The Sun. — London, England, 1856-05-17 00:00:00

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.—May 16. THE RUGELEY POISONINGS. [A. part of the following appeared in our impression of yesterday.] On the re-assembling of the Court the cross-examina tion of Dr. Harland was proceeded with by Mr. Sergeant Ehee.—l was merely an acquaintance of Palmer's, as a surgeon practising at Rugeley. lam sure Palmer, ad dressing Dr. Bamford, said, "They won't hang us yet." Afterwards he repeated the same expression to several persons. I said I had heard there was a suspicion of poisoning on the first post mortem examination. I drew up some notes in pencil and wrote that which I have read. I don't know how Dr. Taylor got the notes. I sent them to Mr. Stevens the night I drew them up. I have not seen it since. On the first examination I saw large mucus policals at the base of the tongue, they appeared to be of some standing. They were numerous. I have no doubt they would produce much inconvenience. In my judgment I doubt whether they would give much pain in speaking. I will not undertake to say they were enlarged glands. I adhere to the statement that the stomach was healthy. The lungs were full of blood, the heart empty. I examined the white spots in the stomach, but not with a lens, it was satis factory without. The brain was healthy ; it was also carefully examined and thin slices of it were taken off. It was slightly sore. There was no open wound, merely excoriation. By Attorney-General—There was nothing more than mere excoriation, and symptoms of past disease. I never heard of a certain disease producing tetanus. I examined the spinal cord as far down as possible. The wound of the spinal cord softening would not have produced death. I examined the throat. There wai a loss of substance in the glands. The distended tonsils arose from a disordered stomach. There was nothing in the lungs which would cause death. The spasmodic symptoms would account for the state of the heart. I could not trace the empti ness of the heart to any other cause. I have read of oases of poisoning in which the blood was fluid. I had no difficulty in arriving at an opinion with the use of a lens. I have never read of a case of tetanus occa sioned by a diseased brain. There was no relaxation of the spinal cord that would occasion death, and if the part had been examined immediately after death, no better result could have been arrived at. Mr. Charles James, Devonshire, examined by Mr. Huddlestosie --Assisted ➢r. Halford in making the post mortem examination. The body was pale, the fin gers were bent, and the thumb of the left hand was drawn in. The month was contorted and the body generally was very stiff. I opened the body and found the liver was very healthy ; the heart seemed healthy and it was the usual size. The lungs contained a considerable quantity of dark fluid blood. The blood was perfectly fluid. I examined the brain and found it healthy throughout. I examined a Small portio of the spinal cord ; it was perfectly sound. I took out the stomach and opened it with a pair of scissors. I had a jar ready to remove it. As I was placing It in the jar I felt a push, but nothing else occurred. I punctured the stomach and some of its contents fell out, but it was put in a jar and sealed up. I presently tied up the punctured part. I went to Mr. Frere's the same day and found the jar in the same stare as I left it, and they were given to Mr. Boy cott on the 26th. On the 29th I opened the body again to get at the liver and kidneys. I took out of the body the liver, spleen, kidneys, and some blood, and put them in a jar, sealed it up and gave it to Boycott on the 30th. I examined him par• titularly in consequence of what had been stated by Palmer relative to a certain disease, but it was not the case. Cross examined by Mr. Grove—ln examining a body in which death had been caused by tetanus the spinal cord would be looked to first ; part of the spinal cord was examined on the first post mortem examination, about half an inch. I have never been in practice. I am a student in the University. -• Dr. Monckton—l am a physician at Rugeley. On the 25th of Jan. I made a post mortem examination of the spinal cord and marrow of the deceased man. I mid the muscles of the trunk lax. The muscles of the arms and legs were in a state of rigidity. I could not say it was unusually so. The muscles of the arm had partially flexed the fingers and the hands. It was very firm, and took considerable force to unfix. The feet wera turned inward, much more thin usual. I care - fully examined the spinal cord ; the body was in a state ' l , l q) make a satisfactory examination. There was no disease. I entirely agree with the opinion of the last witness. John Boycott examined by Mr. Welsby—l am clerk to Messrs. Sandon, Gardner, and Co., solicitors, Rugeley. On the 26th November last I received a sealed jar from Mr. Devonshire. I took it to London, and delivered it the next day, in the same condition as I received it, to Professor Taylor, of Guy's Hospital. On the 30th Nov. I received a second sealed jar from Mr. Devon shire, which I also delivered in the same condition to Dr. Taylor. I was not examined at the inquest. On my way to London, last Tuesday, Newton made a com munication to me at the Rugeley station. I brought him to London with me, and took him to Mr. Gardner, to whom he made a similar communication. James Myatt examined by Mr. James— lam boot:, at the Grand Junction Hotel, Stafford. In November last I was post-boy at the Talbot Arms, Rugeley. I know Palmer. I was employed to convey Mr. Stevens to the station after the post mortem examination, but before doing so I went to my tea. Returning to the Talbot I met the prisoner. He asked Noe if I was going to drive them to Stafford. I told him I was. He asked me if I would upset them. He said he supposed I was going to take the jars. I told him I believed I was. After that he said, "Do you think you could upset them." I told him "No." He replied, "If I could there was a 101. note for me." I replied I could not, and said I must go, as the horse was in the fly ready to start. I don't recollect his saying anything more about the jar. On being pressed what more was said, witness said I told him if I did not somebody else would go ; he said, " I need not be in a hurry, for if any one else went he would pay me." I saw him again the following morning as I passed his house to go to my breakfast. He asked me who want in the fly the previous night ? I told him Mr. Stevens, and I believed one of Mr. Gardner's clerks. He said, "He believed it was." I don't recollect anything more. Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Shee—l had not spoken to Palmer before he asked me if I was going "to drive them to Stafford." I don't recollect if Mr. Stevens' name had been mentioned before it. I can't say if there were any other visitors than Mr. Stevens and his friends at the Talbot. I understood the word "them" to apply to Mr. Stevens and his party. I don't recollect Palmer saying that he would give "101. to break Stevens' neck." I can't say if Palmer had been drinking at the time. He said, "It was a humbugging con cern," or something to that effect. Palmer gave /11e no reasons to suspect why he spoke so of Stevens. He did not lead me to believe that Mr. Stevens had been a troublesome, suspicious fellow. By Lord Campbell—l don't know if there was more than one jar in the fly. Samuel Cheshire, late postmaster of Stafford, now undergoing his sentence for reading Dr. Taylor's letter, was brought up in custody to give evidence. His a?. psarance caused great sensation in the court. On getting into the witness box he fixed his eyes on Palmer, but the latter did not return his gaze, but fixed his eyes On the counsel. Witness's appearance is much al tered since his incarceration. He deposed—l know the prisoner W. Palmer well. We were schoolfel lows together. I have attended races with him on three or Four times. I never betted. I was very intimate with him. In November, 1855, I went to Shrewsbury laces with him and returned in the evening. On Satur day the 17th I went with the prisoner to see Mr. Cook at the Talbot Arms. He was in bed. I resided at the Post-office, about 300 or 400 yards from Palmer. On Tuesday evening, the 20th of November, I received message from Palm.-r between 6 and 7 ' •lo k. I wa ,, to come to him and brin g a receipt-stamp with me. I did so. I found Palmer in his sitting-room ; after a short time ho said he wanted me to wr i te out acheque, pro ducing me a copy from which 1 was to write. I copied it. He told me he wanted it, because it was money Mr. Cook owed him. I wrote in his p,resence as near as I can remember By Lard Campbell—What you copied was it left in Palmer's possession ?