The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-07-11 00:00:00

THE NEWBY TERRACE SCANDAL. The adjourned inquest upon the body of the late Mrs. Preston was held before the Coroner, P. F. Cu'ry, Esq.. in the Crown Court, St. George's Hall, at twelve o'clock yesterday. A large number of the friends and relatives of both parties were in attendance, as well as several physicians, chem's's, and other scientific gentlemen. Thejery were called, and answered to their names. 111 r. Aspinall, barrister, appeared to watch the proceed ings on the part of Mr. R. W. Preston. The Coroner, before the proceedings commenced, said : Gentlemen of the jury, when we met last to enquire into the cause of the d, a.ll of the late Airs. Preston, it was upon view of the bo 'y, and you will all remember that the inquest was adjourned to this day, for the pur pose of having a post mortem examination made of the body, and an anals'sis of the viscera. Before we proceed with the inquest, I may here obs rye that I regret that observations have been made publicly, and privately, relative to this enquiry, which I think, to say the least of them, it would have been much better had not been made. They cannot tend at all to faciPtate the enquiry which you will have to make, and can only tend to wound the feelicas of two respectable families without producing. the slightest benefici a l resu l t . Ob servations have also been made. gentlemen of the jury, with reference to my having held this enquiry. My conduct has not been spared, and one letter, or more than one, has appeared, wishing to know by what authority I held this inquest, and also enquiring whether coroners had not a discretion to hold inquests or not ? In reply to that—not that I consider myself called upon to reply to such observations, but as a matter of courtesy—l will say, that a coroner has that discretion, in every case brought under his notice, to say whether it is a case for judicial investigation or not ; and I need only say, that the course I have pursued in this case satisfied myself, at all events, that I used that dis eretion soundly and wisely. You, of course, will not allow your minds to be actuated, biassed, or influenced in any way whatever, by any observations you may have heard, privately or publicly. The case has been, as I said before, very widely canvassed. Your enquiry is an enquiry of death—to know how, and by what means, the late Barbara Preston came to her death— and not to go into any matter which has not reference to her death, because, by doing so, I conceive we would be outraging all the decencies and the feelings of respectable families, whicn, think, have been already sufficiently outraged. After a very mature deliberation, I have come to the deter mination that I will conduct this case looking only to the cause of death, and not allowing any enquiry to be made irrelevant to that. On the first witness being called, the coroner observed: Before I examine this witness, gentlemen of the jury, perhaps it would be well if I were to state that a post mortem examination has been made, that an analysis has been made, and that the results of both have been highly satisfactory, because they remove all suspicions on the part of the relatives of the late Mrs. Preston, and it will be gratifying to Mr. Preston and his family to know that there is not the slightest foundation what ever for supposing her to have come to other than a natural death. The following witnesses were then sworn and examined : Ann Calvert: My husband's name is Joseph Calvert, living at 20, Ashburton-street. lam a nurse tender. I was sent for to go to Mrs. Preston's house, on the 15th of June. I found Mrs. Preston in a very weak state. I saw Mr. Preston soon after I went that day. I con tinued to attend her to her death. She died on the 21st of June. Dr. Formby, Dr. Vose. and Mr. Hatton, were called in to see her. Every attention was paid to her by Mr. Preston's friends. His attention to her during her illness, was affectionate and kind. Her moiler and sister were there the time I remained. They were there before I came. By Mr Aspinall: My business as a nurse is chiefly to attend on persons of insanity. Mrs. Preston was in that state (insane) to require my servic9i. There was no doubt she was in that condition some time previous to ber death. She was treated wi h the greatest care according to the direr ions of the medical men. I heard that Miss Laura Philips had been in the house with her sister a considerable time. To the Foreman : Mr. Preston sent for me; Mr. Wm. Preston Ns brother) came for me. Esther Hughes : I was one of the servants in Mrs. Preston's house at her death. She was first taken i.l in church about the latter end of May. She would not allow her husband to send for a doctor then. She got wor.e, and a doctor was called in before she went to Southport. I occasionally saw Mr. Preston in the house. He was always kind and attentive to his wife. During the time of her illness, her mother and sisters, and brother and faiher, were at the house and stayed With her. To Mr. Aspinall : I went into their service the day before they came back from their marriage tour. Miss Laura Philips spent a good deal of her time with her sister. Mrs. Preston, while I was there, was subjdct to very violent outbreaks of passion. Mr. Freston through out weed her with every kindness. She was very prorukin g . To a Juror: I used to wait at breakfast. I judged of his kindness by what I saw myself, and what she said to me. Mr. George Kemp: lam a surgeon. I made a post mortem examination on the body of Mrs. Preston, in the presence of Dr. Formby, Dr. Vose, Mr. Halton, and other medical gentlemen. The body presented no external appearances worthy of note. On opening the head, I found the brain present a healthy and normal appearance. I examined the organs of the chest and of the abdomen. They were in a natural and Yery healthy state. I found c h ron i ca l u l cerations of the lar ge 'intestines. I found them of the character which are common in cases of lever. They were the result of natural causes. I would judge that she had taken very little food recently. In my opinion the cause of death was a slow—continued fever, extending over some line. During such a fever there might be a good deal of wandering. lam quite satisfied that she died from purely natural causes. I put the brain and spinal marrow into one j,2r, and the liver and lungs, kidney and spleen into a eecond. I put the stomach and the whole of the intes tines into a third. I sealed the jarr, and delivered them the following day to Dr. Muspratt. Mr. Aspinall said that there was one question which he Considered essential in the enquiry. The coroner pro bably understood to what he alluded, and he should wish that the question should be put by the court. The Coroner replied that he knew to what Mr. Aspinall alluded, but he did not think the question necessary, as they had it already in evidence, that death was the result of natural causes. Mr. Aspinall - urged that he nevertheless considered the question essential, and that it might be found explanatory of the actual disease which resulted in death. From the statements which had gone to the public, he thought the explanatory circumstance which he wished to have brought out should be laid before the jury, no matter how unpleasant it might be. The Foreman asked if the circumstance had anything to do with the cause of death ? The Coroner : No. The Foreman: Then, we have no with to have it. Another juryman here observed that some of the jury wished it. Mr. Aspinallmerely going to ask whether the circumstance alluded to had not something to do with the cause of death? Mr. Kemp :I am not prepared to answer that question. Mr.. Aspinall : Did she die in a state of virginity ? Mr. Xemp : She did. The examination was continued, but had