The Sun. — London, England, 1839-03-11 00:00:00

EVEN ING EDITION. I DELICATE INVESTIGATION IN THE QUEEN'S PALACE. (From Bell's Neu;teehly Messenger.) A strange story has been in circulation during the week, which The Age of to-day relates in the following terms. We are happy to state that the character of the lady, whose name is prominently mentioned, is far above suspicion : It we have recently abstained from denouncing I the pernicious influence which rules in the Palace, and which has drawn even the Sovereign into the toils ;--if we have not lately set forth the painful position of the Duchess of Kent, insulted and slighted by those who ought to honour and love her ; it has not been because we were unaware of what was going on, but because we felt convinced that the practices of the Camarilla would soon become so noto rious, as that we should no longer have to battle it alone, as we have hitherto done, against their odious continuance. Lady Flora Hastings is, as our readers know, in attendance as one of her Ladies in Waiting upon H. R. H. the Duchess of Kent, and is a pure ) hearted, pure-souled, and worthy dau g hter of '.hat sincere friend and true Patriot, the late i\larquis of Hastings. Her Ladyship's attachment to her Royal Mistress, was one grievance ; the continm mice cf friendly intercourse• with the Conroy family ‘7.-:s another offence in the eyes of the Camarilla ; arid Flora Hastings has been destined to experience the effects of their horror at such crimes. We know not r. )eeler the medical toady was the immediate informant of her Majesty,orwhether theßaroness Lehzen took upon 'lerself thzA delicate task, but this we know, that, upon receiving the poisonous insinuation against the Lir f ,me :;f a young and Noble Lady, the Queen sent a certain person to Lady Flora to intimate to her that hor future attendance at the royal table would be emen , ed. Wherefore ?' was the immediate questi )n put by the astonished lady. Because you are be lieved to be enceinte,' was the brusque and venomed reply We will not pause to paint the Noble maiden's ind - gnation. It is sufficient to state that Lady Flora I took instant and decisive steps for at once putting down the irrult and the lie. She immediately sent to Sir Charles Mansfield Clarke, told him the case, and at once cieminded that his professional certificate should be given that the accusation made against her was absolutely and itensely false. Sir Charles Clarke became the witness truth, and wrote the voucher of the Noble Lady's . This she sent off to her brother, the Mar of Hastings, with an account of the whole Hii Lordship posted instantly to town, waited pAi the Premier, and demanded an immediate inter- purity with the Sovereign. As a matter of course, Lord Melbourne attempted to treat the matter with his usual levity—' it was a mistake,' forsooth ! But Lo7d Hastings is not the brother to be careless of a sister's honour. He required that the mistake' should be forthwith rectified by the Royal lips, and persisted :n demanding the audience. As a Peer of the realm this could not be refused to him ; and accordingly his I Lordship was admitted to the Royal closet. Lord Melbourne taking ESPECIAL CARE TO BE PRESENT ALL THE TIME. The remonstrance addressed to her Majesty, was made with all the spirit and energy of one who, whilst he felt he was a bro ther, did not forget he was a subject. His Lord ; siiip spoke most respectfully but firmly, and de ' nounced the slabderer in terms which my Lord Melbourne might think strong far a mere mis take,' but which her Majesty admitted to be Ifittingly applied, for she, without hesitation, offered all the reparation due to the wounded feelings of Lady Flora and her family. Lady Flora Hastings continues in the Palace. Does the medical toady ? We have reason to believe that he does not,—and that he is relieved from any immediate attendance at Court. But is the —-- to remain ? As we said before, we do not allege any participation on her side in this most fiendish attempt to ruin an emiable and pure girl ;—but we do state that the epiniol is gaining ground, and indeed has reached a roost painful height, that the persons by whom the Sovereign is surrounded are most distasteful to the moral discrimination of the people of England." Another Paper to-day says :—" We do not believe a yllable of •what is stated in regard to the titled at tendant on an illustrious lady." It is a " Tory lie, set on foot for purposes of annoyance to Lord Melbourne and his Royal Mistress. The Carlton slanderers ought really to be ashamed of themselves." A Tory Paper of to-day gives another acc,unt of this delicate investigation : " It would appear that there has, for some tin o past, existed a desire among some of the attendant upon Royalty to separate the Duchess of Kent from daily communion with her illustrious daughter. li )w, or for what purpose, this intrigue has been foment , d may deser:e a separate inquiry ; it is enough for us to state that we hear the amiable mother of our Queen lik 3 been, on more than one occasion, treated by °facia' ; with great disrespect, while residing under the roof of her daughter's palace. Finding that noble lady immove able, or impregnable, to their attacks, the int:iguing 1 party had recourse to another means o f anno y ance , 1 hy assailing the reputation of an attached female friend, expecting, perhaps, by that course, to attain their disreputable end. With this view, they fixed i upon Lady Flo ra H as ti ngs ( a no bl e ma id en o f uni:n -' peachabl e character attached to the household of the illustrious Duchess) an imputation of an odious descrip tion, a slander of the most degrading and offensive nature, cllnrging her with profligate intercourse, and accompany in,; that charge against her honour with the corroborative opinion of a member of the faculty. The indigna tion of the Duchess of Kent, when she heard of this haic invention, was worthy of the mother of our Queen ; she hastened to the Royal closet, and requested to kno , ,v the authors of this foul charge, and, having learned who they were, insisted upon an immediate inves- Ligation into the truth or falsehood of their malicious report. Matters having thus assumed a very serious as pect, her Majesty, as we hear, was constrained to send for the Premier and the Lord Chancellor, while the Duchess consulted, in the first instance, the Speaker of the House of Con-miens, who recommended an application to the Duka of Wellington. In the interim, the noble bro or the accused lady, the Marquis of Hastings, :Irri7ed to vindicate the injured honour of his sister. Aftr some communications with Lord Melbourne, in v.hich the Noble Marquis is said to have expressed his ioli..;, , nation at the base conspiracy in terms not to he misunderstood, the Premier granted him an audience of her Majesty, when the Marquis again repelled the foul charge, in firm but respectful language, and fully V:lP.ii c.lted the character of his noble sister from the slightest sa, , picion of dishonour, To appease the injured feelings of the lady and her brother, and convince the world of the malevolence of the falsehood, it was graciou s ly proposed to receive Lady Flora immediately, and ed so that she should accompany her Majesty in the Royal pew, at Chapel on the following Sunday (as it will be perceived by the Court Circular that she did). But whence did all this infamous accusation spring? Rumour points to one who ought to be the list to stigmatise her own sex. True, she never enters a palace ; but her poisoned tongued might have found some credulous persons to convey the slander. At any rate, we hope the Noble Marquis wi l not rest satisfied until he has traced the gross invention to the original propagator. With this hope the only :ti - .riettient that the persons can make who first cir culated the report in Buckinghatn Palace, we shall t. r the present suppress their names. It haz be .n a-serted that Lady Flora Hastings had rendered ' more obnoxious to the slanderers by her intercourse, of long standing, with the f one who, since her Majesty's accession to ne, has lost his influence. B u t sure l y th i s )e true, as it would prove the conspiracy - :sore of a private than a political tendency. lharles Clarke is known to have been consulted is very extraordinary affair, and to have completely crated the much-injured lady from all suspicion, it le to that eminent practitioner to say that lie is not A 5 S:r C t:;e person alluded to in the following paragraph, whiA w 2, quote from The Morning Post :—" It. is understood th t li- rashness of the member of the faculty above al I.fdel to has been visited with such marks of serious (Hs p;t:- uro as willrelieve him of futur e t rou bl e an d a tt en d- anee at the Royal Palace." NEW POOR-LAW LlTlGATlON.—Huddersfield is likely to furnish some work for the gentlemen of the long robe at the approaching Assizes, there being no fewer than three causes arisinc , out of matters connected with t h e New Poor-lam. One of s them is the prosecution of Bond and others, Poor-law Guardians, for the riot which took place at a meeting of the Board in the Court-house in May last. It is a Crown prosecution, and will be tried by a special jury. Mr. Cresswell and other eminent counsel are, we understand, retained for the prosecution. Another case is the trial of the parties charged with being engaged in the riot at the Philosophical Hall, on the evening of Mr. Acland's lecture. The third case, Beaumont against Redfearn and Taylor, is an action for libel. The plaintiff, it will be recollected, was appointed one of the Relieving Officers of the Huddersfield Union ; and after the Poor-law Comrnissionera had confirmed his appoint ment, the two defendants addressed to the Commis. sioners a letter, impugning Beaumont's character. The Commissioners directed the Board of Guardians to invei ti.atc the charge thus made against Beaumont; and the Board decided in his favour. He has brought an action against them, for the alleged libel contained in the letter to the Commissioners, and the damages are laid at 7001. The leading counsel on the Northern Circuit are retained, and the case will excite considerable interest. One of the defendants (Redfearn) is well known as " Jen) o' t' Pan," and is a character of no little originality. Ho will now have an opportunity of seeing " Cother boile," to his heart's content. —Halifax Express. _ AN OLD P RISONER .