The Sun. — London, England, 1861-12-31 00:00:00

E "REVUE DES DEUX MONDES" ON THE TURF. On some points, as a people, we are singularly sensitive to external criticism; on none more so than on those connected with the :sports of the field. To tell an Englishman that his boots may be better made, his dinner better served, or his rooms better furnished, is to go no way towards exciting his bile. The most prejudiced will grant that it may be a matter of habit or of taste. But that any foreigner should have the temerity to pass in review the "Turf system" of this country— to exhibit to us our Derby, our Newmarket, our Tattersall , s—to show up our trainers, our jockeys, our bookmakers, and our betting men, with their peculiarities of manner and costume, is almost in credible. In no unfriendly spirit, however, be it said, and with considerable power, the Revue des Deux blondes exhibits the scenes et mceurs du turf Anglais. The view taken is eminently French; the writer deals in the most minute de scription, mistaking cause for effect, and assuming as necessaries the merest accidents of a system. He paints a charmingly poetical picture of the Eng lish turf ; touches lightly enough on the incon veniences of bookmaking, touting, betting places, and the " derniere esperance d'ane noble maison, le dragon ail e sur l e d os d uque l un gentilhomme ruine espere franchir l'abime," &c., exhibits a knowledge of racing slang, and an occasional igno rance of racing facts ; and evidently regards dust, champagne, wooden dolls, pink bonnets, and crino line as the sustaining forces of the English turf. We will not conduct our reader through these details, which are familiar to most Englishmen ; but, as the racing season of 1861 has closed, it will be no unprofitable task to survey the position of the British turf and to make M. Alphonse Esquiro's article a basis for our remarks. Until very lately, we have been accustomed to regard the turf as a great national pastime. We must now reject that name for one more identical with its extent and interests, and call it an institu tion. We do this with much regret; but a specu lative science can hardly be regarded as the pastime of a people. We believe that it becomes year by year less identified with the sport of the nation. With the exception of one or two great saturnalia, a race course is no more a scene of enjoyment, a fete na tionale, than the Stock Exchange or the Bourse. Take away the great southern and northern holy days, the Derby and St. Leger, and the racing world presents one vast scene of unhealthy excitement, cal culation, jobbing, and chicanery. So thoroughly has the national sport been turned into a business, that the information required compels the admis sion of every provincial meeting into the columns:of the most fastidious journals. Persons' vanity and the desire to be suddenly rich are the main causes of this unhealthy state of things. Formerly the proprietors'of the great racing studs were the nobility and the gentlemen of wealth and position. Little temptation to err was ever held out to them, and they were bound to support the honour and integrity of their order. In process of time, as the means of locomotion increased, the readiest mode to a flattering freemasonry was opened by a congeniality of pursuits ; and the ac quisition of a racing establishment by men of lower grade naturally followed. Mutual interest broke down the party wall. In cases where funds were in sufficient a partnership has been entered into, and the ramifications among a different class of men have so extended racing operations as totally to change the features and the character of " the Turf." But the expenses themselves have induced a sys tem of betting and bookmaking based upon scientific principles, in which it is not so much a question of abstract excellence in the horse, as his excellence for a particular purpose. And yet we aro asked to believe that the motive principle and the mainstay of the Turf is the improvement of the breed of horses for national purposes ! Is it not rather an indisputable fact that there were never before so many worthless animals in training, and that the early calls upon their imperfect powers, the short distances, and the lightness of the weights, are things calculated to perpetuate infirmities already transmitted, or to produce others not yet existing ? We are willing to look upon the world in no utopian light, but to take it, with its imperfections, as we End it. We do not suppose that the Turf could exist, to any practical good, upon Queen's Plates. Stakes and gambling are, we fear, necessary to its prospe rity. An Englishman is said to be especially open to the influence of a bet. We believe he is so. But why is that to involve a practice which draws the poor man from his legitimate business ? Why is it to transform a carpenter or a weaver into a patron of the Turf ? Why is it to bring a linendraper's ap prentice from behind his counter, or a lawyer's clerk from off his stool, that he may have the plea sure of addressing " My Lord" with " three to one in ponies," and, after a career of extravagance, end his days in beggary ? That the breed of horses can be improved, or the legitimate objects of the Turf promoted, by the crowd of hangers on, whose acci dents are graphically described by M. Esquires, seems to us an absurdity. But the system is rife with inconveniences ; it gives opportunities for the grossest robberies ; it places temptation before those least able to withstand it; and it brings the honest and legitimate sportsman before the world in a false position. Formerly the possession of a racing stud was the mark of an honourable station ; in these days it is too often allied with well-grounded suspicion and distrust. One of the advantages attendant upon English sport is the increased energy that it calls into play, the legitimate occupation it gives to many who might otherwise swell the poor -rate or people the county-gaol. Hunting, shooting, and racing, all fulfil their objects in this respect. Huntsmen, second horsemen, helpers, keepers, watchers, trainers, jockeys, and stable-boys may all thank the national mania that gives them employment, But that racing should become a mere cold mat ter of calculation, unrelieved by that geniality which has redeemed sport in times gone by from every charge; that it should be itself the hotbed of vices which oppose honourable exertion, the temple of illicit barter, excites some curiosity, not over -complimentary, in minds unaccustomed to re• gard it from the same point of view. It is not remarkable that the French writer whom we have quoted above should have struck upon some of the salient points for the exercise of his pen. But we should have been much surprised had those salients yielded to his attacks, He strikes the surface ; he levels his ordnance at our jockeys, their assumption of fashionable life, their oaths, their champagne suppers, their cigars, and their " bowies fortunes :" these " joujois du turf," who " inspirent des passions fortes et romanesques." The bird's-eye View he has taken shows him their power, their capabilities, their vices ; but it does not exhibit to him the peculiarities of a system which is account able for them. It has not occurred to him that weight is at the bottom of these accidents ; that when the Turf requires a race of men or boys w'iose weight is to vary from about five to eight stone, and not go beyond it, the demand will more than equal the supply ; that when we attack the weight under which the good, bad, and indifferent are to be brought to the post, we call in question the age at which th e horses are to run, and raise a host of hornets about us, whose only hope is in handicaps. When boys are placed in a situation where discipline ends and temptation begins, we can find excuse for the fall, but none for the system. As a general rule, children introduced to the dissipation of men are not long in acquiring a taste for it ; the taste must be gratified ; and the principles of hone s ty, h ow ever insisted on, are not so rooted in the Turf as to prevent error. Nothing marks so decidedly the character of the present system as the position and the tactics of its supporters. In 