Northern Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-08-01 00:00:00

TELEGRAPHIC NEWS. .By British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph. SPAIN AND MEXICO. PARIS, FRIDAY. Lafargua, the Envoy of the Mexican Republic to the Court of Spain, has arrived in Paris, where the Conferences for the settlement of the disputes between Spain and Mexico are imme diately to take place, under the mediation of the French and English Governments. The Three per Cent. Rentes closed to-day al 66 80—a slight advance. SIR COLIN CAMPBELL. ALEXANDRIA, JULY 22nd. Sir Colin Campbell arrived to-day, en route for THE EAST. CONSTANTINOPLE, JULY 22nd. Rechict Pacha, the Grand Vizier, has tendered his resignation, which has not been accepted. The journal published here, entitled La Peesse d'Orient, has been suspend©d for a week. NAPLES. It is stated that the Cabinet is about to pre. prare a note, destined.to make known to foreign Governments the plan of the revolutionary chiefs, and especially the manoeuvres of the Muratist party. THE INDIAN NEWS. The heavy portion of the Overland Mail has arrived. The steamer cuss twice delayed by the authori ties, which accounts for it arrival having been so long deferred. The Bombay Times, of July Ist, says the rebellion is universal in the Bengal army, and even the 70th Native Infantry, which was publicly thanked by the Governor-General in person for its loyalty three weeks before, it has been disarmed, it being deemed necessary. Not a symptom of disaffection has as yet ap peared in the Madras armies, which manifested the most perfect loyalty, and repelled indignantly every attempt made to seduce them from their allegiance, by emissaries from the Bengal troops. .A. list is given of fifty-six regiments, or portions of the regiments which have mutinied, while twenty have been disarmed and one disbanded in fact, the Bengal army have ceased to exist. The fall of Delhi will do more to quench the rebellion than anything else. There is anxiety about the Nizam's country, as the Ist Regiment of Cavalry had mutined, and there was a rising at Hyderabad. At Benares the mutineers were fired upon with grape. The Sikhs remained passive at first, but then fired on the officers—three fell. The Artillery, also, drove tho Sikhs away. About 100 mutineers were killed, and 200 Wounded. The rest fled. An attempt to capture the guns was repulsed with great loss. There were only eight European solders killed. Civilians and families saved by a Sikh prisoner. Great atrocities committed at Hansi and Hessar, but many Europeans escaped. No Europeans killed at Arungabad ; mutineers dispersed. The Bhurtpoor levies had mutinied, and the officers were obliged to fly, but none were injure At Albahad, where the 6th Regiment had mut nied, 20 Europeans and families were killed, including 11 officers ; 3,000 prisoners liberated themselves, and are plundering. At Jullundur the mutineers were being pu down. CALCUTTA, June 19.—There were bazaar reports of Delhi being taken, but they want confirmation. Telegraphic accounts of the conspiracy at Cal cutta, and arrest of the ex-King of Oudc, confirmed. Every precaution continues to be taken. CHINA. In the first expedition ten junks were taken and seventeen destroyed ; each was armed with a 32-pounder. In the second expedition twenty junks were taken in a creek and destroyed. There was a heavy fire from the houses, and many of our men were wounded. In 'the third expedition Commodore Elliott and Admiral Seymeur stormed a fort, and a boat expe dition attacked some junks, and there was a sharp engagement SuiciDg o A. PUBLICAN.—Some excitement prevailed about hAt-past nine o'clock on Friday morning, in Stamford-street, l3lackfriars-road, London, owing to a Melancholy suicide. The deceased, highly respected, was landlord of the Otainford Arms, and was seen a minute or two previous to the fatal affair, quite well. Suddenly the sound of a pistol shot was heard, and on those in the street rushing in, they forinJ the deceased lying beside his bar, his face covered with blood. Medical assistance was instantly at hand, but life was quite extinct. Some mystery is attached to the affair. New AMERICAN VIEW OF THE INDIAN BUSINESS.—The York Herald, iu concluding an article on the mutiny of the sepoys, says :—lt is impossible to take leave of the subject without a singular mixture of horror and admiration at the sublimely impudent and atrocious doctrines put forth in a moral and sanctified tone by the leading organ of the Bri tish press. For a century or more the poor Hindoos have been mercilessly trampled by the English ; their land has been seized, Oleic) daughters have been ravished, their sons have been made servants, their money has been appro priated, their political independence taken away; nothing Whatever has been left them—neither family, nor national, nor caste, nor personal rights. Yet, at this hour of the day, when al this frightful oppression has been practised for a century, the London Times coolly tells us that the reason of the failurs of the East Indian experimeat has been its too great leniency and its too imprudent favour to the Hindus. Nothing, therefore, remains, but to Cut the poor creatures' tbroais IMPE RIAL PARLIAMENT. (By British and Irish Magnetic Telegraph.) HOUSE OF LORDS.