reference to matters which we conceive to be unsuited to the columns of a newspaper. To the Coroner : There was not,',in my opinion, any physical impediment to the consummation of the marriage. Dr. Edward Parkes : I was the medical attendant of the late Mrs. Preston. I first saw her previous to her mar riage. I was sent for about a fortnight or three weeks subsequent to her return from her wedding tour. The wedding took p l ace, I think, in July, 1855 When I was called in she was labouring under a general derangement of health. I saw her occasionally afterwards. I cannot 'Wear when I saw her last. Tire last professional visit I Paid to the house was on the 4th of March, but I met her since that. I considered that she was insane from the first t ime I saw her, and my suspicions were confirmed on the 3 0th of December, and that she was more or less so ever sin e ,. She once or twice had cold. I was present at the post-mortem examination. I last ill ness- I h ave heard the did not her in evidence attend ractive to the post mortem e xamination. I agree with Mr. Kemp, and differ with Mr. Waters, upon one point, with regard to the phys ical impedi ment to the consummation of the marriage. To. Mr. AsPinall : I think there was an impediment, which might, however, have been removed by an oration, under proper treatment. I wa s aware there W as an impedi ment, havingbeen consulted bv Mr. Preston himself, about 3 months after the marriage. I did not know what the impe diment was until the post mortem examination. I suggested to Mr. Preston what I thought it probably might be. I saw a vioient outbreak nf n le . M . per on the part of Mrs. Preston on the 30th Dec., Iola..? May outbreaks of temper a 1 : 5 6, in conjunction Might have led to a fever. . 1 am satisfie enow with Dr. Vose, I gave a certifi n cate Mr. Pston that I was right in doing so at the 'i tim , e i ,e ...... behaved in the most kind manner PO7lOl i never saw a more affectionate or indulgent husband• . .Even at the time o u l l i t c . ito . r . f or . Mr. of those outbreaks he was indulgent to a M s. To Mr. Marshall (who appeared ao Phillips, senior) : I found that the medicines which I pre scribed for Mrs: Preston were not taken regularly, and that 1 it was more a disease of the mind than of the body, and I backed out. I said " There is no use in my givi ng ,5,11,5: further attendance ; the me di c i nes are not taken, and IL I. only picking Your pocket. " I never prescribed croton oil for her o r c hl oroform, although I have been accused of doing so by Mr. Phillips, senior. At this stage of the proceedings Mr. Marshall said : I wish so state, on the part of Mr. Philips, that from the erid,nce he has heard, and you heard, he is perfectly satis fied that this lady died from natural causes—from natural disease. Ire is perfectly satisfied also that there was a aklltul medical attendance, and that all due and proper care ras taken. rile. Coroner , Perhaps you - would .1.,.. ~,,..,_ _, yoti ma Mr. Philips conceives he has any reason to impute the slightest ground of suspicion to the husband. Mr. Marshall : Not the slightest. There were peculiari , ties connected with the case, and which have now appeared from the medical testimony, which made it desirable that some enquiry should take place, and I think the enquiry which has been made was a very proper one. But there is not the slightest suspicion or ground now for supposing that she died from any cause but natural diseases. A Juror (Hr. Rawlinsen) observed that if Mr. Phillips had come forward the first day and allowed the jury to examine the medical men, who were so well known in the town, both Mr. Phillips and themselves might have been at once satisfied as to the cause of death, and that an adjourned enquiry would have been unnecessary. The jury were wrong in not having required that to be done in the first instance, and to have at once gone on with the enquiry. Any one, it would seem, might be accused by a st.anger of unfair conduct towards his wife, though she might have die I from natural causes, and have received every kindness and attention. No person, not even a father, should be allowed to make such a charge, under such circumstance. Mr. Marshall : There was no charge made. The Coron r explained that the inquest cmld not be proceeded with until the analysis had been made. Mr. Rawlinson replied that the analysis would have been unnecessary. Mr. Aspinall said that Mr. Preston and his family were most anxious, after what had gone forth to the public, that not only all the medical men who either attended Mrs. Preston, or were present at the post Inor,'eat examination, but that her sister, Miss Laura Phillips, should be exa mined. After the statement of Mr. Marshall, however, they would not require that Miss Phillips should be pro duced, and particularly so as he held a letter from her, the reading of which would attain all that he required. He should earnestly urge t'le propriety of having all the medical men examined, and while he had carefully guarded from, in any way, reflecting on Mr. Phillips, he should yet say that Mr. Phaps, a coroner himself, should have used a little more caution in the matter. The Coroner said that he would leave it to the jury to say whether they would require to have all the medical men examined. For himself, he did not think that their testimony was at all necessary. Mr. Aspinall replied that, under the circumstances, he would request of the jury to call for them. Mr. Marshall thought the application was not a proper one. The object of the enquiry was as to the cause of death, and the family of Mrs. Preston were perfectly satisfied from the evidence already before the court that the death had resulted from natural causes The jury decided that all the medical men should be examined, Dr. Pose was then called and examined. He stated that he attended the deceased during the last week of her life, and that he hai also previously attended her. She died from fever. The conduct of her husband towards her was that of undeviating kindness and attention. Mr. Halton sworn and examined : The kindness and attention of Mr. Preston and his family towards the deceased was invariable. As to the impediment to consummation, he agreed with Mr. Waters. Dr. Sheridan Muspratt, on being examined, stated that he made a chemical analysis of the contents of the jars given to him by Mr. Kemp, and that he found them to con tain nothing of a poisonous nature. Mr. W. Preston sworn and examined : The deceased's name was Barbara Helena. she was about twenty or twenty-one years old. My brother wail always must kind and indulgent to her. She was subject to violent outbursts of passion. In consrquenco f f one of them, on the 30th of December I went over to Wolverhampton, to request her father or mother to come over to see her. I was unable to indtue either of them to come—they positively refused to come. This concluded the evi&nce. Mr. Aspinall then, with the permission of the jury, read the following extracts from letters which passed between Mr. Pre,ton and members of the lad‘'s family, to show the kind and indulgent manner in which ever in the opinion of Mr. Preston's relatives, she had been treated by her husband : Penn, Thursday. My Dear Mrs. Preston,—l cannot allow your friendly remembrance of me to go unnoticed, and I mast express to you my sympathies on the loss of a friend and relative from whom I had often received the greatest kindness. Mr. Preston will, lam sure, long lament his kind sister. The feelings of satisfaction, that he has always contributed so generously to her comforts and happiness will lessen the pang of separation. Do give him toy kind love. Vhear brilliant accounts from William and from Laura of the extreme taste and beau•y of everything at Newbie-terrace. What dear, good, kind parents your children have in you and Mr. Preston, and I rejoice to see that they are tensible of it, and are themselves deserving. Accept Mr. Phillips' and my love, and believe me, my dear Mrs. Thestoc, always yours sincerely, and must now he affectionately. (Signed) E. P. PHILLIPS. Penn, Saturday. My Dear Mr. Preston,—A hasty line in return for your letter received this morning. I have a lettar beaming with delight at her new home and friends written in high spirit from dear Barbara. Yon are, indeed, all kindness to her; and I trust she will repay you and yours by gratitude and love. I do not doubt she will do so. With kind love to you all, believe me, yours as ever, • E. P. PHILLIPS. 