The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-17 00:00:00

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF LORDS--( Y ESTERDA.Y.) The LORD CL&NCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. CRIMINAL LAW, Lord BROUGHAM presented petitions from the magistrates of Cumberland, and the mayor and justices of Carlisle, in favour of giving power to petty sessions to take pleas of guilty, and to proceed to pass judgment upon prisoners, so as to avoid the expense of sending them to the assizes. The LORD CHANCELLOR said the subject was one of the deepest importance, and ought not to be tampered with, until after the most mature consideration—(hear)—but he did not apprehend that the same difficulties would be thrown in the way of any modification of a criminal procedure in this respect as had to be encountered in the codification of the crimi nal law. Lord BROUGHAM took occasion to examine some of the objections of the learned judges to the bill for the digest of criminal law, and inquired whether the Lord Chancellor would lay on the table the letter which had been addressed to him by two of the learned gentlemen engaged in drawing up the bill ? The LORD CHANCELLOR replied that he thought it would neither be proper nor decorous to produce such a letter. It was entirely of a private nature, and con• sisted of no less than 125 pages of running comments upon the objections of the different judges. CABINET SECRETS. The Earl of MALMESBURY gave notice that to morrow he would call the attention of the house to the charge made by the First Lord of the Treasury against a gentleman of the Foreign-office, for a violation of his duty in disclosing the secret correspondence of his de partment. COASTING TRADE BILL. - - - Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY moved the second reading of this bill. Noble lords opposite who had an ticipated so much evil from the passing of the measure for the repeal of the navigation laws in 1849, would, with his noble friends on that side of the house, be pleased to learn that it had proved to be a great boon to the shipping trade. The shipping showed an increase of 700,000 tons, and the additional seamen employed amounted to 20,000. If any portion of the shipping trade had not partaken of this prosperity it was the coast ing trade, which, so far from having increased, had re mained stationary. (Hear.) He was aware that the conveyance of coal by railways and the employment of steamboats had diminished the number of ships employed in the coasting trade. One objection which had been urged to extending the measure of 1849 to the coasting trade had been, that it would afford facilities for carrying on a contraband trade, to allow foreign ships to be em ployed in our coasting trade. That objection, however, he thought was of little weight, when it was remembered that the fact of the persons employed speaking a foreign tongue would render it difficult for them to evade the re venue officers. The whole trade of the country had suf fered from the want of shipping—freights had risen up wards of 50 per cent., and in the trade between New castle and London, the wages of seamen had risen from 31. and 41. per month to 71. and 81. The consequence of this had been a great increase in the price of coal to the consumer in this town. As an instance of the injury which had been inflicted on trade by the want of shipping, he might state the fact, that there was a large company in Newcastle employed in the manufac ture of alkali, and which required upwards of 100,000 tons of shipping during the last year, but they were greatly impeded in their operations from the want of vessels, although there were many Norwegian ships lying in the port which had brought over cargoes of timber. He hoped their lordships would see the policy of relaxing the law which gave rise to so much inconve nience and loss. There was no fear of foreigners being able advantageously to compete with Englishmen when it was considered that the latter would have a perfect knowledge of the coast and the ports ; but many foreign vessels which now came from the Batic and elsewhere with cargoes were often obliged to go in ballast to some other port to obtain a cargo, and no less than 415,000 tons of foreign shipping sailed from one port in England to another during the last year in ballast. Another im portant consideration was, that if they kept up the price of freights by the continuance of the present law, the result would be to throw a large portion of the trade into the hands of the railway companies, who were now most formidable competitors ; and if they once got the greater part of the trade into their bands it would be difficult to restore it back to its former channel. With regard to a suggestion made in the other house, that measures should be taken to secure reciprocity, and that no country should be admitted to the advantage of our coasting trade which refused to permit British ships to partici pate in their coasting trade, he was of a different opinion. He thought we should rather prove our confidence in the correctness of the principles we were adopting by allowing them to work their own way, and that foreign Governments should be induced to follow our example, not by any bargain compelling them to concede equal advantages to us, but by the success attending their ' adoption by us. (Hear, hear.) And in the case of the United States of America, the effect of throwing open our coasting trade to American vessels would be to a great extent to remove the constitutional objection urged by the United States Government against admitting British vessels to participate in their Californian trade. He believed it would be found that foreign countries would meet us in a fair and honourable spirit, as Holland and other maritime states had done in reference to the concessions previously made. A clause had, however, been introduced, enabling the Crown to exclude from participation in the coasting trade of this country any foreign nation, should circumstances arise with regard to it rendering such exclusion advisable. On the ground that the measure was one calculated to extend the trade and commerce, and consequently the material prosperity of the country, he hoped there would be no objection to its second reading. Lord COLCHESTER admitted that there had been an increase in our foreign trade since the passing of the bill of 1849, but he attributed it rather to the gold dis coveries in California and Australia, the emgration which had followed, and the necessity of supplying the emi grants with necessaries, rather than to that measure. The objection, however, that had been urged against that measure, on the part of its opponents, was not on the ground of free trade, but that it would tend to interfere with the supply of British seamen to the British navy. He did not intend to propose any amendment to the present bill. Earl WALDEGRAVE suggested that national danger might arise from the knowledge which foreign sailors would obtain of the navigation of our coasts and rivers by being permitted to participate in the coasting trade. The Earl of DERBY believed it had been stated, in reference to the measure of 1849, that by the law of the United States, any nation relaxing their navigation laws in favour of American ships would obtain the same re lax.ations of the navigation laws of that country in return. The coasting trade was not included in that measure, and as the trade from New York to California was claimed by America as coasting trade, our ships were excluded from participating in it. He wished to know whether the necessary effect of passing this bill would be to throw open the Californian trade to British vessels ? Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY did not think tie passing of the bill would necessarily remove the existing restrictions in the American Navigation Laws as to the coasting trade ; but it would constitute an equitable claim on the part of this country for their abolition, and would remove the constitutional objection of that Go vernment that no advantage could be given by one state in the Union over any other. Lord DERBY—That was to say, its effect would not be to place the trade as between New York and Cali fornia on a different footing from that between New York and Boston. (Hear, hear.) It was obvious this change would give us a strong claim in equity upon the Government of the United States in regard to the whole of their coasting trade. Lord STANLEY of ALDERLEY—In equity we certainly shall be entitled to the concession. Earl GREY was glad to find that this measure, which went to remove the last of these absurd restrictions which had so long encumbered our navigation laws, met with general concurrence. With regard to the remark of the noble earl (Waldegrave), he seemed to forget that already charts were published by the Admiralty of our For and rivers, -which any foreigner might purchase. Eel. himself, he saw no danger in permitting foreigners to acquire such information, believing as he did t hat this country was too great and too powerful to c are l ,- u __ r‘ who knew the navigation of its coasts. g "' ov ' e a rn ./ hie Upon the point . of reciprocity, he hoped the would abstain from pressing the power they ha d (under f the clause his noble friend h a d re f erre d t o ) in order toexperience theyorce concessions from them, for the more had of the progress of free commercial principles withforeign he that th n a ti ons the more c onv i nce d was the better. c e less diplomacy' interfered in such matters that this country h .ear.) it was only a few years ago w ithout referen ce to decided upon adopting such principl es what r course might be taken by andptloier some had been precisely what he other nations, had anticipated. supposed