—FRIDAY. The House met at five o'clock: THE ISLANE TRADE. Lord Brougham inquired whether the government had received any information respecting the supposed rejection by the constituted authorities of Martinique of the prof fered supply of free labour by the importation of free negroes from the African coast. Earl Granville would communicate with Lord Claren don on the subject. Lord Brougham presented a petition from Jamaica pray ing the government to take every possible measure for the suppression of the Spanish slave trade at Cuba. THZ INDIAN ARMY. The Earl of Ellenborough inquired whether the Govern ment would lay upon the table a copy of any order issued by the Governor-General of India for providing carriages for the army in the North-western provinces, after the Ist of February in this year. A return of all the means of carriages in possession of the commissariat in those pro vinces and in the Pnnjanb, and a copy of any order of the late Governor-General for the reduction of the commissariat animals in these provinces. The reason he asked for these returns was, because if sufficient carriage had been possessed, by the 26th of May two eighteen pounders might have been before Delhi, a breach made and the place entered, or without the eighteen pounders the walls might have been scaled, and a the calamities in India might have been avoided. With regard to the present position of affairs he was glad that Sir 11. Bernard, with the resourees at his disposal, had hot attempted an attack upon Delhi, but he held a dangerous position, for if he remained where he we, the heavy rains would aurround and endanger his army, and the result of that would be, that giving way to the pressure of their own people, the natives in the vicinty would rebel. He hoped ihat Sir H. Bernard, would retreat in tftne, join the forces at Meerut, establish himself at Umballah, and keep up a communication with the troops En the Punjaub, and he also hoped that a great and decisive blow would be struck during his ietirement. Earl Granvrlle would not object to the production of the papers which the noble earl, asked for, but he did not thihk that any practical advantage would arise from their presentation. He refrained from ollowing the noble Earl's speech in detail, and observed th it many of the statements of the noble Earls on the previous occasion were distinctly contradicted by persons on the spot, adding that the mail was expected that night, and when it arrived they would be in a bdterosition to discuss the matters alluded to. The Marquis of Clanricarde deprecated the caurse taken by the Earl of Ellenborough, and challenged him to move a vote of censure on the Government. After a few words from the Earl of Ellenhorough, The Duke of Argyle said there was to mention in the acconats from India of want of carriage, and stated that Calcatta was in no danger. The subject then dropped. MISCELLANEO US' BILLS. The Bill Chombers (Scotland) Bill, the Banlcruptcy anti Real Securities (Scotland) Bill, and the Public Works (Ire land) Bill, were read a third time and passed. Some other bills advanced a stage, and the house adjourned at half-past seven. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY. Tha Speaker took the choir at twelve o'clock. ELECTION PROSECTITIONS: Mr. H. Baillie inquired whether it was the intontion of the government to order the Attorney General to prose. cute all these who have been reported to the House as having violated the laws of the country at the late elections, or whether the prosecution was to be confined to Mayo. Sir G. Grey said that the prosecutions in the Mayo case took place, in the name of the committee, upon the report of the chairman ; and on a similar motion being made by the chairman of any other committee, the House would no doubt deal with the case according to its merits. The Probate and Lotters of Administration (Ireland) Bill was committed proforma for the insertion of amend ments, and was ordered to be printed. DUBLIN REVISING BARRISTERS. On the motion for going into committee on the Revising Barristers (Dublin) Bill, Mr. Napier opposed the measure on the ground that it would deprive of his office one of the present revising barristers for the city of Dublin—Mr. Shaw—whose abilities he eulogised, and whose title to the office he defended. He also objected that it vested the appointment of revising barristersin the Lord Lieutenant, and that it placee the appointment of deputies with the Lord Chancellor. This would give the government increased political in fluence, and it was well known that Castle influence was lei ought to bear at elections in favour of the government candidates. He moved that the bill be committeed that day month. The Attorney-General for Ireland resisted the amend mennt, and defended the appointment of Mr. O'Hara. Mr. Hardy thought, for the sake of the Lord Lieutenant 2 and for the sake of the confidence of the citizens of Dublin, in that functionary, that the bill should not be allowed to pass. After some further discussion, in which Sir G. Grey, Mr. Macmahon, and others took part, The house dividoti. The numbers were — For the amendment, Against, Majority, Mr. Napier moved an amendment to the effect that the appointment of of one revising barrister, in addition to the one already appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, should rest with the Lord Chief Justices. The Attorney-General fdr Ireland opposed, and Mr, I. Butt supported the amendment. Upon a division, there appeared— For ..... Against Majority Mr. Nrpier stated his intention of bringing his amend ment forward again in a fuller House, and fur that purpose moved that the chairman report progress. In reply to Mr. J. Butt, Mr. Napier said, he had no objection to adopt the suggestion that the appointment should be vested in the judges of the three courts. Mr. Bouverie did not think a fuller House would be secured by renewing his proposition in committee. The discussion continued till ten minutes to four o'clock, when the debate was adjourned. The General Board of Health Continuance Bill