4, India Buildings, Water street, Liverpool, December 17, 1855. My Dear Sir,—lt is with deep sorrow and grief that I find myself compelled to appeal to you for your advice and assist ance in a matter of great importance to me. It has reference to Barbara. You are doubtless aware of her dreadful temper. I assure you, my dear sir, that at times her passion is so violent, that I am almost induced to think that she is not in her right mind. Laura I appal to, who will tell you what I had to bear during her stay with us—the dreadful treatment and even punishments I have been obliged to submit to. It is impossible for me to enter into this delicate and distressing matter in writing ; and, therefore, would feel greatly obliged to you if you could make it con venient to come down and see me, so that, in the presence of Btrbara, I may hear from you your advice, and the manner in which you treated ner at home, when those dreadful paroxysms of passion came upon her. You may imagine how much I have borne before making this communication to you, her father; but I can bear it no longer. Kindness, affection, amt everything in the power of man to lavish upon her has been tried, and still at times she is so incomprehensible; But with the exception of Laura, I beg of you for the present to keep this a profound secret, for perhaps a few words from you to Barbara may have the desired effect of bringing her to a knowledge of her duty. Will you kindly let me know, by return, when I may expect you ; or, if you cannot come soon, please write to Barbara, who, God knows, I love as rnulh or more than man ever loved woman, and for who I would sacrifice everything to live in peace and happiness.—Bbliev e me, my dear sir, yours very truly and sincerely, (Signed) R. W. PRESTON. To. M. Phillips, Esq. Penn, Wednesd a y Mor n in g . My Dear Sir,—l write from my bed, where lam suffer ing from gout and unable to leave. Your letter of yesterday did indeed surprise me, never having seen Barbara in a violent passion in my life, and Laura not having said anything of what passed during her sojourn with you. It will be im possible for me to leave home for some days, and as I under stand you are coining here, on or about the 2nd of next month, will it not be better to defer writing to Barham until that time, when I can talk to her. Should you still wish me to write to her upon the subject of your letter of yesterday I will do so.—ln haste and great pain, I am, my dear sir, yours faithfully, nios. MOSS PHILLIPS. Robert Preston, Esq. Penn, Wednesday. My Dear Robert,—l thank you over and Over again for your dear sweet treatment of Laura, during her happy visit to you. 1 should have written to say this and more, but I intended to express my feelings more fully when you came at Christmas. I have taken up my pen to write to fix a day for your visit, and thanks must preface the rest. We hope to see you and Barbara on the second of January, to stay as long as you can and will. Ido not name earlier, as it would be impossible to arrange in our small house, unless Miss Hensman goes away. I will explain this when you come. You are now my spn, and from your kind behaviour to my child Barbara, viz hold a high place in my affection and esteem. Observe ! I never waver, and what I now s a y y ou s h a ll prove, an d shall fi n d me your true friend and kind mother until death. I never promised this much before. I write in haste, therefore, excuse. There is a man tuning our piano whilst I write, the dining room having other people in it, and Mr. Phillips suffering from gout in bed all day yesterday. I am ashamed of my scribble, written in twilight. Tell Barbara I and Laura and Willie dined yesterday at the Bennett's, and met Mr. and Mrs. Campbell. We talked of her. Who do they know who live near to you, and who know so much of Barbara's private doings and sayings? Accept, my dear Robert, the kindest regards of all here, and believe me your very sincere well-wisher, friend, and mother, E. P. PHILLIPS. R. Thacker is hero. Laura sends love to you and Barbara. Penn, December 23rd, 1855. My Dear B ar b ara,- 1 was much d i stressed at receiving co mplaints from your husband of your violent disposition ; I was not prepared for such a communication, particularly at so early a period after your marriage; the best advice I can give you is to curb Your temper, to consider that your husband, as a man of busi ness, has a variety of circumstances to vei him, and comf expect w ort h s hen he retnrn s h ome, t h at k i ndness, attention, and is wife that lie is entitled to. I understand that you have all the comforts of life around you, and that your husband and his family and filen& treat you wi t h every ki n d ness, why then the cause of disag'eement amnot going to preach a f you persist in y io l ence in sermon, but merely to say that your husband's house, that him and the consequences to you he mortifying and painfully disagreeable, as breaches of such kind are not easily healed.— Remember me kindly to Robert, and all at Beech-hill, and wishing all a happy and merry Christmas, and very many of them, believe me, my dear Barbara, your attached and affectionate father, (Signed) Tugs. MOSS PHILLIPS Mr. and Mrs. R. Preston request the pleasure of Mr. and Mrs. Preston's company at dinner on Tuesday, the 22nd of April --at half-past six. Newbie-terrace. April 12, 1856. Dear Robert,—We have received your note of invitation for Tuesday 22nd inst., and we have hesitated as to the con sistency of accepting an invitation given under the circum stances in which we have been placed with Barbara; it is quite evident that it has been sent at the suggestion of Mre. P., under the idea that all that has past may thereby be forgotten. She cannot enter into the enquiry and insults we :lave had to bear; and I fear that there is little prospect of much change for the future: for, if the recital which I was glad your mamma made before Barbara, and could not be centradicted by her, had not the effect of producing an expression of regret, or a hope of improvement, Lhave no right to calculate upon much amendment for the future, and it would be folly to amuse ourselves with the idea that the " hopes for any pleasure" in the society of those she does not respect. When we have from her an assurance of consistent and proper behaviour—not only to ourselves, but the other branches of ow farm';•-_and a due regard to all those duties she vowed to per . pri,‘, we shall be happy to shew her the affection she might hive retained, and which her own conduct has forfeited. You are at liberty to show this to Mrs. P. and herself. I have nothing to disguise or hide ; and it will be Barbara's fault if she closes the door against a return to that affection and retard which at ono time we felt for her, and which it may not be too late now to recover. We cannot give any answer to your note before this has been considered.