that our example was not upon followed, it being had arrivedeat that state of commercial prosperity to which we was the consequence of the system of restrictio ns which we had so long acted. But within the last y ea 4 0 two foreign countries, seeing the extraordinary effeet rr the relaxation of those our own commer• absurd restrictions had produced upon gradually begun to mercial and industrial prosperity, 'hail those sense of adopt the same course. He h oPedthe go o d ministers would induce them still to leave coun tries to act for themselves, abstaining from advice or and it would speedily be founpdurtphoastewolfiaituee.voerr restriction they might maintain for the ing our trade would injure their own ten times m j o u re r- He was satisfied, if the Government adopted this policy. not many years would elap e before all countries, eve n the most bigoted, such as Spain, would, by the succes s of our example, be compelled to abolish all restriction s on trade. (Hear, hear.) Lord BROUGHAM had, with other Free-traders, op. posed the measure of 1849, on the ground stated by the most venerable authority on free trade, though he did not go with him to the full extent—Dr. Adam Smith ; whose doctrine was that while he had no doubt of the soundness of free trade as applied to the wealth of a coun try, he considered that the defences of a country must always form an exception. His view had always been, When things were well to leave them so, and not to apply change where change was unnecessary, especially in so important a matter as the national defences. The mea sure of 1849, however, having passed, he thought the I present measure a necessary consequence, and one which the Legislature could not stop short of. The bill was then read a second time. HIGHWAYS (SOUTH WALES) BILL. This bill was, on the motion of Earl CAWDOR, read a s , ,!cond time. The Mutiny Bill and the Commons Inclosure Bill were read a second time. The Consolidated Fund (8,000,0001.) Bill was read a third time and passed. The select committee on the Testamentary Jurisdiction Bill was nominated, and Their lordships adjourned. EIOUSE OP COMMONS--(YESTERDAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at 4 o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The Stafford New Gas Bill was read a third time and passe d ; also the East London Waterworks Bill. The Kingston-upon-Hull Docks Bill was brought up and read a first time. PETITIONS. Mr. WICKHAM presented four petitions—viz., one from Bradford, one from Clackheaton, one from Horton, praying that no more money be granted to Maynooth ; one from Pudney, West Riding of Yorkshire, praying that the said College be at once dissolved, and that no money be granted in future for a purely Roman Catholic education; also, two petitions—viz., one from Horton, and one from Pudney, both in the West Riding of York shire, praying that some effectual steps may be taken to put down the illegal practices of the Roman Catholics in this country. Mr. ROBERT PALMER presented a petition from the mayor and burgesses of the borough of Newbury, against the consolidation of the rural police force. Mr. HORSFALL presented a petition from the ship owners of Liverpool complaining of the repeal of the Navigation Laws having prevented an efficient number of apprentices being bound to the merchant service. SLIGO BOROUGH ELECTION. Sir G. GREY brought up the report of the General Committee of Elections, nominating the following as the select committee to inquire into the late return for the borough of Sligo—viz., the Right Hon. E. Ellice, Sir J. B. East, the Hon. P. J. Locke King, Mr. J. H. Phil. lips, and the Right Hon. Sir F. T. Baring, chairman. UNIVERSITY REFORM. Lord J. RUSSELL stated that the orders of the day for to-morrow should be po4tponed until after the motion of which he had given nutice, for reform of the univer- WIVES AND CHILDREN OF SOLDIERS. Colonel HARCOURT postponed, until this day fort night, the consideration of the question of which he had given notice on the above subject, in consequence of the noble lord's (Lord J. Russell's) notice of motion as to the University Reform Bill. METROPOLITAN BUILDINGS. In reply to Mr. BELL, who asked the Chief Commis sioner of Works, whether the Government intend to introduce a metropolitan buildings bill this session ; and, if so, whether it will be an entirely new bill, or one to amend the act now in force, Sir W. MOLESWORTH said, the Government were not going to bring in a new act, but the subject of amending the existing acts was under consideration. COUNTY RATES, &c. Mr. M. GIBSON rose to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, when the bill for giving to the ratepayers of counties a representative control over county rates and county expenditure was to be brought in. Lord PA.LMERSTON said the bill would be brought in immediately after Easter. POOR REMOVAL. Tn reply to Mr. KNIGHT, who asked the President of the Poor Law Board if the information moved for on the 14th of March, 1853, and amended to facilitate its pro duction on the 21st Feb., 1854, can be presented to the house forthwith ? Mr. BAINES said, the returns would not be ready before the end of April. RELATIONS WITH RUSSIA. In reply to a question from Mr. DisRAELI as to whether any official communications had recently been received by her Majesty's Government with respect to renewed negotiations with Russia for an amicable settle ment of the existing quarrel, Lord J. RUSSELL said that up to his latest know ledge no such communications had been received. COLONIAL JUDGESHIPS. Mr. F. PEEL, referring to a question arising out of the Sligo borough election committee, as to the appoint ment of a gentleman (Mr. Stonor), to a colonial judge ship, the appointment had not been confirmed. ENCUMBERED ESTATES. Mr. HENRY HERBERT wished to ask the Secre tary for Ireland if it was in contemplation to bring in any measure to facilitate the sale of land which does not come under the Encumbered Estates Act. Sir J. YOUNG said the subject was under con sideration. RAILWAY LEGISLATION. Mr. RICARDO asked the President of the Board of Trade whether it was intended to bring in any measure founded on the report of the committee which sat last session on the subject of railways and canal bills. Mr. CARDWELL said a resolution founded upon the resolutions of the committee was prepared, and would be shortly brought in. LAW OF MORTMAIN. Mr. HEADLA.M, in moving for leave to introduce a bill to amend the law of mortmain, said he rose for the purpose of submitting to the house a measure of some importance. He was about to ask the house to consider the whole law affecting the disposition of property for charitable and religious purposes, a law under which it was right to state, in the first instance, many institu tions in this country had been established, and which were sanctified by the memories of the past—a law which, on the other hand, it was equally right to say, by which great injustice had been done, a great amount of litiga tion had been caused, and a great amount of property had been taken from those who had a moral claim to its possession, and applied to purposes of questionable utility. He was going to ask the house to repeal the existing law on the subject, and enact in its place provi sions which he hoped to prove were more adapted to the circumstances of the time. The existing law had failed to answer the purposes for which it was intended, and at the same time had given rise to evils of great magni tude. It was right that he should say a word for himself, as some apology might be considered due from an inde pendent member venturing to bring forward a measure of so comprehensive a character. But the house would remember that in the last Parliament a select committee was appointed on this subject, of which he had the honour to be chairman, and, after investigating the subject for two sessions, a full report was made to the house, and he pledged himself to bring forward a practical measure if it were not undertaken by Government. He had urged it on successive Governments since that period, and as Government did not intend to undertake the measure he thought it right to fulfil his pledge. The first law on the subject of mortain was to be found in Magna Charts, which stated that it shall not be lawful to give land or hereditaments to any religious house, and to take the same land again to hold of the same house, nor shall it be lawful for any house of religion to lease the same ; and if any one shall give his land to a religious house the gift shall be utterly void." This was in reality the commencement of the law on the subject, but before that time the principle of the common law prohibited the giving land to religious houses. Our statutes were passed subsequently for the purpose of preventing eva siens of the law which from time to time took place. This provision of Magna Charta was still in force, but had become obsolete with reference to the circumstances of modern times. He might commence his proposed bill by repealing the provision, butes it did no harm he should not raise his hand against it. As he had stated this was the commencement of a series of statutes by which Par lernent endeavoured to prevent the evasions which con tinually took place. Blackstone said "in perusing the history of these statutes, it will be a matter of curiosity to observe the great contrivances in evading this law from time to time, and the zeal with which successive Parlia ments adopted new remedies till at length the legislature, though with great difficulty, obtained the victory." It was true a great many statutes were passed, but he differed with him when he said the legislature obtained the victory. They were all of them familiar with what was called long terms of years of conveyancing. Now, where land was given for charity purposes they at that time evaded the law by granting the land for very long periods. The 7th Edward I. was enacted for the pur pose of meeting this evasion. Then they heard prob ably of what were termed fines and recoveries, which were proceedings technically existing in the law till within the last 20 years. Tney were also used-for the purpose of evading the law of mortmain, and the 13th Edward I. was enacted to prevent that mode of evasion. Then there were uses and trusts which were applied to modern conveyancing, but which were introduced also for the purposes of evasion, and the 15th Richard 11. was passed to put a stop to that mode of evasion. In the time of Henry VIII. a great proportion of the land was devoted to purposes of this description, and it was not the force of law, but the tenacious grasp of that monarch which took this property from the purposes to which it was applied, and devoted it to purposes which were perhaps more useful. The general result of all these acts was, that no land could be given to a corpora tion and held by that corporation unless there was a license from the crown, or a provision contained in the act of Parliament under which the corporation was established. With regard to personal estates, to use a parliamentary phrase, he had three courses. He might forbid the giving of all personalty ; and there were some gentle men on the committee who advocated that view, but he thought that would be too stringent a provision. The second Bourse would be to make the law the same as that which applied to the other descriptions of per sonal property, that was to say, that there should be no restraint whatever. He, for one, was not disposed to accede to that. He thought it was not desirable to in troduce so grave a relaxation as that would be. What he proposed was a medium course between the two, and that all personal estate should be subject to one law with regard to bequests, namely, that the will should be executed three months before the death of the testator, and that notice of it be given one month before the death to the charity commissioners. He confessed he attached moregr,,at i e m xp p e o d r ien tan ey ce to the second of these provisio n s tha n the fi rs t ; b ecause, i f one t hi ng h ad b een proved before the comm i ttee more clearly than another, it was the of having such gifts brought under the cof,ignisance of th e comm issioners. He did no t i n t en d , course, that the objects of these bequests should be made public until after the testator's death ; but he wished to have all such execated in as solemn and formal a manner as possible. It was possible that under this bill some charitable bequests might fail, but it should be remembered that at present half the personal property in the kingdom could not be given for charitable purposes at all ; and therefore he considered his proposal a fair I compromise. The next matter to which he would allude was the necessity of some measure for curing the defects of titles, which had grown up under the present law. The house would be surprised to hear the extent to which these defective titles existed. Mr. Bunting, in his evi dence, said, " I think I could, in five minutes, from my own knowledge of the cases, enumerate property to the extent of 200,0001. and 300,0001., the title to which is bad, except so far as it has been cured by statute." The source of these defects in the case referred to by Mr. Bunting was the local custom he had already mentioned ; and about twenty years ago it had been found necessary to pass an act of Parliament on the subject. He (Mr. Headlam) now proposed by a general enactment to ►sake valid all existing titles except where proceed ings had been taken to impeach them ; and he trusted that no retrospective measure of this kind would ever be required in future. (Hear, hear.) There was another object which he sought in this bill to attain, namely, to prevent what were called secret trusts ; that was to say, cases where property was given to indivi duals for trusts the nature of which was not disclosed. A very strong opinion had been expressed by the com mittee against trusts of this description, an opinion which was founded upon evidence equally strong ; and, indeed, it was obvious that secret trusts must hold out great temptations to laxity and dishonesty, and give rise to continual heartburnings. He should, therefore, propose to enact, that if any person accepted property upon any secret trust, and should omit to give notice to the Chari table Trusts Commissioners, he should be personally liable to refund all the rents and profits which he had applied to purposes specified, and if no suit were insti tuted within a given time by the persons interested in the property, then the Attorney-General should be at liberty to sue. He (Mr. Headlam) was quite willing to admit the impossibility of entirely preventing cases of this kind ; but he thought the proposal he had made would materially check the practice, which was, per haps, all the legislature could hope to effect. (Hear, hear.) Since the act of George 11. various exemptions from its operation were obtained by different parties ; but he was strongly of opinion that there should be one general law based upon a sound principle, and that from such law no exemptions should be allowed. In the reign of George 11. a very earnest endeavour was made by the universities to be excepted, and several other bodies bad since obtained the same privilege. The committee, however, had had the Vice-Chancellor of Oxford before them, and that gentleman had stated his opinion that the university had not derived any material advantage by the concession. That state ment appeared to be quite the fact, for there seemed to have been no gifts made to the university on ac count of its exemption from the act. But although such exemptions were of such small practical value, their continuance did impart a certain degree of unfair ness to the law ; and he (Mr. Headlam) would provide against that by a clause to the effect that the exemptions which had been obtained from the operation of previous acts should not be likewise admitted as exemptions from this bill. (Hear, hear.) There was now only one other point remaining to be noticed. Dr. Wiseman had complained before the committee of the Statute of Superstitious uses. Now he (Mr. Headlam) did not think that there was any practical grievance in that statute, inasmuch as the act of the 2nd and 3rd of Win. IV. placed the Roman Catholics on precisely the same footing as Protestant Dissenters. However, as the statute of Edward 11. might have possibly have prac tical operation notwithstanding the Relief Act- -which he very much doubted—he should propose its formal re peal ; such repeal, however, not to effect the legal defi nition of the word "charity," so that Roman Catholics, Dissenters, and members of the Church of England would I then all stand upon precisely the same footing. He had now enumerated all the materials provisions of the bill he was proposing, and he had described the nature of the changes which he sought to introduce. When he first moved in this matter and asked the house to appoint a select committee on the subject he stated that it was not his intention to make any difference between the diffe rent religious communities in this country ; and he trusted that there was nothing in what he had said or proposed that could insult the feelings or even wound the preju dices of any person whatever. (Hear, hear.) His bill hail been conceived its no illiberal spirit towards the charities of the country. We had many proofs of the greatness and wealth of this kingdom —many proofs!of the power we exercised in the remotest parts of the world ; but the proof that made the greatest impression of all upon his mind wore the enormous sums that were annually contributed by individuals amongst us to chari table and religious purposes, and the zeal and energy that were displayed by so many persons in improving the condition of their fellow-subjects, and in spreading the blessings of civilisaticn and religion to the farthest ends of the earth. (Hear, hear.) He had no wish to freeze up the source of this munificence ; for the alms which men gave in their lifetime—the rich from their super fluities, the men of moderate means from their necessi ties, and those in humbler circumstances from their poverty itself—conferred a benefit not only on the ob jects of their benevolence, but upon themselves. Of money so given the description of the poet was no less accurate than beautiful— " The quality of mercy is not strained ; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven, Upon the place beneath : it is twice blessed, It blesseth him that gives and him that takes." (Cheers.) But the same observation was scarcely accu rate when applied to money given, not during the life of the donor, but at a time when it could hardly be called his own—given when he could exercise no self denial in providing it, nor control its disposition. (Hear, hear.) If anything, therefore, that he (Mr. Headlam) had said, or any provisions of the bill he sought to intro duce, should have the effect of changing charitable dona Lions of this second class into those of the first, in induc ing men to give in their life-time rather than upon their deathbed, he, for his own part, should be completely sltisfiA with the result; and be should feel that his labour had not been in vain. (Cheers.) Mr. HADFIELD seconded the motion for introduc ing the bill, and expressed his regret that a measure of such importance had not been brought in by the Govern ment. As to deathbed bequests to charitable objects, he believed that the majority of the people of this coun try knew nothing of them at all. Such, at least, had been the experience of Mr Bunting, and such, too, his own. But what they had to complain of were the diffi culties thrown by the existing law in the way of gifts to charitable and religious objects. The statute of mart main was never intended to operate against dispen saries, places of worship, schools, or the like, and he believed that an entirely erroneous construction of the act had for a long period prevailed in the courts, to the no small detriment of the cause of benevolence. The charity of which the people of Manchester were most proud, was the infirmary ; but that was held for fifty years upon a bad title. The trustees had reserved a small rent-charge to the lord of the manor, and their reservation co►npletely vitiated the title. Under the mortmain acts copyhold land could not be applied to any purpose of charity ; and in the whole of large dis trict, where the,land was all copyhold, not a dispen sary, a school, or a literary institution could be safely erected. He knew a case where a gentleman had left 60,0001. to found a blind school and a blue-coat school ; but that noble charity was actually kept 10 years in abeyance owing to the impossibility of finding a site to which a safe title could be given ; and the difficulty had at last to be obviated by a private subscription. (dear, hear.) The bill would give facilities to charitable pur poses of all descriptions, and it would not have the least sectarian tendency. He should therefore second its in troduction with great pleasure. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that on the part of the Government there was no objection to the intro duction of the bill. (Hear, hear.) The subject was no doubt one of great importance, and he thought the time had come when the law of mortinain might well undergo revision. (Cheers.) His hon. and learned friend had given a great deal of time to the question, and no one was better able to deal with it than he ; and therefore without pledging the Government as to the course they would pursue when the bill was before them, he (the Attorney-General) had no hesitation in saying that the objects the bill proposed were well worthy of the con sideration of the house. (Hear.) Mr. BOWYER admitted the justice and fairness with which the subject had been treated by the hon. and learned gentleman, and assured the house that when measures affecting the Roman Catholics, and framed in that spirit, were brought forward, they would always be discussed with moderation and candour by hon. gentle men of that persuasion. (Hear, hear.) Leave was then given to introduce the bill, which was brought in accordingly. ENDOWED GRAMMAR-SCHOOLS. Mr. PELLATT moved for an address for the appoint ment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into the state, average number of pupils, discipline, studies, and re venue of endowed schools of En ;land and Wales ; also of the endowment for scholars, their number and re venue ; likewise of all bequests of libraries, and endow ments for their support ; the character, numbers, and condition of the hooks, the number of the librarians and their salaries, with the view of increasing the educational and other advantages to the public in general. The object of his motion was to bring to bear, for educa tional purposes, the large funds belonging to these en dowments which at present were applied in ♦ery minute proportion to the purposes for which they were granted. He had not the slightest doubt that, could the whole of these funds be applied to their intended purpose, the educational system of the country might be placed on an efficient footing without any aid whatever from the Go vernment It might be said, perhaps, that the Charitable Trust Commission were competent to deal with this subject, thecommissioners had already more work on their hands than they could transact for the next 40 years to come. From the funds of Dulwich College alone more than 5,0001. a•year might be applied to the educational pur poses for which they were granted, but to which they were not applied. Another instance he might mention was that of the Grammar School of St. David's, in South Wales, where lands bequeathed for educational purposes were, by mismanagement, let for 1,5001., where they might readily realise 6,0001., and where but 501. of the amount was applied to education. The case of the Grammar School at Cheltenham proved how much might be done by rigid inquiry ; for whereas, a few years since, only sixteen children were educated there, now, in consequence of the investigation that had taken place, means were found by the fund, which had been so long misapplied, for the education of 300 children. tend, and it was to be recollected that there had al ready been a commission of inquiry into the system of charity schools, which had been attended with vast ex ! pense, and the report of which had filled many folio volumes. He believed that there might still remain some things to he done, and that, as the commissioners appointed last year might not be able to extend their inquiry to the subject of endowed schools and such matters, so as to be able to effect the desired improve ments, it might, therefore, be necessary to extend their powers and to give them a larger staff than they had at present. Before, however, taking any steps, it would be desirable that the Government should take into conside ration the whole subject. He believed that the staff at the disposal of the commissioners appointed last year was little adequate for the purpose, and it might be desirable to give them some additional powers. Believing that the subject was one which required the considera tion of the Government, he should oppose the motion. The noble lord then moved the previous question. Mr. HUME thought that the hon. member for Southwark must be aware that a great number of the schools to which he had referred came within the scope of the commission which had already bee❑ appointed, and he therefore thought that the appointment of a new commission would be productive of mischief rather than good. As he understood from the noble lord that the Government intended taking the subject into their consideration, he trusted that the hon. member would withdraw his motion. He must, however, express a hope that there would be no delay in the proceeding of the commission, more espe cially with regard to the funds of these schools. Mr. KERSHAW rose simply to express his hope that the hon. member for Southwark would adopt the suggestio❑ of the hon. member for Montrose. Mr. HENLEY wished, where abuses existed, to see them removed ; but he did not think that the funds of any of those schools should be applied for a purpose different from that which was intended by their founders, and he trusted that no such arrangement was contem plated by the noble lord. Sir G. GREY had understood the noble lord to state that it would be necessary to increase the powers of the commissioners by an augmentation of their staff. If the hon member for Southwark passed his motion, he should be prepared to show that the present commis sioners had power to conduct the first part of the in quiry now proposed. By the law, as it at present stood, endowed schools were bound to send in, before such day as the commissioners appointed, a full statement of their revenues ; but it would be impossible, with so limited a staff, to undertake the whole inquiry. Mr. PELLATT then withdrew the motion. SUSPENDED WRITS. On the motion for the adjournment of the house, Mr. WALPOLE wished to know what course the Covet nment meant to pursue with regard to the writs for the boroughs of Cambridge, Canterbury, Barnstaple, and Kingston ? Lord J. RUSSELL said that the Attorney-General would make a motion on the subject of the hills he hid prepared for prevention of bribery in those boroughs be fore the orders of the day on Monday next. He did not see any objection to defer the issuing of these writs, but in the case of Tynemouth the matter was different. It was only proper in such matters that sufficient notice, say, six or seven days, should be given to the house, so as to enable any person to take objection to the course proposed, if he should think fit to do so. The house adjourned at seven o'clock. Lord J. RUSSELL—The subject which had been brought forward by the hon. gentleman was, undoubtedly one of considerable importance, and he was not pre pared to deny that some further measures might be necessary for the purpose of thorough investigation. The inquiry, however, proposed by the hon. gentleman would be attended with considerable expense, and would, in fact, be an interference with the commission which was appointed last year. (Hear, hear.) It did not appear to him quite obvious to what an inquiry into all the particulars referred to by the hon. member would THE . SUN. LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MARCH 17, 1854, TILE CHARGE OF CORRUPTION AGAINST IRISh MEMBERS. The select committee in this case met again yesterday morning at twelve o'clock, and resumed the investigation. Dr. Gray was recalled. He remembered in 1851, on a motion of Mr. Disraeli's, on the 13th of Feb., of that year, Mr. Sadleir came to him in the lobby of the House of Commons, accompanied by Mr. F. Scully, the hon. member for Tipperary, and said, "Here is Scully won't vote for us after all, giving as a reason that he got an appointment for his brother," Mr. Scully wanted to vote against ministers on that occasion, provided he could do so without any breach of honour, he having got a place for his brother from the Government ; and in order to settle the point, the question was there and then submitted to arbitration in a small angle of the lobby —(a laugh)—he (Dr. Gray) acting as umpire. The arbitrators, after discussing the subject for nearly two hours, decided that there was nothing in that ap pointment which he (Dr. Gray) believed was worth 5001. a-year, which made it a matter of honour with Mr. Scully to vote for the Government ; and on that deci sion Mr. Scully went and voted against Ministers, which he had wished to do iu his conscience. He (Dr. Gray) mentioned that as an instance of the difficulty of induc ing Irish members to vote against the Government. As another instance, he might state that on the very same night a difficulty arose with Mr. Reynolds, who about half-past seven o'clock refused to vote against the Go vernment. He (Dr. Gray) and some Irish members pressed him a good deal in the lobby to vote against the Government, but he said his conscience would not allow him to do so. (A laugh.) Whilst he was talking to Mr. Reynolds, Mr. Fagan, the member for Cork, came and pulled him (Dr. Gray) aside by the skirts of his coat, and produced a document in Mr. Reynolds's handwriting, which was a list of members who could be relied on as men who would vote against the Government on that occasion, and which included the name of Mr. Reynolds himself, in his (Mr. Reynolds') own handwriting. He (Dr. Gray) took that document to Mr. Reynolds, who acknowledged it to be in his hand writing. Whereupon he (Dr. Gray) said to him " Now, Reynolds, if you go and vote with the Government on this subject I will frame and glaze this—(langmiter)—and hang it up in the oflice of the Freeman's Journal, and advertise it in every newspaper in Ireland as being for public exh:Lition there. Upon holding out that threat, Mr. Reynolds went and voted against the Government. (Laughter.) He (Dr. Gray) was talking on the lobby to another Irish member, and endeavouring to induce him to vote aeainst Ministers on that occasion, when Mr. Hayter canoe up, and taking the Irish member by the button, said : "Dr. Gray, you have had this gentleman long enough ; I am sure he won't be corrupted by you ;" and he went away with Mr. Hayter and voted for the Government. (A laugh.) Mr. Samuel Bindon, a barrister, living in Gloucester street, Dublin, referred to by Dr. Gray as a person who could corroborate a statement he had made before the committee relative to a sale of a place in the Custom house, was next called. He stated that when Lord Derby was in power, a man in the employ of the Cus toms offered him (witness) 91. if he would use bis in finance with the Government to get him promoted to a vacancy. After ridiculing such an offer, witness said he had no influence of that kind, and therefore could not assist him. The man, with whom he was very well acquainted, at la,t said he would give witness 9/. if he would get him the place. Witness laughed at the suggestion, and told the man that it was very absurd to make him such an offer as that. The conversation had closed, and the man was about to leave the room, when witness said to him, " Why on earth did you offer me 91. ? Why was it not 5l or 101. ?" The man replied that that was the sum which the person who had vacated the office in question gave for obtaining it to a member of parliament for Dublin—mentioning the name of Mr. Reynolds. He was positive he mentioned the name of M. Reynolds. In reply to the Chairman the witness refused to give the name of the man who offered him the 91., conceiving that it would be a breach of confidence to do so ; and The Committee ordered the room t o b e cleared. On the re-admission of the public, The Chairman intimated to the witness that it was the opinion of the committee that he must divulge the name. The •xitness stated that, acting under the compulsion of the committee, the name of the man was Michael. Enright. __o C. Anstey, formerly member for Youghal, was called at his own request, and made a statement deifying the truth of the charge that had been made before the committee, that Dr. Power got his appointment of a governorship of a West India Island by means of a cor rupt bargain with the Minister for his support of the Government. Mr. J. Reynolds, formerly member for Dublin, ad dressing the committee, said having just come from Dub lin at great personal inconvenience to contradict the false and malicious rumours and calumnies stated before the committee, and which had been circulated to his preju dice by the press, he trusted the committee would put him under examination at once. The committee ordered the room to be cleared, and on the re-admission of the public, The Chairman (addressing Mr. Reynolds) said he was desired to inform him that the committee did not con sider that the statements involving his name were yet in a sufficient state of forwardness to justify them for calling for such explanations as he might think fit to offer ; but he should have the fullest opportunity of making any statement in his own justification that he might wish.to make at a future period. Mr. Reynolds said, whilst accepting that intimation, he thought it cruel that the evidence given to-d,ty before the committee should be circulated on the wings of the press without his having had an opportunity of contra dicting it in the strongest possible terms ; but whenever the committee decided on examining' hop, he should be prepared to submit to the most stringent examination, and to contradict, Li the most unqualified terms, all the reports circulated to his prejudice. The committee then adjourned to 1 o'clock next day. POLITICAL REUNION. On Wednesday evening,the Earl and Countess of Clarendon gave a banquet at the private residence of the noble Secre tary for Foreign Affairs, in Grosvenor-crescent. There were present—His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, his Excellency the French Ambassador and the Countess Wa lewski, the Duchess of Sutherland, the Earl of Cardigan, the Countess of Newburgh, the Earl and Countess of Bess borough, Lord and Lady Raglan, Lord Brougham, Lord Burghersh, Sir Hamilton and Lady Seymour, Major the Hon. J. Macdonald, and Mr. Norman Macdonald. The Countes, afterwards held her first reception for the season. The company included the leading me m b ers Of the corp s diplomatique and nobility at present in town. Of the former body were noticed his Excellency the Turk ish Minister and Madame Musurus, his Excellency the Greek Minister and Madame Tricoupi, his Excellency the Belgian Minister, his Excellency the Hanoverian Mini ster, his Excellency the Sicilian Minister and the Princess Carini, his Excellency the Bavarian Minister, his Excel lency the Portuguese Minister and the Countess Lavradio, his Excellency the Prussian Minister, Madame and Miss Bunsen, his Excellency the Austrian Minister, his Excel lency the Brazilian Minister, his Excellency the Danish Minister, his Excellency the Sardinian Minister, Count Karolyi, M. de Saux, M. Baudin, Count Greeben, Count Alfred Reventlow Criminil. The general circle included-- The Duke of Argyll, the Duchess of Montrose, the Mar chioness of Ailesbury, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl and Countess of Lucan, the Countess o f Sh a ft es b ur y, th e Earl of Carnarvon, Earl Granville, the Earl of Verulam, the Earl and Countess Grey, the Earl and Countess of Elgin, the Earl of Delawarr and Lord West, the Countess (Frances) Waldegrave, Viscount and Viscountess Mahon, Viscount Castlerosse, Viscount Sydney, Viscountess Palmerston, Viscount Canterbury, Lady Paget, Lady Theresa Lewis and Miss Lister, Lady Seymour and Miss Cust, Lord and Lady Monteagle, Lord Robert Grosvenor, Lady Lewis, Lady Hislop, Lady Molesworth, Lady Mary Wood a d Miss Somerset, Lord and Lady Beaumont, 14,,rd and Lady Wodehouse, Lady Stanley of Alderley, Lady Katherine Harcourt and Colonel Harcourt, Lord Harris, Lady Dal meny, the Bishop of Sodor and Man, Lady Auckland and the Hon. Misses Eden, Hon. S. Ponsonby, Hon. H. Fitzroy, M.P., and Mrs. Fitzroy, Right Hon. W. G. Hayter, M.P., Mrs. and Miss Hayter, Right Hon. S. Her bert, M.P., Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and Mrs. Gladstone, Right Hon. Vernon Smith, M.? , Mrs. Smith, and Miss Fitzpatrick, Sir George Grey, MT., and Lady Grey, Sir Roderick Murchison, Sir Henry and Lady Lytton Bulwer, Sir Benjamin Hall, M P., and Lady Hall, Sir John Young, M.P , and Lady Young, Mrs. Lane Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Reid, Mr. Lister, Mr. Blackwood, Mr. Moffatt M.P., Hr. Monekton Milner, M.P., Mr. De lano, Mr. J. Ball, M.P., Mr. C. Fortescue, M.P., Mr. Flem ing, Dr.and Mrs Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Addington, Mr. Blackett, Mr. Mattheson, M.P., and the Hon. Mrs. Ma theson, Granville Vernon, M.P., and Mrs. Vernon, General Webb, Mr. R. Grey, Mr. H. Baring and Mr. E. Baring, Mr. Gregory, Mr. A'Court, M.P., Mr. Raglan Somerset, Mr. F. Peel, M.P., Mr. A. West, Mr. W. Hay, Mr. Carleton. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge remained until the close of the party at an advanced hour. THE LATE MR. JUSTICE TALPOURD.—Mr. Justice Cole ridge on Wednesday, in his charge to the grand jury at the Derby Assizes, made the following allusion to the death of the above lamented judge :—" I can hardly part with you without expressing my feelings at the great loss the country, the profession, and a large circle of attached friends have sustained in the awfully sudden death of my brother Talfourd. He was sitting, as I do now, dis charging the same duty in which lain engaged, and in the act of addressing the grand jury, when in an instant that eloquent tongue was arrested by the hand of death, and that generous, unselfish heart was cold. Surely nothing can exemplify mo re strikingly the uncertainty of life. There he was, sitting as I am now, administering justice —people were trembling at th e th oug ht of having to come before him, but in a minute his function was over, and he was gone to his own account. Gentlemen, as he was the leader of another circuit, and I believe had never visited this as a judge, he was probably not much known to you either at the bar or on the bench. His literary performances you can scarcely be ignorant of, but, in deed, he was much more than merely a distinguished leader, an eminent judge, or a great ornament of our literature. He had one ruling purpose of his life—the doing good to his fellow -creatures in his generation. He was eminently courteous and kind, generous, simple hearted, of great modesty, of the strictest honour, and of spotless integrity. lam quite sure that he has left a void that cannot easily be filled up. I could not help alluding to this distressing occurrence, the similarity of my present position and employment brought it so for cibly to my mind. I hope you will excuse the allusion I have made to a loss I feel so deeply. I really could hardly dismiss you without indulging in this expression of what is on my mind." The grand jury then retired. THE HEOLA AT CHSISTIANA, FEB. 17.—The English war-steamer Heela, which has been surveying the waters of the three northern kingdoms, having on board a number of officers and pilots, anchored on Saturday off Drobak, having previously touched at Flebkeflord and Christiansand. Ten of the officers and pilots visited this city the day after, and as soon as it was known a num ber of people of every class assembled at once at the Freemasons'-lodge, where, with universal approbation, a committee was chosen to invite the Englishmen to a collation to bid the British seamen welcome to Norway's capital, and evince the lively sympathy felt not only here, but through the whole country, for the British people, especially at the present moment, when about to enter upon a contest for freedom and civilisation against barbarism and despotism. The Englishmen, however, could not well accept the invitation, as they had been enjoined to avoid whatever might be deemed demonstra tions. It was, however, equally welcome to them as a new proof of the warm sympathies they had experienced from Norwegians wherever they had met them. It is well, indeed, that Englishmen should receive such un mistakeable proofs of the feeling of the country at a time when the neutrality of the united kingdoms is not yet acknowledged by Russia, and we have thus in a manner given a sign by which our policy will probably be directed. This is so much the more fortunate, as several English newspapers have declared that the Swedish Norwegian policy has a leaning towards Russia. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —Fifty thousand Cures have been effected by Du Barry's delicious Reva,lenta Ambica Food, without medicine, inconvenience, or expense (as:. t saves fifty times its costin other remedies). " Twenty-6 ve years nervousness, constipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I had suffered great misery, and which no medi cine could remove or relieve, have been effectually cured by Du Barry's Food in a very short time. W. R. Reeves, Pool Anthony, Tiverton." " Eight years' dys pepsia, 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 delicious food in a very short time. I shall be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Flavel, Rid lington Rectory, Norfolk." " Three years' excessive nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm, an d general debility, which rendered my life very miserable, has been radically removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Alexs. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen." —" Fifty years' indescribable agony from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation, flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach, and vomiting; has been removed by Du Barry's excellent food. Maria Jolly, Wortham Ling, near Diss, Norfolk." Copies of testi monials of 50000 cures (including those of Lord Stuart de Deci es , Major -General Thomas King, Drs. lire, Shorland, and Harvey (gratis). In canisters, with full instruction; 11b., 2s. 9d. ; 21b., 4s. 6d. ; 51b., lls. ; 121 b., 225. ; super-refined, 51b., 225. ; 101 b., 335. The 101 b. and 121 b. carriage free. Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, Lomion ; also, Fortnum, Mason, and I Co., purv e y ors to her Majesty, Piccadilly. , • ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE. OXFORD CIRCUIT—STAFFORD, MAROR 15. CROWN COURT. (Before Mr. Justice Wightman.) Ellen Davis, a young married woman, was indicted for the wilful murder of her child, Isaiah Davis, at Wolver hampton, on the 17th December last. The husband of the prisoner left her to go to work on the above day, at six o'clock. There were three chil dren in the house then, one a baby a month old. On his return at twelve o'clock, he asked where was the baby, and she said, sullenly, it was in the well. The husband at once got a neighbour to go and search the well with him, which was in the cellar of the house, and they pulled up the child with a pike On being spoken to as to how it got into the well, she said it fell in, and she did not know why. She did not make an alarm. She looked a sullen stupid woman, and a doctor who attended her in her first confinement, said she then suffered from puerperal mania to such an extent that he recommended her to be sent to a lunatic asylum, where she was confined for several months ; and he believed her to be on the above day in the same state as when he ordered her to the asylum. Acquitted on the ground of insanity. THE RIVER MURRAY.—Mr. Peel has laid on the cable of the House of Comiuons copies of despatches received from the Governor of South Australia on the subject of the navigation of the Murray, 28 - porting the sucoessful prosecution of the steam navi gation of that river to a distance of 1,500 miles from the sea, and giving an account of the mea sures proposed for promoting the colonization of the vast basin of the river, and for the reservation of land on its banks, with a view of preventing the issue of squat ting licenses. Sir H. Young had the pleasure of re porting to the Legislative Council in October the arrival of the first cargo of river -borne wool, and the Council awarded to him, and also to Captain Cadell, a medal in commemoration of the opening up of the navigation. The expedition proceeded up the river 150 miles beyond Swan-hill, and found the depth of water at this point three fathoms, and the breadth about 200 yards, and this was the average during its course. The descent of the river was commenced at this point, because as much wool was awaiting transport that Captain Cadell had no commercial object in pro onging the voyage on this occasion, although it was believed that the navigation could be extended with equal safety to Albury, within 400 miles of Sydney. The Governor, who himself accompanied the expedition, states that on the banks of the river and its tri butaries (the Loddon, the Goulburn, &c.) there cannot be less than 1,500,000 sheep, besides numerous cattle and horses ; and he feels confident that the pro duce of wool in Australia is about to be very consider ably and rapidly augmented by reason of the steam na vigation of which this voyage is the commencement. He considers that a great passenger traffic may be expected to the gold diggings, since they may be reached by the way of the Loddon, within thirty miles of Ben digo, and the Goulburn, from the Murray, more easily than from Melbourne ; and this route from Europe, avoiding the dangerous navigation of Bass's Straits and Port Philip Heads, will also be the most conve nient for emigrants to the interior of New South Wales and Victoria as well as South Australia. The Governor reports that the aborigines are few in num ber and generally well conducted and disposed to work, and are, to a considerable extent, actually employed in most of the avocations usual on sheep and (Attie stations ; that the climate is salubrious, the banks abound in timber, and that, as far as regards soil, climate., and other natural advantages, the vast basin of the Murray, equal in area to seven Great Britains, is well adapted to sustain a large population. With regard to th e ques tion whether the river can be continuously navigated throughout the year as easily as at the season of that expedition (September), that is, he allows, a point to be resolved only after a longer acquaintance with the pe riodical changes to which the river is subject ; but, he says, he has no reason to question its navigability by steamers for at least eight months of the year. [AD VERTISEM ENT. LIEUTENANT OF DRAGOONS CURED OF RHEUMATISM BY EIOLLOWAY'S OINTME.N I AND PILLS.—This officer, who is in the Dutch army, states that Holloway's Pills an d Ointment have cured' him of rheumatism, which appeared to be incurable, as trial, dn was tlie w tr i e th at c n either sea-bathing, vapou r -b a th s, nor preparations vauntssd several thd himany months'good, r i t a h s e su d r oc e t r o e r m , e a d ft i e e r s, cess. At this juncture he commenced taking • thee" Pills. and rubbing the Ointment into the complaining paats twice a day, which effectually cured him in the n e s i x weeks. The t ru th o f this statement can be vou c he d f of by Mr. J. B. Stratman, o f Bois-le-Duc.—Sold by ti all d rug. or gists ; and at Professor Hollowav'e establishment, 2 1 4.., :Wand, London. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. TATTERSALL'S.-MARCH 16. Although the room was only thinly attended, a con siderable amount of business was transacted, as the sub joined quotations will show. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES.—Lamprocles was again in high favour, 6to 1 was taken freely. Several com missions were in hand to back Defiance, but only two or three of them were executed on the terms required. The general answer to applications was, Full, and done with." Red Lion came back to 9to I—taken to a pony— and 20 to 1 was taken to a small sum about Pancake. GREAT METROPOLITAN STAKES.—Ariosto, Jonathan Martin, Virago, and Lamprocles were in good request ; 10 to 1 against each of the first two was taken, 11 and 12 to 1 about Virago, 1,000 to 60 and 200 to 12 about Lamprocles. The odds quoted against Haco were laid to only 101. CHESTER COP.—Offers of 20 to 1 on the field indi cated something unfavourable with regard to Newmin ster-2000 to 80 taken about Brown Brandy. THE Two THOUSAND.-100 to 30 taken about Boiardo, 4 to 1 offered against Ruby, and 200 to 30 taken about Champagne. THE DERBT.—Autocrat and King Tom were still coldly received; 9 to 1 was taken to upwards of 701. about Dervigh ' • 425 to 25 and 1,000 to 60 about Wild Huntsman ; 625 to 25, 1,000 to 45, and 2,000 to 100 about Marsyas, who was backed at the commencement against Ruby for 500 even. At the close Ruby was no minally at 25 to 1. 500 to 15 was taken three or four times about Andover, and some fresh investments were made on Acrobat at 30 to 1, on the chance of his jump ing up again. 2,000 to 50 and 3,500 to 100 taken about Bessus, 1,000 to 20 each Old Noll and Boiardo, 1,000 to 15 The Early Bird, and 1,000 to 15 wanted about Ostrogotb—odds which were offered against PhEeton after 1,000 to 20 had been taken. 1,000 to 10 betted against Marble Hill. THE OAKS.—The bets on this event were only to small sums. TATTERSALL'S—THURSDAY. CLOSING PRICES. WILLOUGHBY HANDICAP (WARWICK.) sto 4on Mr. Moseley's Bourton. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES. 6to 1 agst Lamprocles (taken freely). Bto 1 aget Defiance (taken). 9to 1 agst Red Lion (taken). 20 to 1 agst Pancake (taken). METROPOLITAN. 10 to 1 agst Ariosto (taken). 10 to 1 agst Jonathan Martin (taken). 12 to 1 agst Virago (taken). 16 to 1 agst Lamprocles (taken). 22 to 1 agst Haco (taken). CHESTER CUP. 20 to 1 agst Newminster (offered). 25 to 1 agst Brown Brandy (taken). 2,000 GUINEAS. 10 to 3 agst Boiardo (taken). 4to 1 agst Ruby (offered). 7to 1 agst Champagne (taken). DERBY. 6to 1 agst Autocrat (taken and offered.) 7to 1 agst King Tom (offered). 9to 1 agst Dervish (taken). 16 to 1 art Wild Huntsman (taken). 20 to 1 agst Marsyas (taken). 25 to 1 agst Ruby (offered). 30 to 1 agst Andover (taken). 30 to 1 agst Acrobat (taken). 35 to 1 agst Bessus (taken). 50 to 1 agst Old Noll (taken). 66 to 1 agst Pliwton. 66 to 1 agst Early Bird (taken). 1000 to 10 agst Marble Hill (taken). 1000 even between Ostrogoth (Gameless colt) and Boiardo (taken). OAKS. 4to 1 agst Meteora (taken). 6 to 1 agst 0111Q0 (taken). 7to 1 agst Sortie (taken). DERBY, 1855. 1000 to 15 aget Dirk Hatterick (taken). MORETON-IN-MARSH STEEPLECHASES. THURSDAY. The Free handicap was won, six lengths, by Mr. J. Tollitt's Rejected, lOst 81b (Lovesy), beating Mr. Golby'a Ploughboy, list 71b (S. Darling), second, Mr. Symonds's The Dean, lOst 81b (W. Archer), third, Mr. Fry's Bar sell, 94 Blb (Twiddy), Captain Berkeley's Mina, lOst 121 b (Tasker), and Mr. Blood's Star of England, lOst 21b (W. White). Six lengths between the second and third ; Bad-sell and Mina walked in, and Star of Eng land was pulled up a mile from home. The Hunt Steeplechase was won in a canter by Mr. Tollitt's Tarn Wadlin, 12st. (Twiddy), beating Mr. Tollitt's Premier, 12st (Lovesy), second, Mr. Oldham's Harry, 13st, including 141 b extra (Brown), third, Mr. F. Jacob's Frederick, 12st (James), Mr. Day's Miller, 12qt (Enock), Mr. Phillips's Trueboy, 12st (Gillett), Mr. J. Day's Mountain Dew, 12st (S. Darling), and Mr. Blake's Little Jane, 12st (Owner). The Hack Selling Stake was won in two heats by Mr. C. Linden's Gift, beating Mr. C. Symonds's Janus and four others. ST. IVES' STEEPLECHASES, THURSDAY. The Selling Steeplechase was won by Mr. Wadey's Brown Bess, lOst 71b (Nightingale), beating Mr. Lang ham's Baylock, 10st 71b, Mr. Bait's Reindeer, lOst 71b, and Mr. Fielding's the Monk, 10st 71b. The Handicap Steeplechase was won by Mr. Jones's Lady Grey, 10st 101 b (Mr. Hartley), beating Mr. Fox's Dragsman, lOst 81b, Mr. White's Queen Bess, lOst 81b, and Mr. Gibson's Lively Bob, 124 81b. The Selling Hurdle Race was won in three heats by Mr. G. M. Ede's Pimperne (401.), lOst 71b. (Owner), beating Mr. Davis's Sadler (201.), 9st 71b (carried 9st 101 b), and six others. The winner was bought in for 45 guineas. The Handicap Hurdle Race was won in two heats by Mr. Wallace's Lucy, list (carried list 21h) (Mr. Ekard), beating Mr. Jones's Kate Kearney, lOst 81b. (carried 104 101 b), and three others. The Scurry Handle tp was won by Mr. Fielding's Monk, beating 10 others. METROPOLITAN SECOND SPRING STEEPLECHASES.— We have authority to announce that, to avoid clashing with the Bath fixture, the Metropolitan Second Spring Meeting, at Harrow, is postponed from the 31st of March to the 11th of April. RACING FIXT MA Warwick Spring 2l Catterick rRES FOR 1854. ,CH. Northampton 29 Abergavenny 30 AP Croxton Park 4 Epsom Spring 6 Cheltenham Spring 12 Newmarket Craven 17 M. Newmarket F S Chester Spring 9 Lothians& Edinburgh 11 Newmarket S S 16 Shrewsbury l3 L 1 Catterick Bridge 19 1 Abergavenny 2O York Spring 25 I Malton 27 :AY. Lothians and E din burghlB Lewes l9 Bath Liverpool Hunt Spring ..24 Epsom 30 TE. Bibury 2B Stockbridge ........ 29 Ludlow 30 Winchester 3O JIT Manchester Ascot Heath... l3 Newcastle-on-Tyne 20 Hampton 2l Carlisle 26 JU Newmarket Worcester 4 Lancaster 6 Mansfield ll Liverpool l2 Ipswich 13 Stourbridge l7 Stamford Nottingham 2O Goodwood 25 Ripon 31 AII( Brighton Brighton Club 4 Wolverhampton Yarmouth 8 Reading Odiham 9 North Staffordshire 9 Wolverhampton l4 SEPTE War wick Lichfield W :stern Meeting Rochester and Chatham 7 Doncaster l2 Pontefract 18 NOME Epsom Autumn 2 rIIST. Egham 22 York 23 Hereford 24 Eccles Chelmsford 29 Derby 29 Plymouth 3O Lincoln 3l :MBER. Bedford. ................... 19 Leicester . ................. 20 Manchester Autumn ...21 Lanark Newmarket F 0 26 Nortliallerton 2B MBER. j Cow badge Hunt 8 THE MONSTER SCREW AND PADDLE STEAMER FOR THE EASTERN NAVIGATION COMPANY.—Active prepa rations are now in the course of progress at the yard of Messrs. Scott Russell, at Millw all, for laying down the immense iron st eam - s hi p for the Eastern Navigation Company, the peculiar construction of which is exciting vast interest among shipbuilders. In consequence of there not being sufficient length in the yard for her ways, it became necessary to add the adjoining yard of Messrs. Napier to Messrs. Scott Russell's works, and many hundred piles have been driven in preparatory to laying down the keel, which is to take place in the course of the present month. The dimensions will be nearly as follows :—Tonnage, 10,000 tons, or builders' measurement, 22,000 tons ; extreme length, 700 feet ; extreme breadth, 83 feet ; depth of hold, 58 feet ; with screw and paddle engines of the aggregate n ominal horse-power, 2,800-horses; stowage for coals, 10,000 tons ; for cargo, 5,000 tons ; 500 first class cabins, with ample apace for troops and lower class passengers. Her entire construction will be similar to the tube of the Britannia-bridge, a kind of double ship, with a space of 2 feet 8 inches between, of a cellular formation. She is to have 14 watertight compartments, most of them 40 feet apart. With these, it is said, she will carry out sufficient fuel for a voyage to Calcutta or Australia and back to England, and avoid the delay of lengthened stoppages and coaling which other steam ships are subject to. The ship is designed by Mr. Brunel, the Great Western Railway Company's engi neer, and who, it will be remembered, designed the Great Britain. It is expected by that gentleman that she will accomplish the voyage between England and India, by the Cape, in 30 or 33 days' less time than the distance is at present done by sea-going steamers. sh e is to be completed la 18 months,-674ping Onsets, SHIPPING INT ELLIGENCE. CUSTOM HOUSE, MARCH 16 ENTERED INWARDS.—The Baron Osy, from Antwerp; William Thornborrow, Guernsey; Hanover, Rotterdam; Rapid, Tereeiro ; William, Guernsey ; Matilda, do. ; Blonde, Occra ; Dublin Lass, Guernsey ; St. Michael's, St. Kitt's ; Vesta, Oporto ; Rodsley, Manilla and the Cape of Good Hope ; Vrouw Helleclina, Groningen ; Al bertus, Guernsey ; Elena, Altea ; Florencia, Bilboa ; Ingram, Altea ; Culloden, Mauritius ; Paramatta, do. ; Unition, Guernsey; W. S. Lindsay, Whampoa ; Eleanor, Mauritius ; Earl of Auckland, Rotterdam ; Eclipse, Mau ritius ; Triton, Calais ; Soho, Havre ; Elen Ezer, Aarhaus ; Rhine, Rotterdam; Glenniore, Mauritius; James, Lou vain ; Governor, Buena Ventura ; Admiral Nelson, Guernsey. ENTERED OUTWARDS FOR LOADING.—The St. Michael's, for St. Kitt's ; Baron Osy, Antwerp; Brisk. Bathurst and River Gambia ; Concordia, Rotterdam ; Charlotte, Port Philip ; Gleanor, Mauritius ; Earl of Auckland, Rotter dam ; Eclipse, Mauritius ; Soho, Havre ; Triton, Calais; Cicely, Dominica ; Missionary, Hobart Town ; Patriots, Sydney, N.S.W. ; Bengal, Port Philip. CLEARED OUTWARDS WITH CARGO.— The Ann, for Madras ; Adonis, Bremen ; Neptunes, Hamburgh ; Ysable Segundo., Santander; Maria, Constantinople and Odessa; Sea Queen, Kurrachee ; Thalia, Mauritius ; Newcastle, Ghent; Dromo, Cape Coast Castle • City of Paris, Bou logne; Olillia, Port Philip ; Condor, Dunkirk; Juno, Antwerp ; Eliza, Demerara ; Tiger, Hamburgh ; Olar, Dunkirk. LIVERPOOL, MARCH 16. The Orontes (s s), from Alexandria, arrived this morn ing, had on board four of the crew of the barque Spring, sunk at Gibraltar, by collision with the Himalaya (a a). BALDIINA, March 9.—The ice in the gulf, with the wind at W. have again loosened from the coast, and drifted about one wort from the land. Fair way still fast ; mild weather with thick fog ; temperature 3 deg. above zero. EMDEN, March 11.—The Eelzie, from Newcastle to Ham ourg, which put into Delfzyl, Feb. 27, with bowsprit sprung, loss of anchor and chains, and other damage, has repaired, and proceeded on her voyage. GEFLE, Feb. 28.—Since yesterday the weather has been mild, and a thaw set in. To-day the sky is overcast, with indications of cold or snow. UMEA, Feb. 25.—The Hedwig Sofie, from Simrich, which arrived at Constantinople Jan. 13, was hailed by a pirate the same day off the Sea of Marmora, which, under the plea of obtaining a supply of water, ranged up alongside, but finding the crew armed and ready to defend themselves, she bheered off again. Piti.A.u, March 2. -The Cite, hence for Hull, which put back Feb. 16, leaky, and with other damage, has dis charged ht.r cargo, and the damaged portion will be sold. HELIGOLAND, March 7. Several northern logs and planks, part of them marked on the ends " G. G." and " H. G." in red paint, and various pieces of wreckage, have balm picked up off this island and brought here. Since the gale the weather has been constantly fine. Wind to-day, southward. AMSTERDAM, March 3.—The Haabet, from Rotterdam to Hartlepool, was fallen in with in the North Sea, die masted and half full of water, and the remainder of the crew (four men) taken off and landed at Helv..etaluys, by the Vrouw Neeltje. The master of the Haabet had pre viously been washed overboard, and two men drowned in the hold while shifting ballast. COUNTRY MARKETS. DERBY SMITHFIELD-3,14.RcH 14. There was a limited number of fat beasts to-day, fully maintaining last week's prices, and a clearance was easily effected. The supply of sheep was large and in good re quest, without any alteration in price. Fat and store calves were again plentiful. There were several pens of fat pigs, both English and Irish. The following were the quotations : —Beef, 6d to 6id ; mutton, 7d to 70 ; lamb, Od to Od ; veal, 7d to Od per lb. ; pigs, 9s 9d to lOs per score ; rough fat, 5s 9d to Os Od per 141 b.; hides, 20 to 3d per lb ; call-skins, 3d to 4d per lb. EDINBURGH GRAIN.—MARCH 15. Nor The supply of grain in the market to day was moderate. Wheat, barley, and beans fell considerably, while oats rose 4d on the average, a considerable quantity having beau sold for seed. Sales for all sorts were dull. Wheat uu the top 2s i d, and the average Ss Bd, down. Barley on the top ls, and the average 3d, down. Oats on the top 2s 8d down, and the average 4d up. Beans on the top 4s up, and the Average 8d down. Total Supply and Sales. Wheat 379 qrs sold 273 qrs Barley B2l qrs sold 654 qrs Oats 1769 qrs... sold 1187 qrs Beans l5l qrs sold 102 qrs Top of Wheat 62 tlb 90s Od Barley s7e lb 47e Od Oats -- Beans 69 lb 60s Od Average of wheat .0 15 9 0-12ths Ditto of Barley Ditto of Oats Ditto of Beans BOSTON-MARCH 15. At to-day's market the wheat trade was in a most el - state, - and with a limited supply the demand ruled exceedingly dull at a decline of 3s to, in some instances, 5s per qr., and even at this reduction only little business was transacted, the dealers generally operating with ex treme caution, whilst some merchants refused to look at a sample. In the value of spring corn no material change occurred. Prices :—Wheat, red, 648 Od to 75s Od ; white, Ms Od to 778 Od extra. Biis Od. Barley, 328 Od to 38s Od. Oats, 248 to 30s. Beans, 428 Od to 49s Od. Peas, 45s Od to 50s per qr. NEWARK-111.4mm 15. At our Corn-exchange to-day we had a good attendance, and liberal supplies of grain, which experienced a heavy trade. Wheat was 4s to ss, and barley was is to 2a per qr., lower. Other articles as before. Prices :—Wheat, white, 83s Od to 90s Od; red, 82s Od to 86s Od. Barley, malting, 3's Od to 428 (Id grindin .6s Od to 38s Od. Oats, old, 3isOd to 36s ; new, 27$ Od to 308 Od. Beans, 46s Od to 62s Od. Peas, 008 Oti to 00s Od. Malt, 66s Od to 70s Od. Tares, 68s Od to 72s Od. RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, MARCH 16. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market was depressed to-dal, at a (lodine upon yesterday's rates, but closed at a slight advance from the morning's quotations : —Aberdeen, 111; Caledonian, 27 ; LancasLire and Yorkshire, 634 ; L e eds N. Ahern, 134 ; Liverpool, Crosby, and S ,uthport, ilk Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln, 214 ; Midland, 59k' South-Eastern and Dover, 18 11-16, 4 ; East Lancashire , Quarter Shares, 84; Buckinghamshire, 9). MANCHESTER, MARCH 16. STOCK EXCHANGE.—The business still continues to be small in amount. The sales were :—Birkenhead, Lane,' shire, and Cheshire Junction, 11A dis. ; Caledonian, 2711 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 633 x.d. ; London and North" Western, 1001 ; Manchester, Sheffield and Lincoln, 211; Midland Railway Consols, 59i ; South Eastern, 18i n. BIRMINGHAM, MARCH 16. STOCK EXCHANGE —There was but little doing 00 Change to-day. Midland closed at 60s. BRISTOL, MARCH 16. STOCK EICHANGE.—The market continues without ani' mation. Great Westerns, which opened this mai ning et 78, closed this afternoon at 77i ; and Vale of Neath share° were done at 15. TRIAL OF DR. SMITH FOR MURDER.—On Monday last Dr. Win. Smith, lately residing at the old village of St. Fergus, near Peterhead, Aberdeenshire, was placed at the bar of the High Court ofJusticiary, Eninhurgh, charged with the murder, on the 19th of November last, of Wc M'Donald, farm-servant, on whose life the prisoner is said to have effected various insurances for short periods, and which were oa the point of expiry when M'Donald was found lying dead in a ditch, in a field near the prisoner's house, having apparently been shot with a pistol. The respectable station hitherto occupied by the prisoner, and the extraordinary grounds of suspicion alleged against him, gave the trial a degree of interest which has not been paralleled in Scotland for many years, and the court-room was densely crowded with a most respectable assemblage, not a few of whom had come from the locality, a distance of 150 miles, to witness the trial. The Lord Advocate (who had come down from London for the purpose), with the Solicitor-General (Craufurd) and Mr. Clark, conducted the prosecution. The Dean of the Faculty of Advocate; (Inglis) and Mr. Young appeared for the defence. The pri soner, a tall man, negligently dressed, of fair complexion, and about 35 years of age, pleaded "Not Guilty," and jury were accordingly empannelled. Throughout the day he maintained great composure, and often evinced cheer fulness. On the first play only 14 out of 81 witnesses for the prosecution—chiefly the relatives of the deceased—had been examined. Next morning, on the meeting of the court, the progress of the case was stopped by the ab sence of a juror, regarding whom medical evidence was given that he was labouring under a degree of mental excitement such as to disqualify him from discharging the duty for which he was sworn. The diet was con tinued against the pri soner , a gainst whom criminal let ters will immediately be served, so as to .bring on a nevi trial as early as possible. BI R7ll S. OF A SON. On the 13th inst., at the Anberries, Essex, the wife of C. Alexander, Esq. On the 15th inst., Mrs. Richard Sharpe, Grange Toad , Bermondsey. OF A DAUGHTER. On the 13th inst., at Downham Rectory, Cambridge shire, th e wife of the Rev. Frederick Fi s h er. On , the 14th inst., at Home-lodge, Hammersmith, the wife of Louis Jacob. MARRIED. On the 16th inst., at St. Mary's Church, Kensington , the Rev. H. G. Garrett, curate of St. Mary's Church, Car: diff, to Emma Graham Eardley Howard, of 3, Drayton terrace, Old Brunipton, daughter of the late Captain W.• H. E. Howard, of the H.E.I.C.S , Bengal Fusiliers. On the 16th inst., at St. Pancras Church, Frederick , second son of Lewis Helbling, Esq., of Tulsa-hill, to Maria, eldest daughter of George H. Wulff, Esq., of Duncan terrace. On the 14th inst., at Queen's-road West, Regent ' s-park,Mr. Thomas Augustus Warde, youngest son of the late Ambrose Ward, Esq., in his 23d year. On the 14th inst., at 20, Blomfield-street, Westbourne' terrace North, Helen Malcolm, the wife of Mr. John R. Stevens, aged 24. On the 15th inst , in Harewood-square, the infant daughter of James F. Saunders, Esq. On the 15th inst., at the Castle Priory, 'Wallingfor d, aged 72, Thomas Duffield, Esq., the High Steward of the borough, and magistrate of the county of Berks. )NDoN: Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG , of No. 112, Strand, Printer, at the sun Office, No. ill: , Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the county of Middlesex, Friday, March 17, 1854. the pr( (Striper capital in the Cent. 13. T 1 the 31.4 the Com the »ref 14. Tt th.n the share to tore shat 15. T , tenni they thir ing to th 16. ',h all iuch 1 givirg fu 'youth ][A C° RE The n Fehru try between port. 'he ineloTn4 weight al To in,t. Must be above, of Horne ni Swan-wi' Wood-qtr Horse, 9( Blue B dilly; Go Ea4le, R street. The C to any pa the charg INI Richard 3 Jamey F Pad 0411 g The Fey A. M. „Contain 4 1 ( 4fger Ga The Poi Deed of Binary cuo , statie the future This is amongst and tea has done This C. assuring four shill Aswuranc annually, Mont of and in ad This C , tollow.m2 1. The apeeifled 2. An 3. The ever tha 4. The at any ti 5. Eel 6. Fm assured The pi bnt by a zna , be All sacri continuo As an secure 5 nutty of at any the first By dout annuity ter the annuity %he effei 25 to t 201., pa premiut policy annuity :Nil 02 117pocl T) wh! RAI em 1 on T lowix now the 3 rent. Com 7 Pan)', Comp pane, p* y. parry. 8. 7 Comm pany. 9. 9 held t under Rai w 'whole half tt under 430.000 intere , Direct Proj les ab them: nation the iiro Willi John H. A. John. Tien r Chart Lond T rant publ tal,e the übvi,