went through committee. SLIGO ELECTION. Sir John 'Verde Buller brought up the report of the iiligoElection Committee, which declared that John Patrick Somers, Esq., was not duly elected, and that John Arthur Wynne was duly elected for the borough of Sligo. The committee also reported that they had altered the poll by striking off two votes recorded for Mr. Somers, and adding them to the numbers for Mr. Wynne; by striking off the name of one person who was proved not to have voted a t all, and by adding the names of two persons whose votes had been improperly refusdd. The sitting was then suspended. EVENING SITTING. IPSWICH ELECTION Lard Grantley reported from the Ipsmich Election Committee, that Hugh Edward Adair, and Mr. C. Scob bold were duly elected, and that several bribes had been given, but there was no proof of the knowledge or c onsent of the sitting members, and that the travelling expougeg of yopers charged were septematieally in moo of the sums actually paid, but there was no proof that thee payments were made for corrupt influence. HUNTINGDON ELECTION. Mr. Cobbell reported from Huntingdon Election. Com mittee that John Moyer Heathcote was not duly elected, and that Edward Yellowes was duly elected. The com mittee also reported that they had amended the poll by striking off the names of persons voting without title, and voting twice in virtue of the same qualification. THE OATHS BILL. Lord John Russell gave notice that on Monday he should move for a select committee to consider whether the act 6 and 6 William IV., chap. 52, was applicable to the oaths to be taken by members of parliament, and in what manner it could be so applied. He asked whether the government would allow the motion to be brought for ward before the other business. Lord Palmerston acceded to the application. ELECTION OF POOR•LAW GUARDIANS. In reply to Mr. Macartney, Mr. H. Herbert said that in Egnland a person receiving a salary out of the poor-rates had not the power to vote at the election of guardians of the poor, and it was a question for consideration whether that prohibition should not be extended to Ireland. In answer to Mr. Adderley, _ _ _ Sir John Ramsden explained that troops had been sent to the Red River to relieve those whose period of service had expired more than a year ago. THE SEIZURE Or THE BRITISH SCHOONER On the motion that the House, at its rising, do adjourn till Monday next, Mr. John Locke drew attention to the seizure of the British schooner Maria in Venezuela, and inquired whether her Majesty's government had received any satisfactory reply from her Majesty's charge d'aflairs at Carraccas on the subject. THE BENGAL AItMY. Sir John Pakington inquired whether Lord Palmerston would lay upon the table the report made by the late Lieut.-General Sir Charles Napier to the Dake of Welling ton on the organisation of the Bengal army. Lord Palmerston, in reply to Mr. Locke's question, stated that there had not yet been time to heao from this commissioner who had promised to do all in his power to obtain redress for the seizure of the Maria. With regard to the question of Sir John Pakington, he stated that inquilis han heen made at the Horse Guards for the papers, and if they contained nothing more than the right hon. baronet mentioned they would be presented. RELIGIOUS EDUCNTION. A discussion then arose upon a motion by Mr. 'Whiteside for papers respecting religious education, in the course of which Mr. V. Smith, and Sir Charles Wood, stated that the principle of religious equality had been fully and completely carried out. ne motion that the House at its rising adjourn till Monday was then agreed to. MATRIMONIAL CALTSZ3 BILL. The debate on the Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill was then resumed by Mr. Gladstone, who, in arguing against the measure, remarked upon the fact, that nearly all the speakers on the previous night were opposed to bill, and that the feeling of the country was shown by the multitude of petitions to be against if. The right hon. gentleman then proceeded at great length to comba t the arguments of the Attorney-General, and contended that the bill was unjust in its relativJ operation in regard to both the man and woman. That Divorce was not sane- tioned by scripture, and that the marriage bond was in dissoluble. _ _ _ Sir G. Grey defended the bill. The objection of the clergy had been urged as if it related only to the com pulsion to marry the guilty party and her paramour, but being grounded on the indissolubility of marriage, marriage, and therefsre included the innocent as well as the guilty party, but the bill did not alter the law in this respect, for a clergyman was now compelled to perform the ceremony in the case of divorce] parties. Lord Lovaine ohjicted to the measure. The Solieitoi-General supported it. Mr. Henley opposed it, and complained that suffiein ime had not been given for its consideration. Mr. Walpole stated his belief that had more time been given for the consideration of the bill, it would have met with the approbation of the country. hero was much misunderstanding, he believed, in regard to this measure, but the House and the country would see that under its provisions the nnptial bond could not be dissolved for any thing for which it could not be dissolved at present, and that its object was to substitute one good judicial tribunal for three bad ones. While, however, approving of the bill generally, he thought that to avoid the violation of the consciences of clergymen, the re-marriage of divorced persons should only be a civil contract, or the performance of the cermony should be optional. Mr. Napier also condemned the clause respecting the re-marriage of divorced persons, but the goveenment having stated that to be an essential part of the bill, he would rather see the whole measure perish, than that it should pass with so objectionable a clause. The Attorney-General then replied, and in the course of his remarks expressed surprise that Mr. Gladstone, who s upported a similar measure, in 1854, should object to the present bill. The house divided. The numbers were— For the second reading., Agasnst, ..... . . Majority, .... ... Mr. Hayter moved a new writ for the Falkirk Burghs, in the room of James Merry, unseated.