—At th e rising of th e .Insolvent D e bt ors ' C ourt l ast wee k an app li ca ti on f or 1 1 „,°_ eto file his sch e d u l e was ma d e on t h e par t o f a p er s o n r d been someears confined in Whitecross-street prisms. He h a d filed a petition three years ago ; but had then had declined t o p rocee d . H e, as well as h i s w if e, waited on his fellow-prisoners, and had made 701. is-year. The recent alteration, h owever , h a d a ff ecte d hi s profits, and he i was now a nx i ous to get out of prison as fast a s h e co been his own d. Mr. Co mm i ss i oner Law said he had prisoner, and all h e could do for him was to grant a rule Nisi to file a petition. The rule was ranted accordingly. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. CHARLES PERRY'S BANKRUPCY. Friday was the day fixed for the proof of debts under the fiat issued against the above bankrupt, described as a " quill and ink manufacturer," but better known as the late Managing Director of the Anti-Dry Rot Company, whose disappearance for a short period from his creditors, under painful circumstances, created great surprise in the commercial world. A number of claims were admitted, as also proofs, but no discussion arose thereon. The bankrupt, it is said, 101 shortly be prepared with his accounts to pass his last exa• mination. CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT. ALLEGED FORGERY OF MEXICAN BONDS. —David 11'11 in, who was remanded from last Session, was placed at the bar to answer an indictment charging him with forg ing certain Mexican bonds. The ATTORNEY- GENERAL, with whom was Messrs. Bodkin and Shee, appeared in support of the prosecution. At the former Session the prisoner pleaded guilty to the charge of embezzling certain bonds. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said, that as the prisoner bad pleaded guilty to a portion of the charge, he was instructed to state that the parties for whom he ap peared considered the ends of justice would be answered by not pressing the charge of forgery, and, therefore, with the consent of the Court, he should not offer any evi dence in support of that indictment. Mr. CLARKSON who appeared on behalf of the prisoner said that he felt it to be his duty to inform the Court, that the prisoner had given all the information and assistance in his power to prevent the consequences that might have arisen from the offence which he had committed. A Verdict of Not Guilty was then recorded. Oa Saturday, James Whoolley was charged with tt:e manslaughter of Charlotte Rees, at Woolwich, on Tues day last. The full particulars of this case were reported a few days ago in this journal. iThe Jury found the prisoner Guilty, but recommended him to mercy. The LORD CHIEF JUSTICE, in passing sentence upon the prisoner, Laid that there was but slight difference be tween criminal intentions and criminal negligence ; and although the crime committed by the prisoner was one of a most serious character, yet, combining the mitigating cir cumstances with the recommendation of the Jury, he would pass a lenient sentence on the prisoner. His Lordship sen tenced him to 14 days' imprisonment in Maidstone gaol. Martin Smith Metcalf was arraigned on a charge of embezzling 1351., the money of his employers, Mr. East hope, M. P., and otbess, the ;proprietors of the Morning Chronicle Newspaper, of which ho had been the publisher. The prisoner, who had previously pleaded Not Guilty, withdrew that plea, and acknowledged his guilt. Mr. C. PHILLIPS, on behalf of Mr. Easthope, earnestly recommended the prisoner to mercy. Mr. Bonxim, on the part of the prisoner, said that he had a number of witnesses to his character, many of whom were Magistrates of the county, and others of high stand ing in society. The COMbiON SERGEANT said he would not now pass sentence upon the prisoner, but consider whether the pro secutor's recommendation would induce a less sentence than transportation to be passed upon him. NEW COURT. Charles Tutch, a young man of genteel appearance, was charged with several robberies of coats from halls of gen tlemen's houses. He was found guilty on the two first in. dictments ; but on the third, which charged him with steal ing a clock and a coat from the house of Mr. Bushell, in Russell-street, the servant swore that he committed the theft between the 20th and 26th of January, at which time he was proved to have been in the House of Correction. The RECORDER, in passing sentence, said he should have transported the prisoner for twenty-one years, if it had not been for the result of the last trial, and sentenced him to seven years' transportation. A LODGING-HOUSZ IN ST. GILES. —Sarah Singleton, aged 18, John Jones, 18, and James Smith, 19, were indicted for stealing a coat and waistcoat, a pair of trowsers, a hat, a pair of shoes, a shilling, and other articles, the property of Frederick Bye, under the fol. lowing singular circumstances:— The prosecutor, a lad about the same age as the pri soners, stated that about ten at night, on the Bth of February, he met the female prisoner in Holborn, and asked her if she could tell him where he could obtain a cheap lodging, and she took him to a house in Carrier street, St. Giles's, and he paid Bd. for his lodging. He slept in the same room with the prisoners. Mr. Sergeant ARABIN—You mean with the young men ? Witness—We were all three there--Jones and Smith were there before me. COURT—How many beds were there in the room ? Witness—Only one, my Lord—we all slept together.— ( A laugh.) COURT—What, Singleton and all ?—Yes. COURT—How came you to be from home that night? Witness—l have stolen a rug from my father, and dare not go home. He proceeded to state that when be got into bed he put his clothes, &c. by the bedside. Jones and Smith got up first in the morning, and left him and the girl in bed together. After some time be was left alone, and when he arose to dress he found every vestige of his clothing gone, and he had nothing left but the shirt he slept in.—(Laughter.) He found a ragged pair of trousers in the room, and having put them on he sallied forth barefoot to give the alarm. The prisoners were apprehended the next day, and Jones was clad in his trousers. No other part of his property has been found, I Prisoner Smith—Nothing was found on me. _ Jones—The trousers, its true, were found on me, but ii was very dark when I got up, and I took them in mistake. —( Laughter. ) _ . The police-constable who apprehended the young men said, that they told him that they had sold the other things and spent the money; they might as well be " lagged" (bsnished) for it as not. Wm, Frewett, who occupies apartments in the lodging house, was called to prove that the prosecutor slept there on the night in question, and his denuded state next morning. The youthful prosecutor was again called, in conse quence of information which had been given to the Court. He stated that about three years ago he was tried in this Court, and sentenced to seven years' transportation, pur suant to which he was sent to the Convict Hulk off Chat ham. Atter remaining there eighteen months, in conse quence of interest made on his behalf, the remainder of the time was remitted. Since that time he has lived with his father—a member of the Society of Friends. Mr. Bye, a venerable and apparently care-worn man, stated, on his " affirmation," that at the time of the rob bery in question, his son had forsaken the parental roof in consequence of having committed a wrong. He identified the trowsers, which had been taken from Jones, to belong to his son. Mr. Sergeant ARABIN summed up the evidence, which, although it came from a very polluted source, was worthy of consideration, for bad as the principal witness had been used, by his own admission, he continued to be a very wicked boy, yet he had been confirmed by other evidence. There was no doubt but the girl was used as a " decoy " to pick up stragglers to be conveyed to this den of thieves to be plundered. The Jury, without hesitation, pronounced all the pri soners Guilty. Upon inquiry, it turned out that the trio had been in previous " trouble." The Learned JUDGE told them that, as previous punish ment had not effected its object, they must all lease this country. The sentence of the Court was that they each of them be transported beyond the seas for the term of seven years. POLICE INTELLIGENCE. MAN SION-.HOUSE. A GEritus.—A boy about twelve years of age, named Chapman, was charged with having stolen a pocket-hand kerchief. He had been frequently apprehended and pu nished as a pickpocket, and has more than once pleaded successfully before a Jury by a mixture of eloquence and seeming contrition. Henry Isaacs, a constable, stated that the prisoner was pointed out to him as a boy who had just stolen a pocket nandkerchief. The prisoner was at the moment walking arm-in-arm with two girls of the town, who were evidently acting as his " blinds," and the moment he saw witness, he endeavoured to pass the handkerchief to one of the girls, but it fell to the ground, and he was taken into cus tody. The girls escaped. 