20 or 30 years we have become familiar with even a new vocabulary to distinguish the men and the measures by which the Turf is disgraced. Prophets, tipsters, and welshers—the parasites of the ring —are flourishing upon the in fatuation or the ignorance of society. Pay a visit on the eve, or the settling day, of anj of the great races to the doors and windows of certain sporting journals, and see the motley groups, whose interests vary from half-a-crown to some few sovereigns, who care nothing.and feel nothing for the sport, or the generous E tuinAlc concerned in it, but whose whole TU'y ` age, OVei Sion-attaint,;), 1861 (un aid C, ' soul is bent upon the return for their pitiful outlay, and whose knowledge is bounded by the oracular outpourings of professional imposition. In 1853 the Government did something by the abolition of open houses for the reception of deposits on races. It stopped for a time that fatal facility to ruin. It .saw its middle and w rking classes unfitting themselves for their legitimate occupa tions, and encouraging a thirst which could never be slaked by honest means. It destroyed, therefore, or blocked, the direct road to the workhouse and the gaol; but it is powerless to stop the by-lanes which equally conduct the traveller to those re ceptacles. Does the system of deposit flourish less surely because less openly ? Ask the welsher who has just been kicked out of the enclosure how many of his fraternity he has left behind, accommo dating the golden fleeced lambkins within, and what remedy is proposed for the annihilation of these advanced works of demoralisation. Legal remedy there can be none. It must be left to the feeling and measures of the gentlemen of the Turf, whose interest lies in vindicating the integrity of their pursuit. They must cease to regard their horses at one moment as the property of the public when it suits their book to do so, and at another moment as their own. It must be " p.p." with them throughout. The Turf to flourish in its natural soundness must be free from " milkings" and " scratchings" and other dark deeds. We must do the Jockey Club the justice to say that it has not indulged in its proverbial blindness upon some late occasions; but the Turf receives a severe blow when an eminent member of that body ventures to dictate the terms upon which a favourite is to start. Such conduct must lessen the influence which men in high positions hold. It sets an example which is ever ready to be followed, and it paralyses the hand which, in nine cases out of ten, is the only substitute for the law. LAW INTELLIGENCE.—Dec. 30. Unfortunately, the race-course holds out to the young and unsettled of the middle and lower classes a delusive road to fortune, stripped of the steady energy and perseverance which makes wealth valuable. They will not regard the moral of the classic allegory which makes Plutus to descend from heaven with " halting steps and slow," and to rise from hell only with the activity of a Mercury. It remains to be seen with what success the outposts of robbery may be attacked in the season of 1862 ; and we may take a further opportunity of examin ing some more intimate:dangers of the system in which the worst enemies of a man appear to be those of his own household. CLOTHING OF •TIZE ARMY AND THE POLICE. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. Registrar Roche.) IN RE JAMES HENRY BORDIEU "VAUGHAN-EXTRA- ORDINARY DISCLOSURES. The bankrupt was described as late of Leinster square, Hyde-park, and now a prisoner for debt in the Queen's Bench. This was the first sitting. Mr. Sargood appeared for creditors. Mr. Bell, the official assignee, stated that no pro perty had been given up under the bankruptcy. The bankrupt, in examination, stated that he was not married. He was a lieutenant in the 12th Lancers, but sold out about October, 1860. He re ceived £B5O by the sale of his commission. Had since done nothing at all- He had been supported in some way, and had borrowed money. Did not know the amount. It might be £2OO altogether. He had given security on property to which he was entitled when of age. He gave a mortgage for £74 to Mr. Sampson; that was for pictures and books. He was entitled to about £2,400 when he came of age, in March last. Sampson had not yet been paid. Also gave a charge on the £2,400 to a person named Collins for £l2O to secure £6O lent. Col lins had been paid by the bankrupt. He also gave a charge for £64 to Capt. M.S weeny, by mortgage. He had not been paid. He got the £2,400 in June. He had also borrowed £3OO, and bad assigned a reversion of £2,965 in June last to Mr. Staunton, a private gentleman, and received £2,000. Mr. Staunton afterwards sold the reversion, and gave him £2OO more. Had had up wards of £3OO of jewellery from Mr. Hancock, of Bond-street. Had none of that left now. A gold bracelet of £2B he had given to a lady named Evans, a married woman, who had lived with him. A diamond and sapphire locket, value £24, was given to the same person. He had pawned a &a men shoe pin for £2; had the duplicate at home. Had sold a gold key at Boulogne. A diamond and sapphire ring was given to Mrs. Evans. Had pledged a waistcoat chain, £2l, at Attenborough's for £7, and had sold the ticket to Mr. Jackson, df Dublin, for £B. Had pledged other articles at Atten borough's, and disposed of the tickets. Some of the tickets were taken by Mr. Collins, a money-lender, formerly of Duke-street, St. James's. Mr. Collins promised to redeem the articles, but had not done so. Had given a pair of enamelled sleeve buttons, value five guineas, to Miss Scaife, of Hull. She was nothing at all— a l a dy o f no occupation, living alone. She also had a turquoise and dia mond bracelet, value £2O. had given a duplicate of a pin, pledged for £2 10s. or £3, to his own at torney. He gave a sapphire and diamond locket, value £l6, to Miss Hancock, of Leinster-square. She was no connexion of his, but he liked her. She was a young lady living alone. Bankrupt was there for a short time. He was there as a visitor :when he was arrested. Miss Hancock had visited Mtn in the Queen's Prison three or four times. He also gave her a pair of brilliant ear-rings, value £73 10s. ; also a brilliant bird brooch, value £4B. Had been arrested thrice in 1861 ; frst in April or May, at the suit of Mr. Collins, for £2OO. Witness paid him. Was next arrested in August at the suit of Mr. Graham, for £270. He got rid of that by warrant of attorney. The next was in October, and he remained in prison till discharged by Mr. Higgins, the registrar. He had no property whatever. Mr. Philip Rowden, of 4, Old Bond-street, was chosen trade assignee, and further inquiry was adjourned until the examination meeting on the 6th of February. The bankrupts liabilities are stated at about £2,000. Dr. Borlaco Childs, the surgeon to the City Police Force, has just issued a report, ad dressed to the Police Committee, upon the subject of the clothing of that body, which contains some very interesting details: After some introductory remarks, Dr. Childs says : " Clothing suited to the necessities and duties of any body of men expected to be efficient at all times, by night and by day, is a matter of the highest im portance. The badly clothed are always miserable and generally inefficient, as is well known to mili tary men. If this be added to a defective commis sariat, the army or force becomes wholly useless, and speedily breaks up. Viewing this matter strictly with reference to the police force, it will, I think, be conceded that the clothing should be such as-Ist, To protect the men from injury and in clemency of the weather; 2d, To interfere as little as possible with the men when called upon to act, bearing in mind that these calls are not unfre quently sudden, unexpected, and more of the nature of contingencies, demanding the utmost courage, energy, and forbearance on the part of the men ; and 3d, the dress generally should be of such tex ture, colour, and form, as to give to the men that claim to respectability of appearance, to which they are not well entitled by their conduct, but which forms an essential element in the arrangements of Nodal civilised life. If I have not spoken of eco nomy, it is