—Agreed to. Mr. W. Ewart obtained leave to bring in a bill to amend the 28th section of Burial Grounds (Scotland) Act, 1855. The other business in the paper was disposed of, and the house adjourned at five minutes past two o'clock, The Prase d' Orient (Constantinople paper) of the 15th is rather a curious specimen of the results of the censor ship. The greater part of the paper is blank, and where complete articles have not been suppressed sentenced and even single words have been erased. LAMENTABLE ACCIDENT TO A LADY IN HYDE PARK.— On Wednesday evening, when Rotten how, Hyde Park, was crowded with fashionables, both in the ride and promenade, a lady, with a groom behind, was noticed upon a spirited horse. On her reaching that part of the park between the statue of Achilles, the animal shycd and plunged, and violently rushed towards the rails, in cominc , in contact with which the lady w as thrown on the g round,' the horse falling upon her. The groom dismounted and ran to tho assistance of his mistress, as did also numbers of gentlemen. She was taken up perfectly insensible, end bleeding from her mouth and other parts. The brougham of Dr. Hutton, Chelsea, happening to be nearest to the spot, she was placed in it and driven to St. George's Hospital, when Mr. Tatum, the principal surgeon, and Mr, Hooper, the house surgeon, were in immediate attendance upon the unfortunate lady. It is now ascertained that the lady's name is Miss Gilbert, No. 1, Lodge Terrace, Regent's Park. From the nature of the injuries she has received, Mr. Tadtuna gives not the slightest hope of her recovery. Two CHILDREN FOUND MURDERED.—On Thursday morning information was received at the Scotland-yard Police-station, London, that a well-dressed woman, who had gone down t) Gosport by the railway, had murdered a female child, about three months old, that she had wich her, by placing it in the water of the moat that surrounds the town of Gosport, and distant about 100 yards from the railway terminus. The woman was observed potter ing about the moat by a lad going to the town, and he, on his return, went to see what she had been doing. when he found the body of the child which he instantly took to the Police-station. It was warm, but quite dead. On the discovery, every effort was made to capture the murderess, but she has escaped for the present. Information was also received of another brutal child murder at Campton Giffard, near Plymouth, where a .male infant has been cut up, and the pieces put into s pillow-case, which was found on the Tavistock Turnpike -road by rolicesserseant Manning. SERIOUS FIRE AT THE " NORTHERN DAILY TIMES " OFFICE. Last night, shortly before eight o'clock, a fire broke out in the oil and paint manufactory of Mr. Jordan, in Thomas-street. These premises are immediately adjoining the south side of the NORTHERN TIMES office, and in a few minues the flames had spread with such rapidity that they burst through into the binding-rooms connected with Mr. Willmer's printing estahlishment. Several water-hose were immediately put in full play ; nevertheless, such was the force and rapidity of the fire that the glass roof of the binding-room fell in with a tremendous crash, causing every one in that portion of the building to beat a speedy retreat. Mr. Hewitt and Major Greig were instantly on the spot, and directed the movements of the Fire Brigade with precision and effect. After considerable exertion the fire was put out in th© NORTHERN TIMES Offiee, but not before considerable damage had been done, not only by the fire, but from the water being peured on different parts of the building . The fire continued in Mr. Jordan's premises for several hours. The extent of the damage done we have not yet learned, nor have . we any idea how it originated. It was fortunate that the flames broke out at the time they did, for the premises connected with the NORTHERN TINES were all open, and the flames prevented from reaching the large quantity of paper in several parts of the building The great bustle, noise, and confusion which pre vailed in the Newspaper Printing Office, was a great hindrance to the compositors for several hours, which accounts for the few inaccuracies and imperfections of to-day's publication. We under stand that Mr. Jordon is insured in the Phoenix fire office, for 1t2,500 on stock, and machinery Our own Stock is insured in the Liverpool and London Office. The builings belong to the trustees of the late Mr. Marsden, and insured but we are unable at present to say in what office' We must not omit to mention that among the pereons first on the spot after the fire was dis covered, on our own premises, were Mr. Whitty, (of the Daily Post), Mr- Stone, Superintendent Quick, Inspectors Kelsey, Thompson, and Chew and several others belonging to the police force, all of whom rendered valuable assist ance on the emergency ; and to Mr. Whitty we must express our obligations and thank fulness for his considerate and courteous oiler of rendering us any assistance which he could give towards getting out our paper of this raorning. Fortunately we did not require his