlemen cannot but thinkyery unhappily —there have been some few members of the University acting upon views which I think, on calmer consideration, they will a b a ndon—(cheers) —acting not merely in afrank, manly way to express and vindicate their protest, which protest I was here as frankly to receive as they to offer. (Cheers.) With all regard for those gentlemen—regard, let me tell them, which is unabated by the evidence I have this day seen of the excitement under which they are acting, because I am quite confident that the exhibition which we have had here is no fair index of the character and demea nour—(cheers)—to say nothing of the hospitality to a stranger—(hear, hear)—which I am sure is the characte ristic of the whole students in this University. (Applause.) These gentlemen have to-day protested, and they did right. (Hear.) I now, upon my part, protest—and I protest upon behalf of the great body of the gentlemen who voted against my election, that they have no part in this demonstration. (Hear, and loud applause.) It is impossible that they can. And I protest also, upon the part of the very demonstrators themselves, against it being supposed that this heedlessness into which, in a moment of excitement, they have been hurried, is the slightest index of what we may expect from them either here in their University career or in their professions in after life. (Cheers.) I do regret it; but I trust that it is a thing which, having oc curred in a moment of excitement, will be forgotten and never remembered against them at all. (Cheers and hisses.) But, gentlemen, lam A:00 Vat in I this excitement, in the continued determination far the present to make this demonstration, it is impos sible for me to ad (Iress to the assembled students of the University—those who voted against me quite as much, and in quite a friendly a spirit, as those who voted for me—it is impossible for me, I say, I am afraid, to persevere in that address without increasing the excitement—without lead ing to conduct more to be deplored, and to consequences which none should so much regret as I, if I were in any measure accidentally the occasion of them. Therefore, gentlemen, I am at present not in the hands of those stu dents who did me the unexpected honour of nominating me and voting for me ; but I am in the hands of those who may bo present of the other body of students—equally distin guished, and entitled to my respect—who may still be in this hall. I say lam peculiarly in their hands when I ask the question of this meeting—shall I proceed with the ob servations which I had proposed to address to you ? (Yes, and cheers.) It is of very little moment I believe, gentle men, whether 1 do so cr not—of very little moment, be cause I cannot imagine that any remarks which I could tender to you are of real or permanent value- The reason why I should regret if it is made impossible to continue my address is simply this, that I am afraid that the breaking in for the first time in this way upon what I understand to have been the invariable and time -honoured usage in this place, will be recorded not here, gentlemen, but elsewhere —(hear, hear)—as evidence that somehow or other a change has come over the spirit of Aberdeen and its students ; and that no longer will it be right, safe, or proper to hold those communications which even strangers from a greater die taice than I have heretofore come to hold with the whole body of the students of Aberdeen, knowing that whether they take part in their election or were opposed to them, they, at least, would meet them with the cordiality and frankness which belong to them. (Cheers.) Now I say I am not in the hands of the gentlemen who voted for me, but of the gentlemen who voted against me. If they choose, they certainly have it in their power, for the reason which I have just explained, :to bring the present meeting to this abrupt conclusion. If, on the other hand, they hold it to be consistent with the course which they have taken—a very reasonable and right course I humbly think it to be of tendering a legal protest—if they think it batter to call in question the illegality of that pro test by proceedings of violence, which literally are utterly inconsistent and destructive of it—(hear, hear)—if they think that they may possibly kindly allow me to proceed with the observations which I had intended to make—l can assure them, if they come to that resolution, they shall not hear one single word from me which can by possibility be construed into anything deficient in due respect to them. (Cheers, and cries of "Seats, seats.") Now, allow me to make another request, and that is, that gentlemen will not further contribute to excitement and interrupt the delivery of my short observations by cheering. Probably they will see that upon the present occasion at least it is expedient that we should abandon this practice. (Heir.) His lord ship then proceeded to finish his address, which he did with only one other interruption of importance, when he again offered to close, but amid loud cheers was called on to proceed. COUNTRY MARKETS. COLCHESTER-MARCH M. The wheat trade was flat. Dry samples realised is ad vance on the full prices of last week. Fine malting bar ley met a dull sale, and slightly receded. Beans and peas unaltered. Wheat, white 6os to 68s Beans, Mazagan..36s to 42s red 44s to 60s Middle & small 44s to 50s Barley 4os to 48s White peas 4Bs to 52 , Oats —s to —s Grey 42, to 488 CHELMSFORD—MAncII 15. A fair supply of wheat to-day; but business from hand to mouth. Best samples firm, at la per qr advance on late prices, and inferior parcels difficult of sale. All Spring corn firm. Wheat, white 39s to 64s I Peas____ Partridge ..44s to 45s red 48s to 61s I White 43s to 463 Barley 29s to 42s Boiling 43s to 47s Chevalier ....32s to 45a - Dun 39s to 42s Grinding 26s to 37s Beans, Tick ....36s to 443 Malt 61s to 67s Harrow Ticks 37s to 47s Chevalier ....64s to 698 1 Mazagan 30s to 41s Oats 26s to 31s STAMFORD—MARcH A fair supply of wheat at market yesterday, which sold at is par qr. advance on late quotations. Wheat 58s to 64s Oats.. 24s to 300 White do 60s to 66s I Beans 42s to 440 Barley 36s to 44s I Ditto, old ........58s to 600 KIRKALDY—MAnen 16. We had fair supplies to-day of wheat, oats, and barley, which sold at last week's rates. Wheat Barley Oats First.... 30s Od 31s Od 22s Od Second.. 56s Od 40s Od 28s. Od Third .. 70s Od 43s Od 32s Od COAL MARKE atioes of Coal per Ton at s. d. .T —MARCH 18. the close of the market Byass's Bebside West Hartley ...15 0 Lambert's West Hart- d. Wylam ••. • 15 6 Davison's West Hart- ley ....15 6 ley 14 9 Carway and Duffryn Malting 24 0 Howard's West Hart- Walls End. Brvddyll'a Hatton 17 3 Harton Byron l7 0 South Hartlepool...... 17 0 Kelloe l7 6 Hedley 16 0 South Hett on l9 0 Trimdon Thornley 16 6 South Whitworth 16 0 Thorpe 138 ; sold, 79. ley l5 6 Tanfield Moor 12 6 , ranfield Moor Butes l2 6 Clark's West Hartley 15 0 Strakef's West Hartleyls 6 Hastings Hartley 15 0 Walker Primrose 12 6 Eden Main ...17 3 Ships at market, DISASTROUS COLLISION AT SEA.—The Manches ter Guardian of yesterday publishes the following : " Liverpool, Monday Morning.—The Joseph Fish, which sailed from Liverpool on Thursday last, for Key West, put back to Liverpool yesterday, having been in collision with the ship Tuniata, bound from the Mersey to Baltimore. The latter vessel sunk in 10 minutes after the contact, and 14 of the crew are reported missing. The Joseph Fish was a good deal damaged." [ADVERTISEMENT.]—Among the numerous extraordi nary cures without medicine of indigestion, (dyspepsia) flatulency, constipation, nervous, bilious and liver com plaints, cough, asthma, consumption and d e bility, effected by Du Barry's delicious health restoring Revalenta Ara bica Food, the following are not the least remarkable : Cure No. 47,121.--:" Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, of Nazing Vicarage, Waltham-cross, Herts ; a cure of extreme ner vousness, indigestion, gatherings, low spirits, and nervous fancies." Cure No. 48,314.