—lt was, my lord, Examination continued—Before I commenced writing, it he sail he w an t e d me to d o it b eca use' C oo k was too ill,. and Weatherby would know his writing ; he said he was going to take it over for Cook's signature, after 1 had written it, Witness was then ordered to stand back, and Mr. Weatherby was called into the box, and sworn. He said, I am secretary to the Jockey Club : my estab lig - lament is in Birmingham. I keep a b an ki ng a ccount for gentlemen by receiving and paying stakes for them. Cook had an account with me. I know Palmer wail. He had no account with me at that time. On 21st November I received by post a cheque or order on me for 3501. Two days after, on the 23d, I sent it back to Palmer, the prisoner, at Rugeley. Boycott was recalled, and proved he served a notice on the prisoner in Stafford Gaol, and another on his attorney, to produce the document in question, which was said to be in the writing of Cheshire, and purported to be in the handwriting of John Parsons Cook. The document was called for, but not produced. Mr. Wetherby, in answer to Mr. Sergeant Shee, said he believed the document was in the handwriting of Mr. Cook. Lord Campbell ruled tho learned sergeant was out of order in putting such a question, under the circum stances, to the witness. Cheshire recalled, said, as wall as he recollected, the writing he copied was an order on Mr. Wetherby to pay Mr. W. Palmer 3501. On the Thursday or Friday foi owing I saw Palmer again. I had heard in the meau ime of the death of Cook at the Talbo t Arras. He sent for me between 6 and 7 o'clock in the evening. I went to him and saw him come out of the kitchen. He went Lack and returned with a quarto sheet of paper. He gave me a pen, and asked me to sign it. By Lord Campbell—Was any thing written on it ? —Yes. Examination continued—Told him it was. Palmer said you know that Cook and I have had dealings to gether, and this is a document he gave me a few days go, and I want you to witness it. I said what is it a uout He replied some business that I have joined with Cook, which was all for his benefit, and there is a document stating so. I just cast my eye over it then. It was a quarto post sheet of paper of the usual descrip tion. I thought the writing on it was Palmer's writing. I told Palmer I could not sign it because I might be called on at some future day to give evidence on the ' matter. I told him I had not seen Cook sign it, and also that I thought the Post-office au thorities would not like me to be called on to give evidence as it would necessitate them placing some one in my place during my absence. I did not, in fact, give my exact reason for refusing to sign it. He said he thought "it would be no matter ; be thought they would not object to Mr. Cook's signa ture." I gave back the paper to Palmer. I left it with him. Mr. James said notice has been served on the prisoner and his attorney to produce the document, and called for, but it was not produced. Examination continued—l believe there was a stamp on the paper. I did not read it over ; 1 merely cast my eye over it. It was to the effeet that certain bibs, the date of which, with the amounts, were quoted, were all f , r Mr. Cook's benefit, and not for Mr. Palmer's. The amounts were rather large. I recollect one was for 1,0001. and another for 5001. It had a signature of I. or J. P. Cook. I was in the habit of giving Palmer letters addressed to his mother residing at Rugeley. During the month of October and November—l can't recollect which—l gave him any letters addressed to his mother. Palmer has taken Cook's letters, and Cook has taken Palmer's letters. I remember the inquest being held on Cook, and seeing Palmer during the time. Fle came to me on a Sunday evening previous to the sth December, and he asked me if I saw or heard anything fresh to let him know, and hinted at my opening a let ter. I told him I could not do so. He said he did not wish me to do anything to injure myself. I don't recollect him coming to me again. I am suffering punishment from reading a letter from Dr. Taylor to Mr. Gardner. When did you read that letter ? . . .. I did not read more than part of the letter, and told Palmer what I recollected of it. It was on the sth December. I told Palmer that no traces of strychnine were to be found mentioned in Dr. Taylor's letter. I do not know what else. Palmer said he knew there would not, as he was perfectly innocent. Captain Hatton, senior chief constable of Stafford, produced a letter addressed to Mr. Ward, coroner. The letter was read by the clerk of the court. It was as follows My Dear Sir,—l am sorry to tell you that lam still con fined to my bed. I don't think it was mentioned yesterday at the inquest that Cook was taken ill on Sunday and Monday nights, the same as on Tuesday night, when be died. The chambermaid at the Crown Hotel (Masters) can prove this. I also believe that a man by the name of Fisher is corning down to prove he received some money at Shrewsbury, but there he could only pay Smith 10/. out of 411. he owed him. Had you not better call Smith to prove this, and whatever Professor Taylor might state to-morrow he wrote last Tuesday night to Gardiner that " we," that is Professor Taylor and Dr. Rees, have this day finished the analysis, and find no traces of strychnine, prussic acid, or opium. What can beat this from a man like Professor Taylor, after what he has stated before, or of Dr. Bam ford's evidence. Mind, I know it, for I saw it in black and white. This is strictly confidential. It is true that, as regards his betting-book it is no good to any one. I hope the verdict to-morrow will be that be died of natural causes, and thus end it.—Yours, WM. PALMER." Cross•examined by Mr. Sergeant Shee.—l knew Cork well, but do not know his handwriting. Palmer said " He did not suppose they would object to Cook's signa ture." Palmer afterwards said, " Have you seen or heard anything ? " I told him I had seen something, and he said that he was as innocent as a baby. Palmer told me upon the Saturday before Cook's death that he was not well. He was in bed, and vomited. He was to have been one of the party. He saw Palmer at Rugeley upon the second day of Shrewsbury races. I did not see him there upon Tuesday. Ellis Crisp, inspector of police at Rugeley, examined by Mr. James—Upon 17th December I assisted in searching prisoner's house. There was a sale of hi.s effects to pay his creditors. I took this book away. Sergeant Shee—lt was not_ concealed. The bock was produced. It was a Manual of Chemistry, and in Palmer's writing was a note against the word strychnine. "Strychnine kills by causing fix ture of the respiratory organs." In another book pro duced by another constable, was a note, showing that prisoner was studying the properties of strychnine, but the Attorney-General said it did not show more than that prisoner was pursuing medical studies. Elizabeth Hawkes was next examined.—l keep a boarding-house in Beaufort-buildings, Strand. The pri soner was at my house on the Ist of December last. I had some conversation with Palmer on the 19th of No vember. I purchased some game for him on Ist Dec.— a turkey and brace of pheasants, and the porter purchased the fish. Ipacked it up in a hamper. Iliad no conversation with Palmer about the porter purchased or the things. I wrotetheldirection on the hamper. The porter gave her the direction. I had not been paid for the things. Pal mer came to her house on the first of Dec. f did not see Palmer to tell him what had been done with the hamper. The direction within on the hamper was W. W. Ward, Esq., Stoke-upon-Trent, Staff)rc:- shire. The witness Herring was again called and examined by Mr. Welsby.—l reside at New-cross. I am inde pendent. I have known the prisoner two years. I saw the deceased at Shrewsbury races. Mr. Fisher, Mr. Jones, and myself were in a room adjoining the prisoner's and Cook's. On the Thursday morning I saw CJok. I don't know whether he had money on Wednesday. I saw him with some money in Bank notes ; they were crumpled up. I was not enabled to ascertai❑ the amount, but there was a con siderable quantity of notes. Cook showed rue his bet ting-book. It contained entries made on the Shrewsbury races. On Monday the 19th of Nov. I received a letter from Palmer. The letter was handed in and read, as follows : "Nov. 18, 1855. "My dear Sir,-1 shall feel much obliged if you will give me a call at 70, Beaufort-buildings, Strand, tomor row (Monday), about half-past 2 o'clock.—l am, dear sir, yours, Sze., War PALIIER." I received the letter on the Monday morning, and I called there that day. I found Palmer there, and he asked what I would take. I declined to take anything. I then asked him about Mr. Cook. He said, "He's ad right; the physician gave a dose of calomel and advised him not to come out, it being a damp or wet day. Palmer said what I want to see you about is to settle his ac count. While he was saying this he took a halt sheet of paper out of his pocket and said this is it. I rose to take it, and he said I had better take it down ; this will be a cheque against you. At that time he pointed to some paper lying on th - table. I wrote on that paper from hi s dictation. I have here the paper. I wrote on that occasion receive of Ingham 350/. ; Bath, 300/. ; Green, 1401. ; Morris, 2001. ; Nelson, 301. He asked me how much I made it. I replied, 1,0201. He said that was the same as Cook made it. He then told me to pay myself 61., and Shelley 301., and that it I saw another person be named I was to tell him that Cook would be up on Thurs day or Friday and settle with him himself, and that if he gave me 16/. it would make 1,000/. remaining. Out of that he told me to take 2001. to pay my own bill. I stopped writing and looked up, and said I know no dif ference between you. He then said I was to pay Pad wick 3501. and Pratt 450/., and the three payments would make one thousand pounds. He then gave we Padwick and Pratt's adiresses, which I wrote down. lie then said, " You had better write out a cheque for Pratt and Padwick, and send them at once." I told him I had but one plain cheque in my pocket. He said "You can easily fill up a cheque on half a sheet of paper." I refused to do so. I had not received the money. Palmer said it would he all right as Cook was not to se, it. Palmer wished me particularly to pay Mr. Pratt 4507.; his words were " You must pay Pratt, a,-; .3 for a joint bill of sale on the mare." He told me he was going to see Pratt and Padwick, and he would tell them I would send them the money. Previous t ) this I told him I would call on them after I got the money at Tattersall's ; he than said " What is there between us r and I said 451. Palmer said "y ou owed me 401. on the Liverpool meeting," and I said was to settle that with Mr. Sargent. He said. " But you have not settled it yet, as I have d)ne that." He went on, therefor, "If I give you 101., that will be right." At the same time he took out of his pocket a 501. Bank of England note, but I was unable to give him 291.—the change. I gave him at his request my cheque for 20/. and nine sovereigns. I don't know the number of the 50/. note. He pressed me to send the cheques immediately to Pad wick and Pratt, because it would then be before bank hours. He said " when you settle this account, write down word to either Cook or me." I turned round and said I should certainly write to Mr. Cook, believing I was settling hi , account. Palmer said it did not matter much who I wrote to. I said if I address Mr. Cook, at Mr. Palmer's. Rugeley, Stafford, it will be correct, will it note He said, yes. After leaving him, I went to Tattersall's, and I received there all, except 1101., of Mr. Morris. I sent a cheque for 4501. to Pratt, and posted a letter for Cook from T attersall ' s. On Tuesday, 20th, I received a telegra ?hie me ssage, whichfl gave to Captain Hatton at the inquest at Rugel e y. I n consequence o f rece i v i ng that message I wrote back on Wednesday to Mr. Cook addressing the letter as before. [The telegraphic message was asked for, but it was not produced ; it was stated that it was given to the coroner at Rugeley. I produce three bills of exchange, th• drawing of two and the acceptance of the other are, I believe, in Cook's handwriting ; I got those bills from Fisher ; I gave him cash f, r them. Boycott was again recalled an d proved that the signa ture to one and the acceptance on th e other two drawn by Palmer we E were by in T h t ehy are all dated Regeley,e prisone r ' s h and'writing. Sept. 15, 1855, and each for 2001., one at a month's date, and two at two months, and each of them payable to the order of the drawer. _ _ Herring's examination continued—When the first bitl became due, on the 18th of October, Cook p a id me 1001. and the remaining 1001. at Shrewsbury, either on the Wednesday or Thursday morning of the races. I supposed the 2001. Palmer was to pay myself NI iLb had reference to one of these bills. I deducted thht amount out of the 1,0001. I had no hold on him fcr tli remaining 2001. bill, because I did not pay Mr. P.ciwiek 3501. There was another bill for 5001. Thomas Strawbtry, manager of the Bank at Ruge, r ley—The handwriting upon this bill is prisoner's. It purports to be aclepted by Sarah Palmer, prisoner's math-cr. I know her handwriting. She has an ac c3unt at our Bank. I should say certainly the accept ance is not in her handwriting. Examination of Herring continued—l got this 3001. bill from Fisher ; it is indorsed "J. P. Cook." The bill was not paid at maturity. I have taken pro ceedings against the prisoner for it. Cross-examined by Mr. Grove—l do not know of my own knowledge that Palmer and C3ok had transactions together. I was at. Shrewsbury on Wednesday. I know of many being ill ; with me it was diarrhcei. I took my meals at the Raven. No one who stopped there was ill. One gentleman who di3ed there was taken ill. I saw Cook on the race ground. It was damp upon the Thursday. I remonstrated with Cook for staying out, as he had been ill upon the previous day. By the Attorney-General—None of our party were at the Raven. Frederick Slack —Am porter to Mrs. Hawkes, at the Boarding•house in Beaufort Buildings. Palmer was there, and sent me out for some game and fish, a barrel of oysters and a turkey. He wrote the address William Ward, Stoke-upon-Trent, Staff >rdshire. I put the ad dress upon the parcel. Palmer said he did not want the gentleman to know where it came from. I took it to the station. The court then adjourned. THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, MAY 17, 1856. with two others, not in custody, in burglariously breaking int-) the premises of Messrs. Belt r, mercers and draper?, i❑ the Oid Kent-road, and stealing therefrom property to the amount of 2501. Police-constable J. W. Saward, 120 M, deposed that about 5 o'clock on that morning he saw four men walking after a cab, and from what h e was told he followed the men and cab, and after a smart run succeeded in securing the prisoners, who were two of the men he had seen. On searching them at the station-house he found on the per son of Rogers a pair of gloves and three shillings' worth of postage stamps, which formed a part of the robbery, and 12s. 6i. in cash. He also found on the other pri soners si. 7d. in money. Mrs. Mary Sorrall said that on that morning, while on her way to a laundress's where she was employed, she saw two persons walking upwind down near the shop of the Messrs. Butler. Presently a cab drove up, out of which the prisoners alighted. The cab drove up to the front of Messrs. Butler's shop, and all four men—the two she had seen walk up and down and the prisoners, who had got out of the vehicle—entered the house. They did not re main inside more than a moment or two, when they re turned with two large packages, which they put into the cab, and the vehicle drove away, the four men following. Mr. W. D. Butler said that his brother and himself car ried on the business of drapers at Nos. 3 and 4, Watt's terrace, 0:d Kent-road, and that about six o'clock on that morning he was nailed to by his servant, who informed him that the place was broken into. Oa coining down stairs he discovered that the thieves had effected an en trance by forcing a back door, which had been strong!) , secured with two bolts and a cross bar, from its binges. They also forced the shop door, and succeeded io carrying away property consisting of shawis,rnantles, pieces of cloth, cashmeres, and other articles, to the amount of 2501. The postage stamps found on one of the prisoners were part of the things st den, and received on the day before from a lady in the country to pay for a pair of gloves to be for warded to her, and be put their identity beyond ques tion by producing the note in which they were enclosed, part of which was still adhering to them. In reply to a question from the magistrate, the witness said that on tue night before, as was their custom, himself and his brother went round the premises at 11 o'clock, and all the doors and their fastenings were then quite secure. Tae prisoners denied the charge. Rogers said he was steward o❑ board the Adelaide steamship, a transport just returned from the Crimea, and Keeling said he was a tailor, living with his parents, in Kenton-street, Brunswick-square. Bath were remanded to a future day. THAMES. —Bernardo Henriques, a Portuguese seas man, aged 23, was brought up on remand before Mr. Seie, charged with the wilful murder of Versilli Caligar, a Greek seaman, by stabbing him with a dagger. It appeatel that Henriques and Caligar had been for several days boarding at a lodging-house, No. 31, Well close-square, kept by a Greek, named John Seymour, a respectable man, and a relation of the deceased. On Thursday at noon the deceased and another foreigner were playing at cards in the coffee-room of the lodging house, Mrs. Seymour, au Englishwoman, having just gone out to market and locked the outer door. The pri soner, who was described to be a savage, ill-tempered man, came to the door and knocked violently, demanding immediate admission.' He was informed that the door was locked, and was requested to go to another door, but he refused to do so, and continued in the street knock ing and kicking at the door as bard as he was able. In his rage he broke a pane of glass at the side of the door. He then went round to another door to which he was at first directed, and entered the coffee-room. Some of the lodgers remonstrated with him, and a fight took place. Caligar, who was playing at cards, and took no part in the quarrel, rose from his seat and mildly endeavoured to make peace. The prisoner instantly took a new dag ger from a sheath suspended to his side, and plunge.] it into Caligar's belly, withdrew the dagger from his body and stagged the unfor%uuate man a second time. Caligar fell, weltering in his blood, and the prisoner fled from the room and ran down stairs. Caligar was raised by several mariners, and it was disc overe d th at hi s bowels were protruding. He was removed to the London Hos pital, where he died yesterday morning. The prisoner was found concealed behind the door of the kitchen in Seymour's lodging-house directly after the occurrence, and, on being taken into custody by police-constable Cox, No. 138 H, every foreigner in the house drew his kuite, and would have killed the prisoner had not the officer beat theta off with his truncheon. The situation of Cox was very perilous for some time, until Mr. Seymour came to his assi,tance. The lodging-house keeper said a few words :o the foreigners, who threw their knives on the floor, sad Cox was allowed to take away his prisoner. The dagger was found by police -sergeant Foay, No. 7 H, under a sink in the kitchen. It is a most formidable double-edged weapon, with a sharp point, about ten inches in length and two inches in width. Mr. Ross, the house surgeon of the London Hospital, after informing the magistrate of the death of Caligar, said he would make a post mortem examination of the body as early as possible, and requested that his attend ance might be dispensed with that day, and that he might be allowed to leave the court immediately, as he was subpoenaed as a witness on the trial of William Palmer, of Rugeley, at the Central Criminal Court, and he did not know how soon he might be called upon to give evi dence in the case. Mr. Selfe hereupon remanded the prisoner till Thurs- day next. THE GOVERNMENT DIVORCE BILL. The following are the principal clauses of the bill pre sented by the Lord Chancellor, for transferring the juris diction in matrimonial causes and establishing a Court of Divorce : TITLE AND CONSTITUTION OF TEE COURT. Supposing the bill to become an act during the pre sent session, its title is to be "The Divorce Act, 1856." From and after a day to be named by her Majesty in Council, all jurisdiction of every kind in matters matri monial is to be withdrawn from every court in England that now possesses it, and to be vested in a new court, to be called "The Court of Divorce." The judges of this court are to be the Lord Chancel lor, the Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Queen's Bench, and the Judge of the Court of Probate and Ad nsinistratior, with a proviso that the Lord Chief Justice may anpoin - , any one of the judges of the superior courts of commor law to act for him in case he is unable to attend. 'Re judge of the Court of Probate may ant alone, except in petitions for dissolution of marriage In the absence of this functionary any judge of the superior court, the Master of the Rolls, or any of the vice-chancellors, may act as judge ordinary of the courts. The court thus constituted is to hold its sittings in London and Middlesex. Exo-pt in proceedings for the diAsolution of marriage the court is to act on the principles of the ecclesiastical courts. GROWNDS OF ➢IVORCE. O❑ proof that a wile has been deserted by her husband for three years or upwards without reasonable excuse, the court may make an order for payment to her of alimony-, to remain in force until otherwise directed. The adultery of the wife is to be a ground for dissolu tion of marriage o❑ the petition of the husi,and, and the incestuous adultery of the husband on the petition of the wife. Incestuous adultery, for the purposes of the act, is defined to mean " adultery committed by a husband with a woman with whom, if his wife were lead, he could not lawfully contract marriage by reason of her being within the prohibited degrees of consanguinity or affinity." The court, on the hearing of any petition, is to satisfy itself, so far as it reasonably can, of the absence of col lusion. If not satisfied of this, or of the proof of adul tery, it is to dismiss the petition. It satisfied by the evidence, it is to pronounce a decree declaring the mar riage to be dissolved, unless there has been unreagou able delay in presenting the petition. It is to make such conditions as to alimony and the custody of children, as with reference to all the circumstances of the case it may deem reasonable. If no appeal is pre sented against its decree of dissolution within three months, or if such appeal fails, the parties may marry again. LAW INTELLIGENCE. INSOLVENT DEBTORS COURT.-MAY 16. IN RE JAMES IRVING SCOTT. This insolvent, described as the editor, proprietor, and publisher of the Reporter and the London Evening News, was further heard. Mr. Reed opposed for Mr. Conner, a bill discounter, and by two creditors in person, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Jones ; Mr. Macrae supported. The case occupied some time, and in the course of the irquiry it appeared that the insolvent was the first to start a " penny" newspaper, which he said was suspend ed in consequence of his imprisonment in Whitecross street Prison, where be had been imprisoned since Feb ruary. Pe was the editor and proprietor of the Repor ter, which had existed 10 years, and on the type, &c., he had given two bills of sale, on which some further evi dence was required. Mr. Taylor, one of the creditors, in person, was a creditor for printing, and wished to prove a vexations defence, but his attorney was not in attendance. The other creditor—Mr. Jones, a licensed victualler, carry ing on business near the insolvent's offices—held two cheques, signed by him, on the London and Westmins ter Bank for 121. odd, which he had cashed to pay his men. The insolvent said he did not send the cheques to Mr. Jones, but his foreman took them in order to get money ,o pay the men. He believed he had about 251. in the bank about that time. The cheques were not paid. _ _ Mr. Commissioner Phillips examined the banker's book, and said it appeared the insolvent had money in the b Ink at the time. Ultimately the case was adjourned to produce evidence as to what had been done under the two bills of sale. IN RE THOMAS HIGGINS. This insolvent, a tailor, who had been " proprietor" of the Chelsea and Kensington Observer, who was on bail, applied to be discharged. There was noopposition, and the learned Commissioner intimated that it was a queer thing to join a tailor and a newspaper proprietor together in one person. After the insolvent stood down, preparatory to his adjudication of discharge, it was ►mentioned that seven days ago the de t ,ining creditor had lodged the discharge at the prison, and the question was whether the court had jurisdiction in the case. During a pause on the point a person who said his name was Reeves claimed to be a creditor for 10 guineas for writing bis newspaper, which appeared three or four times and then ceased. He declared that he wrote the whole paper, even the "Paris correspondence." The insolvent denied that he owed him anything, and he only appeared because he would not advance him to-day half-a-crown. This allegation was denied, and a scene occurred. 1 female friend of the insolvent declared that what was written by Reeves was " rubbish," and the paper failed. _ A good deal of laughter was occasioned by Reeves de clarin; that he wrote the " Paris Correspondence" in London, as his landlord could prove. Mr. Commissioner Phillips remarked on the deception practised on the pubic —a person writing as from Paris when he was in London, and asking to be paid. Reeves said he did ; and it was because he took the idea from the insolvent. (Roars of laughter.) Reeves handed up two letters which he said ha had received from Lord J. Russell. They were handed to the Commissioner, and he refused to have them read, as the object was to parade certain high names before the public. The case was about to be adjourced for Reeves to pro duce some letters which he said would prove his case, and the Commissioner sent the question as to the dis charge to the Chief Commissioner. The opinion of the Cole' Commissioner was that the court had no jurisdic tion to hear the case. Mr. Commissioner Phillips informed the insolvent that he hat no jurisdiction to hear his case. The insolvent expressed his regret, seeing the six weeks imprisonment he had undergone before he got bail, and the expense he had incurred. The case was struck out, the court having no jurisdic tion, POLICE INTELLIGENCE.-31ay 16. BOW-STREET.—Henry Barttelot, a sorter in the General Post-office, was brought up on a warrant, under the 23d section of the Post-office Act, for detaining news papers in their course through the post. The case was an exceedingly singular one, from the absence of any con ceivable motive for the offence, the prisoner having torn the addressee from three papers, and thrown them down the shoot which is used for conveying letters from the Foreign-office to the room below. When taxed with this misconduct by Mr. Willis Clare, inspector of letter-car rier-, the prisoner, for some time, obstinately denied it, but on the constable, Peake, being sent for, he became frightened and acknowledged that be had done so. He said he did it because he was afraid of mis-sending them, having recently teen fined for mistakes of that kind. When searched by the officer, he had a number of enve lopes, e..luentty torn from newspapers which ho had stopped in the same way. In answer to a question from Mr. Jardine, Mr. Care said the prisoner's story could not be true. If he had doubts about an address, he could avoid all risk of blame by handing over the letter or paper to a person called the " blind sorter," whose business it was to send, according to the best of his judgment, letters and papers "thrown out" by the other sorters. Besides, the ma jority of these papers were not only legibly directed, but were papers which ought never to have passed through the prisoner's hands, and he (Mr. Clare) was unable to understand how he could have got possession of them. He could only account for the prisoner's conduct by sup po-ing i': to be a wanton act of mischief. The prisoner, who adhered to the statement made to Mr. Clare, was committed for trial. Among the articles found on the prisoner were some betting-tickets, and ha acknowledged to the officer that lie was in the habit of betting, and that the system was carried on as actively as ever, the bets running as low as half a crown. George Lovell, a carter in the service of a cowkeeper in Ecclesford-street, was summoned at the instance of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, for ill-using a bor.-4), , ),y driving him with an excessive load. Mr. K. R. Foster, who conducted the case for the society, sail that if the defence set up was that the man was obliged to drive the horse in obedience to the com mands of his master, he would withdraw this summons, proceed against the master, and put Lovell in the wit ness-box As defendant stated that his master had directed him to drive the horse with the load in question, this course wam taken, and the master, Charles Glover was charged with causing the horse to be cruelly ill-treated. Mr. J. Saunders, of Taplow, near Maidenhead, a jus tice of the peace for the county, stated that at about 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon he saw Lovell driving a horse in a waggon loaded with grains. The hone—a fine, noble animal—was in good condition, and defend ant was using him as gently as he could, but the load was evidently far too much for him. He (Mr. Saunders) had seen a great deal of horses, but never in his life had he seen one in such distress. Th-: poor brute was pant ing fearfully, and not only perspiring, but absolutely foaming. The constable •n duty at the time, F 99, coirolsorated. The load was enough for two horses. On being spoken to by witness and by Mr. Saunders the man consented to cet another horse. Other witnesses were called to show that the cart was loaded with five quarters of distillers' grains, a quarter being about five or six hundredweight. They were still heavier at times. They were much heavier than brewers grainy. Lovell stated that be was sent by his master to fetck five quarters of grains from Whitechapel. The horse had drawn the same load that distance before without being distressed. On this occasion the horse was dis tressed " a little," but that was owing to the stones being slippery and his shoes smooth. The load was not more than a ton, for three out of the five quarters were stale. Mr. Glover defended himself to the same effect. Mr. Jardine, after ern severe comments, fined de "endant 11., or in default one month's imprisonment. WO EtSHIP- STREET.—EntiIy Godfrey, a wretched looking young woman, wai charged before Mr. Hammill with attempting to commit ,uicide by swallowing lauda num. Playford, 417 N. division, said he was on duty early in the morning at Shacklewell, and observed a female lying in the lane, apparently dead. An empty phial was by her side, labelled "Laudanum." Sonic signs of life remaining, he conveyed her with all speed to the station, v here, by aid of the stomach-pump, the peiun was ejected. - In reply to Mr. Ham mill, the miserable defendant said she had known better days. Her father was for a long period, up to about two years back, coachman to her Nfajtsty Queen Victoria. Unfortunately, however, he had died ,4ince, and her mother's demise quickly suc ceeded, Since that period she had been destitute, earn ing a precarious subsistence. A few hours previously to swallowing the poison she bad pledged the gown off her back for Bd. She belonged to the parish of St. Luke's, Chelsea. Mr. nammill said it was indeed a sad reverse of cir curn,tanee:4, and oil hearing that the girl had expressed nineh contriti on for the rash attempt, he discharged her with advice to apply to the parish where she was found. LAMBETII—Jui. Rogers ;ad John Chad. Keeling, well-tire3sed persuns, were charged with being concerned PROLE IRE AND PRACTICS. The court may, if it pleases, direct questions of fact to be determined before itself, either by a common or special jury ; it may also direct such issues to be simi larly tried by the judges of airtiZ3 or ni4 prius. Every petition for nullity or dissolution of marriage, or for di vorce, shall be support-.d by an affidavit of the party petitioning, negativing the fact of collusion. Such peti tion is, as a general rule, to be served on the party affected thereby. The petitioner may be examined per sonally. The evidence is to be given viva voce, except in cases where the court may deem it exile lient to per mit the same to be taken by commission, in which cases the proceedings under the commission are to be con ducted as in the case of commissions at common law. Shorthand writers are to be employed and paid by the court. Attendance of witnes.les le to be wide compul-o:y, and the penalties for fake swearing to be the same as in other courts. The court is to be open to barristers and attorneys as well as to advocates and proctors. The appeal (which must be made within three months after decree pronounced) is to the House of Lords, who, if dissatisfied, may remit the case to. the Court of Divorce, order any particular witnesses to be examined, or direct an issue to try any fact. All letters patent, records, &c., are to be transmitted from all ecclesiastical courts thr iughout the kingdom to the new court, the judge of which is to transmit to the Queen in Co un cil an annua l r eport of business, receipts, and disbursements. The bill concludes with a compensation clause for all judges and officers of the different ecclesiastical cour t s removed from o ff ic e und er its provisions. [ADVERTISEMENT.] TELE GENERAL ILLUMINATION. PRECAUTION AGAINST WINDOW-BREAKING The Times Plate Glasa Assurance Company hav e completed arrangements for including the assurance of the glass in all ordinary house windows against break age of every kind at the lowest possible rate of premium. Householder s in any town of England, Ireland, or Scotland desiring.to have their windows insured before the public illuminations on the 29th inst. must send in their applications before the 28th inst., at latest. The directors, with a view to the additional security of householders who may be insured in this office, and having a due reglrd for the interests of the shareholders of the company, propose to pay, and hereby offer, a re ward of Ll. in each case, upon the conviction of any per son detected in the act of breaking the windows of any householders insured in this office upod the occasion of the forthcoming national rejoicings. Chief Offices, No. 32, Ludgate-hill, Loudon. TEE CRI MBA IV INQUIRY. The military commission, appointed by Royil War rant, to inquire into the allre;ation s contained in the re port of Sir J. M`Neil and Col. Tahoe's. on the condition of the Crimean army, held their 22 , 1 sitting yesterday, in the Great Hall of Chelsea Hospital. At the opening of the court, Mr. Commissary General Filder proceeded to read the concluding portion of his statement, but in so low a tone of voice that very little of the substance reached the re porters' table. He was understood to bear testimony to the zeal and activity of all the officers connected with the commissariat department. Referring to the supply of forage adverted to on the previous day, he stated that he had left nothing undone to supply the exi gencies of the army, but that the means of transport, although adequate for Sir Charles Trevelyan's estimates, were wholly unequal to the supply of the army. He denied that the present efficient state of the commis sariat department was to be attributed to the sugges tions of the commissioners, as great improvements had been effected before they arrived in the Crimea. The commissioners did not arrive until the spring, at which time it was impossible f.ir them to form a just opinion of the previous difficulties the army had to contend with. He thought the commissioners ought to have inquired more fully before they made suggestions upon subjects which, upon inquiry, would have been found already at tended to. The commissioners were in error in stating that there was a great deficiency in the amount of tea supplied to the army. They had been guided in this trotter, as well as in their statements respecting lime juice, by inaccurate documentary evidence, although they might have obtained a correct statement of facts from persons on the spot. He trusted that he had shown the board that he was not responsible for the deficiency in the supp , y of forage, and thet he was not chargeable with having failed to avail himself of all the means of sea transport at his disposal. Without claiming for himself an undue amount of capacity, he trusted he had proved that ha and the rest of the commissary officers had done the very best they could do under the difficulties and unparalleled circumstances in which they were placed. Atter referring to his past services in the Peninsula and elsewhere, and to his motives for j itig the army in the Crimea, Mr. Filder concluded his statement by expressing tee confidence with which he left his case in the hands of the Court. He ventured to express a hope (with a view, if necessary, to a more for. mal inquiry hereafter) that the board would state posi tively whether in their judgment he had been shown to be guilty of the charges contained in the commissioners' report. General Knollys—Did you ever take any steps to make Lord Raglan acquainted with the stock of bay which you had in hand ? Mr. Filder was understood to say that he had ❑ot made any formal complaint on the subject until the 21st of January, 1855. General Knollys—Had you rusntioned to hia lordship Any apprehensions that you had on this subject in your conversations with him ? Mr. Filder—No, I had not. By General Peel—Lord Raglan was always satisfied that I had abundance of supplies with the exception of forage, and he was well aware of the difficulties on that head. He (Mr. Filder) considered that Lord Panmure was the present head of the commissariat. The President—lt was intended by the Government to form a depot at Malta; do you know why that was not done? Mr. Filder replied that the requisitions for hay came iu faster than they could be complied with, and that con sequently there could be no necessity for a depot at Malta. i►lr. Filder called attention to a statement made by Lord C srdiga.n, that, in October, 1854, a number of ammunition horses were shot because there was no f rage for them. He contended that this could not have been the case, as there was no want of forage at that time, and that the cause of the horses being shot was no doubt that they were labouring under disease. In answer to a question from General Peel, Mr. Filder said that he never heard of any complaint among the troops about c iffee until the month of Nov. He wished to observe, with reference to Lord Raglan, that he did not believe auy Commissary-General had ever received so much assistance from a Commauder•in- Chief as he bad received from Lord Raglan. The Judge-Advocate reminded Mr. Filder that, in his evidence on the previous day, he had attributed the defi ciency in the supply of forage to the circumstance of the authorities at home not compiying with his requisitions and sending out a sufficient quantity of hay ; and inquired how he could reconcile that evidence with his representa tions to the Commander-inCnief and the Under-Secretary for War, that at no time was the harbour at Balaklava withou two er three vessels laden with chopped straw ? Mr. Filder stated, in reply, that chopped straw did not altogether answer the purpose of hay, and that there were great difficulties in the way of landing chopped straw which did not apply to hay. He added that he did not consider the reasons assigned by Sir C. Treve lyan for not sending out the hay to be FiL tisf ,story. The Judge-Advocate—Noon you applied to Sir Chas. Trevelyan for machines for pressing hay, did you get them ? • Mr. Filder—Yes, I believe they were sent out as soon as possible ; I applied for a set of presses, and got them. The Judge-A,lvocate—You stated yesterday that, on the 13th of September you wrote to Sir Charles Tre velyan to send you 2,000 tons of hay, and that you did not get one-tenth of the quantity ; is that so Mr. Filder said that was so. He never got a tenth of the forage he wrote for on that occasion. The Judge-Advocate—Have you any letter from Sir Charles Trevelyan in which he states why he did not comply with the requisition ? Mr. Filder said he had not any letter explanatory of the reason, and added, in reply to a further question, that ho was net aware of any difficulty in purchasing hay in this country in the autumn of 1854. Col. Gordon was then called by Mr. Filder, and in an swer to questions put by him with reference to the sup ply of transport vessels, said at the a❑d of October Capt. Christie was desired to place the horse tran , ports at the disposal of the commissariat. They were then lying at Kalatnita Bay and other places along the coast, and some at Balaklava. In December (after the great storm) another letter was written directing Col. Christie to place all the transports of whatever description at the disposal of the commissariat, as all were required for the exigencies of the army. A great many of the transports were lost in the great storm. This being the whole of the evidence, the board ad journed for half an hour, and on the return of the cora missionei u, The Judge-Advocate said that Dr. Balfour had ex pressed a wish to hand in a paper which had received the satiction of Colonel Tulloch with reference to a portion of the evidence given by Colonel Gordon. As Dr. Balfour was now present, the board had dir2c'od bun (the Judge-Advocate) to state that if Dr. Balfour would furnish Colonel Gordon with a copy of the state ment, he could reply to it in writing, and the board could then consider both together. The board consi dered this a more desirable course than to re-open the case. Dr. Balfour said he would take care that Col. Gor,lon should be furnished with a copy of the statement either that evening or in the morning. Col. Gordon asked that he might be furnished with a copy at once, as in that case he would proceed to answer it immediately. The Judge:Advocate—A copy will be sent to you, and you can forward your reply, when the board will consider both statements together. The Presideat said that would be a more desirable course than to re-open a case which was already closed. The Judge-Advocate said he thought it right to inform Col. Gordon that Capt. Heath had asked pe mission of the board to read a statement relating to a portion of his (Col. Gordon's) evidence ; and that, as the board did not wish to deprive him of that opportunity, they proposed to adjourn the inquiry until Monday next, when Col. Gordon could attend if he thought fit. The President asked whether Col. Gordon was aware of the portion of his evidence to which Capt. Heath in tended to ref r. Colonel Gordon replied in the affirmative. The inquiry was then further adjourned to Monday next, at eleven o'clock. The attendance of the public throughout the day was extremely limited, and had it not been for a strong mus ter of pensioners, the hall would have presented a very dreary appearance. [ADVERTISEMENT].—HoIIoway's Pills singularly effi cacious for the cure of Bile and Indigestion.—Daniel Dogherty, of AghAdocy, was so afflicted with indiges tion and a disordered starnach that life had become quite a burthen to him. He could scarcely digest any kind of food ; even bread alone would occasion faintness and other unpleasant feeling-% He tried a variety of remedies without the wished-for relief, but a few doses of Hollo way's pills had a most miraculous effect, for in a few weeks a perfect and most excellent cure was eff3cteil by them.—Sold by all medicine vendors throughout the world ; at Professor Holloway's Establishments, 244, Strand, London, and 80, Maiden-lane, New York ; by A. Stamps, Constantinople; A. Guidioy, amyrna ; and E. Muir, Malta. [ADvxarismixt.]—We are happy to quote the following interesting information from Du Barry's Report on cures of Indigestion (Dyspepsia), Flatulency, Constipation, Ner vous, Bilious, and Liver Complaints, Cough, Asthma, Consumption, and Debility, without medicine by Du Barry's Revalenta Arabica Food : Eight years' dyspep sia, nervousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea, for which my servant had consulted the advice of many, have been effectually removed by Du Barry's Revalenta Arabica Food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. JOHN W. FLAVELL, Ridling ton Rectory, Norfolk. From the Dowager Countess of Castle stuart.—Cure 52,612. Rosstrevor, County of Down, Ireland, 9th December, 1854.—The Dowager Countess of Castlestuart feels induced, in the interest of suffering humanity, to state that Du Barry's excellent Revalenta Arabica Food has cured her, after all medicines had failed, of indigestion, bile, great nervousness and irritability, of many years' standing. This food deserves the confidence of all sufferers, and may be con sidered a real blessing. Inquiries will be cheerfully answered. Cure No. 1,609 Three years excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, and general debility, which rendered my life very miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry's Revalenta Arabica Food. ALEXANDER STUART, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen. Supported by testimonials from the celebrated Professors of Chemistry Dr. Andrew Ure ; Dr. Shorland ; Dr. Harvey ; Dr. Campbell ; Dr. Gattiker ; Dr. Warzer ; Dr. Ingram ; Lord Stuart de Decies ; the Dowager Countess of Castle stuart; Countess of Uffiugton ; Major-Gen. Thomas King; and many other respectable persons, whose health has been restored by it, after all other means of cure had failed. In canisters, slbs., Ils.; 121b5., 22%; super-refined, llb., Gs. ; 21bs., Ils. ; Subs., 225. ; 101bs., 335. The 101bs. ang 12)los. carriage free, on receipt of post-office order. B arry du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, Loudon ; Fortnum, Mason, and Coe, Purveyors to her Majesty, Piccadilly; also at 60, graceehurch-street ; 333 and 451, Strand; 4,1 , Cheapside; 68, Carnhill ; 49, Bishopsgate-street ; 55, Char ing -cross ; sd, Upper Baker-street; 63 and MO, Oxford street. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. RAILWAY REFOlt,'‘l. A meeting of the members of the Reform Association was held yesterday at the office in the Strand to consider the provisions of the Eastern Counties Railway Bill, as passed by the House of Commons, authorising the raising of additional capii al—Mr. Malins in the chair. Mr. Browne, the secretary, read the advertisement convening the meeting. The CHAIRMAN stated that in addition to the adver tisement circulars had been sent to the proprietors. The last day for presenting a petition to the House of Lords was the 27th inst., and the present was the latest period they could conveniently call them together to consider the subject. The association had been exposed to consi derable opposition from railway companies, and he hoped the members would not fail to make any suggestions they thought proper, with a view to carry out the objects the association had in view. They found that other compa nies were prepared to assist the chairman and directors of the Eastern Counties Companies in opposition to the efforts of the Reform Association. A code of bye•laws for railway companies had been prepared by Major Court, and, if generally adopted, he believed it would confer a great benefit on railway property. The financial position of the association showed that they had funds quite suf ficient to meet any expenses that would oceur. They had resolved not to get into debt, but to close their affairs if not supported by those whose interest it was to do so. Every member of the association might feel assured that no liability would be incurred for which they had no funds, nor would they carry on proceelings one atom further than their means would allow. It was proposed that they should apply to Lord Dalhousie to become their patron. It was well known that he had made valuable suggestions in respect to railway legislation, which, if adopted, would have conferred great oentfite on railway property. It they could obtain the assistance of teller noble lords it would have the effect of overcoming, to a great extent, the opposition with which the association had now to contend. With regard tothe bill promoted by the directors of the Eastern Counties Railway Company, they should bear in mind that the House of Commons did not recognise shareholders in a company appearing against the directors, as it was pr es u me d t h at t h e d i rectors represented he company, and consequently the whole of the shareholders. The only mode of opposing a bill was in the character of landowners, but on proceed. ing to the merits of the case they would be immediately stopped by the committee on the bill. The bill contained 25 pages of recitals of former acts of Parliament relating to the company, from which it was impossible to unravel what those acts empowered the directors to do. The only chance of opposing the bill with success was in the House of Lords, and they would call upon the promoters to show what powers they had by former acts, and what powers they sought by the bill. Although the directors had stated in their last report that they wanted nothing more than to consolidate the powers of the com pany, it appeared the object was to enable the directors to raise a further sum of 800,0001. on mortgage. It was by no means easy to understand the bill. Tue borrowing powers of the company were exercised to the extent of 2,420,0001., but it appeared they were to be extended ti 3,195,0001. In order to accomplish this object it was stated in the bill, among other matters, that the capital of the Eastern Counties Company now consisted of 1,180,4001., Northern and Eastern stock ; 641,8001. six per cent, stock ; and 5,854,0151. ordinary stock ; ,whereas, in fact, the Northern and Eastern stock was not a part of the Eastern Counties capital, but a first mortgage of preferential debt on the entire profits of the company, bearing interest at 5 and 6 per cent. per an num. It was a most injurious course towards the ori enal shareholders to increase the preference charges. The promoters of this bill said these figures gave the amount of their capital, and that they were entitled to borrow money to the extent of one-third of the total amount. The Northern and Eastern Railway was leased for 99 years by the Eastern Counties Company, and they had no power to borrow money on account of that company's capital. By withdrawing certain clauses which were originally in the bill, such as giving autho rity to the Eastern Counties Company to lend money to the Eastern Union and Norfolk companies, and to sanc tion all former acts of the directors, it would not be ne cessary to hold a Wharncliffe meeting, at which a mino rity holding one-foarth of the capital represented at such meeting would have the power to reject the bill. After alluding at considerable length to other matters con nected with railways in general, he concluded by ex plaining that he had retired from the chair and the board of the Metropolitan Railway Company in consequence of his connection with the Reform Association ; and said that, so long as he was supported by the members of the association, no consideration would induce him to forego his exertions in carrying out the object they had in view. Mr. MITIIHELL remarked that it had been very truly said by Mr. Hadfield's committee on the affairs of the London and North-Western Company, that the share holders should understand that augmentation of capital meant reduction of dividend. If the directors were allowed to pass the bill, the effect would be that the in creased preference charges would swallow up the small dividend on the ordinary stock. He concluded by mov ing a resolution to the effect that it was necessary for the protection of the 01 i;inal stock to oppose the further proureis of the bill. Mr. GARB TT seconded the motion, and it was carried unanimously. Resolutions were also passed to the effect, that the pe tion against the bill be presented to the House of Lords, and that the Railway Defence Committee be requested co continue their opposition to the bill, and receive sub- scriptions to dafray the necessary expenses. A cordial vote of thanks was passed to the chairman and committee for their unremitting exertions in the pro motion of rail way reform. The meeting then separated• Sporting Intelligence. MANCHESTER RACES. (THURSDAY'S RACES CONCLUDED.) The Twayr-old Stakes of 10 soya each, h ft, with 50 added ; colts, Bst 51bs ; fillies, Sat 21b ; the second to save hi "stake ; certain winners extra. T.Y.C. 26 subs. Mr. E. Parr's Lambourn, brother to Coroner, 84 Sib (in. 3lb extra) Mr. J. Osborne's S aun t erer , B s t 81b (i n. 31b extra) (J. Osborne) 2 Mr.Pedley's Cotnquot (late B )ribon), 84 Sib (A.shmall) 3 The following also ran :—Magnifier, colt by Sdringy Jack out of Vale Rayal, filly by Chatham, Ted, and Willie Crawford. Betting-6 to 4 agst Lambourn, gto 2 agst Magnifier, 4 to 1 agst Comquot, 5 to 1 agst Willie Crawford, and 6 to 1 agst Saunterer. Won very easily by half a length ; a neck between the second and third ; half a length be tween the third and fourth ; Willie Crawford was fifth. The Selling Stakes of 5 sous each, with 50 added, for 3-yr-olds and upwards ; optional selling weights, &o. Oae mile and a half. 4 subs. Mr. C. Villiers's Aubone, 3 yrs, Sat 41b, 301. (Bullock) 1 Mr. Brown's c by Surplice—Lady Mary, 3 yrs, Ost, 71b, 301. ' (Bearpark) 2 Mr. Dawson's John Dory, aged, Bst 31b, 301. (Bates) 3 Betting 6 to 4 on Aubone, who won by half a length ; very bad third. The winner was bought in for 60 gs. Her Majesty's Plate of 100 gs ; 3-yr-olds, 7st 21b ; four, 9st 2lb ; five, 9st 121 b ; six and aged, lOst 21b. Three miles and a distance. Mr. Wilson's Heir of Linne, 3 yrs (Bates) 1 Mr. T. Pass's S sucebot, 4 yrs (Well-) 2 Capt. Lane's Middleton, 3 yrs (Quinton) 3 Mr. Knowlas's Rajah, 4 yrs (Bnmby) 4 Mr. Barber's Prince of Orange, 3 yr 5...... (J F orster) 5 Betting-5 to 4 agst Heir of Linne and 6to 4 agst Saucela_x. Won cleverly by a leu 4 th ; about the same distance separated the second from the third; good fourth ; the Prince of Orange was well up. FRIDAY. The Wilton Stakes of 10 sovs each, h ft, with 50 added, for 2 and 3 yr•olda ; winners exr,ra. T. Y.C. 9 subs. Mr. Jackson's Magnifier, by Magnet, 2 yrs, On 121 b (Bates) 1 Mr. Hughes's Daisy (late Mountain Daisy), 2 yrs 6st 61b (Snowden) 2 Mr. J. Titterson's Duchess of Sutherland, 2 yrs, 6st 61b (Uns worth) 3 Betting-7 to 2on Magnifier. Won in a canter by a length, two lengths between the second and third. The Derby Handicap of 70 soya ; winner extra. A 'out _ half a mile. ..._ Mr. Saxon's f by Alarm, out of Miss Julia, 2 yrs,4st 121 b (C. Rayner) 1 Mr. Hind's Lance, 3 yrs, Est 101 b (G. Quinton) 2 Mr. Wood's Pera, 3 yrs, Est 41b The following also ran :—Berez as, Hospitality, Lady of the Ledge, Gaudy, Prince's Mixture, Chere Petite, St. Dunstan, D 'utile Mixture, R.M. (late Exmouth). Imposture, Jeu d'Eaprit. Betting 5 to 2 agst Lance, 5 to 1 agst Chere Petite, sto 1 agst Berezina, 10 to 1 agst any other. A fine race in, won by a short head; good !bird; Gaudy was fourth. The Salford Borough Cup of 100 sovs, in specie added to a Handicap Sweepstakes of 10 sovs each, 5 ft, and 3 only if declared, &c.; certain penalties for winners, &c.; the second to receive 25 sovs out of the stakes. One mile and a half. 53 sub., 21 of whom pay 3 soya each ft. Mr. Barber's Pretty Boy, by Idle Boy, 3 yrs, sst 81b, including 101 b extra (Furdham) 1 Lord Chesterfield's Typee, 6 yrs, Bst 71b (Flatman) 2 Mr. Henderson's Bolton, 5 yrs, 64 81b (Quinton) 3 The following also ran:--Stork, Berezina, Gay, Pan mure. Betting-5 to 2 agst Pretty Boy. 3to 1 apt Typee, to 2 apt Bolton, 6 to 1 apt Stork, 10 to 1 apt Ber,zina, 10 to 1 agst Panmure, and 100 to 6 a. 4 st Gay. Won by a neck ; the second beating the third by two lengths ; half a length between the third and fourth. The Grand Stand Plate (Handicap) of 70 sous. One mile. Mr. Williams's Prince Plausible, 4 yrs, Ist 31b 1 Mr. Saxon's Mary, 4yrs, Bst 7lb 2 Nine ran. The Two-Year Old Selling Stakes of 5 ROVE; each, with 40 added—colts, Bst 71b ; 'fillies Bst 41b ; optional sel ling allowances, T.Y.C. 3 subs. Mr. Saxon's filly by Alarm out of Miss Julia Mr. Pedley's Madam Pelisier Mr. Williams's colt by Burgundy out of Polish 3 A Plate of 50 sous, added to a Sweepstake of 5 sous oath, for three-year.olds and upwards ; optional selling weights. One.mile and a distance. Mr. Davison's Bobby B Mr. Thorpe' s Mi ss B irc h .. . ................................. 2 Co Lr;try ~.._ LIVERPOOL-MAT 16. There was a very limited attendance of millers and dealers to-day. Good qualities of wheat in moderate de mand, at about last week's prices. Fair sale of flour, at full prices. Indian corn rather pressed, and a slow sale. Barley scarce. Oats and oatmeal command extreme rates.' Beans and peas of slow sale, and prices rather easier. Linseed cake, 5s per ton dearer ; the best make of English and American thin can be had at 9/. ss. per ton. WAKEFIELD—MAY 16. Wheat was is lower than last Friday, and trade slow. Barley also is cheaper. In other articles no change. EXETER-MAY 16. CORN.—In our market wheat may be quoted from 9s Od to 9s 'd. Malting barley, 4s 9d to 5s 3d ; grinding do., On Od to Os Od. Oats, 3s 3d to 3s 6d. Beans, Os Od +0 Oi Od. Peas, 00s Od to 008 Od. FLOUR..—Fine, —s Oa to 52s Oa ; seconds, —s Oa to 50. Od per sack. CATTLE.— Fat oeef was sold at from lOs 6tl to 11s 6d per score ; fat calves, —d to 5d per lb ; barrenners, 5s 6d to 6s per score ; cows and calves, 101. to 171. —s ; butchers' calves, —to —d per lb., rearing calves —s to s each. Sheep, ewes and lambs, 11. 14s to 21. 5s per couple; ewes. 6d to 41 ; wethers, bid to 6id ; lambs, 11 Ls each. Pip, large size, 45s to Sus; second size, 24s to 30s ; slips, 16s to 20s ; suckers, 6s to 12s. Rough fat, 3id per lb. Pork carcases from lOs 6d to na 6d per score. BRISTOL SUGAR—MAY 16. There has been an excellent demand this week, and a large business done at prices fully 6d to is per cwt. above those current at last report. Refiners' produze has been freely dealt in at an improvement of is per cwt., and the manufacturers are asking increased rates. Rum continues only in limited demand, but prices are supported. DUBLIN, MAY 16. The general tone of the market was dull and inactive, and prime samples of barley supported Tuesday's rates. All other kinds of produce, including Indian corn, were dull of sale, and the currencies in favour of the buyer. White wheat, 38s Od to 42s ; red ditto, 35, Od to 39 , Odi . barley, 14s Od to 19s Od ; oats, li e Od t o 14 s Od ; rapeset a • Od to —s Od per brl; oatmeal, 14 s Od to 1 5 s Od ; b a k.rs' dour, 21s Od to 27s Od per cwt ; I n di an corn , 29 s Od to 31 s Od • per 480 lbs. CORK—MAY 16. White wheat, 32s ; red, 3!s to 34s Od ; barley, 17s 6d to 183 Od ; oats, 133 to 15s. 6d. COAL BURKE Prices of Coal per ton at :T.—MAT 16. the close of the market. s. d. Byass's West Hartley l6 0 Davison's West Hartley 16 0 Hasting's Hartley l6 0 Floward's West Hartley ' Wallßend, ko. IL, di Netherton l6 0 Longridge's Wst Hartley 16 0 rautield Moor l4 3 Canfield Moor Butes 14 3 West Riding Hartley _l5 6 Ships at market. Wallsend, Ate. -- Riddell l6 6 Haswell 18 6 iietton lB 6. Plummer Hartlepool lB 6. South Hartlepool lB 0 'Whitworth l7 0 12 I Sold SEABORNE MAILS. is signifies that the mails are sent from the General Post Ofree the night—and NI by the morning —despatch.) ')ay when made t•I From whit+ When k tOUNTELE.. •n General Post. P ort due 1., 1 Office, London * Dispatelle.‘. Kne land. -- —.-.•• merica(byfirit.pack, , l. gvery Friday • • • • Li verpool ... May 21 ‘ inerica. Oy United Sts ;.,acket) ..........1% 4.'0. •••••• • • Liverpool ... mbrica (by U. State!. packet) .. —— ..IN •"•• •• •• • SOUthaMptou kastralia (via South. srapton) .......... M ........• • • Southampton )itto (via Marseilles) N litto (via Cape of Good Hope) ............N • • 13d of the choral: .. • Plymouth ••• ilneertala * I.! , r e i . c a a n ( ari W O a !! C .. o . es . . t . ) .. :I N ; 4,9, 24, & 30 of n.. Dover ...... 4 tlexandria ----NI 4th Pc 20th of mon. Bouthatopton 17th of the montl goothamp.crx Z h g a i u m m a s . .. : : .. :.1 : : .... A1 1•1 Daily •••••• • • • • • • Dover ...... 3,01, 3raoll ............../4 9 th of the month.. 3,)utharnptei. Nay;6. ?,uenos Ayres ........M 9th of the month.. i onthamt ton Slay 16 Cape of Good Hope ..N Various ports Uncertain Cape. of Good Hope ...V 'ape de Verds ......1; 9th of the month Southampton Ceylon (see India) teyi0n...............N thatrhol Isles— ...N s f o D••Wed•Arrie Southampton r u .Thset !hni.......... ...... Ai Id 4417th of mold] Southampton. Once a month.... ;inns ... . :;onstantinople .....„ is 8,111,I5,211,&28 oft , Dover ...... May 2 :en.tantinople iont. of Europe M & N twice daily •• •• • • Dover ...... r w i e ,dialy ilgypt (see India) ''ranee ........ hi & N Twiae.daily • • • • • • Dover ...... rwiceda p, libraltar ..... ....M 4 , 7 . 11 , 20, 27 effn• Southamptoi ;recce (see India ) . I & Friday London ..... mii2nd & 17th of mon. Southampton 4reytown •• .....• • • L u d " o d f ay the month Southampton J une 1 la a ni va b rin urg ah h . . :::::. ...... : g Holland ............m Daily... ..... .. • • Dover ....... Daily Honduras .........m 170 4 I the month. Southampton ibtut ,frat 4 4th k 20th of mon. Plymouth .. i & 20 oa 9th&26th of month Dover ...... india (viaSouthampt.)Nl 17, & 27 of mon D0ver...... India (via Marseilles)lll Indi an Isles (see India) 7, Ireland ........m * N Twice daily ...• .. Holyhead ~. r w i ce ddl i .,..,,,,,....._ . ...... m T, 9, 17, &270 f m. Southampton: May 16 • Madeiral777 ...: .: ......, 9th of the mom} southiunptos Z ir ............ I , 211 d of month .• • • Liverpool ... Waite Matta (see India) ...li a. is' $2B of mon. Dover ....... a. . .4. . .. ...... Mauritius (see India) • mo. si writing ........ , . N 14th of the mo nt h Mexleo ............m 2 ' 14 or the moot • ®oath ten , i , s . . ........t, Sthl s th 2s thofmon. Dover ...... Slay 16 ii e ' w ' Granada ......1 „ . 2d & 17thof month Southamptof Nevi Zealand By private s - l• ip . port Pa.ml:ttates .. Various po ,„ ..' s thl s th 2s thofmot. Dover ...... '''eartatn Pannonia .. „N! Ithl 7 th 27 thofmon iouthampti i ...... ..........„„ id & 27th of m ot 3outhamptt 3 Peru y private ship.. Various po rt Pall Natal ..........N 3 (Meer $4 - s thl s th2sthofmon, Dover ..... Sicily ~.• •••••• •• • .1 , . , . s..hl,,b2sthoftnor. Dover ..... Tuscany ............N iouthampto, 1 a limo Vanezuelt ......11 24 & 17 th cdm ont i. Van Diemen's LPud (se , A.ustralia) .......- • Went indies , ~ ~ v . 2d& 17th ol month gonthempted Whenany of these dates on a Sunday. the malts will e de' spatched on the following day, fall with the exception of the Ind 4 (1 outhampton), and the Malta. both of which will be despatched ti preceding day. LOCAL SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, MAY 16. STOOK EXCHANGE.—The market has been active to-day, and prices are a shade higher than yesterday, closing at the following rates : Lancashire and Yorkshire, 904 Midlands, 761—London and North Western, 1011 North Eastern, Berwick, 201—Ditto, York capital stock. 284—South Eastern, 21$ iti 1 c. B—Caledonians, 30/ — Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 294—Ditto, 61. new 6 per cent., 1 p. -Dutch Rhenish, 11 p.—Luxembonrg Pref. 5 per cent. bonds, 3/—East Lancashire, 19g. MANCHESTER, MAY 16. STOOK EXCHANGL—This market bas been doing a firm but quiet business to-day, and prices closed as fol lows :—Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 29i I-- Midland Railway Consols, 761 s—South Eastern and Dovers, 21 9-16—Lancashire and Yorkshire, 90i a—Ditto 16/. Shares F, d. Three ran. MR. Smut! O'BniEN.—The town of Rathkeale , was brilliantly illuminated on Saturday night, to testify tho joy of the inhabitants on the news of the free par,ion and return home of Smith O'Brien. Tar -barrels blazed and the streets were brilliantly illuminated. The hills of Clare were brilliantly lit up. — Linierick 014ronicle. BIRMINGHAM, MAT 16. STOOK EXORANGE.—There has been a brisk busines, to-day, and prices were at an advance upon yesterday • Midlands, 76 4—Great Westerns, 62k—South Stafford', 2i to 3 die. LEEDS. MAY 16. STOCK EXCHANGE. —The sales this morning were very much improved. The following is the list of sales : Midlaads, 76i 77k—Leeds Northern, 16 1-16—Lancashire and Yorkshire, 90. x ►—Matlock, 2—York, Newoaatle, and Berwick, 24—Birmingham and Derby, 46. DUBLIN-MAT 15. STOCK EXCHANGE.—Three per Cent. Console, 921 Ditto for Account, 9th June, 92—Ditto, for new Ac count, 9th of June, 0 New 3 per Cent. Stock, 92i 1-- -Ditto, for Account, 9th June, 920 i—Great Southern and Western, 51-4. —National Bank of Ireland, 821 — Grand Canal Co. 33— Dublin and Belfast Junction 44 —Killarney Junc tion, 9l—Bank St oc k, 224—Dublin ° sad Wicklow, 5i 4. APOTHECARIES'-HALL.—Thp following Are the names of gentlemen who passed their examination in the science and practice of medicine, and received certificates to practise, on Thursday, May 15 :—Arthur Kelsey, Hon. ley, Surrey • Robert Walker, Kendal, Westmoreland ; Richard Coles, Cerne Abbas, Dorsetshire ; Daniel Shele well, Sherrington, Banbury, Oxon ; James Parish Ben son, Aldersgate-street, London ; James Platt, Dacken field, Cheshire ; Daniel Freeman Stevens, St. Ives, Cornwall ; James Crowther, Rotherham ; and Moses Morgan, London. On account of the public rejoicings the examination will be postponed from Thursday, the 29th of May, to Friday, the 30th inst. BIRTHS. OP A SON. On the 16th inst., at 46, Milner-square, Islington, the wife of Thomas Ellison, Esq., barrister-at-law. On the 15th inst., at Coborn-street, Bow, the wife of Mr. Charles Freeman. 3J' ♦ DAUGHTER. On the 15th inst., at 6, Hinde-street, Manchester. square, the wife of William Chubb, Esq., of Gray's-inn, solicitor. On the 15th inst., at 11, Enston•sgnare, the wife of Joseph Skelding, Esq., snrgecn. MARRIED. On the 15th inst., at Hammersmith, Mr. Frederick Wilmott, of Southwark, solicitor, to Ellen, only daughter of the late Mr. James Fell, of Aylesbury. On the 15th inst., at South Hackney Church, John Brooks Milford, Esq., of West Ham, Essex, to Elizabeth Jane, the eldest daughter of the late Samuel T. Howe% Esq., of John.street, Bedford•row. DIED. On the 16th inst., atKenuington-road, Samuel Fletcher, Esq., late of Brennington park, Stockport, aged 69. On the 15th inst., at 16, Osnaburgh-street, Regent's. park, John A. Robertson, Esq., late of the island of St. Vincent, and of Frant, Sussex. aged 62. On the 15th inst., at 21, Hyde-park-gardens, Joseph Hall Bainbridge, the only son of Joseph Bainbridge, Esq. On the 15th inst., at Lechlade, Glocestershire, Captain W. John Cole, R.N., K.H. On the 15th inst., at St. Peter's-street, St. Alban's, Miss Elizabeth Appleby. On the 14th inst., at 1, Norland-terrace, Notting hill, Mrs. de Mornay, aged 73. At Kenyle, county Galway, Henry Blake, Esq., J.P., late of Lehinch, co. Mayo, aged 68. LONDON: Printed and Published by MITRDO YOUNG, .of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the enmity of Middleoa, Saturday, May 17, 1866. `::r - . per.:= 1 El With 30 , 40 50 60 assui table Allea