aid, but his kindness is equally felt and appreciated. In connection with the above conflagration, it is our painful duty to record an accident to one of the fire-officers, named Henry Woods,' which we fear will terminate fatally. It seems that in the discharge of his duties he was making a survey of a portion of the injuried premises, when, having placed his foot on a beam that had been much burnt and injured by the flames, it gave way under his weight, and his support being thus removed, he he fell a depth of seven stories, but was immediately picked up, and conveyed to the hospi al wlien it was found that injuries of a most severe nature were sustained. A Venetian fete, given on Tuesday night, on the canal at Brussels, is described es exceedingly brilliant. Upwards of 60,000 spectators were assembled on the banks to witness this novel spectacle. Two powerful bands had been placed in orchestras erected for the occasion, and played in succession Belgian and Austrian airs. About half-past ten o'clock, the King, accompanied by all the members of the royal family, including the newly married couple, arrived, and were hailed with the most enthusiastic cheers. The boats which took part in the fete were fitted up in the most tasteful manner, and splendidly illuminated with Venetian lanterns, and many of them bearing transparencies appropriate to the occasion. The fete terminated by a brilliant display of fireworks. The royal party did not retire until near midnight. VISIT TO A.GUN MANUFACTORY.—Perhaps all our readers are not aware that there is a gun factory in Liverpol, and that, too, of the most interesting and useful kind. Amongst, the mechanical sciences, there is none can boast of more rapid and successful progress than the improvements that have been made in fire arms, not only for war, but for domestic and sporting purposes. It is always a pleasing task to the journalist, to put on record the achievements male in his locality ; and it will be a source of pleasure to all Liverpool men to know that there is amongst them a man who, by his indomitable perseverance and skilful experience, has done as much as any living man to bring fire arms to a state of perf clion. That man is Mr. Bentley, o f the firm of Bentley and Son, gun makers, South Castle street. A visit to the factory ef this house is, perhaps, as interesting as can be imagined; but as details to the general reader would rwt prove as attractive as the results of our visit, we shall endeavour to convey an idea of the perfection to which Mr. Bentley has brought guns in all their details. The first implement that attracts attention is the " patent breech-loading rifle." This is decidedly the most perfect and effective rifle at present to be had in any country. The chief objects in a rifle—in fact in any gun—are facilities for loading and quick discharge, without the fear of accident. In this respect, when it is stated that the rifle has been loaded and discharged 1,000 times in 31 hours, in the presence of some of the best judges, and most scientific persons in England, and that the barrel was as c3ol as ice after the operation, and did not even require cleaning, we might stop there, and let the tact speak for itself. The operation of loading iS so managed that neither ramrod nor other implement is requisite ; a simple but beautiful contrivance by an effective lever, underneath the barrel, performing the work instantaneously, and a child may load the gun with safety—aye, and discharge it also, for there is no flash, and it is made air-tight by the wad of the cartridge—the succeeding charge clearing out the barrel, better than all the sponging that could be resorted to. As a piece of perfect and effective mechanic ism, this rifle cannot be surpassed. The next implements that call for notice are the revolvers of all kinds. We do not wish to institute any comparison between this and that maker;. we merely describe what is before us. In these revolvers, both guns and pistols, once the barrels (five in number) are charged, you can fire the whole in four seconds, without the loss of time of re-cocking, as in the old system—for the hammer and trigger are so arranged that the usual pull of the latter works the former in the most effective manner, and such a thing as misfire is out of the question. The gun is loaded by a screw rod, in a time almost incredible, and with precision—plain to the most ignorant capacity. To riflemen in the army these guns and pistols are indispensable, and in the present Indian war are a desideratum not to be overlooked by the autho rities. For field—that is, sporting—purposes, the gun recently invented by Mr. Bentley, and called the " central fire gun," is the most complete and safe firearm in the world, How many sad accounts have we not had to record in consequence of the bursting of guns and other accidents arising from missing fire and the like impediments in field sports. In the central fire gun such things are quite impossible, for instead of the cap depending on external influence, the fire goes right into the centre of the barrel, the nipple heing horizontal with the barrel, and communi cating directly with the charge. We might mention a variety of details of the arms manufactured at this factory, but the above general outline will convey some idea of their utility. It may be stated that Mr. Bentley possesses more patents for his improvements, and holds more testi monials as to the efficacy of his important inventions, than any similar house in England. To all who take an interest in this important class of manufacture (and who does not ?) a visit to the house will more than compensate ; and it is satisfactory to know that