because whenever injudiciously at tempted to be carried out, it uniformly defeats its own objects. Unsuitable clothing adds to the sick list, maintains at a high rate the ratio of men in hospital or on that list, deprives the force of their services, thus throwing additional duties on the healthy; and lays the foundatiou for an enlarge ment of the pension list—the dead weight of every force. I feel confident that the members of this committee will be disposed to agree with me in these opinions, based as they are on much expe rience and long reflection. "The daily walk of the policeman is about 16 miles; a few miles more is known to be above the power of any man. In addition, his walk is tedious, wearisome, and monotonous. He cannot well rest, nor even vary his movements, and with his thoughts unemployed he must ever be on the watch. " In many respects the pcliceman is a soldier; his enemy is the drunken, the debauched, the evil dis posed, the malicious, and those who, regarding him as their worst enemy, delight in injuring him. Against these—unhappily a numerous class—he must be ever on the watch. Cowardly by their nature and calling, they aim at his head. The im portance therefore of affording him every protection for that vital part is apparent. Now the ancient --- Greeks, to whom we owe the arts, sciences, and BOW-STREET.—Three men and two women, civilisation of the present day, placed on the head of who gave the names James Trevor, James Brown, a man exposed to d anger a h e l met, so exquisitely William Jacks on , H arr i e t R o b erts , an d Harr i et formed, so adapted t o th e o bj ec t i n v i ew, as to Young, wer e c h arge d w i t h l o i ter i ng i n Tavistock street, Covent-garden, and having housebreaking leave nothing to be desired, and as was to bo ex- implements in their possession, for the supposed pelted, so elegant in appearance that nothing has purpose of committing a burglary at the Salutation ever been imagined since their era at all approach- Tavern, at the corner of Tuvistock-court. ing it. The hat now wo rn b y th e po li ce f orce fulfils day Sergeant H o l mes , o f t h e F di v i s i on, observed Shortly before 5 o'clo c k on th e a f ternoon o f Sun no indication which th e cover i ng f or t h e head of the prisoners B rown an d J ac k son l o i ter i ng i n Ta men so exposed requires. It aff or d s no protection in vistock-court, 13oth were known to him, Brown, a struggle, for it either immediately falls, or is whose real name is Mills, having been twice trans struck off, and the man becoming conscious that his ported. He saw them for about an hour walking head is exposed to great danger, hesitates, and be- about within sight of the Salutation, looking up and examining the front of the house from every gins to think only of self-defence. It is, moreover, •• • possible point of view. Being satisfied that they heavy, weighing 14 ounces even when dry, affords were engaged in what is technically termed " spot no protection to the eyes, face, ears, or neck, causes i ting" the house, he went t o the stationhouse and headaches, &c. ; no t b e i ng arc h e d , i t does not suffi- t obtained the assistance of two constables, Ackrill and ciently (even if kept on) protect the head from a Shore, with whom he kept watch till 1 o'clock on blow, no matter what may be its strength ; while as Monday morning. with the landlord, with whom he was speaking At that hour he commu n i ca t e d to appearance, it presents th e a ddi t i ona l absurdity when the five prisoners c a me a l ong Tavistock-street of superadding a c i v ili an ' s h a t ( t h e worst covering together. With the assistance of the landlord and for the head ever invented) to semi military dress. a chance passenger they were all taken in custody. The present police hat admits of no improvement. Roberts, whose real name is Jane Potter, and who "The coatee worn at present by the force is has recently served a term of penal servitude, was the relic of a past age; it a ff or d s no protection ap p rehended by Holmes. A s soon as h e se i ze d h er from wet or cold to th e v it a l organs contained she threw on the groun d a sma ll crow b ar or j emmy. stooped to pick it up, when T revor ( ano th er Holmes within the cavities of th e a bd omen and pelvis, returned convict, whose real name is Wyse, and who nor does it afford covering or warmth to the lives with Roberts as her husband) attempted to haunches and limbs. In its place ought to be sub- kick him. Holmes, however, anticipated the as stituted a tunic, full, handsome, and provided with sault by striking him with the jemmy. Trevor then ventilation in the arm-pits , and su ffi ci en tl y warm asked o f t he v i, .' , 11 d o i h v i e s i N o v n as, s , andßaia he would rece i ving go quietly. the answer At the to protect the wearer in o ur co ld, d amp, var i a b le climate, station-house they were locked up, th e men an d women being kept separate. After they had been " The modern trousers, when made of good mate- there some time, Holmes entered the room where rial, sufficiently elastic, has been peeved the best ; Young was sitting on a bench, and, observing that but the trousers as generally made do not give full she rose hastily and approached him, he went to protection to the j o i n t s . C o ld an d d amp aid in the the spot she had l e ft an d f oun d a d ar k lanterner undthe seat. All the prisoners re f use d th e i r production of rhe uma ti sm an d ot h er d i seases in addresses, or were gave such as r found to these parts, to rem e dy w hi c h it m i g h t b e advisable be false. Holmes, however, on foun q d y out where Tre to strengthen the trousers on the inside over the vor and Roberts lodged—at a first floor in Verulam knee, in those especially who may be liable to rheu- street, Gray's-inn-road. On entering the room he matisin, and to afford the shins and ankles addi- h a drec in og . nisedthe furniture as b eing h g th e e h sa ad me se a a s re th h e e y d tional protection from we t by th e use o f waterproof a somewhat f ormer similarlodging ciu w hic h rcmstances. in the legging s worn over the trousers; but whatever underfront room he found concealed between the wains plans may be ad o pt e d, care must b e taken so as not cot and the wall a stock and two centre-bits. Ho to interfere with the circulation in the superficial also found a number of files, such as are used for veins of the limb." Dr. Childs then proceeds to altering keys. On being informed of this Trevor make some remarks upon the importance of men said there was no centre-bit in hi s p ossess i on , and employed as poli cemen or soldiers wearing flannel if one had been found the sergeant mus t h ave pl ace d Cher© himself. There was al s o a l arge num b er o f underclothin g , an d also upon the necessity of having d uplicates an a number of bear boots better fo rme d to the shape of th e foot, and ing the addresses d of gentle scraps of paper, men at the West-end. says, in conclusion, " a l though much mnst, and Large clasp knives were found on Jackson and always should be, entrusted to the individual him- Brown, and lucifer matches on all the prisoners. self, with a view to his acquiring that self-confi• In cross-examination by Trevor, Holmes said the centre bit was s u c h as was some ti mes use d b y dence so necessary in all who h ave act i ve public car penters, but not frequently. It might also be used d u ties to perform, yet it must eve r b e use f u l , nay, by coopers to cut bung-holes. The files were such highly advantageous, to convince men united in a as were used for sharpening saws, but he did not corps that their wants and comforts are never ne- bel ieve .. that Trevor used them for that purpose. lected by those requiring their services. Such a to ol s . Ir. Corrie wasquite aware that all housebreakers' g might be used for other purposes. A "jemmy" view being acted on gives rise to promptness, acti- or crowbar might be very useful for things y t ings vity, energy on their part, and to respect for them- that had nothing to do with home-breaking. The selves and for the corps to which they belong, question was what would a jury, taking all the facts , _ . consider to be the use they were intended for in thisl which in the end never fails to react most benefi • Instance. dally on the safety, welfare, and finances of their Trevor said the police made the most of very employers—the public. t frivolous matters, If thu first 20 men who passed POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—Dec. 30. MANSION-HOUSE.—Edward Flynn, a dissi pated-looking lad about 18, and Mary M'Carthy, described as a sock-maker, were charged before the Lord Mayor, each with an aggravated assault. The chief complainant was Margaret Bryant, a respectable-looking young woman, the wife of a mechanic, living in John-street, Mile-end New Town. She carried a baby at the breast. One of her eyes was fearfully bruised and swollen, while her face bore other marks of ill-usage: She said she was taking a walk with her husband and sister on Thursday, Boxing-day, and, being tired, they went into the Woolpack publichouse in the Minories to have some refreshment at a luncheon bar. The prisoners and several other persons, all of whom were strangers to her, were drinking in the com partment to which they went. Flynn deliberately blew the smoke of his cigar full in her sister's face. The sister asked him to be kind enough to turn his head the other way, upon which he called her a very opprobrious name. Offended by his insolence, the witness said he was an illbred fellow. Her husband having also remonstrated with him for using such language to a woman whom be knew nothing of, into the prisoner knocked hi s h a t o ff an d ki c k e d i t the street. He went out to get it, when he was knocked down by the prisoner Flynn and his com rades and most cruelly used. She was trying to protect him, and the prisoner M'Carthy struck her a violent blow in the eye, which caused its swollen appearance. The whole proceedings were witnessed by a police-constable of the H division, but he bad been prevented from coming to depose to it by being summoned to attend an inquest. David Bryant, husband of the previous witness, said the prisoner Flynn struck him in the eye, besides knocking his hat off. He also was knocked down twice by the prisoners and their companions. All that he had done was to remon strate quietly with the prisoner Flynn for applying an offensive term to his wife's sister. The evidence as to both assaults was corroborated by the sister of the Bryants and by the barman at the Woolpack. Flynn, in his defence, said he was drunk at the time, and did not know what he was doing. M'Carthy disclaimed all knowledge of Flynn, and said she had been wrongfully confounded with an other woman, and had taken no part in the affray The female complainant, Bryant, swore posi. tively to M'Carthy having given her the black eye The Lord Mayor fined each of the prisoners 20s. with the alternative of 10 days' imprisonment. v. ox open Ult., ../ . 0111 t 1 ITIT a-. , ....w.31.4., AW yy LAIRLe £'d £ 1.r..,,,,,„ -J THE `SUET, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, DECD/BER, 31,: 1861 along the street before the entrance to the court were stopped and searched, 19 would be found to have lucifer matches about them. Yet when three or four were found on him they were "magnified" into " silent matches," wrapped up, and preserved with as much caution as if they were likely to ex plode. They were then produced as proof that a man was going to commit a burglary. He knew nothing of the implements, except the stock and centre-bits, which had been left with him, together with other articles, by a man who had lodged with him and had gone away in his debt. Mr. Corrie observed that if these matters were frivolous they would have no weight with the jury. Trevor hoped the magistrate would not commit him for trial, Brown denied all knowledge of the women, and the women said they knew nothing about the crowbar and lantern. They were all committed for trial. John Jackson appeared in discharge of his bail on the charge of maliciously wounding James Masters and Reuben Donaldson. Mr. Ribton appeared as counsel for the prisoner, having been instructed by Messrs. Norris and Allen, on behalf of his relatives. Reuben Donaldson—l live at No. 2, Wilton-row, and am a butcher's assistant. Between 11 and 12 o'clock on Sunday night, the Bth of December, I was coming from Hungerford market with Masters and two or three others, and we saw a crowd round an omnibus in Trafalgar-square. Masters and I went over to the crowd, stopped there a few minutes, and then went away together. After a few seconds, having only got a few yards off, we heard a cry of " Stop him !" and saw the prisoner running. We ran after him. I caught him first, and laid hold of him by the collar. He kept on running, and I with him, about 100 yards, to the bottom of the square. He then stopped, turned round and made a thrust at me. I did not know for two or three seconds that I was wounded. I then said, "I am stabbed." A cab was sent for, and when it came up Masters said, "I am stabbed, too." I know no more about it, but that I was taken to the hospital. Cross-examined by Mr. Ribton—l did not see the prisonsr hustled by the crowd, nor hear what was said. I heard the conductor say, " Pay my fare." I did not hear the prisoner say, "I have paid it." He had no hat on. I did not see it knocked off. I did not hear or see anything of his wife. There were not 50 persons present. There were perhaps 18 or 20. James Masters—l live at 54, Drury , !ane, and am a pocketbook maker. I was with Donaldson on that Sunday night. When we saw the crowd we went to see what was the matter. It was nothing to do with us, so we went on. Presently we heard a cry of " Stop him !" and saw the prisoner run ning along by Morley's Hotel. My friend Donald son run after him, and I ran as well. Donaldson laid hold of him, and when they got to the bottom of the square I saw the prisoner turn round and strike Donaldson. He then made a blow at me, and missed me. I turned round to walk away. He made another blow at me and caught me in the side. I thought at first he had only punched rne,:but when I heard Donaldson say he was stabbed, I put my hand to my side where I had felt the blow, and I found that I was bleeding. Before I knew I was 'stabbed I saw Hudson come up and knock the prisoner down. A cab was fetched, and we were taken to the hospital. Cross-examined by Mr. Ribton—l beard the con ductor cry " Stop him," but I heard no cry from the crowd. 1 heard nothing about the fare. He had his hat on when I first saw him, but not when he was running. Hudson is a friend of mine, and we were together. It was after I was stabbed that Hudson knocked him down. He must have taken the knife from his pocket while running. The witness Hudson repeated his formerevidence. Policeman H01e,175 A, was on duty at the Police office in Scotland-yard when the prisoner was brought there on this charge. Witness asked if he had a knife. He said he had, and gave up the one now produced, saying it had not been opened since 8 o'clock. Witness took him to the station-house in King -street. He was quite sober. Mr. Travers, the medical officer at Charing-cross Hospital, in whose care the injured men had been placed from the time of the occurrence till that day, stated that when they were brought in both were bleeding profusely. Donaldson had an incised wound in the back, which from subsequent symptoms was found to have entered the bowels. At one time he was in danger, but that was past. The wound was about 2* inches deep and 1* inch long. Masters had a wound similar in size and character in the loin, leading down to the spine. Both were now better. Masters had never been in actual danger. He would have been had erysipelas set in, but that danger did not arise. The wounds appeared to have been in flicted with a sharp instrument such as the knife produced, or, indeed, by any knife. They had been confined to the hospital ever since they were wounded. Mr. Ribton hoped the magistrate would be of opinion that this was one of those cases with which he could deal by a summary conviction and fine. He believed that in point of fact the omnibns con ductor was paid his proper fare. He did not come forward to make any complaint, which he might easily have done, as he must have seen the report in the papers. It was clear that these young men were doing what they had no right to do when they attempted to stop him. No doubt, strictly speaking, there was illegal wounding, as the pri saner used a knife, which he had certainly no right to do ; he trusted, however, that the great provoca tion he had received would be taken into account. Mr. Corrio said he did not think it was a case that he ought to dispose of. He should send it to the Central Court, admitting the prisoner, as before, to bail. The prisoner was accordingly held to bail to take his trial at the Central Criminal Court. MARLBOROUGH-STREET—Stephen Hutch inson, a cabdriver, was eharged with stealing ten £5 Bank-notes, the property of an officer of the Indian army, Henry Benson Stuart, at present re siding at 14, St. James's-square. Mr. Lewis, jun., appeared for the prisoner. Mr. Stuart stated that on Dec. 10 he lost £5O in Bank of England notes, which he had received from the Bank of England the same morning. He be• lieved he dropped the roll of notes in Cork-street when he took out his purse to give a lady some silver to pay the prisoner his cab fare. He was cer tain he saw the notes when lie took out his purse, and lie missed them about five minutes after the prisoner had driven away. lie gave information to the police, and some of the notes were soon after wards stopped at the Bank. Police-constable Shore, F 146, said he went to No. 16, York-road, Battle-bridge, where the pri soner lived, and on seeing the latter told him ho was a constable, and that he must take him into custody for stealing £5O. The prisoner replied that he expected this, but that he did not steal the notes; he picked them up in the street. He asked the prisoner if he had passed any notes. The prisoner said he had passed two and lost the rest while drunk. This morning the prisoner ad mitted to him that he had paid a debt of £2O with some of the notes. The prisoner also told him that, as he was walking along, he saw a gentleman kick the notes, and he picked them up thinking they were a bundle of cattle-show bills, and then he did not discover they were notes until he got home. Thomas Falwell, licensed victualler, 1, York place, changed one of the £5 notes on the 11th of December for the prisoner, whom he had known for about two years. Mrs. Elizabeth Bailey said the prisoner paid her a debt of £2O, contracted four years ago, in £5 notes, which had been identified by the numbers with those lost. Mr. Lewis, jun., contended that the prisoner could not be charged with larceny. The notes were treasure trove. They were picked up on the public highway, and there was no evidence to show that the prisoner knew who the owner was, nor was there the slightest mark on the notes to enable him to trace them. The case was one for a civil action, Mr. Tyrwhitt said he thought it a fair question for a jury whether the prisoner, when he picked up the notes, could not fairly have inferred that the gentleman who paid money for his fare was the person who dropped the notes, and, therefore, the owner. He should send the prisoner for trial, but at the same time he thought it a proper case in which to take bail. The prisoner, who appears to have a very good character, was bailed by his master. WESTMINSTER.—George Randle, a cabdriver was summoned for an aggravated assault on Mr' Richard Keily, living at 136, Warwick-street,. Pimlico. The complainant, Mr. Keily, said—On the night of the 25th I hired the defendant at Park-lane to be driven home. He had a woman sitting with him on the driving box, and representing her to be his wife asked my permission for her to remain there, which I granted. Coming down Grosvenor-place I found the driving very unsteady, and then ascertained that the defendant had his arm round the woman's neck, and that she had the reins. I called out to the defendant to take charge of the horse, when the latter, snatching the reins from the woman, lashed the animal with tho whip, and drove in a most reckless manner. Considering myself in danger, I stopped the defendant at the corner of the Wilton road, Pimlico, and, having alighted, gave him a shilling. He demanded another sixpence, which I refused to give him. I offered, however, to accom pany him to the station-house. He then, without eause,,applied the most disgusting epithets to me at thesame time inviting use to go into the cab again, „which I refused to do unless accompanied by a policeman. He declared that if I and 50 policemen r - -- John Clarke, 273 A, proved finding the complainant, and defendant in the situation described, While the witness was talking to the gentlemen the de fendant came up, and using bad language, threatened to punch both their heads. The defendant, in reply to the charge, said that when he asked the gentleman if the woman (who was not defendant's wife, although he had said so) might ride on the box, he replied she might ride inside with him; and when he afterwards gave de fendant a shilling, he said he would have given him more if he had allowed her to do so. He declared that the gentleman first struck him and knocked him down. Mr. Keily, in the most positive terms, denied the whole of this statement, and asked if it was reason able to suppose that, after the defendant had said the woman was his wife, he or any other gentleman would have asked the husband to permit such a thing. A — witness was called for the defendant who swore to the truth of his account, but it was clearly proved that he was not present. Mr. Arnold observed that this was a case of most flagrant misconduct, The defendant was flatly con tradicted by the constable, and had added to the gross offence he had committed by suborning a man to commit perjury on his behalf. If the defendant could not conduct himself to a man having the ap pearance of being equally powerful, and ultimately found to be superior to him in strength, what would his conduct have been to any lady who might have travelled with him ? It was so bad a case that he should put the full penalty of the law in force against the defendant by committing him, without a fine, for two months to hard labour in the House of Cor rection, and, as it was quite clear that he was not a fit person to be a public carriage driver, be should revoke his license. His badge and licence were immediately taken frdm WORSHIP-STREET. Louisa Duncan, a miserable-looking woman of 26 or 27, was charged with larceny. Between three and four o'clock on Saturday the prisoner walked into the shop of Mr. James Beecher, a tailor in Spitalfields, and, taking up the first thing that came to her hand, which happened in this case to be a remnant of cotton print, ran oat with it. Mr. Beecher followed, caught her, and brought her back, and on the constable being sent for the stolen property was found thrust into her pocket. Under her arm, too, was a dress, which it was then ascertained had likewise been stolen. As she seemed to have a fancy for robbing this par ticular shop, she having been convicted in August of stealing something from it and sentenced to three months' imprisonment, the prosecutor gave her in charge. As soon as she heard that she was to be charged, she dropped down in a fit, or what looked very much like one. On recovering from this she was taken to Spitalfields station and locked up in a cell, but she had not been long there when Ross of the H division, on going round to look after the prisoners, and opening her cell, was astonished to find her stretched on her back on the floor, nearly black in the face, and almost strangled by her shawl which she had tied firmly round the throat. He removed her from that cell and placed her in another, when the prisoner spitefully kicked him. In a very short time after she had been lodged in the second cell some one called out she was killing herself, and it was then found that she was trying to strangle herself, and it was found necessary to put an off constable near the cell, that he might constantly watch her. The prisoner now pleaded guilty, with an expres sion of regret, and Mr. Leigh sentenced her to another term of a month in the House'of Correction, with an entry on the commitment of her attempted suicide, that she might be reasoned with and pro perly looked after. LAMBETIL—Harry Smith, alias John Wil liams, and Thomas Morris, alias Edwards, notorious thieves and burglars, were finally examined on a charge of loitering with intent to commit burglaries, with housebreaking implements in their possession. The prisoners were noticed on the night of that day week passing along Kennington-lane by Sergeant Barrett and Constable Morton, detectives belonging to the T. division, and those officers, suspecting their object, followed them. Their suspicion was soon confirmed, for they observed Smith, as he now called himself, go up to a house, give a single knock, and in a few moments apply a key to the lock. He however walked away from the door and joined his companion. As soon as he did so Morton went to the door he had just left and found that there was a key in the lock on the inside. It was that which caused him to go away. The officers then captured both and found upon Morris a bunch of skeleton keys, some silent matches, a piece of candle, and a formidable jemmy. Smith had nothing on him. Making the most of this favourable circum stance he attempted to bully the officers. He talked loudly about being a gentleman, and threatened them with the most severe punishment if they dared to apprehend him. Yesterday Police-con stable Moore, 312 P, was in attendance, and deposed that he had Smith in custody in 1860 on a charge of entering a dwellinghouse by means of skeleton keys. For that offence he was tried at the Surrey sessions and sentenced to 12 months' bard labour. Other convictions were then proved against them. Oakes, the gaoler, also deposed that on the 14th of March last the prisoner Morris, who then gave the name of Edwards, was convicted at this court of robbing a lady of her purse, and was then sen tenced to four months hard labour. Mr. Elliott sentenced both prisoners to three months' hard labour. DOUBLE EXECUTION AT WARWICK. -.21n---.._,---- - WARWICK, MONDAY. Wm. Beamish, convicted at the last assizes held here before Mr. Justice Willes, on the 17th inst., of the wilful murder of his wife, Betsy Beamish, by poison ; and John Thompson, found guilty on the following day of the wilful murder of Ann:Walker, a woman with whom he cohabited, have just expi ated their crimes upon the gallows in front of the county gaol. _ Beaiish, who is 35 years of age, was by trade a weaver, and in August last was living in Spencer street, Coventry. Ten or 12 years before he married the deceased woman, by whom he had three chil dren, two of whom, Wm. Henry, aged 11, and Lizzie, aged 4, are still living. The third, Emily, aged 18 months, died from the effects of poison shortly before the unfortunate expired from the same cause. He had resided in Spencer street more than seven years, and was a kind of " master-man," working looms in his own house, at which the de ceased; and a girl named Emma Statham were all employed. The latter had been in the pri soner's service for about 12 months previous to the 14th of August, and performed little services about the house. On the day men tioned, prisoner left his house at six o'clock in the morning to go to work in one of the factories in the town, and at about half-past eight o'clock the deceased woman and her three children, all of whom were then in a good state of health, sat down together to their breakfast. Before they had finished the meal, all became sick, and they were compelled to take to their beds. The two elder children, however, became better about mid-day, and ultimately entirely recovered; but the infant, after considerable suffering, died on the following day. The mother had frequent attacks of sickness, and complained of a violent burning pain in her chest and throat. These symptoms continued to increase, and the unfortunate woman died during the night of the 19th of August. After the wife's death, some of her relations suspected foul play, and one of her brothers remarked to the prisoner, " Before my sister is put into the grave, I shall want the child taken out," meaning the child that was buried on the previous Sunday. Prisoner seemed much 'alarmed at this threat, and frequently said, " I'll let . you know the child shan't be taken up—it shan't." A post mortem examination proved beyond all question that Mrs.Beamish had died from the effects of arsenic; and upon the body of the child being exhumed the stomach presented a similar appearance to that of the mother. Prisoner was taken into custody, and it was discovered that he had made several purchases of arsenic, and in one of the pockets of a pair of his trousers an empty paper which had contained arsenic was found Immediately after his wife's death prisoner sug gested that her pockets should be searched—a sug gestion he repeated more than once before it wa adopted. A paper was found in deceased purse containing writing which prisoner said was his wife's. The letter was addressed to her sister, and hinted that the writer had committed suicide. It r got in he would turn us all over, and then, swear ing all the time, he aimed at me several bl o w s w ith his fists. I avoided being hurt by holding up a par cel which I had with me. The woman then jumped off the cab, and by dint of entreaty and force got the defendant away and be remounted the box. I, in order to detain him until the arrival of a consta ble, seized hold of the horse's head. The defendant, then standing up, used his whip right and left, but by changing my position as the cuts were made under the horses head, and holding up the parcel I was but little hurt. The defendant then jumped down, using the most horrible expressions, and commenced using his whip to me as 1 stood on the pavement calling for the police. Finding it was useless to wait any longer for assistance, and considering it necessary to take prompt mea sures for my own security, I rushed upon de fendant (a tall powerful fellow), threw him, and then held him down by the collar till the arrival of a policeman. 144 xu :u' ex. ~~- AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE FROII _HUNGARY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. The average cereal production of Hungary may be placed at 262,200,000 imperial quarters, as— Wheat .. .. General crops .. Rye • • • • Barley .. .. Indian corn .. Oats .. .. Imperial Qrs, .. .. 58,500,000 .. .. 35,700,000 .. .. 22,500,000 .. .. 30,900,000 •• .. .. 60,300,000 .. .. .. 54,300,000 202,200,000 If we subtract from this amount the quantity required for the consumption of a population of 14,000,000, we find that 66,000,000 imperial quarters of grain remain to be exported, of which 36,000,000 are wheat, Considering that of these 25,324,500 English acres on which the crops speci fied above grow 30 per cent, remain every year fallow, it maybe easily seen that the quantity of corn to be exported could be raised to a larger figure by increasing the number of cattle and by a higher cultivation of the soil, The extent of the productive soil of Hungary is about 66,234,500 Engdsh acres, as : Under crops .. Wood .. .. English acres , 25,324,500 • 15,587,500 • .. 16,650,000 Pasturage Vineyards Meadow land .. .. 1,085,000 .. .. 7,087,500 .. .. 600,000 Gardena.. 66,234,500 Germany has hitherto been almost the sole purchaser of Hungarian grain. By the Elbe, and,,through Hamburg or Stettin, i has been transported to England, but such in stances were merely exceptional, involving no regular trade, Since, however, the new lines of railway to the Adria tic were completed the large grain towns of Hungary (as Pesth, Szor, Mosony, Kanizsa, Sziryck) have been open to Southern France, Belgium, and virtually to England. These countries will become theregular emporia for Hunga rian grain, and Trieste or Fiume, or some other available port, may become the seat of export. The question to be resolved is this—whether Hungarian corn can compete in cheapness with Russian and American, and whether it can be delivered at foreign ports at prices that would secure it regular foreign buyers. With regard to England, her prices may reglilate those of Hungarian grain, for the yearly coneumpticn in Britain by far exceeds that of all other corn-buying nations. But the articles of export from Hungary would not con.. sist only of grain. She produces also— 1. Wool, amounting to 200,000 cwt. per annum, of which the smallest quantity has hitherto been bought directly for the English market, consequently at an in creased expense. 2. Wino ; yearly production, 25,000,000 octaves. An octave contains 78 bottles. 3. Timber, in the largest quantity. 4. Salt and smoked meat. 1 will not speak of salt, sugar, silk, tobacco, cobalt, metals, and other articles of export, being desirous slot to exhaust the patience of my readers. We are well aware that it should have been our par to take the initiative, but the blame should fall, not on us, but on our melancholy and almost desperate position. It was part of the iniquitous policy of Austria to impoverish us (which has in a great measure succeeded), in the belief that misfortune would compel us to give our aid to the ful filment of her own unrighteous designs. But, thank God, she failed. It was Austria that paralysed our strength and enterprise in every direction, and that would never suffer an extension of trade between Hungary and other countries, dreading the light that would thus be thrown on her dark and crooked policy, and the conviction that would then be forced on every thinking mind—that Hungary is the wealth and power of Austria, and that Pesth, from its position alone, has the means of forming the centre of a great and free country. We are deeply persuaded that had an English consulate been esiablished there the English merchant, great in practical knowledge, clearheadedness, and steadfastness of purpose, would have found a guaran tee for embarking in enterprise, and we Hungarians would soon have learnt what we are still ignorant of—how to "do a good business." C3mpanies would have been formed because the profits would have been evident. While one, by building steam mills on the largest scale, could have sent in great quanti ties the flour of the excellent Hungarian wheat to England; another, establishing central wine cellars at resth, would have proceeded to make brandy from ordinary wines, or to prepare good wines according to the English taste. In this way the credit of the Hungarian wines, impaired as it is day after day by the adulterations practised by wine mer chants, would soon have been restored. Sawmills also would pay, and profits could be made by the formation of a new steamboat company. Tugs are wanted; those now on the Danube pay 12 per cent. Endless fields of enter prise could be pointed out, not alone for the benefit of those actively concerned in them, but for that of mankind in ge neral, From entering into anything of this nature, how ever, without English capital, we are incapacitated by our present unhappy condition. I submit these details to the English public, earnestly desiring to enlist its interest in the subject on which they treat, and, in so doing, to servo my country, England, and the cause of civilisation itself.—l am, sir, your obedient servant, Pesth, Dec. 24. A HUN GARIAN. THE WEATHER IN THE SOUTH OF SCOTLAND.-- A correspondent of the Scotsman writes from Kelso : " The rivers are nearly all ice-bound. The smaller waters are all frozen over, and on long reaches of the Tweed, both above and below Kelso, sliding or skating may be indulged in. At present one can walk on the frozen Tweed from Kelso to Sprouston, three miles further down the river; and at Kelso-bridge the water is almost entirely frozen over. Large numbers of persons daily enjoy themselves on the glassy surface of the Tweed in skating, curling, sliding, aad foot-ball, The atmosphere since Wednesday last has been very clear, the sun has shone out all day, and both during the day and at night the frost has been intense. Farmers are complaining loudly of the frost, and there can not be a doubt that turnips will be very considerably in jured by exposure. A coating of snow would have had a good effect in preserving this valuable root, but none has yet fallen, except on the Lammermoors and Cheviot ranges of hills. On the high-lying districts the weather has been very severe, and in the Border sheep-walks the keen frost is being severely felt. The severe weather has put a atop to agricultural operations, and any farm work that is ac complished is done in -doors. Potatoes are turning out badly, and in many districts there will be a great scarcity of this esculent," was proved on the trial that the letter had been written by the prisoner himself, but in a feigned hand to resemble his wife's writing, and the paper itself was found to be a leaf from a pocketbook belonging to the pri s on er . Wi th the view of show ing a possible motive on the part of the prisoner to desire his wife's death, evidence was given on the trial to the effect that the prisoner and Statham were frequently together. He had been seen with his arm round her waist, kissing her, on several occasions ; and, as some of the witness remarked, they seemed to be courting. One person actually swore that on Vie day of the wife's death Beamish and Statham were together, and that the prisoner was kissing the young woman. The prisoner was found guilty, and at the conclusion of the trial, which lasted nearly 12 hours, the learned judge in. timated to the prisoner that the evidence had pro duced the same conviction upon his mind as the jury had pronounced by their verdict against him. Thompson's crime was of a less premeditated and complicated character. He was a wire drawer, aged 42, and had be e n li v i ng w i th h i s victim in Birming ham for about three months prior to the murder. On the 29th September they were at a Birmingham fair, and at night went to a brothel to sleep. Next morning they had breakfast together, and went out about 11 o'clock. The woman, evidently the worse for liquor, returned by herself about 3 o'clock. SLe went up stairs and laid on the bed, and soon after Thompson came in and went up stairs to her. He had not been long up stairs before quarrel ling was heard, and prisoner was heard to usk the female whether she would go home. She replied that she would not. The quarrelling continued, and at length a young woman below, named Green, hearing a stifled scream, ran up stairs, and was horrified by seeing Thompson, who was then lean ing over Mrs. Walker on the bed, stab the unfor tunate woman in the neck with an open pocket knife, and then drag her off the bed. Green rushed down stairs and gave an alarm, and Mrs. Beres ford, the landlady of the house, went up, and she saw the prisoner, who seemed quite cool, delibe rately cutting the throat of his miserable mistress, as she lay on the floor. • The eiecutioner—who on this occasion was John Smith, of Dudley—entered the condemned cell, and proceeded to pinion the prisoners, who sub mitted to the process without resistance. The pro cession was then formed, and Thompson was the first to ascend the scaffold. He was immediately followed by Beamish, and the ropes were quickly placed round their necks and adjusted to the fatal beam. The rev. gentleman proceeded to read the ordinary funeral service, and at the usual signal the drop fell and the wretched criminals struggled violently ; Thomps )n particularly so, and both seemed to die unusually hard. Sir,—Like a thunderbolt from a cloudless sky has arisen the complication between England and America. But the mis fortune lies, not only in the American nation being proved unequal to the noble mission that might have been hers, c,f spreading the light of civilisation over the regions of the West, but in the great blow to our cause in the diversion of the public interest from the Hungarian question. We must, then, be prepared for new sufferings ; but the English com mercial world may in the meantime accept with some in terest a few statistical details of the productions of Hungary and of the possibilities of establishing a trade between that country and England. AM VT THE YELVER7'ON MARRIAGE CA tE, The fo Lowing judgment has been pronounced by Lord Ard millan, Ordinary in the Court of Session in Scotian I, disposing of all the appeals and objec tions taken. in. course of leading the proof adduced on behalf of Itajor Yelverton :—" Edinburgh, Dec. 21. The Lori I Ordinary having heard parties' pro curators' on arlpeals in Major Yelverton's proof, and made avizand um with the debate and process— repels' the oh Tection taken by the pursuer of the declarator of t larriage to the question put on page 13, G ; page lb:. G ; page 16, E, G, B ; page 17, B ; sustains the objection of the said pursuer at page 17, G, to the production of a letter and envelope, the same not bein,' , proved: repels the objection by the said pursuer on page 23, E and F; page 24, A; page 25, G; pagia 28, F and G : sustains the objec tion taken by the pursuer to the question put to Miss Yelverton on pate 33, G, and 34, A, and dis allows the said quasti on : repels the objection by the pursuer on page 39, E : sustains the objection by the pursuer on page 43, C, and disallows the question, the same having been withdrawn by the pursuer: repels the objection by the pursuer on page 67, F; sustains the objection by the pursuer on page 76, D, to the defent. l ers putting in evidence the excerpt from the order ho,* of John Purdie, of Aug. 26, 1857, and the excerpt from the day book of John Purdie, of Oct. 30, 1851',. in respect that the same have not been proved tt,' apply to the pursuer : sustains the objection by the pursuer to the competency of adducing as a witness for the de fender Mr. James B. Tippetts, solicitor, at page 70, F, in respect that Mr. Tippetts was an agent for tiara defender in this action, and appoints so much of the, testimony of Mr. Tippetts as bad been recorded to be withdrawn as incompetent; sustait2s the objec tion by the pursuer to the competency of adducing as a witness for the defender Mr. Edward W. Bin ney, solicitor, at page 82, F, in respect that Mr. Binney was an agent for the defender in this action. In respect that all the other appeals and objections have been withdrawn by both parties respectively, dismisses the same, and affirms the delivervace appealed from, and allows the questions objected to. In all the instances in which, , ,by this interlocutor the objection has been repelled, and in which the evidence was taken on paper apart, appoints the sealed packets respectively to be opened, and the contents thereof to be added to the proof. " JAS. CRAUFIIRD." None—The Lord Ordinary is unable to perceive how the evidence in regard to the parentage, con nections, or legitimacy of the pursuer of the decla rator of marriage can have any direct or material bearing on the real merits of this action, since it is not alleged that the early history of the pursuer was known to the defender ; and it is to be regretted that such an inquiry, being of a collateral character, has been entered on. The pursuer is entitled to• justice whatever be her lineage or her connections, and whether she is legitimate or not. But the de fender, to whose proot on the subject the pursuer now objects, did not, either in statement or in proof,. originate or introduce the inquiry. In the Ist and 29th articles of the revised condescendence for the pursuer of the declarator of marriage, and iu the Ist and 27th articles of the revised statement of facts for the same party, as defender of the now conjoined action of the declarator of freedom, she has averred her parentage, and her " ancient family," and a "social position" equal to that of Major Yelverton. These statements are not admitted. The pursuer accordingly commenced her proof by calling a wit ness to instruct them—viz., the Countess de Prins say, who describes herself as the aunt of the pursuer, and who, in answer to questions put by the counsel for the pursuer, makes statements in re- gard to the family, the connexions, the social position, and the character and conduct of the pur- suer. These statements form part of the pursuer's proof. The defender, Major Yelverton, afterwards proposed to follow the pursuer into the ingairy which, both on record and in proof, she had origi- nated and introduced, and to lead evidence on the subject. The defender was under the necessity either of leading such proof, or of holding the pur suer's averment on the subject to be instructed by the testimony of the witness whom she had adduced. It is under these circumstances that the pursuer has objected to the defender's proof as irrelevant and not pertinent to the cause. The Lord Ordinary, though not attaching much weight to the inquiry, is unable to exclude it by sustaining the pursuer's objection. She made averments, and she led proof, on the sub ject; and after having done so, she cannot now be permitted to object to an inquiry as irrelevant on which she thought fit to enter. COUNTRY MARKI, iS. ►~---- COLCHESTER—DEc. 28. -- --- A small supply of grain, which was taken off at the full prices of last week. Barley again scarce, and the beat samples Is higher than last market day. Beans plenti ful, and is cheaper. Peas about the same in price. Wheat, white ..54s 68s Beans, Mazagan ..36s 40s red 46s 64s middle & small.4os 44s Barley 36s 42s Peas, w hite ...... 38s 40 a Oats GLOUCESTER--DEC. 28. A moderate supply of English wheat, which sold slowly at is under last week's prices. Foreign also met a slow demand. Other articles rather dull. CHELMSFORD-DEC. 27. To-day a limited supply of wheat, and late prices were supported. A larger demand for barley, which caused a slight advance in price. Spring corn as before. Wheat, old white 30s 64s teas, Partridge.... 37s 458 new 508 70s White 39s 41s old red ** .30s 53s Boiling .. 41s 47 s new 55s 64s Dun 36 s 40s Ba, ley 268 39s Ditto new —s --s Chevalier .......26s 39s Beans, Tick, old 37e 43s Grinding 228 32s Malt.... Chevalier . 61s 67s Harrow Tic n k e s w ... - 3 9s s 4 - 5: 64s 69s Oats 23s 30s Mazagan new.. - is 5: KIRKCALDY GRAIN—DEC. 28. We had fair supplies of wheat to day. Sales ready Barley and oats unchanged in price. Wheat is lower in value. Wheat. Barley. Oats. First....4ss 6d 2ss Od 21s Od Second ..54s Od 31s Od 24s Od Od 35s Od I 28s 6d FOREIGN MAIL PACKET LIST. MAILS DUE. Australia and Mauritius, vi a S ou th amp t on. Jan. 18 . 1 via Marseilles ......... Jan. Brazil and Cape Verds, by B r i t i s h packet.f •2. Cape of Good Hope, Ascension, and St. Helena.. Jan. 1. China, Penang, and Singapore, via Southampton. Jan. .., via Marseilles ...Jan. ---' Falkland Islands .. Gibraltar, via Southampton India (Calcutta), and Ceylon, via SouthamptO via Marseilles.... Jan. —* India (Bombay), via Southampto n Jan. 1 0 . via Marseilles Jan. 4 . Lisbon Jan. 1 . Malta, Egypt, and Aden, via Southampton Jan. 2 . via Marseilles Jan. —• Newfoundland .. Jan. 8 Oporto and Vigo . Jan. 1. ik ........ 2 . Jan. 2. U. S. and British N. Amaica, Ey Brit. packet.... Jan. 2. by U.S. packet.... W.C. of Africa, Madeira and T by en C e Bahamas, via New York' Jan. 16. Mexico Dec. 30. a ri n ff it e Jan. 10. dian packet. Jan. 1 . . ••••••• All parts of West Indies, including Chili, Peru, I D eo . 30, California,and British Columbia.. _____ BIRTHS. CIIANDLER.—On the 24th inst., at Blackheath, Mrs. John Chandler, of a eon. FREELING,—On the 21st inst., at Gibraltar, the wife of Captain Freeling, R.A., Colonial Secretary, of a daugh ter. NORREYS.—On the 26th inst., Lady Norreys, of a son. RUSSELL.—On the 29th inst., at 12, Hyde-park-street, the Lady Katharine Hamilton Russell, of a son and heir. MARRIAGES. CROOK— WILSON.—On the 28th inst , at St. George's, Hanover-square, George Crook, of Carnaby-street, Re gent-street, to Emma Wilson, of Bond-street. MONSON—ELLis.—On Christmas-day, by special license, at Stillorgan, Dublin, Captain the Hon. D. J. Monson, second son of Lord Monson, to Augusta, daughter of the late Colonel the Hon, Augustus Ellis. DEATHS. CLAY.—On the 29th inst., at The Ford, Droitwitch, Wra, Clay, Esq., aged 51. - - CLIFTON.—On the 28th inst., at 38, Cross-street, Isling ton, Nathaniel Clifton, Esq., aged 76. FERoussoN.--On the 26th inst., at 19, Princes-street, Hanover-square, Lieut.-General William Fergusson, K.C., agt d 82. HENRY.—On the 25th inst., at Lambridge, Bath, Lieut.- Col. Graham Henry, aged 78. HOLLINWORTIL—On tho 28th inst., suddenly, at South sea, Admiral John Matson. Hollinworth, Royal Navy, aged 80. LONDON : Printed and Published by MUItDO YOUNG, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at Tim SUN OfEce, No. 122,Strae d, in the Precinct of the Savoy In the COMA) , of bliddleaes, Tuesday, Deoemher 32, 1881. ~_~;