—My dear Robert, your affectionate father, R. W. PRESTON My Dear Mrs. Preston,—l am really sorry I should have teen the cause of Mr. Preston's writing that letter to Robert, and can assure you both how much I regret all that has occurred, though I did not express my determination to become a different girl, on my last call, as I could have done. But if you and Mr. Preston will kindly forgive and forget the past, I will endeavour to regain one. more the love and csttem I have forfeited, and you shall yet think I love Robert by my being to him a good little wife. Hoping to receive a wee note in return, with kind love, believe me ever your very affectionate (Signed) BARBARA. New bie-terrace, April 15th, Tuesday. My Dear Barbara,--I am much pleased to receive your note expressive of contrition for the past ; and should your future conduct prove the sincerity of your paesent good resolutions, rest assured that the esteem and affection which you have alienated will in time be restored. Believe me, dear Barbara, yours affectionately, (Signed) Beech-hill, April 15th. SARAH PRESTON, Liverpool, May 16th, 1856. Dear Sir,—You will readily suppose that it is not without much pain that we find it necessary to address this communi cation to you. We have been requested by Mr. R. Preston to state the condition of his wife's health. The exertions of this lady's intellect, the caprice and unsoundness of her temper, and the frequency with which, apart from obvious provocation, she has recourse to the most abusive language, and to acts of so outrageous a description, render it perfectly hazardous for her husband, as well as for the other inmates of the house, to live with her. There should, in our opinion, be no time lost in placing your daughter under surveilanc e and restraint, and we would suggest either that she be put under the care of some one accustomed to the management of such cases, or that she should be sent to a retreat suitable for invalids of unsound mind.--We are, (Signed) J. VOSE. E. PARKE. Liverpool, May 19th, 1856. My dear Sir,—lt is with feelings of deep regret, and with a mind almost worn out by anxiety, that I feel it my duty to communicate to you the painful position of dear Barbara's health. For months past, "at particular. periods," she has appeared quite unable to subdue or keep herself in reasonable restraint, ar.d her temper has been so violent that no remon strance or control has been able to overcome it. Under these circumstances, I thought it my duty to call in the advice of our first surgeo❑ and physician, who have given their opinion, and lamentable it is, and God only knows the distress and misery it has caused me. lam now most desirous to have your counsel and advice, and to do all and everything which can be done to meet the case in the kindest and most considerate way, and to make the most affectionate arrangement for the future comforts of my dear wife, With this view, I think it imperative that you, as her parent, should join with me in the best course which we can adopt, and also be satisfied in our minds that ONLY such steps should be taken as duty and affection should dictate. I, therefore, look for your immediate visit, to have a personal communication with the doctors will enable you to form a better opinio❑ as to what ought to be done. At present re are staying at Sou'hport for the benefit of her health, and she is without LI uch excitement; how long it may continue God offly kno,As ; my great dread is that she will be worse. You can iinagine how much my mind is unsettled by this painful subject, and that the greatest relief to it would be to find that her relaTives take their share in our future happi ness, and give their exertions in the promotion of it. I shall feel thankful if you will inform me, by return, when I may expect to see you, as I shall not take upon myself to say or do anything until I see you; and, of course, you will see how necessary it is to keep this quiet, and not allow even your own family to know anything about it. Dear Pussy told me she expected Laura. I °A) truly glad she is coming. Could you not bring her down, and the❑ Barbara would not ]snow your errand.—Wi , li kind regards, and affectionate remembrances to all, I am, my dear sir, yours very truly, (Signed) Roßr. W. PRESTON. P.S.—I enclose you the doctor's report which they had intended to send direct ; but I wished to know the contents, and opened the note. Penn, Wolverhatnton, May 20th, 1836. Sir,—l have received a letter from Mr. Robert Preston, of Liverpool, enclosing a certificate, signed by yourself, and a Mr. E. Parke, surgeon, to the effect that my daughter, Mr. Robert Preston's wife, should be sent to a lunatic asylum. Now, sir, I must first ask you if you have been introduced to, and conversed with her, and if so, the number of rmes, when, where, at whose request, and the names of the patties present at such interviews, and if so, whether you have drawn the conclusion, contained in your letter and certificate of the 16th May, from such personal knowledge, interviews, and conversations, or how otherwise.—l am, sir, your obedient servant, (Signed) Tflos. MOSS PFIILLI PS, • Vose, Esq., M.D., Liverpool. Penn, May 20, 1856. Dear Sir,—l have received your extraordinary letter, and one equally s o f rom M r. V ose and Mr. Parke. My son is now at Lichfield with his troop, otherwise I should have gone to Southport to•day. My daughter received a nice sensible letter from her sister Barbara to day, very, very much unlike that of a person of unsound mind. You may rest assured that my child shall have my best assistance and protection, but I shall not interfere unless you compel me to do it. I need not say that I consider it my duty to inform your wife what is contemplated by you and your friends —Yours truly, Robert Preston, Esq. THOMAS MOSS PHILLIPS. 1, Beech-hill, June 7, 1856. My dear Mrs. Phillips,—The communication which Robert made to Mr. Phillips, relative to Barbara's health and con dition, as well as the subsequent information which Laura has given to both you and Mr. Phillips, the letter also which the the medical gentlemen thought proper to write to him, all appear to be treated with too little attention. As Roberts mother, I consider it my duty, in order to prevent any mistake or excuse that you are ignorant of your daughter's serious illness, to inform you the worst corsequences may be apprehended unless some change very shortly takes place. She is in a constant fever, and reduced to a skeleton ; neither has she taken any food for many days. Her mind is so much shaken that I fear the greatest care alone will restore it. It now remains for you and Mr. Phillips to exercise that paternal attention which so deplorable a ease requires, You may rest assured that all that affection can do has, and will he done, by Robert, who will also have every assistance which our family can give him. Barbara returned from Southport last evening, and another of our medical men (Mr. Balton) was to see her, I have not yet heard his opinion I consider lam in duty bound to give you this information, to avoid the possibility of your being mistaken as to the extent of poor Barbara's illness, and trust, as her mother, you may act with Mat feeling which affection and duty demand.— I am, very sincerely, yours, SARAH PRESTON. 10, Chester-place, Regent's Park, London, Monday. My Dear Mrs. Presi , ,n.—Your leiter has this day been forwarded to me here, and 1 do not lose one instant in la plying to it. I also thank you for your letter. lam indeed sur prised that Mr. Phillips has not ere this taken an active part. I know the letters he received from Robert and the medical man, to which I believe Le replied. I have also forwarded each letter from Laura to him, knowing he was the person to act, a. , d that, bad I taken any measures, be was certain to object to them. I have written to him repeatedly to act as a man ou . 