our townsman holds such a high position in this art, most useful for the protection of our lives and liberties at borne and abroad. SEDUCTION AND DEATH OF A GIRL FOURTEEN YEARS OF AGE. On Tuesday and Wednesday last Mr. James Hitchins, coroner for the city of Lincoln, and a jury were engaged for several hours in the investigation of a case horrible and disgusting in all its details ; indeed, such an amount of moral turpitude and depravity is in these days rarely brought to light. The facts are briefly these :—ln a bye lane of the city, in the heart of a populous neighbourhood, reside Thomas and Sarah Mann. both in the prime of life, and surrounded by a family of children, the youngest of which at this date, is scarcely three weeks old. The woman, it appears, has been married before, and at the time of her marriage with Mann had one daughter— thea only five or six years old. Mann follows the occupation of hay-trusser and thatcher, and for four years, i.e., since the age of ten years, his daughter•in-law, the young girl alluded to, has been in the habit of assisting him in the fields. This she continued to do until within a week or two ago, when an advanced state of pregnancy compelled her to desist and remain in.doors. On Sunday morning, the I9th of July, she gave birth to a full grown mail child in the natural way. Now comes the horrible part of the story. The girl, on being questioned, positively affirmed that her father-in-law, Thomas Mann, was the father of the child, and this statement was fully borne out by corroborative circumstances. After the girl's accoucheraent, Mann's wife declined to call in a nurse, or allow the infant to be put to the breast in the ordinary way, and represented to the surgeon who called to inquire after the health of his patient, but did not sea her, that she was going on quite favourably. The result was, that inflammation set in, and the wretched girl died of conjes tion of the brain, exactly a week after she gave birth to the offspring of her shame and her guardian's (?) villainy. Under these circumstances, the coroner thought it his duty to institute an official enquiry, when the facts above stated were proved. It was also given in evidence that since the age of ten the deceased girl has been subject to the infamous proposals of her father-in.law, and at the age of 13 her ruin was effected. The jury after a long deliberation returned the following verdict :—" That the deceased at the age of 14 years gave birth to a male child uuder circumstances of a distreosing, disgraceful, and awful character, being the victim of him who ought to have been her paternal guardian; that subsequently the de ceased was not attended to as she ought to have been by the mother ; that there was culpable if not criminal neg. lect on the part of the mother in refusing to follow the instructions of the medical attendant ; that milk fever, succeeded by phreniti., and ultimately congestion of the brain caused the death Of the said Sophia Welch." Mann is about 40 years of age, and well to do in the world. The disclosures have caused the most intense horror and dis gust throughout the city. THE HOUSE OF SAXE•COBURG AND ITS MATRIMONIAL ALLIANCES. The Debats profits by the marriage of Princess Char lotte of Belgium to draw the attention of the public to the remarkable position attained by the house of Saxe Coburg Gotha in Europe by means of its matrimonial alliances. Our contemporary believes that the result of these alli ances will be most favourable to the influence of England, and that it will draw still closer the political union of Great Britain and Austria. We extract the following passages :—" The King of the Belgians is a prince of the house of Saxe Coburg Gotha, which has become great and powerful within a space of thirty years. He is the uncle o f Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. The nume rous children of the Queen are Coburga• Apart from the near relationship existing between the two royal families of England and Belgium, the Queen of England is ten_ aerly attached to King Leopold, here uncle, whom she considers with justice one of the wisest and most eminent sovereigns of Europe. The princes of the house of Coburg are destined to reign one day over Great Britain and Belgium ; but with this difference, that the Coburgs of England will preserve the protestant faith of their fathers, while the Coburgs of Belgium will be catholic' like the French princess, their mother. This circumstsnce favours in a singular manner the aggrandisement of the house of Coburg, which may aspire to any alliance . Thus the princes of the Belgian branch marry in catholic Austria, while the eldest princess of the English branch allies herself to Protestant Prussia. The time, therefore, is not far distant when Coburgs will be found everywhere in Europe, and as relations or friends of the King or Queen of England they will reflect on that nation the greatness and power for which they are indebted to their numerous alliances. At the present moment, King Leopold, who is so closely connected with the Queen of England and the Emperor of Austria, would be an ex cellent intermediary for bringing about a political union between them; and his consummate experience and pro found knowledge of the men and politics of Europe would not fail him in that task. We have stated already that Europe carrot see with an indifferent eye the intimate alliance which is gradually being established between Austria and England. We may mention that the union of those two countries in former times by no means prejudiced the interests of Prussia and Russia. On the contrary, Prussia, protected by that union, rose to the rank of a great power, laid the foundation :of future aggrandise ment, and at present balances in the Germanic confedera tion the influence of Austria. Russia also conquered immense tracts, which gave her the rule of the Baltic and the Black Seas, and so powerful an influence over the German States as to lead to the belief that the equili brium and independence of Europe were menaced. Are we to consider the family alliances of the royal house of Belgium and of the imperial house of Austria as a step towards the ancient alliance between England and Austria? We do not believe that such is the case ; but we can com prehend the interest with which Europe watches the political effects of these alliances." THREE WOMEN STRUCK BY I . 