'qr. HOISIiR—Oh: I dare say his ladies are waiting about the Justice-room to know his fate. Let the officers look into'the next room. The moment this direction was given there was a move ment in the outer room, and two girls were seen to run down stairs in great consternation. They were imme diately secured and placed at the bar. Isaacs at once identified one of the girls (Eliza Cle ments) as the person to whom the boy handed the hand kerchief. The boy (staring at the girl)-1 know nothing about her, 1 never saw her before. Two policemen declared that the prisoner had said the girl was his sister. The Boy—Not at all. I pointed out quite a different sort of girl, who hai just gone out. These young women are strangers to me, so that if I was guilty they must be innocent. Isaacs—My Lord, he is a clever fellow, and has lately had six months in Newgate for a robbery. The Boy—l acknowledge that I have been in error, but I have shown my sorrow, and been punished for that. Why is it to stick to me for ever ? Ido assure you, my Lord that this charge is a mistake. The girls both said that they never beheld the prisoner before. The Boy—That is the only word of truth that has been spoken about me, and I hope, my Lord, you will let me go. Don't double the punishment for my ell offence. Isaacs—He always works with the assistance of women, my Lord, and the moment he is out of prison, he begins to rob as if nothing of the kind happened. The LORD MAYOR—If we can get rid of him for seven years, I hope he will come back a better boy. The Boy—What will you send me for? No property was found upon me. There were numbers of boys like myself in the street, and the handkerchief was lying on the Rround. Am I to get seven years for that ? Is that fair play? Eliza Clement—What am I here for, my Lord? Am I to be sacrificed because I happen to be passing by the Man. sion-house when the bey was at the bar ? I never was afore a Magistrate in my life till thislblessed minute. • Several of the policemen said that the girl was a most notorious thief and had been sent to Bridewell frequently, from the Mansion-house and Guildhall. Eliza Clements--Now, is it likely that if I was such a body, I'd go fling myself bang into the arms of the police ? Isaacs—There is nothing, my Lord, they are not des perate enough to do. • The Boy—My Lord, I beseech you to discharge me. I am entirely innocent, but in future I shall ever avoid going near a crowd, that there may be no pretence for accusing me. He here cried aloud, and made a most touching ap peal to all around. The LORD M ATO4 --I have myself let y ou go f rom that bar more than once, and I am told that you at once began i again at your old work. The Boy--I know your Lordship has been very, very kind, and your kindness was not thrown away, for I reformed : I have left off all my bad practices, and I lead a new life. Oh, pray my Lord !do not sp what you have so kindly done. The LORD MA fOR—It won't do ; you are too clever f the streets of London, and you and Eliza Clements must go to the Old Bailey for trial. The other girl I shall dis charge. The discharged girl curtsied to the Lord Mayor, and, i r turning to Eliza Clements, said to her in an under tone, " Didn't I tell you you'd get no good by your curosity' about him." The two prisoners were then committed. THE SUN, LONDON, MONnA V. MARCH 11 IQ*-19 BOW-STREET. A middle-aged woman, named Anne Farrrel, was on Friday brought up charged with stealing two tabe cloths and other articles, value 405., the property of Mrs. Charles Mathews, her mistress, who appeared at the office to identify the property. The prisoner declined saying anything, and she was fully committed for trial. ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OP MADAME VESTP.IS The case being dispo- , ed of, Sir F. Roe congratuleed Mrs. Mathews on her esc,ipe from the effects of the p!ot which had been laid to do her serious personal injury. At the time he read the letter which led to the discovery e.fth,• box he was inclined to think it was a hoax played off by some idle person, but on sceing the box and the construction of the materials in it he entertained no doubt that the inten. tion of the person who had sent it was of a very criminal nature ; and he was confirmed in that opinion since. Mr. Burnaby had attended, while Mr. Watts, a person qu;;li fied, had examined the combustible materials, and the re sult of such examination was, that an explosion must ho;e taken place if the box had been incautiously opened, and the materials it contained would have inflicted serious inju ries on whoever happened to be in the room. . . Mrs. Mathews said that Mr. Watts informed her the explosion would have blo,vn away the ceiling of the room, and caused much damage to every article within reach of Sir F. ROE said he had put this case into the hands of an officer, by whose exertions it was to be hopei so:ne clue would be discovered to a circumstance so involved in mystery, the object of which was of most malicious cha racter. MARLBORO UGH-STREET. THE RECENT CASE OF SEDUCTION AND DESERTION. Daniel Sims, the young man charged with having decoyed a young girl, named Clara Chandler, to Lond , n, and, after having seduced her under a promise of marriage, robbed her of her clothes, and then deserted her, was brought before Mr. Chambers for final examination. Mary Morrison, another young woman, who lived with the prisoner as his wife, was placed by his side, charged with having unlaw fully pawned a gown belonging to Clara Chandler.—Mr. Flower attended on behalf of the prisoners. Mary Morrison, who appeared to be in deep distress of mind, had been acquainted with the prisoner some years. He promised her marriage, and unfortunately she al lowed herself to be overcome by his importunities. For the last three years she had lived with him as his wife, end all her friends believed that marriage had been contracted between them. About six months ago, he went to live at a shoemaker's in Guildford, leaving her in town, and sup plying her with money from time to time. A few weeks.back he came to live in town again, and when he came home he brought nothing more than his usual luggage. Very soon after this be brought borne a parcel containing a few articles of wearing apparel, which he said he picked up in the street. Being very much in want of money, she, at the prisoner's suggestion, went and pledged a gown, which was afterwards owned by Clara Chandler. Several respectable persons, friends of this young wo man, among the rest her brother, came forward, and stated the surprise and sorrow which the disclosure of the young woman's situation had caused them. They had all believed the young woman was married, and now they knew to the contrary, they were most anxious she should give up the prisoner's connection, and return to her fi iends at Cheltenham. Mr. CONANT pointed out to the young woman the dis graceful situation in which she had placed herself, and urged her to return to her friends. The young woman said, as the worst was now known, she would willingly return home. Mr. CONANT then discharged her from custody, and ad mitted her as evidence against the prisoner. Clara Chandler then stated at length what bas already appeared. The prisoner lived at a shoemaker's shop, where she was servant; he persuaded her to pack up her things and come away to London with him, without letting any one know the circumstance ; betook her to a house in the Westminster-road, passed the night with her, and then recom mended her to go tosomc person in Brownlow-street, and re main there until be could get their luggage, which had not been landed. The next day he told her the luggage Lad been sent to Southampton, and the following day he told her it was all lost. From that time she bad never seen him until after he was taken from the shop of Mr. Box, Regent street, where he was at work. When in custody the pri soner gave up a quantity of her clothes, but the most valuable portion had never been restored to her. The father, a respectable-looking man, was a farmer near Guilford. He was willing to do what he could to hide the disgrace of his family. Mr. CONANT said the young girl was to be pitied, as she had been beguiled by a promise of marriage. It would be better now for her to go home. The father said his daughter was not quite sixteen. He had a large family, and several of his children were set tled in London. It had been determined to make some arrangements to keep the girl from home, as in a country place her misfortunes would be sure to be talked of, an d perhaps be the occasion of producing taunts and jeers not only upon herself but her family. The prisoner was fully committed. THE MARKETS (From the London New Price Current of March 8.) SUGAR.-111 West India Muscovadoes importers obtained an advance of 6d per cwt for the lower descriptions, but during the last two days business has been checked by the scanty show and the increasing demands of importers. Oa Wednesday the purchases amounted to only 300 hhds and trs, and yesterday only the same quantity was sold. This afternoon the purchases amounted to only 200 hhds and trcs, but full prices were obtained, and some of the merchants are not inclined to sell at all. RaFINED.—The grocers have been compelled to pay a further advance of 1;; lumps in large parcels entitled to the double bounty have been sold at 78s to 795, and mid at 76s 6d to 775, the latter is now the price for lumps suitable for the scale ; the price of double crushed is uncertain. MAURITIUS.—Rather higher prices have been obtained ; at public sale 800 bags sold with animation, good greyish yellow brought 63s 6d a 645, ord 62s 6d, fine brown 61s, the demand has been principally for brown low yellow and strong grey qualities. This afternoon the public sales consisted of 77 b wrcls 1,743 bags, which went off at previous rates, and the prin cipal part was sold, but there was less animation in the biddings ; the former brought from 65s to 65s 6d for flee yellow, and the latter 623 6d to 63s 6d for low to mid dling, 64s 6d to 65s 6d for good to fine yellow, and low brown 54c 6d to 555, good middling 58s 6d per cwt. EAST INDlA. —Bengal has been in good demand, and for white descriptions rather higher prices have been ob tuined, brown sorts have brought is advance ' - at auction 169 casks 3,590 bags sold readily, the former brought 52s a 53s 61 for low dry brown, the latter fetelied 633 6d a 67s for low to good, 6Ss 6d for fine white, and 64s 6d for good bright yellow. White Bengals are now some shillings cheaper than Matei tius or West India. For Manilla rather higher prices bl.ve been obtained, 24s has been piid for 2,000 bags goo'i mid brown, and nothing of low dry quality is to be boug ht under 23s 6d, good sorts are held for 255. Siam is held firmly. This afternoon 190 casks low brown Bengal at put.lic sale sold at 51s a 53s per cwt, being its full value. FOREIGN. —White and yellow Havannah are held for full prices. In Brazil high rates are demanded. 402 chests Bahia have been imported since our last. The stock of Brazil is much the same .as it was in 1838, but of Havannah it is much larger. MoLassus. —West India at previous rates, 31s 63 'mid for good Montserrat, 31s for fair Demerara. COFFEE.—British Plantation has maintained the he proved rates of last week, 150 casks, 110 barrels and bags sold briskly at the following rates—Jamaica fine to fine Ce ordinary at 102 s to 105 s; Dominica low middling 103 s 6d to 105 s; Berbice middling 108 s 6d to 110 s 6d. Ali (la. scriptions of East India have been sought after by the gro cers, but the short supply has prevented much business. Ceylon of good ord quality is Is higher. Mocha in small parcels has brought rather higher prices. For a cargo of Java, sent from Holland to the Cape, and shortly expected, 76a has been offered and refused. Tkis afternoon a part of the cargo expected from the Cape, and noticed above, has been sold at 76s ; the quantity is 1,000 bags. Rust, BRANDY, AND HGLLANDS. —Prices generally can not be quoted lower for Jamaica Rum. Leewards: iin. porters have submitted to a reduction on the rates of this day week of Id per gallon ; 5 per cent over proof at 3s 3d, which makes the value of proofs 3s lid. Brandy i s held firmly. In Geneva there is no change. British Corn Spirits as last quoted. INDIGO.-The market for East India continues . very quiet. At the puble sale of 328 serons Guatemala, prices gave way 4d a 6d for low Cortes, and 2d for other descrip tions. Sombres good at 6s 9d a7s 6d. Cortes good, 5s a 5s 9d, low to,mid 3s a 42 10d per lb. TALLOW.—Since our last, prices have improved 2s 9d a 3s for Petersburg Yellow Candle on the spot, 505 to 503 3d has been pairl for first quality ; for delivery in the last three months, 47s a 47s 6d. Town has sold m ore freely. SALTPETRE.-In Rough importers have submitted to a reduction on previous rates of 6d per cwt : refraction 11+ to 7i per cent. at 26s 6d, refraction 9} to 8i per cent was bought in at 263. British Refined in steady request. Ort.s.—The only alteration in the value of Fish Oils is in pale Seal, which has been sold at 31/. Sperm has maintained its former currency. Linseed Oil, 27s 91. Rape has undergone no change in value. In East Ineia Cocoa Nut or Palm there has been scarcely any business doing. SPICES.-Pepper-At public sale, 126 bags Sumatra brought aid a 4id for dark and light quality ; 2,100 bags Malabar have also been offered, a part only of which was sold, good heavy at 4id to 4id. For Pimento rather higher prices have been obtained : by private treaty, 1,500 bags have been sold at 3id to 4d; at auction, 390 bags were principally sold at 3kd to 4d. Cassia Lignea is held for higher prices. East India Ginger—Full rates aro re quired : at auction, 4,000 bags Bengal have been offered ; good quality at 22s 6d ord was bought in at 19a 6d. Since the commencement of the present year, there have been reported within a small portion only of one of the metropolitan districts (the N division of I-lox ton, little more than a mile in extent), no less than s'x cases of violent death, several of them involving ebargcs of murder. NORTH DEVON ELECTION. Sir William Molesworth has addressed the let ter to one of hin principal tenants in North Devon : "MY DEAR SIR-Aly reason for writinz to you .:t ee present moo eat is to explain to you, very shortly, why I feel it my dote. a R.•foir u re.. via te vote for Mr. Buli: r, he declare himeell in f ., vour of the Bsilot, and of an weeaci meat of the Reform Bill. I write to you because I hoow the independence of your mind, and that you are suffi ciently acquainted with my charact er t o b e we ll aware t h a t I wish merely to appeal to your judgment, and not to exercise any of that species of influence which a landlord can exercise over his tensnt_an influence which I zki.hor, aid will never rest satisfied till I see subverted. E; , her Mr. Buller is aware of the existence of it-,Cmid,vli , n, or he is not. If he be not aware of its existence (a f let which I can hardly conceive), he must be utterly of one of the most important questions that 11,v I.ceu di.,.cus;:ed during tie last seven years, and thercO,.e is unfit to be our Repreentative. If he be aeare, as undoubtedly he is, of the e. - uel manner in a hid) that influence has been employed (arid in no tof England more than in the nei4hboering di V ision of Devon ; and if he refuse to vote for th, a.ilet, he is at been tin Reformer of proved auses ; and we Reformers ought not appear in any way to support him. The same arguments arid the same conclusion apply to the general questien of an amendment of the Refor m Act, Referring ro Mr. Dun combe's motion on the address. is Mr. Buller a finali , y or an anti-finality man? If the former, wherein does h' slif fer from a Tory, except in mere profession ? Ought we to delude ourselves and deceive others by supporting on who may call himself a Liberal, but is really a foe to the pu. lar cause ? " Trusting that the honest A:eamanry of North F,ev may put Mr. Buller to the test on these points, Iremain, me Dear Sir, yours truly. " NNILLIAM MOLESWORTI " 79, Eaton-square." SHIPPING IWIELLIGENCE. (LLOYD'S.) CUSTOM HOUSE,7IIAncit 9. ENTERED INWARDS. —The Commerce, Mason, for Rotter dam ; Lady Brougham, Kingston, Terceira ; Britannia, Cheesman, Hamburg; Richmond, Jersey; Charlotte, Asperman, Rensburg ; HOffnung, Arians, Carolin e nz:el ; Vrow Christina, Dodd, Amsterdam; Archer, Ru Dantzic ; John Wood, Murray, Havre ; ()lutist, Hanoian, Rotterdam ; Mentor, Giese, Dantzic; Hart, Emerson, Ham burg; Marianne, Hansen, Corsoer : Providentia, Madsen, Wyburg ; Mercurius, Dreyer,:and Marianne, Lendeman, Al tena ; Mariane, Schmidt, Dantzic; Candidate, Goo,twin, Leghorn; Elizabeth, Rotterdam. ENTERED OUTWARDS.—The Adele, Brebion, for Calais; City of Boulogne, Tune, Boulogne; Antwerpen, Britten, Antwerp; Joseph flume, Steel, Honduras; Mediator, Champ lin, New York; Neptune, Feyen, Emden; Commercial Packet, Hart, Rotterdam ; William Jolliffe, Pashley, Calais ; Alberton, Call, Sydney; Albion, Taylor, Hamburg; Papi neau, Allan, -Montreal ; Ruekers, Dawson, St. Vincent : Royal Tar, Randal, Quebec ; Hebe, Wright, St. John's, N.B. CLEARED OUT CA RGO.—The Antwerpen, Britten, for Antwerp; Batavier, Dunlop, Rotterdam : City of Bo:Jog:lie, Tune, Boulogne; Phoenix, Lefort, Havre • William Jolliffe, Pasliley, Calais; General Kyd, Jones, Madras; Gladiator, Brillon, New York ; Union, Rommens, Ostend. IN BALLAST.—The Agnes, Ronnie, for Rotterdam, Forbes, Glenn, and Baltic, Lovenek, Dantzic; Francis, Healey, Piilau. SOUHAMPTON, MARCH 7.—The Hope, Wyatt, sailed hence about five weeks ago, for Dublin (with empty casks branded "Watkins"), and has not since been heard of. MEst.—A smack struck on a rock off Milford, on the Ist instant, and capsized : crew drowned. Several empty porter casks, marked " Wat kins, Dublin," have been washed out of her. Hum., Maucu B.—A brig is reported on shore on Sand Hale. RENDSBURGH, MARCH 4.—The Gesina, Schrceder, from Bremen to Stettin, got on shore off Heilengenhafen, and re mained there for some days, but has come off, and put into Fehmern with damage, and must discharge to repair. TRIESTE, FEB. 20.—c'even vessels (one English, one Ame rican, two Sicilian, from Naples to Galipoli, two Greek, and one Austrian, from Trieste to Algiers,) were wrecked on tho coast of Leece, during a violent gale on the 20th ult. Conru, FEB. 15.—The Ardito Macedone, Ballich, bound to Antwerp, is sunk at Zante. GRAVESEND, MARCH B.—Arrived ',the Lady Brouzliam, from Terceira ; Providentia, Wyburg ; Marianne, Mentor, and Hecker, Dantzic; Marianne, Corsoer ; Britannia, Ham burg; Marine; Murcurius, and Susanna, Altona ; Fortuna, Tonning ; Five Sisters, Emden ; Fetif, Ditzum ; Frau Chris tine, Amsterdam ; Elizabeth ; Commerce, and Ourust, Botter dam ; Britain, Nieudiep ; Amity, Jersey. Sailed the Liver pool, for Lisbon ; Matilda, Bordeaux. VESSELS SPOKEN WITH. —The Zealous, for Lisbon, 3d inst., lat. 48., long. 9.; Spence, Barbadoes, 4th, lat. 50., long. 8,, by the Castilian Maid, Scott, arrived at Liverpool ; Sack Constantinople to Cork, 2d inst, lat. 49. long. 12. ; Strath more, Liverpool to Marseilles and Quebec, Liverpool tai St. John's, N. 8., 4th, off Cape Clear, by the Standard, Peile, arrived off Kinsale'; Atalanta, of Greenock, lat. 42., long. 11., by the Dart, Davis, arrived inthe Downes. EAST INDIA SHIPPING. ARRIVALS.—The Richard, Cunningham, from Bengal off Kinsale, sailed Sept. 17 , St. Helena, Jan. 10 ; Isa. bella Cooper, Currie, from Bengal, off Skibereen, for Li• verpool, sailed Nov. 8, St. Helena, Jan. 14. ARRIVALS AT SURZ.—The Hugh Lindsay (stearn,r), Feb. 11, from Bombay, sailad Jan. 19. Spoke the Co lombo, Mackellar, bound to Suez, Feb. 7, 180 miles from Cossiea. ARRIVALS AT KEDJERRIL-Bengal, Java, Jobling, Dec. 22, from Khyok Phoo. China, Beddle. Dec. 23, from London and Madras; Balguerie, There, from Bordeaux and the Cape; Richard Bell, Millman, from Newcastle; Cordoviaz, Sulez, from Bordeaux; Resolution, Dixon, Dec. 24, from Mauritius and Penang; Janet, R,che, Dec. 24, from Mauritius ; Ann* Eugenia, Terceira, Dec. 25, from Pedeir Coast; Corwassee Family, Stayers, Dec. 26, from China and Singapore; Margaret, Tapley, Dec. 28, from Ranjoon ; Water Witch, Reynell, Dec. 28, from China and Singapore; Will Watch, Br;stow, Dec. 29, from Penang; Amy, Guy, from China and and Singapore ; Algerine, Young, from Singyore, Dec. 6 ; Snipe, Opain, from Moulmein and Am herst; John Hepburn, O'Brien, from Moulmein and Ran goon ; Tartar, Rough, from Java and Singapore ; Sophia, M'Nair, from London and the Cape; Ncustrie, from Havre and Mauritius; Frederick Warren, Johnson, from Boston ; Victoria, Saunders, 30th, from Bristol ; Jahn Knox, Thompson, and Fatima, Fethers, from Liverpool; Exmoutb, Warren, from London; Windsor, Nesbett, in January, from London and Madras. ARRITALS AT BOMBAY. —The Cavendish, Bentinck, Messieter, Jan. 3, froin Calcutta ; Lancaster, Campbell, 6th, from Liverpool ; Jane, Wilkson, 7th from Sumatra ; Ccaley Castle, Morgan, Bth, from China and Manilla ; her Majesty'aship, Wellesley, Rear-Admiral Maitland, from Trincomalee; Berkshire, Clarkson, 9th, from Lon don ; Swallow, M'Alister, 10:h, from Calcutta; Fort William, Melville, 10th, from Chula and Manilla ; George Cuvier, Techoires, from Bordeaux ; Hon. C,;m pany's schooner Constance, Jenkins, 10th, from Sciiide ; the Semiramis, Porter, 11th, from Scinde ; the Cathie: ine, Potter, 11th, put back ; the City of Doonot, Wilson, 12th, front China; the Hannok, M'Gre2or, 12th, from Seihde; the Emigrant, Peerce, 12th, from Liverpool and the C-pc; the Charlotte, Leibschuager, 15th, from China. ARRIVALS AT CHINA—The Omega, Strachan, from Singapore; the Eucharits, from Manilla; Jamaica, Mertin, from London and Batavia; Ellen, Dixon, from ?Manila; Orwell, Collard, from Madras. ARRIVALS AT MANILLA.-The Ellen, Dixon, Oct. 27th, from New South Wales, and sailed, Nov. 7th, for C,ia; ; the Fort William, Melrose, 28111, from China, and sailed, Nov. 20th, for Bombay ; the Duchess of Northumberland, Roxburgh, 30th, from China, to load for Cowes for ordure ; the! Bel - woolen, Tait, Nov. 2d, from Chins, and s 1 tab for Batavia; the Sealeby Castle, Morgan, 4th, from China, and sailed, 20th, for Singapore and Bombkv ; the Francis Stanton, Lefcvre, 12th, from Singapore; the Otwell, Jevine, 14th, from New South Wales, and sailed, 20th, for Singapore. ARRIVALS AT MADRAS.---The Patriot, A;k h al t l i P e ll ve S, R wti c ; from 2Bh' VfriozmagaNpeatwartZ:ClahnaddeslnDdilcQrquueeen,, Marshall, from Coringa; Eden, Cook, 29th from South Au'striilia' and Batavia, and sailed Jan. 2d for Calcutta ; Ci;lembo, M'Kellar, 30th from Calcutta, and sailed 3d Jan. for and Suez ; Pondicherry, Bond ruin, Jan. Ist from Cal: utta and sailed sth for Bordeaux ; 1)1 . r - ingot!, M . ReLzie, 6th from China, Singapore, Malacca, red Penang; Lord Lyn doch,Stead, 10th, from New South Wales and Sine;a:v:re. ARRIVAL AT COLOMBO, CEYLON, —Abbotsfori, hers, Dec. 20th from London. DEPARTURES FROM BOMBAY.—Malabar, Pollack, JAL 3d for Cape of Good Hope and London ; Tuttay, RoY.n. son, sth for Malabar; Coast Wellii,gton, sth for Colo n ho ; Thetis, 6th for Penang ; Tory, 9th, for China ; 10th, for:Penang ; Dormia, Carrnelita, and Salacia ; and Indian Oak, 12th, for Calcutta ; El M. Steamer Se:ni ramis, 15th for Scitide ; Marg,alor, 16th for China; Ju piter, 17th for Liverpool. PAGANINI-Tbe case between Paganini and the Directors of the Casino Paganini in the d'Antio, e.trne on for hearing on Thursday last before the Tribune) le Premiere Instance, Paris, and it being established that the Maestro had contracted an agreement to perform at the concerts to be given at the institution, but had refused to fulfil his engagement, he was decreed to pay damages to the amount of 20,000 fr. We have before us a curious circular—partly lithographed—panty written—of which the following is a Copy " The Dr. Johnson Tavern, Fleet-street, Feb. 18, 1839. This " We solicit an interview with you on an early day, at such an hour and place as you are pleased to appoint, for the purpose of entreating you to support the National Pe tition and the People's Charter, when introduced jag Parliament. A reply will oblige Your Obt. Servants, ROBERT KNoz, Delegate for Durham County. appears, by the ROBERT LOWERT, Delegate for Newcastle-on-Ti.:e. street an interview " on an early day," draw n so licits from Fie! t- Jcoirucriulanr:etiAaysoN, notwithstanding Deleg t a h t en forit Manchester. of Dr. Johr.sr.a, Post -Office stamp, to have been Posted at Gravesend on the 22d of February—four days after date ; and although up under the learned auspices two of the Members of Convention have dekgated to the third, or the whole three have delegated to the Conven tion Secretary, the arduous task of attach in g th e signa tures to th e lithographic circular--for the whole three names are written by one hand ! A pretty s p e cimen of the a cqu i rements of our future governors l—Gatesheadob server. SAVING'S BANK O F PARlS.—unrlng the month of February, 2,449,097 fr. were paid into the Sa vings' Bank of Paris, by 18,491 contributors, of whom 2,545 were new ; and 2,662,500 francs tyre drawn out. GIN PALACES.—In the Sheriff's and Se con . daries' Courts last week actions were tried and verdicts ob tained against no less than four proprietors of gin -palace., namely, one in the former Court and thise in the lattcr. All the actions were undefended. QuLser signs these 114 ciders in " blue ruin." CHURCH-RATE WAR AT TRURO. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) TRURO, MARCH 6.—The county of Cornwall, which h a heretofore bee,, from p tisns which- • d •• , 1 Eu,op ~, happy character, and renders:: the scesee of religioes per secution alike hateful to every liberal and truly Christian Churchman, as it is galling to the Dissenter. In May, 1838, three Dissenters, named Edwards, Randall, and Barrett, had their goods seized for Church -rates, end those goods were subroit . ed for public sale, by a rene gade auctioneer, who was formerly a professing mem ber of the Independent Chjirch in the town, and con tinued so till he had rendered his connection with the Dissenters too disagreeable to allow of his remaining with them any longer. He then ratted, and went ever to the Church, by the leaders connected with which he was re ceived with open arms ; and now he is ready to de, cud is employed in doing, all the Church's dirty work. When it was known that this man, whose name is William Jane Oke, was the employe of the Church, public iedigoation WS-3 very notch excited, and hundreds attended the sate for the purpose not only of expressing their abhorrence of the robbery of other men's property, for the support of a Church, to the existence of which they were conscienciously and religiously opposed, but also to show their dett.station of a man who could so far outrage the feelings of his fellow townsmen as to wanton in his shame. When, therefore, he attempted to sell the goods seized, he was met by every kind of insult, and the sale was olshiged to be postponed till the evening, when the goods were sold from another room. hr the course of the proceeding several windows were smashed, and the auctioneer lost his hat and wig ; besides which, the window frames of the house in which he sold the articles seized were pressed in, and other damage en sued. The Tories, having the ,purse of the Earl of Falmouth (who " thanks his God that he never voted for one measure of a liberal tendency") to resort to, declared they would indict the persons named for a riot ; but it was believed that the feeling would die away with the excitement which occasioned it. But this was a mis take. The Tories have given notice of trial, and these three respectable men are to be dragged up at the coming Assizes and criminally indicted, along with two others named Spurr and Ball, for causing a riot, and taking en active part in it. Such proceedings are naturally ex citing a very strong feeling, arid almost every one here is expressing his surprise that the High Church party should be guilty of such an indiscretion, as to make martyrs of men who, in resisting the Church-rate im position, were only acting in accordance with their conscientious scruples. But, Quos Deus volt perdere, Arius dementat. The oppression will recoil on the per secutors. Already above a hundred pounds have been quietly subscribed towards meeting the expenses of the persecution, and whateve r mare may be wanted will be readily forthcoming. Our late representative has sent a handsome subscription, and an able letter on the subject, of which the following is a copy Russell. uare, Feb. 1 , 1, 1839. " Dear Sir,—l am " favoured s with yours of the 17th, and cheerfully respond to the appeal made by Messrs. Richard Barrett, J. C. Edwards, and Samuel Randall, by contributing 51. towards defraying the expenses of the persecution instituted against them. While, as you are well aware, I have frequently, but always painfully, declined in dividual applications for pecuniary loan or relief, I feel it the niore incumbent upon me to come in aid, so far as my means extend, of great and useful, and charitable public objects, and never more so than when I can testify my unfeigned abhorrence of every exhibition of politic al rancour and religious oppression. The infamous conspi racy against our late and ever to-be-lamented friend Dr. Taunton and Mr. Tealor was an instance of the one, while the partial and vindictive proceedings against Messrs. Bar rett, Edwards, and Randall is an obvious product of the other, both emanating from the same corrupt source, and resorting to the same vile agency. On this principle, and becAusf. I consider sound educd° ion the best corrective of the evils we deplore, I inclose another five-pound note as my contributi on i n re d uct i on o f t h e d e b t o f the British schools. " The discreditable character of the last Session of Par liament, in which not one single wholesome measure of Reform or relief was enacted, and the equally disgraceful opening of the present Session, by a mawkish speech from the Throne, and a mean, time-serving, place keeping shift of compromise, and open questions and other shabby ex pedients for defeating the just claims and expectations of the people, very much abate my regret at being no longer a Member of a House of Commons, where I should have been in the mortifying position of voting in favour of men whom I despised, only to keep out those whom I feared, and thus to sacrifice health and time, and all the peaceful comforts of social and domestic life, in a course of unavail ing and unsupported remonstrance. " The mischief is, I believe at its heighth, and before another election takes place, constituencies will be con. inced of the wisdom of choosing Members for public pur poses, upon no other than public grounds. The shame ful, the suicidal apathy which pervaded most of the last elections, proves that Reform is but a name, a word, unless its meaning and its substance are worked out by the unbought energies of the electors, no less than the elected. Another such election as the last, and we shall look back with regret to the usurped dominion of our former autocratic patrons, as compared with our own free and ignominious, because voluntary, submission to their agents and dependants. " This is a fruitful theme, and I have neither leisure nor ability to exhaust it ; but we may each and all contri bute to its useful and practical development, by a stead fast adherence to right principles on our part wherever they may carry us, and by as strenuous a resistance to wrong from whatever quarter it may approach, he it in the shape of an oppressive, if not illegal, levy of Church -rate, or.in the more insidious guise of indirect bribery, and pri vate influence and corruption. " With my most hearty commendations to our many valued associations under the old standard of independence, and to the new recruits who must pursue the noble con troversy which we originated. " I remain as ever, my dear Sir, " Your attached and faithful servant, " H. S. Stokes, Esq. " WM. TOOKE." RESOLUTIONS OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, TIIVIODAY, FEB. 28, 1839. PRIVATE BILL COMMITTEES. 1. Resolved —That the present distribution of counties in the several lists, for the purpose of forming Committees on Private Bills, prepared under the direction of Mr. Speaker, as prescribed by the resolution of the 19th day of April 1826, has been found not to answer the object for which it was framed, and that the same be discontinued. 2. Resolved —That with a view to give effect to the opinions and resolutions contained in the Report of the Select Committee on Private Business, presented on the 25th instant, it is expedient that new lists be prepared under the direction of Mr. Speaker, reducing considerably the number of Members above the line in the lists as now formed, excluding altogether those below the line, and having regard to the new divisions of counties as regulated by the Reform Act. 3. Resolved—That a Co.nmittee of Selection be ap pointed, consisting of the Chairman of the Standing Or ders Committee, and of the Chairman of the Committee and of the three Sub-Committees on Petitions for Private Bills, and of whom three shall be a quorum ; and that the said Committee of Selection do report from time to time to the House with respect to the proceedings on Private Bills. 4. Resolved—That no Member whose name shall be on the List prepared under the direction of Mr. Speaker, shall be entitled to attend or vote unless he shall have pre viouly made a declaration, in such form as shall be pre scribed by the Committee of Selection, of his willingness to serve throughout the proceedings of the Committee on the Bill r,ferred to the List to which he belongs. 5. Resolved—That any Member who is not included in the List directed to be prepared, shall be at liberty to make application to the Committee of Selection, alleg ing that his constituents have a local interest in any Pri vate Bill in progress, such Member making declaration of his willingness to serve throughout tha proceedings of the Committee ; and the Committee shall have power to add the name of such Member to the List, if the reality of such interest shall be established to their satisfaction. 6. Resolved—That the Committee of Selection shall select and add to the List such number of Members not 1, - ,cally interested in the Bill in progress, and in such pro_ par ion, as in the circumstances of each case shall in their judgment be necessary ; such Members snaking declara tion of their vvillingn:ss to serve throughout the procee 1- ings of :he C.nornittee. DEATH OF A FORTUNE TELLER.--All in quest was held last week on the body of a woman named Anderson, lately residing in the Waterloo-road, who was found in her bed in a dying condition, and sb3rtly afterwards expired. The immediate cause!of death, according to the medical evidence, wa; the rupture of a blood -vessel on the brain, and a verdict to this effect was recorded. It w ag stated, however, that deceased was an habitual drunkard, and had gone to bed intoxicated on the evening before her death. She had been a fortune-teller, and it was said had cleared about 101 a week by her pretended peeps itito fu. turity, many of her customers being, it was alleged, of fashionable exterior. DEATH OF A SHEPHERD. —William Kerr, shepherd, aged 33, who resided at Hillend, a lonely shiel , ing in the parish of Sanquhar, died almost in a moment, en the evening of the 16th ult., in the very prime and vigour of his days. He had been abroad tending his flock during the whole day, but returned about dusk to a roof tree, which, however humble, afforded every comfort. Stormy as was the night and open the country, his chest was protected by the folds of his plaid, and he appeared in good health and spirits, nor made the slightest complaint of pain or fatigue. As usual, he partook of a frugal supper, and enjoyed the society of his wife and children round a blazing ingle and a clean hearthstone. At ten o'clock he re tired to rest, and had not long pillowed his head when he ut tered a piercing shriek, and anon a groan still more alarming. Deeply agitated, his wife rose and procured a light, and on approaching the bed, discovered to her horror, that her hus band was a corpse, with his two little ones, all unconscious, stretched beside him. In the absence of a single friend or relative, her situation was dreadful; the nearest house stood at more than a mile's distance, and although she twice, in her agony, ventured forth, she was as often driven back by a fearful drift, which rose in spiral columns, and threatened every moment to terminate her existence. In fact, had she persevered, her life must have fallen a ca, orifice, all things considered, to the elemPntal fury of the open wild. With a heart ready to break, and utterance choked with tiara, when her children awoke, she watched with feverish anxiety the first approach of dawn, and then apprised the neighbours of her situation, who, with po m p t humanity, rendered every assistance. Two days subse quent to this sad event tha disconsolate widow was de- Unwed or a third child; and we need hardly add that h.::r sudden bereavement, and hapless lot, have excited the deepest commiseration over the whole tnountaio za,,4e cut which she is a native.--Duntfrieq Courier. UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE. Last week one of the largest meetings that has been witnessed for a long period in that neighbourhrNl was held st the (,: clamorous for the proceorinigs to commence, LI CUI: The chu was not taken nail eight o'clock. Among those present were Mr. Sankey, delegate from Edinburgh, Dr. Taylor, delegate from Renfrewshire,. Mr. Frost, delegate from Monmouthshire. • The galleries were crowded with females, who from time to time cheered the speakers, and appeared particularly enthusiastic in their applause while Dr. Taylor was speaking. Mr. HENRY HETHERINGTON was called to the chair, and a‘ldrs , s'..,ed the meeting at some length, pointing out the objects for which they had assembled. The meeting was 'addressed by Mr. Cleave, Mr. Frost, Dr. To.)ler, and Mr. Harney, who, in the course of his address observed, that his constituents in Northumberland, (even the women have contributed) have already sent 501. and 40,000 signatures, slid 12,000 more in course of com ing up. Not only have they done this, but he could tell them without .fear of Little Lord John, that they had pis tols and pikes, and every other implement that would be necessary, in case they were attacked. With regard to the rural police, intended to be brought forward, he would recommend them to adopt the same plan that his constitu ents intended to do, that was to meet these tyrants as Wat Tyler did at their door thresholds, and cleave them do wn . —( Hear, and immense ch eers .) He was glad to hear them that night say, it would be their last petition.—(Hear, hear, hear.) If they continued in that way of think ing, they would enable him to meet their enemies with the pike on his shoulder.—(Hear - and cheers.) He would recommend their' to be prepared for the worst. To have Universal Suffrage in three months it was their de termination; and give him one thousand such men as . he saw before him, and he would not fear any power on earth. —( Hear.) Men of London, it is worth struggling for— let us get it quietly if we may, but forcibly if we must.— ( Hear and great cheering. ) The resolutions were all passed unanimously, a vote of thanks to the Chairman was then agreed to, and the meet ing separated. EASTERN COUNTIES' RAILWAY We are at all times desirous of layicg before our readers information connected with this important undertaking ; and we have more than once, within the last month, alluded to the subject. The fact of the Directorship having omitted to commence the works at both ends of the line has certainly rendered the inhabitants of Norfolk and Norwich sceptical as to the real intention of the arrange ment ever to visit us, particularly as the outlay for con necting Yarmouth and Norwich appears comparatively so small, and might have at once been made a source of in come to the Company during the progress of the other larger and more expensive works. We are glad to find that at the meeting of the Share holders on Tuesday last, the Proprietary undertook una nimously to complete the contract with Government fur the loan of Exchequer Bills to the amount of lye hundred and thirty-three thousand pounds (the calls upon the shares having been duly paid up to authorise them so to do), and we should hope that this is with the view of proceeding more rapidly in taking up the lands throughout the whole line agreeably to the terms of the - Act of Parliament. The importance to Nor wich of carrying out the entire scheme of' this vast un dertaking there can be no question about. It is not whether people like railroads, but such modes of convey. ance being established in other places, those who cannot go at the same pace as their neighbours will of course be left behind. We have this week received a letter from a friend who has just visited the works of the Eastern Coun ties' Railway, and we shall avail ourselves of some particu lars with which he has kindly furnished us. He says : " On Monday morning, we took an open carriage from Chelmsford and rode up the line. About twelve miles this side of London we commenced our first trip on a locomotive engine, nine of which now ply between Shore ditch and Romford. To give you an adequate description of the vastness, the splendour, and magnificence of the works is beyond my feeble power. The viaduct at Shoreditch, a mile and a quarter long, (now advancing towards completion,) is indeed, to me, a most astonishing work of art. But throughout, the engineer, Mr. Braith. waite, will have every department of the most masterly description. The model of the approacher, &c. at Shore ditch (in plaster) was exhibited yesterday at the Company's Offices, Adelaide-place, and will form one of the most ele gant modern structures in the metropolis. I went this morning to Wright's manufactory in Munster -street, where there are from thirty to forty of the carriages, first and second class, nearly finished, the words " Eastern Counties' Railway" painted, with the Company's arms, on the panels. We then went to their Factory, in the New road, to see the engines, &c., making, and their regiment of men. But to describe the numerous and variety of oc cupations which this undertaking creates, would be super fluous, common sense must show it. When it approaches us in Norwich, and come it must, we need not have ono able-bodied man, woman, or child, out of employ.—Nor yolk Chronicle. EDITION• WIGAN ELECTION. -..iZiSa.-_ -.----- RETURN OF MR EWART. SATVIPAT EY,NIs C !h0 gale. The town of course was in a state of commotion during :er night, and at an early this morning, the Tories brought into tow" a band of colliers, perhaps for the purpose of preserving the pear`' armed with bludgeons, and wearing crimson ribbons. A peso , . named Brownlow, a staunch Liberal, who hal pledged to vote fo' Mr. Ewart, happening to leave his house about 6 in the morning, sf-ized by five men in the pay of the Tories, who forced him, nelcui. volens,"into a coach, and carried him off to a house at a place calls' Adlington, four miles from Wigan, where he was kept a close P" soner, in spite of all his efforts to get away. This having come the knowledge of Mr. Ewart's Committee, two constables w..re spatched with a Magistrate's order to search the house, but thr) did not succeed in emlecting his liberation until about two o'clock the afternoon. Brownlow, it is said, was obliged to give sn order for a barrel of beer as an inducement to the parties to let him go. The polling c.immericed at 8 o'clock, and at the close of the fir hour, the numbers were, Ewart 79, Kearsley 62; at half P r '' ' nine, Ewart 114, Kearsley 100. Bribery and intimidatory lire' , sures of all sorts were then resorted to by the Tories ; 201., wai the correct offer for a vote in the morning, being increased 301. At half past ten, Kearsley was 200, and Ewart 194. At half-p 3: 12 o'clock, Mr. Kearsley was 10 a-head. The Tories were in hi,. glee, and a Tory Magistrate betted 10 to 4 on Mr. Kursk" Both parties set to work in right good earnest to find out They scoured the streets and public houses, and if they succoc,;,' in finding one they bore him off to the poll, his person being Mr * religiously guarded by a score or two of constables. At t`r . o'clock • Kearsley was 250, Ewart, 246; and the mos t intey interest was excited. At thirty- s e ven m i nutes past t h r ee /3 0 •' parties were equal, viz. 257 each, and the noise about the poll.' booth was absolutely deafening. Four more voters - rived for Mr. Ewart, whilst his opponent only mustered twrr At four o'clock the poll c!eserl, and the returning officer, 'tre e ' Bevan, Esq., (who officiated for the Mayor, who is very ill,) declar. • the numbers to be— Mr. Ewart, Mr. Kearsley, Majority for Mr. Ewart -2 The announcement was received with deafening cheers. Mr. Ewart who came forward, was received with tremene°' shouts of applause, briefly thanked the electors and non-electors t their extraordinary exertions. It is right to add that the most c: treme Radicals utterly denounced Nightingale, who never came the poll, his mover and seconder voting for Kearsley. The to was quiet when our reporter left. AGRICULTURAL REPORT FOR FEBRUARY. Many years have elapsed since it hat been in the power of any one to record a winter like the present, with corres ponding results. We have now past through three entire months, with a degree of frost which, as a whole, in the aggregate, will hardly amount to that of one single day of the last rigorous season, and yet all things remain as thoy wcre. The business transacted in the country cattle fairs lately held is well reported.of, everything being in good condition. Indeed, it has not been for several years in the power of a reporter to write so favourably of almost every branch of farming as it now is. As to the abundance of turnips for feed, to say nothing of what we everywhere observe, the following brief remark will speak volumes : —"We hear that Mr. Weaver, of Tarvin, Cheshire, has weighed 6871bs of Swede turnips, off 5i yards square (one perch), which is better than forty-nine tons per acre. To the like effect is the notice which we perceive is given of the prospects in Irish husbandry ; it tallies frith all that we can observe or collect, in reference to our own agricultural districts. We are told that circumstances are more favourable than they have been of late years. Pro duce of all kinds brings higher prices, and there is as much employment for the poor as will protect them in a great degree from the effects of scarcity. The weather in Ireland has, since December, been remarkably mild for the season, and most favourable for outfield operations. The plough has been seldom interrupted by frost or snow. Wheat sowing has been propitious, and the seed got into a good dry bed. Much more will be added this year by Spring wheat, which is gradually becoming a favourite. "We may, therefore, calculate on fully one third more ground being devoted to the growth of wheat than last season." Turnips and fodder have held out well, the open weather saving much of their consumption. Potatoes ate spoken of the most lightly ; and it should appear that the crop, in some places, proved in different; in others, however, it was, as we know, .nost plentiful ; and therefore, prices are pretty fair. We have thus sought and collected all the evidence of fact within our command, to show what the general pros pect appears to he. Everything is contingent, and far be yond the control of man ; hut, as far as the past and pre sent warrant a conclusion, we hesitate not to express our selves confidently ; and, at all events, certain we are that the current year, 1839, is more full of promise than any that we have witnessed since 1835. Abundance is the one thing needful to the grower and the consumer, and that is fairly in view. A scanty harvest, be the prices what they may, is discouraging—it depresses equally the farmer and the labouring man. But abundance is ever cheering, and repays, while it induces exertion. We may conclude with the remark that the ploughing is begun and the ground turned up finely. The spring sow ings will, therefore, be progressing, and these we hope to notice in our next. THE SELF-ACTING MULE.---The petition of Mr. Roberts, of the firm of Sharp, Roberts, and Co., of Manchester, praying for a prolongation, for seven years, of the several patents granted to him n the year 1825, for the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, for that important invention, was heard on February the 22d ult., before the Judicial Committee of her Majesty's Privy Council. The Marquis of Lansdowne, on behalf of the Judicial Committee, granted a prolongation of the several patents for the term prayed for, on account of the great in genuity and merit of the invention, and the obstacles which had from time to time been opposed to prevent the patentee from deriving a fair remuneration for so important an invention, during the original term of the patents._.. Manchester Courier. CANADIAN CHARACTERISTICS.—A report has appeared relative to certain sums paid to public officers in Canada by the Crown. Curiously enough the sheriff stands first, and the executioner second. It is very certain that since the return of Lord Durham, these functionaries have been in considerable requisition ; and it might have been considered most advisable to liquidate their ei,a,i na first. An executioner in troublesome times is P. personate of no mean importance. And when t here is a great quan tity of work on hand, it is requisite to be on good terms with him, otherwise there might be soma difficulty in car rying the law into effect— Sunday Times. LADY BLESSINGTON'S NEW WORK.—The Sketches of Character in Lady Blessington's " Idler in Italy," just published, having created a great sensation in the fashionable circles, it may not be uninteresting to give the names of some of the distinguished English persons of rank, fashion, and literary attainments, which are as follow:—Byren, Shelley, Thomas Moore, Sir W. Gell, Sir William and Lady Drummond, Hon. Keppel Craven, Duchess of Devonshire, lion. R. Grosv enor , L a dy Olivia Sparrow, Sir T. Maitland, Lord W. Russell, Mr. Tre lavvny, Lady Hastings, Lord John Russell, Mr. Hamilton, Minister to Naples, Col. Hugh Baillie, Mr. Bootle Wil braham, Mr. Jerningham, Lord and Lady Normanby, Mr. T. Hamilton (author of " Antar"), Lord and Lady Dillon, I --______ Duke of York, Sir D. Wilkie, Mr. Lister (author of DIED. " Granby "), W. S. Lander, Mr. Hallam, Lord Lilford, On the 6th inst., Mr. James Yeomans, of Goodman's-field s ' Lord Howick, Mr Mathias (author of " Pursuits of Lite- i aged 71. rature "), Gen. Barna r d, L or d G u ildford, Lord Ashley, tin the 6th of Springfield and Cowbrey, H e refordshir e, 6ch in s t., at R oss, Mary Trusted, widow o f Itprn , Mr. E. Denison, Mi s s Bathurst, Lord Dudley and Ward, Trusted , 1. Lord Howd en , M r . H ersc h e l], L or d Ponsonby, Admiral g On the 6th inst., at Wendlebur the Rev. Georg e Sir H. Neal e , M r . H F ox , C a pt. Pechel, Mr. J. Towns- Dupuis, M. A , aged 82. Y' Oxon, bend, Mr C u tl ar F erguson , L or d King, Mr Hope (son of On the 6th inst ,at Rath, Caroline Nightingale Hodson, the author of " Anastasius"), ,54e, &c. . . you..gest daughter of the late Rev. Fredaham Hodson, D•D'' A cabriolet and a olle horse--chaise, containing Principal of Brasencse College, and Regium Professor of Di two men and two females, stopped at the King's Head Inn, vinity in the University of Oxford. Elizabeth Chelmsford, on Wednesday, when the party alighted and o n the 6th inst., at Beadle's-hall, Writtle, Mrs. . n ,_ . Ffiteh, relict of the late Mr. George Ffitch, formerly of Li() E called for wine; they then sent for the crier, and gave him ' hall, aged 84. instructions to give notice that a wife would be sold at two the wife of J. T. On the 7th inst., at Dover, Elizabeth, o'clock in the market-placz, At the appointed time theaged 69. James, Esq., late nf Glocester-place, L0nd0n,a ,....... brutal husband appeared, leading his wife by b or -, : ,,,-.l ‘ . ant. , o hi s ( .1(11113 c,rripatlioit ter a halter r Id her to . brutal odson, nos. We are sorry to announce that the nits - ' c.eants were No. 112, ,tratid, at The Sun Office. No. 112. Strand, not taken into custody'. —Chelmsford Chronici London : Printed and Published by MURDO YOUNG, ;: i f _ e. , the county of Middlesex.—Monday, March 11, 1839. ' I DEFEAT OF CANT. Mr. T. Duncombe's motion, that during Lent greater restrictions should be placed upon theatrical o tertainments within the city of Westminster than 3 placed upon the like amusements at the same period in eve> other part of the metropolis, has been carried by a mu.l°r l. 7 of 20 against Ministers, notwithstanding an eruption 0 cant and hypocrisy, the like of which has surely not occu sed within the memory of man. Lord J. Russell appear' in a new character in opposition to the motion. Here have Lord John in the character of Glo'ster in .Riche , /H. We see him, according to the stage directions, "b tween two Bishops." The Mayor 5ay5;...... " See where his grace stands 'tween t wo c l ergyme n. Buckingham : Tw o props of virtue fora Christian prine To stay him from the fall of vanity. * * My Lord, this argues conscience in your grace." We really can conceive no greater humbug (to use t slang word most applicable to the occasion) than Lo John Russell's betaking himself to the Bishop of Loci , for ghostly counsel on the question so nice to conscienc whether religion would suffer detriment by adding the tertainments of two or three theatres to the- abundance other amusements customary on Wednesdays and Frid' in Lent. What will the Church think of this access deference to its authorities ? Will it accept Lord Jr' as a prodigal son restored ; or will it, with the Rev. Sydt Smyth, see in bim a Richard, who, while he makes par. of taking counsel of two Bishops, meditates two murd , in the Tower on the innocent bodies of Deans and Cl'a l ters? Be that as it may, a fine subject for H. B. will be conference of Little John and Friar Tuck. Like a lit learning, a little Bishop is a dangerous thing. Lord Jo Russell has either taken too much Bishop-of-London too little B'shop-of-London. He has learned from Fulham oracle that opening theatres in Westminster wy be against religion ; but he has not learned from the b• man the difference between the fast dais and the Sum' which his Lordship confounded in his argument that, dinners were argued to be against the rules of Lent, tl must be incon s istent with the observance of the Sabba But Friar Tuck probably knows nothing whatever sb , r fasting—has no more noti on o f i t th an a bli n d man ha, °. colours, and associates only with the Wednesdays Fridays of Lent the additions of salt fish, egg sauce, pancakes to luxurious repasts.—Examiner. NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. x (From the Hampshire Telegraph.) PORTSMOUTH, MARCO 9 The Gorgon steamer ar r i ve d a t Plymouth on Sun last, in five days from Santander, having been relieved the Salamander, which vessel, with the Comet steam .• and North Star, 28, bearing the pennant of Commoi:or Lord John Hay, were left at Passages. The Rose 3 Rolla were at Santander, and Savage at Bilboa. Gorgon, on her passage home, was found to answer e tremely well under canvass, as, with her fires out, she we 7 knots an hour on a bow line. • The Zebra, 16, Commander Stopford, arrived on W e' nesday from Sheerness, on her way to the Mediterranea t she will touch at Lisbon, taking dispatches for Admit/ Sir J. Ommanney and Sir R. Stopford, and supernum i racy seamen and b o y s f or t h e squa d ron ; she waits for or d e •O The Meteor steamer, Lieutenant Pritchard, arrived' Thursday morning from Dublin (on her way to Wooleciel' to take in coals, and put a few supernumerary ,seamen'. board the Britannia, having on board the plate, valuable and carriages of the Marquis of Normanby ; she sail again yesterday morning ; she will most probably return Plymouth, to take the baggage of Lord Fortescue • Dublin. The Wolverine, sloop-of-war, left Gibraltar on a ( ' 19th ult. for the Gambia River. The Watervvitch, 10, was commissioned on Monday Is by Lieutenant H. Matson, for suppression of the Port , guesc slave trade. The Curlew, 10, will be commissioned in a day o r ti by Lieutenant Rose at this port. Report says the Hercules, 74, will remove the 67th gimentfrer n Demerara to our North American States. The Indus, 78, Kill he launched on Saturday next, as.i;' will be hi g h water at twelve o ' clock ; she is a teak bail ship, of a beautiful model, with a bow copied from ti Christian the Seventh. The Royal Frederick, ali' Queen, alias Royal Sovereign, of 110 guns, will be launch' on the 16th April. The ship is the largest ever built England. Admiral the Hon. Elphinstone Fleming is to suervf 4 Sir Philip Durham as Commander-in-Chief at this port Captain Alexander Ellice, M. P., is to be appointed SI , Captain ; and Mr. Chimmo, Secretary. APPOINTMENTS. —Commander—J. R. R. Webb, to tl-' s Ordinary at Sheerness. Lieutenants—.G. Rose, to the Curlew; Henry J. Ma' son, to the Waterwitch ; Edward Jennings, to the Alec,' vice Nor r in g t on , superse d e d f rom i ll health ; H. J. We' lington, to the Hazard. Assistant Surgeon—G. F. Rowe, to the 'Etna. Vol. Ist Class—Thomas C. Fraser, to the Britannia. Masters—F. J. Gruzilier, Second Master, to the Curley vice Moulls (sppointinent cancelled); T. F. CheesemollP Master's Assistant, to the Victory; Fred. R. Sturder Second Master, to the Waterwitch. Warrant Officers,...... Squire, Carpenter of the Thir Class, from the Victory to the Ceylon ; Lovegrov Gunner of the 3d Class of the Victory, to be Gunner' the Waterwitch ; Oliphant, Sup. Gunner of the Vi' tory, to be Gunner of the Curlew ; Douglas, BOB' swain, invalided from the Cruizer, to be borne as Sul Boatswain of the Victory ; Robert Knight to be Actin Boatswain of the Victory ; Reynolds, Carpenter, to a Victory, vice William Cooper, who is placed on the su pernurnerary Ist Class list, for sea service, in order surerintend the Ordinary, with extra pay of 2s. 6d. ',/er day for such service. PLYMOUTH, THURSDAY, FRB. 28.—The Gorgon, srrivt i here on Sunday, from the Noah Coast of Spain, i n foot drys. The Gorgon came home under canvasi instead ° I steaming, in consequence of her coals running short jr the Bay of Biscay. The Acorn was paid her advano:, wages yesterday. The Implacable, 74, was towed out °" ha:bour yesterday, by the Gorgon steamer, In the Hat - hour, Royal Adelaide, San Josef, Wolf, Rhadamantinoo and Gorgon steamers, Sylph, Netley, Tyrian. In th' Sound, Implacable, Acorn. _ c - L 0 N DON MADE WATCHES.—T. 'VI' SAVORY, 47, Cornhill (Seven doors from Gracechueel l :. street) London, offers a very large Stock of Silver Watches & 1. the following prices ("Warranted) : , Superior Watches on the Vertical Construction, jewelled, with hand to mark the seconds, double backed engine -turned cases £4 4 0 Watches on the celebrated patent-lever con struction, jewelled in four holes, capped, hand to mark the secon d s , d ou bl e -b ottomed engine- i turned cases Either of the above constructi ons i n h unt i ng -cases wouitt i bP 10s. 6d. extra. Second-hand Watches taken in exchange. _____,.„, -- • • On the 2d inst., at Finedon-hall, Northamptonshire, th e la of W. Mackworth Dolben, Esq., of a son. On the 9th inst., Mrs. Abraham Horne, of Foxley-cottage s ' North Brixton, of a daughter. On the 9th inst., at liickley, in the county of Kent, the Wl' of Percyvall Hart Dyke, Esq., of a daughter. MARRIED. On the sth inst., at St. George's, Queen-square, Blooms' bury, Mr. T. J. Watson, of Guildford -street, Russell-squar e ' to Marry Annis, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Bates, of Ludgat e " hill. On the 7th inst. at Crayford, the Rev. Edward Arthur ll linc,nworth, to Mary Ann, daughter of John Henry Taylor, EN', On the 7th i ns t., a t Ll anvechan Church, the Rev. Req.), Cornwall Legh, M. A., second son of the late George LegL% Esq., of High Legh, in the county of Chester, to Mary, elslet,sv daughter of Martin Willi ams, E sq., of Bryngwyn, in the CO'u of Montgomery.