7ht and as a parent, and knowing what ever I did would ho considered incorrect by him, 1 thought lie on such an occasion ought and would act. Now, let me assure you, I feel poignantly my own dear child's illness. I I feel for dear Robert, for yourselves, and for myself; and I am ready at any instant to be called into action and do all that is imperative upon a mother. Do, pray, tell me what I shall do, ?h,411 the trctiohls of the 7nemse aria THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERPOOL, FRIDAY family if I come down ? My heart is with you all, and although I am in town now on my own family business, that is nothing in comparison to my dear child's health. I certainly have several to meet on Wednesday with respect to our own family affairs, and several arrangements for Thursday—hut 1 would let all take 'its chance if Barbara's illness is imminent—if I could be left here until Friday I could finish this family business of our late father's, and pro ceed to Liverpool on Friday, and be with her on Friday evening. Do please write and tell me on the contrary, if you apprehend any immediate danger; pray telegraph, as all other money concerns are trifling in comparison. With very much love and thanks for numerous kindness, believe me ever your ever attached friend, ELLEN. Please tell Laura I have not heard from her since the 29th of May, and if she has written her let'era must have miscarried. June 26, 1856. My dear kind Brother Robert,—My feelings prevented me from expressing to you in person my sincere thanks for all your kindness both to myself and my beloved sister. For you it must be hard to forget all her unkind speeches and extraordinary actions; but we must remember that she was unable to control herself. Clara and I have both witnessed your unvaried kindness to her, under every provocation ; and it must be a great consolation to feel that you have always acted as the kindest husband, and that she loved you devotedly to the last. Clara and I desire our warmest thanks for your kind presents, which will be highly valued by us both for your own and dear Barbara's sake.—Ever believe mo to remain your affectionate sister-in-law, (Signed) LAURA. EMILY PHILLIPS. When the extracts from the letters had been read, Mr. Aspinall said, he did not intend to detain the jury by any observation. That he had gone so far as he did was only from a desire to put a full and honest statement before the public, not that he had any doubt that the jury would come to a verdict consistent with Mr. Preston's honour--kindness and affection to his wife. He was aware of the difficulty which existed in rooting out of the public mind the prejudices which frequently arose from reports such as had been put forward in that case, and it was for that rea.on he had thought it necessary that the case should be so fully gone into. The coroner briefly directed the attention of the jury to the evidence, reminding them that the only question they had to deal with was simply the cause of death. He ob served that Mr. Preston had taken to himself what Mr. Phillips, so far as he knew, never meant to impute to him— that the lady had been murdered, and murdered by her husband. So long as any reasonable ground for any sus picion existed, the tribunal of a coroner's investigation was the most proper one before which to have those suspicions explaind. He expressed a conviction that the jury would now return such a verdict as would convince the public that not the slightest tittle of suspicion with regard to the death of the lady rested upon any one. The jury then, without a minute's delay, returned a verdict of death from natural causes. THE COLLISION IN THE RIVER. In consequence of the indisposition of the coroner, the adjourned inquest on the bodies of the men who came by their death in the collision between the Excelsior and the Mail, was further adjourned to nine o'clock on Saturday morning, in the Crown Court. THREATENED ATTEMPT ON THE LIFE OF A RAILWAY OFFICIAL, James Woods, a respectahle•looking man, about thirty-five years of age, dressed in the garb of a London and North Western Railway porter, was placed before Mr. Mansfield, yesterday, charged with threatening to shoot Mr. Knox, goods superintendent, at the Edge-hill station of the London and North Western Railway. Mr. Retry, one of the solicitors of the company, appeared to prosecute, and Mr. Campbell attended on behalf of the prisoner. Mr. Berry said he appeared, to represent the London and North Western Railway Company, for the purpose of stating the facts of this case, which was of an extremely serious charac ter, and for the purpose of seeking, at the hands of the magis trate, protection to the officers of the company against a very serious attempt upon one of them. The facts were, that the prisoner, some years ago, was a tunnel breaksman in the employ of the company, bus, in consequence of reckless conduct, he was discharged. He then went into the service of the North Stafforrish re company, hut, subsequently, left them, for which reason he (Mr. Berry) did not know. Subsequently, he again obtained employment from the London and North Western Company, as a waggon driver, at the Wapping station. He was in their service at the time of the strike, and was one of the " turn-outs." Knowing that the company were very much pressed for hands, he went, a day or two after the strike, to Mr. Knox, at the Edge hill station, and told that gentleman that he was just returned from the service of the North Staffo:dshire Company. lie was taken into the employ upon the frith nfthqt rppi , Qpnt.ation, but, in a few days, Mr. Knox, having had time to ascertain the characters of the persons he had so hurridly taken into employment, discovered that Woods was one of the "turn-outs," and reported the matter to Mr. Carter, the general manager, who ordered the prisoner's dis charge. Woods was accordingly discharged. On Tuesday ho went to Mr. Knox and abused him, demanding satisfaction for his dismissal. On the previous day (Wednesday) he had gone deliberately to Mr. Bentley's, gun-smith, bought a pistol and caps, wait-d while bullets were cast for the pistol, and then went away. Some little time afterwards he wits met, in a very excited state, by a person in the employ of the company, to whom he said he was going to blow Knox's brains out. This being communicated to Mr. Knox, the prisoner was afterwards apprehended. Mr. Knox, superintendent at Edge-hill, deposed to the facts mentioned in Mr. Berry's opening of the case, and added that on Tuesday morning the prisoner came to Edge-hill, and said he was determined to have his (Knox's) life, even if he was to swing for i'. When be left, I determined, said Mr. Knox, to slight the matter, attributing it to the heat of the moment. About half past two in the afternoon, however, I was disposed to take a different view of the case, when I heard that he was walking about with a pistol in his hand, threatening to shoot me. I gave information to Mr. Superintendent Quick, and the prisoner was afterwards taken into custogy, Crbss-examined by Mr. Campbell : When were those threats made use of? Witness : On Tuesday morning, at half past ten o'clock. _ _ M. Campbell : What are you, sir ? Witness : Goods super intendent at Edge bill. Mr. Campbell : Did you not take him on again after he was discharged? Witness : No; he was taken on by Mr. Austin, the engineer. Mr. Campbell : Were you not the cause of the manes being discharged? Witness : I was acting under the orders of Mr. Carter. Mr. Campbell: Now, has lie not been the means of instructing a great number of men in the tunnel duties? Witness ; No doubt he has been the means of instructing many of the new hands, Mr. Campbell : You did not fight with him on Tuesday morning ? Witness : No, and have not seen him since, either, to fight with. (Laughter.) Mr. Campbell : You were not very much afraid of him, I suppose? Witness : No, I was not in much bodily fear, even when he had his pistol. William Fielding, clerk at the Crown-street Station, deposed that he saw the prisoner about half past twelve o'cicck on Wednesday. Witness asked him what he was after. Prisoner said he was going home as he had been discharged. He then pulled out a pistol, and threatened to take Mr. Knox's life. Witness told him he had better be cautious with such articles. He said, " Oh, I don't care, I'll take his life the first opportunity, if I swing for it." With that witness thought it his duty to return to Mr. Knox to warn him of his danger. Mr. Campbell : Was he excited ? Witness : Yes, very excited, and a little in liquor. William Bentley, gunsmith, Lime-street, said the prisoner called at his shop on the previous day, and bought a pistol, bullets, and caps. Witness had no bullets of that size cast, and the man stopped while he cast fourteen bullets. Cross examined : This was between half past eleven and twelve in the day. The prisoner said nothing as to what they they were for. The price was 15s. He did not appear to be in liquor, or they would not have been sold to him. Thomas Maddox, police officer 632, said : About half past eight last night I was sent for to go to Olive -street bridewell, and asked by my superintendent if I knew James Woods. Mr, Knox was there, and said the man was carrying about fire arms to shoot him. I said, " Why, I saw him in Smithdown lane a short time since, and ho said nothing of the sort to me." I made enquiries about him, and found him at last. I told him I wanted him, and he said, " I dare say you do ; I'll come along with you. I'll have that man's life before I sleep." I a ft erwar d s went to the public house of James Worrell, in Crown -street, for James Ashton, a friend of the prisoner's. I found him, and told him he had something belonging to Woods in his house. He took me to his house, and gave me the pistol from a place beside the privy. (The pistol was produced.) Ile said he had taken it off the prisoner by main force. Woods lived in Eaton street, Windsor; Ashton in Dale street. The bridewell keeper. produced the bullets he found upon the prisoner. Woods said if he waited fifty years he would take Knox's life, if ho bad to swing for it, He was in liquor, but not to say very drunk. Mr. Campbell, on behalf of the prisoner, said t So far as I am instructed, the prisoner has been in a state of drunkenness ever since he was discharged. His feelings have been wrought up by circumstances, and the conviction th.t he will be driven to seek work in another part of the country, and he has lost all command of himself. But I may say that any man who really intended to take the lite of another would not go about and tell persons of it, and show them the pistol, especially to a police officer. I ask your worship to look at the case in the mildest manner. He wishes, through me, to make every ample apology to Mr Knox, and do all that a man can do to express his sorrow for what has taken place. Mr. Mansfield said his duty called upon him to protect the lives of the officers, and he must bind the prisoner over, in his own recognisances of £5O, and two sureties of £25 each, to keep the peace for six months. In default of bail, the prisoner was removed to gaol. His wife, a clenent-lonking Woman. -I,mainar' rr conrt HEALTH COMMITTEE The usual weekly meeting of this committee was held yesterday, at the Town-hall. ALlerman Langsdale pre sided. The other members of the committee present were—Messrs. Dover, M'Cruffie, Beckwith, Crosthwaite, Sheil, Ha!head, Steward, and Havdock. The minutes of the last meeting were confirmed HEALTH OF THE TOWN. _ The Medical Officer of Health reported favourably of the health of the town, the deaths from all causes in the week ending on Saturday last, having been 161—a lower mortality than in any week of the preceding five years, and 61 less than the average of the corresponding weeks of the eight years prev'ous. The deaths in the parish were 114, and in the out townships 47. Diseases of the zymo!ic class, caused 44 deaths, of which. a larger number than usual, 16 were from measles, 8 from diarrhoea, 7 from typhus, 6 from scarlatina, 3 from hoop ing cough. An infant and a sailor aged 40, died from small pox, never having been vacillated. From diseases of the lungs there were 49 deaths, of which 32 were from consumption. A mechanic aged 48, died from delirium tremens. The mean temperature was f 9 8-10th degrees, rather more than two degrees below the average, having been low on every day except Friday. The atmosphere was dry, and the reading of the barometer was high throughout the week ; with the exception of a little shower on Monday, no rain fell during the week. The Borough Engineer, Building Surveyor, and Inspec tor of Nuisances, reported various particulars of the opera tions in their several departments during the week, frop which it appeared, that 103 nuisances complained of by inhabitants: had been inspected, and means taken to remedy them, 1,003 houses in the unhealthiest districts containing 3,639 apartments, and cellars had been put under examination, with the view to improve their sanitary condition, and 78 lodging houses had also been examined and reported upon. This concluded the general business. DOCK COMMITTEE. The usual weekly meeting of this committee was held yesterday at the Dock offices. C. Turner, Esq., occupied the chair. The other members of the committee present were Messrs. Gregson, Chaloner, Smith, Bold, Brockle bank, Hubback, Hoiden, Monsdell, Anderson, Lockett, Rankin, Holme, Evans, and Barber. The minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. The sub-committee of works recommended that the tender of Mr. IL Gardner, for repairing the bridges lead ing to the landing-stage from St. George's Dock, and also for the repair of the whole of the sheds at the east quay of the Salthouse dock, should be accepted. THE FORTIFICATIONS. The correspondence which had taken place between the surveyor and Lieut.-col. Servante, of the Royal Engineers, relative to the sites for fortifications along the docks was then read. That dated the 28th was from the surveyor to the Lieut.-Colonel, and was written by the direction of the committee, as agreed to at their previous meeting and reported in this journal. The next letter was from the colonel to the surveyor, and without acknowledging the receipt of the prior letter, asked, on behalf of the govern ment, for a site near the Seacombe ferry. In answer to that, the surveyor had stated that the dock committee did not possess any land on the Cheshire side, but as it belonged to the town council he had referred it to the committee for conducting the affairs of the Birkenhead docks. A subsequent letter from the Lieut.-colonel to the surveyor stated, in answer to the first communication, that he had not received any official notification from the government of their intention to give up the works of fortification contemplated in the year 1855. The Chairman said he had no doubt but that the com mitttee would recollect that in the year 1855 it was in the contemplation of the government to erect certain works along the dock walls for the purpose of defending the port. The committee had assented to certain propositions, hut from that time until last month they had heard nothing more of the matter, and the committee had supposed, as the war was at an end, that the government had aban doned the project. A Committeeman : It was stated that the government had actually abandoned the scheme. The Chairman said if it had not been officially announced it was generally supposed that the scheme was abandoned. Mr. Chaloner did not see the necessity of discussing the question. The Chairman: Perhaps the subject had better be ' postponed. As the government did not accept the offer at the time, they might not feel it right to give up the land, but if it was required the committee would, o n b e i ng applied to, be ready to give it up. Mr. Gregson thought the committee should not put any impediment in the way of the government for defending the port. The Chairman : The committee presumed that the government had given up ti.eir scheme, except as to that of the north end; the question then before them was as to the other sites. Mr. Chaloner : Let the matter pass over. I dare say we shall hear no more about :t. The Chairman : But I thought it my duty to bring the subject forward, in order that the committee might say whether these communications should be further answered, stating that the committee had supposed that the govern ment had abandoned the whole scheme. The question before the committee was whether the recommendations of the sub-committee of works were to be adopted. The tenders were agreed to be accepted, and no further I , discussion of the other motion ensued. THE GRAVING Dams, The Harbour-masters' Committee recommended that the graving clocks, No , •. 1,2, and 3, in the Sandon Docks, should be appropriated to the use of steam vessels, and that the time to be as the entry should be ten weeks ; that the remaining graving docks should be for sailing vessels, the time as entry to he four weeks, and that when the docks appropriated to steam vessels should not be occu pied, that if necessary sailing vessels take their places, and vice versa.. Letters were read from Mr. Maclver, and also from Mr. M'Elroy, complaining of the present want of graving dock accommodation, the latter gentleman pointing out some improvements which he conceived might be made in the proposed new arrangements, but which he thought would only aggravate the present complaints. Mr. Lockett, as chairman of the committee, explained that I hey had on the previous day, at some considerable length, discussed the matter, and he thought that if the present propositions were carried out, the evils complained of would be remedied. Mr. Brocklebank said notwithstanding that the proposed system might work better than that which had been pre viously adopted, he was quite sure the time had arrived when it was absolutely necessary that the committee should take into their serious consideration how they were to give increased dock accommodation. He thought that they had no right to shrink from going to Parliament to get the necessary powers. He concluded by suggesting that the works' committee and the Parliamentary committee should immediately take into their serious consideration the want of graving dock accommodation, and get some scheme to go to Parliament with a view to obviate the present inconvenience. - Mr. Locket , said they had been to Parliament last year, and it was of no use. Mr. Brocklebank : Although we could not then get all we asked for, there was no reason why we should not apply next year for some graving dock accommodation. From the daily increase of the trade, he conceived that it was not their duty to shrink from going to Parliament, and getting what really was required. Mr. Barber wished to know, whether or not Mr. Brocklebank was in order in making such a motion, without first giving notice, The Chairman : It is only thrown out as a suggestion. Are we to adopt the resolution of the harbour masters' committee ? The resolution was unanimously adopted. Mr. Barber, however, said that he did not conceive that this was the time for going to Parliament, as he thought now that the war was over, and they had two additional graving docks in the Q teen's dock, there would be suffi cient accommodation. Mr. Holme agreed with Mr. Brocklebank, that the pre sent was the proper time to apply to Parliament for power, if they were to go by the docks at the north end of the town, for he had been yesterday informed, that it would be two years before that dock would be completed, conse• quently, if they were not to take any steps this session, it would be more than five years before they could increase their dock accommodation. The trade of the port was so increasing that graving docks would be required, but he should oppose any extension of the dock northwards for that purpose, for it was his belief that they would require every yard of land they possessed for carryinZ on the trade of the port on this side of the water. • --a • Mr. - Rankin did not see any necessity for making any additional graving dock, Mr. Br alebaiik docks are full. At the present time all the graving The Chairman said he had no doubt but that the request would be take❑ into consideration by the com mittee, The matter then dropped. Some communications were referred to the Harbour Masters' committee, and the committee adjourned. REDUCTION OF THE WINE DUTIES. On Wednesday a great demonstration, in favour Of this object, took place at the Crystal Palace, under the auspices of the Wine Duties Committee, of which Mr Oliviera, M.P. is chairman, and of the Anglo-French Free Trade Association, which is in active operation in North Staffordshire. Nearly 500 gentlemen sat down to dinner, The proceedings of the day were of great interest. of gentlemen Previous to d the dinner a conf erence was held,e m ovement. connecte wi On Wednesday night the L or d Mayor entertained Si W. Williams, or Kars, and a distinguished party, who had been invited to meet him. A rupture is anticipated between the Liberal Northern and the Protective Southern States of Germany, in reference to the negociations for a new Z)llverein, which Prussia is empowered to frame. It is suggested that a Blitish representative of manufacturing and coin vercial interests ought to be at Berlin. The Monitgur of yesterday refers to the incident at Giurgevo, where a French soldier was killed by an Austrian corporal, and states that the government has received advices of the intention of the Austrians to render prompt and severe justice. Meantime the Emperor of Austria has decided that a pension graotrd to the family of the French soldier POLICE COURT.-YESTERDAY, (BEFORE MR. HAN.PIELD.) ASSAULT UPON TETE POLICE.--JOllll Williams, a tall, stout fellow, who bore an °minions mark on the brow, was charged with a violent assault upon the police. Inspector Skermer said, that about eight o'clock on the previous evening. the prisoner attempted to rescue a woman who had been taken into custody for using obscene language. He ordered the prisoner off, when the fellow knocked him down. He got up, but before he had well risen the prisoner knocked him down a second time. On getting up he, on this occasion, struck the prisoner on the forehead with a small stick which he h a d with him. A scuffle then ensued between them. and be (the inspector), was again knocked down and kicked. About 100 swell thieves, who were coming from the races, surrounded him, and lie was being severely ill-used when other officers came to his rescue. The prisoner was exceedingly violent. .hile being con veyed to bridewell, and committed an indecent and most dangerous assault upon one of the officers. Inspector Tomlinson said he found inspector Skermer lying under the prisoner, and rescued him. Officers 733 and 667 stated that the prisoner assaulted them while he way being conveyed to bridewell ; the latter, named Joseph Denman, had suffered from the indecent assault. Mr Mansfield asked what was known of the prisoner. Inspector Skermer : He is what we call a bludgeter, sir, or garotter. It was one of his fancy women that was in custody. I am very seriously injured, sir, and could scarcely walk do wn t o th e court. I have been to the dispensary. and am much hurt about the hip, I think from the fall. Mr. Mansfield : Well, man, what have von to say to this charge? The prisoner said he was drunk, and did not know anything of what had taken place. The inspectors, officers, and bridewell keeper denied this, and said that the prisoner was quite sober. and knew what he was doing. Mr. Mansfield said it was a most disgraceful case, and the prisoner must pay a penalty of £5 and costs, or go prison for three months, for the assault upon the inspector ; and when that fine was paid, or the period of imprisonment expired, he must pay a similar penalty, or go to gaol for the same time, for the assault upon the officer. The fellow not having the £lO, was removed to gaol for the six months. (BEFORE MR. ANDERSON A CLEVER ATTEMPT TO PASS OFF A STOLE?, WAIVE.-- Ellen Bird, a bareheaded Irishwoman, who carried a child in her arms, and had traces of having once been comely, was charged, along with Mary Sweeney, an oyster girl, with robbing Liebert Frietchie, a German emigrant, of his watch and pipe. From the evidence of the complainant (given through an interpreter), and of police officer Southwell, it appeared that Ellen Bird had been tempting the complainant to purchase some oysters at Lumb's publiohouse, Whitechapel, where Mr. Frietcnie was solacing himself, about four o'cloek on Wednesday afternoon. The complainant went to lie down in a private room, but the prisoner Bird followed him there, and persisted in trying to sell him some oysters. What took place there did not very clearly transpire, but it appeared that the interpreter went for a police officer, and on constable Southwell going to the publichouse, Mr. Frietchie charged Bird with stealing his watch and a pipe. The interpreter found the pipe upon the woman, hut the watch was not discovered at the time. While Southwell was carrying Bird to bride. well, the girl, Mary Sweeney, came up and walked on the pavement along side of her. The officer, perceiving this, ordered her to keep off, but she would not go away, and as they walked together, he observed Sweeney put her hand under Bird's apron. He immediately seized her hand, when the missing watch fell to the ground. Upon this, he took Sweeney into custody. In reply to the magistrate, the bridewell-keeper said that Bird bad been up for similar practices before, but the girl was not known. Mr. Anderson committed Bird for three months, but said that as the girl did not appear to have been present when the felony was committed, and the evidence against her was only suspicious, he would give her the benefit of her previous good character, and let her off this time, ALLEGED ROBBERY o A FATHER BY ITN 50N.... Richard Dodd, a respectable young man, was brought up, and Superintendent Clough said that he had been apprehended at the request of hie father, Mr. John Dodd, surveyor and civil engineer, of Chester, on a charge of absconding with £6O. The father had since withdrawn the charge, saying that he did not now think that his son intended to steal the money. About MB had been found on the prisoner, who was accordingly liberated from custody. PUNISHING A ROGUE.—A surly looking fellow, named Henry Jones, was charged with passing a base half crown, at the shop of James Bewinan, Shaw's-brow. He had been apprehended at the corner of Byrom street, by officer 621, whom he assaulted and abused to such an event, that Inspector Elaimes had to go to his assistance. The charge of uttering was very clearly made out, but as the mint are unwilling to prosecute in such cases, the prisoner was dealt with for the assault upon the officer, and fined Z.I. He was sent to gaol for three months, in default of payment. ROBBING A TILL. —Joseph Thompson, a boy of 16, was charged with robbing the till of Mr. Getyge Barry's public house of 7s 4d. Arthur 'Waterhouse, the barman, said that as he was going into a room behind the bar, be turned and saw the prisoner leaning over the bar counter, with his hand in the till. He ran and caught him, and then went for a constable, leaving the priso ner i n c h arge of Mr. B arry. Mr. Barry said he found 7s 4d in the boy's pockets, which Le had no doubt had been sto'en from the bar. The prisoner was sent to gaol for three months. " SAVE ME FROM MY Fur mvn:."—Nicholas Smich,"a porter, was charged with robbing Thomas Connor, q respectably dressed man , of his silver watch. Mrs. Jane Knight said that she saw Conno r lying on the ground at the Tithebarn-street station, on Wednesday afternoon, apparently drunk, and the prisoner searching his pockets. Her son gave similar testimony, end said that the prisoner left Connor after rifling his pockets, but went hack to him on seeing a police officer approach. The watch had not been found, but the guard had been broken, and the " bow " or ring of the watch was found open the prisoner, Connor said he had been to the races, and got a " little fresh," and believed his watch was taken from him in the train. The prisoner said he had met Connor at the races drunk, and had befriended hiss in every way. He found the bow of the watch on the course, and put it into his own pocket " to take care of." He had paid complainant's railway fare, and behaved to him as well as he could do. He certainly had searched his pockets, but it was only to find out whether there was anything else wanted "taking care of." Connor denied all knowledge of the prisoner, end the magis trates evidently believing that the alleged kindness of the latter was founded on rather too interested a motive, committed him to jail for two months. John Jones and John Williams were committed for trial, for attempting to steal copper bolts from the ship Jamaica, in the Queen's graving dock, yesterday morn ing. Mary Dobson, a girl. was sent to ga for two months for stealing cotton from a bale on a cart in Carlton street. Alderman Hohne and Mr. Bolton sat in the magic trates' room, and disposed of the applications for renewal and grants of game licences. MACNAUGHT versus THE CLERICAL SOCIETY TO THE EDITOR OP TIII3 NORTHERN TIKEiI. Sir,--From to-day's Courier we learn, that th• Clerical Society do not in'end answering MacnauF. , ,ht'a Free Diem,. sion v. Intolerance. For the credit of the Clerical profession we are sorry—at the same time, we cannot but admire their discretion ; but what will the public think of this silence ? The answer is obvious. In future, then, we shall be entitled to say, that Dr, M'Neile played the Jesuit in Mr. Macnaught's house, usider the guise of a sincere friend (?) and used the information thus procured, in effecting Macnaught's expulsion from that region of stern honour and exquisi e refinement—the Liverpool Clerical Society. But does the odium rest entirel think not; fo r it i s into y with th e d octor! We nceivable that sixty one other clergymen should have been ignorant of the means taken to get at the information upon which they were acting. Then came another question : Where was the manliness of the staly-one, that tot one dared to stand up and say, " disapprove of Mr. Macnaught's views, and think his expul sion desirable; but we utterly scorn to proceed egainst him by any b u t t h e most fair and honourable means P" Not solit tr y one d ared thus to speak out—beaten spsniels Qsthey were--and beard the leader of the gentlemete who snivel and whine, Sunday after Sunday, at the defections to scepticism of our working classes. Who needs wonder that infidelity abounds, when we behold such contempt of courage and honour in those who should be our spiritual teachers— a t one time trifling their time in solemn impertinences about unfulfilled prophecy —at another, attacking the Papacy and its devotees, as if they (poor souls) were the only people deficient in the first principles of morality. It will be said this is strong lan guage, and we admit it ; but is it any stronger than is warranted by the facts ? While we talk smoothly of the shortcomings of the elergy, Christianity is being brought into greater contempt than by all the combined efforts of Messrs. Barker, Holyoak, Cooper and Co. We have not the least mite of respect for gentle men in white neckcloths wanting uprightness and integrity ; And him vhsvr7 're Tours, &e.. but '7.101,9 rood m Pr) AICM.