4IGIITENING IN ABERDEEN simm—A sudden death from lightning occurred at Kirkton Farm, Fraserburgh, on Monday last, between three and four o'clock. The thunder and lightning for a time were tremendous, and the lightning struck dead on the spot one of the women at wink at Mr. Burnett's turnip field, and severely injured other two, who are reported to be dangerously ill.—Aberdeen Journal. THE HARVEST.—Harvest is progressing most rapidly. The crops are large and heavy. Wheats are remarkable for the length and squareness of the ear. Oats in many places are already housed. Some large breadths of barley are cut in good condition. Pease and beans are abundant: The crops are ripening so fast that it is difficult to decide which field to begin first. If the weather holds fine for ten days, the bulk of the harvest will be over, and by this day week many samples will have been laid on the market tables. A Cow WITH A WOODEN LEG.—Last week, Mr. Robert Wright, farmer, of Bourton Lazars, near Melton Mow bray, had a cow which broke its leg, and which they attempted to set themselves, but finding they could not succed, they scat for Mr. Reynolds, veterinary surgeon, of Melton Mowbray, who found it in so bad a state as to render amputation necessary, and he has affixed one of timber in its place, which is likely to answer every purpose. It is fastened round the knee-joint by means of leather straps, and the beast can use it. Nottingham Journal. " I CANNA FOLLOW." —The almost telegraphic velocity with which Mr. Fitzroy, the chairman of committees, is in the habit of reading votes in supply, and the proposi tion of clauses and amendments, during the discussion of bills, is but too well known to every one, who, like members and reporters, are occasionally bewildered by his rapidity of utterance. Durifig the discussion on the Scotch Police Bill yesterday, the right hon. gentleman was getting along with his usual speed, when the plaintive exclamation 4 ‘ I canna follow," burst forth in a despairing tone from the hon. representative of a western city, and arrested for a moment the chairman's progress, and the house's attention. THE OPERA SEASON of 1857.—1 f there be any truth in the apothegm, " Happy is the people that bath no history," the Italian Opera-houses, or rather the two managers of them, ought to be very happy indeed. A season presenting less matter for record, or mere devoid of interest than the opera season of 1857, we do not remember; and were it not that anything like a large retrospect of the progress of any art shows that suuch pauses as that which we are now making are not unprecedented, nor even few, we should be disposed to think, as perhaps some in every generation have thought, that the resources of music were exhausted —that the well-springs of melody were dried up. and the fountains of harmony had ceased to flow.—Frsser's Maga sins for August, ST. HELEN'S RAILWAY AND CANAL COMPANY HALF-YEARLY MEETING. The ordinary half-yearly meeting of the St. Helen's Railway and Canal Company, was held at the Station, St. Helens, at twelve o'clock 3esterday. There were bat a few proprietors in attendance. The chair was taken by Gilbert Greenall, Esq., M.P., Chairman of the Com pany. The Secretary, Air. A. SINCLAIR, read the advert' se ment convening the meeting, and the half-yearly report of the directors, which was as follows: 8. d, 18,069 18 0 Association. REPORT OF THE DIRECTORS. To the Half-yearly General Meeting, held On the 31st of July, 1837. The Directors have to report that the increase in the gross traffic receipts for the months just ended, when compared with the same period of 1856, is £4,122, against which must be placed an increase of working and renewal charges of £2.259, and of interest on loans and preference dividends of £450. The gross revenue for the half-year, as shown in the statement of accounts circulated among the shareholders, is . . • And the working charges, rates, taxes and rents amount to Or 38 per cent. on tho receipts Leaving a surplus of Deducting from which for interest on loans £6,354 6 7 For renewal of permanent way 700 0 0 And for additional works 660 18 1 ..... 16,621 0 10 7,715 4 11 Leaves TO which must be added the balance left, after payment of the dividend declared at the last general meeting 299 7 I 18,111 8 1 Out of which the Directors propose that a dividend should be declared for the past half-year, payable on the 6th of August. At the rate of .2,1 per cent. per annum on Stock (A) ..-..€3,960 0 0 At the rate of 5 per cent. per annum on Stock (B) At the rate of 6 per cent. per annum on Stock (C) At the rate of 41 per cent, per annum on Stock (D) At the rate of 41 per cent. per annum on Stock (E) . 