—" Miss Elizabeth Yeoman, Gateacre, near Liverpool ; cure of ten years' dyspepsia and all the horrors of nervous irritability." Cure No. 3,906, — Thirteen years cough, indigestion, and general debility has been removed by Du Barry's excellent Revalmta Arabica Food. Jamas Porter, Athol-street, Perth. Avoid Pills and Medicines : they invariably aggravate and perpetuate diseases ; their annoyance, disappointment, and expense may be avoided by using Du Barry's Food which, at a few pence per day, saves 5C times its cost in other remedies, removing effectually, without purging, constipation,. indigestion (dyspepsia) nervous, bilious and liver complaints and all their consequences. Certificate No. 36,418. 'We find it the safest remedy. Andrew the, MD., F.R.S., Dr Harvey, Dr. Wurzer, Dr. Shorland, Dr. Campell. Let invalids avoid the fearful dangers of spu rious and injurious imitations offered under a variety of false pretences. Nevill's imitations are prohibited by . the high Court of Chancery under a penalty of £5,000 against Alfred Hooper Nevill and his agents; and the pretences that Nevill has a patent for Arabica Food and that Du Barry's are connected with such patent are utterly fake. No canister is genuine without the name Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, in full, ontheseal and wrapper. Shopkeepers who attempt imposition in one article must expect to be distrusted in all others. Packed in tins 11b. 2s. 9d.; 21b. 4s. 6d. ; 51b. lls. ; 121 b. 225. ; 241 b. 40s. The 121 b. and 241 b. canisters are sent carriage free on receipt of Post-office order by Barry Du Barry and Co,, 77, Re , gent-street, London; Fortnum Mason, and Co. ; Abbib, 60, Gracechurch-street ; 4, Cheapside ; 63 and 150, Ox bard-street ; 330 and 451, Strand ; 49 and 60, Bishopsgate street ; Batty, 16, Finsbury Pavement ; Phillips and On. tea-dealers; Petty, Wood, and Co.. King William-street, City: at 127 nigh Holborn: and all grocers {ADVERTISEMENT.] — Holloway ' s Ointment and Pills are an Incomparable Remedy for Sores , Wounds, and Ulcers.—Mr. James Newman, residing near Euryvale, was a dreadful sufferer for four years from running ulcers in his legs. He tried all means without effect. He had been in an hospital three months, and was turned out in curable. He then had recourse to Holloway's Ointment and Pills, and by a steady perseverance in their use for a nowf ew w w e h e o ks le he e n d obtained , t a o n t h e e ffe a c s t t u e n a h ca m r e e n ; t o a f nd hi h s isleg is friends. It is idle to comment upon a fact of this nature. It speaks volumes. Tne medicine which can produce auch results stands in no need of praise. BIRTH S. BRISTOWL—On the 17th inst., at Herne-hill, Mrs. T. L. Bristowe, of a son. KNox.—On the 15th inst., at Newbridge, county of Kil dare, the wife of Lieut.-Colonel Knox, Royal Artillery, of a son. WALROND.—On the 17th inst., at Bradfield, Cullompton, the Hon. Mrs. Walrond, of a son. MARRIAGES. HUDLESTON—SHEPPARD.—On the 16th inst., at Isling• ttn, John Nichols Hudleston, Esq., M.D., of Holloway, to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Mr. William Sheppard, of Barnsbury, Middlesex. JAMES—BLATHWAYT.— On the 13th inst., at Leiston 'Church, Charles P. James, Esq., of Foulsham, Norfolk, son of the late W. R. James, Esq., Aldeburgh, to Made line Emily, eldest daughter of the Rev. C. J. Blathwayt, incumbent of Leiston, Suffolk. DEATHS. AUSTEN.—On. the 16th inst., at Couselywood House,Wad hurst, Sussex, Mr. T. Austen, aged 72. MARLow.—On the 15th inst., at Thornton•heath, Croy don, John Barlow, Esq., of Southwark, aged 72. DALTON.—On the 15th inst., at her seat, Thurnhara Hall, Lancaster, Miss Elizabeth Dalton, aged 82. HILTON. —On the 15th inst., at Sarre Court, Kent, the Rev. John Hilton, aged 68. KING.—On the 15th inst., at 13, Elmbank-place, Glasgow, John King, Esq., merchant. PROCTOR.—On the 14th inst., at Langley-park, Norfolk, Admiral Sir William Beauchamp Proctor, Bart., in his 80th year. LONDON : Printed and Published by AIUItDO YOUNG, at No. 112, Strand, Printer, at THE SUN Office, No. 112,Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the County of Micidleacir , Tueadall AlArch 19, 1861, ~~ ~w4'