1,626 6 0 And at the rate of 6 p+•r cent. per annum on Stock (F) Leaving a balance to be carried to the next account, of . £4l 10 1 The number of passengers carried during the half-year was 290,881, or 16,250 more than in the same portion of last year, while the weight of coals and merchandise conveyed was 326,863 tons on the canal, and 405,682 tons on the railway, being an increase of 90,367 tons on the welght conveyed in the corresponding period of 1856. The bill for regulating and increasing the capital of the Company was passed without any opposition, the clause relating to Liverpool Dues being transfered to a separate bill. The share capital is now defined at £859 200, with poTver to issue an additional amount of £100,00), and the Company are authorised to borrow on loan, one-third of the total share capital. The Directors regret that they were less successful with the other bill which sought to exempt the Company's trade from the payment to the Liverpool Corporation and Dock Trust of Dues, without any corresponding service being rendered. This . was referred to the same committee as the lVlertiey Conservancy Bill, and the latter was passed by the committee, who expressed an opinion that as that bill dealt with the general question of the management of the Mersey, further legislation should bo suspended, until the trust thereby constituted come into office: Your Directors were :herefore only able to place on record, the grounds on which they claimed exemption from these dues. The committee adhering to their decision to pass the Con servancy Bill alone. The works on the line from Gerard'e•bridge, to the East Lancashire and Yorkskirc Railwat s at Rainford, which were contracted for immediately after the last general meeting, have been rapidly proceeded with, and one half of the line is tow ready to receive the permanent way. The formation of the line between Gerard's-bridge and the main lino at St. Helens, is also progressing satisfactory—and the Directors expect the whole line will be completed before the close of the present year. Mr. Jones, ono of the auditors, and Mr. Greenall, Mr, Holland, Mr. Blundell, Mr. E. Greenall, and Mr. Rigby, five of the Directors, retire on this occasion by rotation, but aro all eligible for re-election. GILBERT GREENALL, Chairman. The CHAIRMAN said : Gentlemen, I feel that each and. all of ns are so familiar with the accounts, the form in which they are presented being the same as that which has for a considerable number a our past meetings been laid before you, and yo.:e all being with mpelf so entirely and thoroughly roasters of the figures, and cf all the cir cumstances connected with the railway, I may content myself with congratulating you upon the favourable report which we are able to lay before you. I shall therefore merely move the usual resolution, that the report now read, and the half-yearly statement of accounts be recelved and adopted. Mr. THOMAS lIANDCOCK seconded the motion. The resolution was unanimously adopted. Mr. CHAS. HOLLAND, Liverpool, moved that the dividend he declared as stated in the report. Mr. BARLOW seconded the motion;:which:was unanim ously carried. _ GASKELL TAYLOR expressed his opinion thnt as the affairs of the company had beer, so well directed, the com pany ought to re-elect the outgoing directcrs. He therefore moved that Messrs. Greenall, Blundell, E. Greenall, and. Rigby be re-elected. Mr. SAMUEL TACLOIL seconded the motion, which wax unanimously agreed to. Mr. STOKES moved that Mr. Jones, one of the auditors retiring by rotation, be re-elected: The motion was carded. _ _ A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the pro ceedings. INCREASED SUPPLIES OF COTTON. A large and influential deputation from the Cotton Supply Association of Manchester, com prising merchants and manufacturers from Lanca shire, Glasgow, and the Midland Counties, had an interview with Lord Palmerston at his residence, Cambridge House, Piccadilly, on Thursday, the 30th July, 1857, at oneo'clock, for the purpose of making certain statements to his lordship as to the present supply of this important raw material, and to sub mit to him certain proposals by means of which. in the opinion of the deputation, a largely increased supply might be obtained from British India. The deputation consisted of the following gentle men : Edward Ashworth, Vice-president, Bolton. John Baynes, Blackburn A. W. Holmes, Derby Henry Dunlop, Glasgow Walter Crum, Glasgow William Potter, Liverpool George Booker, Liverpool His Worship the Mayor of Oldham Thomas Thornley, Hyde James Burton, Sildesley John Ponder, Manchester Thomas Clegg, Manchester Joshua Radcliffe, Rochdale Edmund Birley, Preston John Humber, Preston George Henry Ormerol, Newchurch James Marshall, Stockport Hugh Mason, Ashton-on- Line WilliamWanklyn, jun.,Esq., Bury Henry Whitworth, Man, Nathaniel Alexander, ton don. tester, Secretary to the The deputation was accompanied by the following mem bers of parliament : Edward Akroyd, Esq., M.P. John Cheetham, Esq., M.P. R. A. Cross, Evq., M.P. F. Crossley, Esq., M.P. E. C, Egerton, Esq., M.P. Gilbert Greenall, Esq , M.P. C. P. Grenfell, Esq., M.P. G. Hadfield, Esq., M.P. Charles Hindley, Esq., M.P. J. T. Hopwood, Esq , M.P. William Henry Hornby, Esq , M.P. James Kershaw, Esq., M.P. William Kirk, Esq , M.P Colonel J. W. Patten, M.P. B. N. Phillips, Esq., M.P. James Platt. Esq , hi.P. F. S. Powell, Esq., M P. Sir Alex, Ramsey, Bart., M.P. J. B, Smith, Esq., M.P. J. A. Turner, Esq., M.P. Henry WoAs, Esq , M.P. Willism B.own, Esq., Walker Buchanan, Esq. M.P. Sir John Potter, lint , Robert Dalglish, Esq•, M.P. Lord Stanley, M.P. W. J. Garnett, Ecq., MP. W. T. Egerton, Esq., M.P. Jam3sPilkington, Es q., Sir JamesElphinstone, Captain Grey, M.P. Edward Horseman, Es q. M.P. J. C. Ewart, E€q., M.P. Thomas Thorneley, Esq., M.P. George C. Legh, Esq , M.P. John Biggs, Beg ,M.P. J. D. Harris , Esq , THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERP