The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-02-02 00:00:00

RIFLE OORPS ANNIVERSARY.

On January 30th, four years ago, the Dorchester
Rifle Corps wee enrolled, and on Friday evening tele-
bested its fourth anniversary. On this occasion the
band of the corps discoursed • good selection of music
in the Corn Blehange, and the building was crowded
with people. A great improvemeet has taken place in
the band sines Mr. H. Wellspring has Wee bandmaster,
and certainly it has never been in greater perfeetion.
After playing for about an hour, the annual meeting of
the members and subscribers of the corps took place at
the Townhall, which was, however, attended but by
three or four private individuals, and • portion of the
rifle eorps. The officers present were Lieutenant
Coombe, Ensign Hodges, and Surgeon Pauton. Owing
to a domestic affliction Captain Kindereley was unable to
attend. The question of the feasibility of assembling
the battalion in camp during the summer was con-
sidered at this meeting.
Lieutenant Comita, in addressing the Volunteere.
said: In arriving at the fourth anniversary of their en-
rolment, he must congratulate them upon the stability
which the force had exhibited, upon the good name
they had established, and the credit they maintained,
which were alike happy reflections for themselves, as
well as for the Inhabitants of the town from whom
they were enrolled. (Hear ) It unfortunately happened
that evening, that he should be called upon to address
them, in consequence of the death of their captain's
mother, and it was very much regretted by Captain
Kinderaley that he was unable to be present. Mr.
Coombs then alluded to the suddennese of the event
which had deprived them of the presence of their
captain, and said he must make a lame substitute for
supplying his place. He knew his views on the
meeting to-night, but there were some points which they
must defer until he wasamonpt them. Such a difficulty
as he lad had really wanted no excuse. The number
of drills which he proposed for this year would be the
same as last—one drill every Thursday for the first
quater, and a similar number in the tyro following
quarters ; and of these eight must be attended in each
quarter to qualify as last year. The question of suh-
sctiptions with regard to the Government gr.nt they
must pass over altogether. He had had no opportunity of
conferring with Captain Kinderaley, and consequently
did not know what his views were. He had only two
matters to bring before them for their oon-ideration.
The first was a proposal for the volunteers to go lute
comp during the enwing summer, and upon that ques-
tion he wished to hear what their views were, whether
they wore disposed to guarantee such an attendance os
would enable them to make a fair show upon the
ground. Of mune it would be anything but pleasant
to be there with only seven or eight file of men; In fact
it would defeat the object for which it was intended.
Various suggestions bad been made as to the thee and
place when such should take place. One idea was
to base it at the time of the county shooting, and
another notion was to camp at Blandford race course.
Ile thought Maiden Castle, Blandford woe-course,
or a place about two mike distant from any town having
a rifle corps would be to dome extent objectionable. The
novelty of their being in camp would no doubt attract •
great number of people, and that would be putting a
tie upon Dorchester men if the camp wan near that
town, or on other corps whose town the camp
might be near. His opinion was, if they slid go
into camp, they should go to some distance
f rom any bead quarters. The qnestioo of expense
was soother matter, which he could not speak much
about at present, but that would be discussed at •
meeting on Monday. The county would be appealed
to, but he believed the mites, would be a little more
than living at home ; he meant an unavoidable expense,
for he had nothing to do with other expenses Which
they might run into. It was for them to consider
' whether they were prepared to join in this matter. He
thought if they only went out for three days it would
be reniethisig and nothing. They had better have a
week's Polidey, and go out for a week. Any old
eoldier, Legg would tell thetp, that going into camp for
three days would be like two bites et a tilierry, and nothing
more. A certain amount of ineoevenlence would arise
by going to camp, but he was of opinion that they had
better have a fewdays more, and get settled to that kind
of life, lie should like to go out for six or eight dsye
The other question which be wished to bring before
them was that of the appointunot of chaplain. Captain
Kimiendey had mentioned Mr. Fisher as the successor
to Mr. Colson, and if that was acceptable to the corps
to offer the chaplaincy to him. This yes baled upon
the ground that the offer should be given to the senior
clergyman in Dorchester. He did sot know that there
was anything more thathe could enlarge on ; bathe might
talk for an hour, and mold not my too much for them.
He hoped the ensuing year would be prosperous for the
corps, and as pleasant for the men and officers as the
last had been. (Applause.) At this stage of the pro-
ceedings a show of beads was given for the memos
campaign, when the insjority were held up in its
favour, some of the volunteers saying they would go if
they could. Lieu tepant Coombs then remarked i t must not
he understood that they would go if they could. The
first thing to do would be to lay themselves out for •
week's campaign, and whenever the time was flied,
having Fad they would go, go they must.
(Hear, bear.) It would not do for them to say
they would go and not do so, as on • recent
occasion, when he was promised by them to be present
to march to Piddletown, but when the sight came only
10 or 12 file ,attended, and be did not go as he was
ashamed. (Hear). If on Monday he communicated
to the battalion offieeri that they would go to camp, he
did so upon the distinct pledge they Would do so, and
fail on no amount but that of illness, or seeps such
cause as had happened to their captain. He must
have their pledge that they would use every effort in
their power to be at camp. In alluding to the time of
year for this proposition he said be thought it should be
In full moon time, and as near the long days as
possible, about Coronation-day. He then asked the
corps if they agreed to tile Rev. J. Fisher being
appointed their chaplain, which was ceesented to with-
out • dissentient voice. He then suggested that the
thanks of the corps should be given to Captain
Kindersley for all the hard work he had given them,
end for his willingness to do all he could for them.
(Applause.) He was sure be anticipated the answer,
and should have great pleasure to communicate the
regret of the corps at his &teems. He then asked
them to march around the boundaries of the town.
The corps then mustered in the Coro &change, and
headed by their band proceeded round the principal
streets of the town, whither they were followed by •
great many people.

WOOL—ODDTELLOWS' ASSIVIRSART.—The fret
anniversary of the Billion Lodge of Oddfelleers wee
celebrated on Wednesday evening, by a sapper it the
Black Bear Inn. &numerous party of brethren from
other lodges assembled and partook of an excellent
meal, provided by the host of that inn. The chair wits
taken by Mr. Spiner,and the vice-chair by Mr. Poynter.
The lodge was wished every success, and its progress
wee stated to have been very satisfactorr. The harmony
of the evening was much enhanced by the strains of •
braes brand, and songs, touts, and sentiments freely
pared around the 'octal group, the effect of which was
that a very jovial and pleasant evening was spent.
MARNH PILL —On Tuesday evening, the 26th ult.,
• hall took place at the Crown Inn, which was very well
attended. King's quadrille band, from Blandford, was
in attendance, and gave very great salidaction. The
bat-room was very prettily decorated for the occasion,
and dancing was kept up with good spirit
BLANDFORD DIISOOLVIAO Vuma.—On Wednes-
day evening the Corn Exchange was filled to over.
Bowing with delighted juveniles, who bad gathered
together to witness • Defied of (11•1010011 views
illustrative of Scripture subjects, exhibited by Mr.
Whitwell. Some of the views Ilfere very beautifully
got up, and the whole reflected great credit OD the
exhibitor.
TIMPULLISCI Soctrnr.—On Thursday evening • vary
excellent lecture well delivered in the Towuhall, Bland
ford, by Mr. Hardy, of the South-Weetern Temperance
Association, on'The best mearm of elevating the Working
Classes." The chair was occupied by Mr. B. Meeden,
who after singing and prayer introduced the lecturer.—
Mr. Hardy first adverted to the support the temper-
ance muse received in some pines' be had visited
from the Town Council, and of discouragement it met
with from the like corporate body in others, At
Cbristabursh the teetotalers were charged double for
the use of the Towohall than any other party, and had
been forced in bell-defence to procure another Oar*,
taking the premises lately known by the Swan Inn,
which they were fitting up for a Temperanos-hall.
After some further observations on this subject, the
lecturer proceeded with his subject. There were,
be said, very few but profeesed to feel an intermit
in the welfare of the working climes, and
many schemes of benevolense had been devised
for their benefit It was greatly to be
lamented that the working-classes, as • body, did
not take that interest in their own advancement that
other parties did. In the distribution of charity, no
doubt, the higher classes aimed to elevate the working-
claws ; but he was persuaded that their efforts had
failed, for if you meek a man dependent on you, you
took away his manly feeling. Those who feel they are
indebted to their superiors in station for clothing and

fool loss their independence. They feel they are
debtor., and esinaciinettly dare not net contrary to their
estrous,' wishes. the lectern illustemed by .
cue which C.• 11111 0001. r 1,0 own observation. where •
man tolerated him not to uoke his auppoit known tea
,rjety, because the elergyeisn from whom lie had re-
ceived favours was opposed to it, and the seine party
acknowledged that if • aindidate was to so.tly to itim
Fir his vote at an ,lectern. he should not give it without
he was sure this clergyman eta- also in favour of the
came party. In devisi•ig means for the elevation of tie.
working-thmses we must look that they are such
as those we seek to benefit can use themedves wihoot
outlineb
egt gii
sadt eodP:t inn del i egonoi
living.wo fonn.7h history,
b e rytAb ead'ra ry'‘'sb
eite:mw.
deprivedal Hardy
k obligedyh iettut oh:glwadlv helpal...6:dt e.
et
He
tiec-
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turnedh.t.oeceducation.
had
aside ;eh:.
it snake
had.
hfhy:s. b however
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ie aandinwevdo:uc: ryt
e dpl it.
educating oee
himself. Now many things had been devised for the
welfare of the working-classes, and the first he would
notice was that of the pawnshop. It had been mid
that, if the working man could, in a case of distress or
emergency, have the means of procuring money when he
required it by the pawning of his goods it would be a
great help to him, acting upon the old siege, "A
friend in need is a friend indeed." But he was sure
that pawnshops instead of being a binning hot proved a
curse to the people of this country. Their evil effects
were seen chiefly in our large towns. He remeinbered
once being at • railway station rather too early, and to
make use of the spare time be took a walk into
the town. He saw a large building brilliantly
lighted up, although it was between five and en
in the morning, and that the principal part
of those who visitel the house were women, who Were
taking back their husband's Sunday clothes to pawn,
which they had taken out the previous Saturday night.
The pawnshop and the publitehouse were generally
close together, and not far off Iris the union. The
pernons who ciefiy used the pawnshop were those who
by their own misconduct and intemperance had brought
themselves down to the lowest state of degradation.
Very few cams occurred where the provident had need
of them, and he trusted if there were any present who
had anything to do with them that they would endea-
vour to sever that connection as soon as possible.
Pawnbrokers establishments were one of the greatest
curses of the land, and in Dome of our colonies they are
entirely prohibited. Loan societies have also been held
np as a great blessing to the working dames but from
his own knowledge of their operations in Manchester,
he was fully persuaded they were a snare and a curse,
and that many a man by them bad sunk deeper and
deeper into difficulty. A man just starting a business Is
in want of a little money: he goes to • lean society,
with two bondsmen, and borrows what he wants; he is
charged an enormous interest for it, and the continual
weekly or monthly payment of the borrowed sum makes
him M the end of the year in a worse state than he was
at first. He goes to another loan society, and there
horror, money to help him keep up his payments to
the first and so goes on to ruin. In this way loan socie-
ties are doing all incaltalable amount of injury.
Sunday cheap trips have also been held up as • great
means for elevating the working closes. It has been
said that the thousands who are *Doped up in London
have need of these trips by which on one day in the
week they can enjoy the fresh air, and be elevated by
viewing the works of God in nature, have wholesomefood, and become better acquainted with themselves
and their maker. Such opinions he fully believed were
entirely false. Thousands of young persons had been
ruined by these cheap trips on the Sunday. For what
were the facts of the are. Having resided in the town
of Ipswich for about six months he had had the oppor-
tunity of observing their evil tendency. They came by
the Crest Eastern Railway In hundreds and thousands,
many of them on their arrival being the worse for
drink, and the greater part, instead of walking about
to enjoy the beautiea of nature, crowded the public
houses, and returned home in a worse Mate than
they came. Ile would ask, how then can cheap
Sunday trips elevate the working classes! Theatres
had been proposed as a means of elevating them
Their influence, however, was pernicious, and
the greater part of them who attended them
were had characters, thieves, and fallen women.
They were nodally, morally, anti intellectually fraught
with mischief. Music saloons had also been originate d
11.1 a means of elevating the working classes, but un-
fortunately the greater pert of these were closely allied
with the halls of Bacc'ius. Cheap beer had also been
set forth, fir the same purpose. but since the laming
of the Beer Act, crime hail manifestly increased. and
the working man hart been reduced by its influence in
the aerial scale. In the present day. they heard • great
deal about the repeal of the malt tax, and that the
poor man, equally with the rich, would be able to bare
cheap beer. Now for his put he had no occasion to
complain of the malt tax or the spirit duties, for he
had taken them off In not drinking. The idea of
making the working. classes manly and independent,
and elevating them in the social scale by cheap beer,
was the most absurd nonseise he ever hoard of.
The speaker then proceeded to point out how
the working classes could be elevated. lot.
By education. If knowledge is power, the more a
Dian knows the more r• iterful lie becomes. The more
a man knows of himself, of nature, aid of the causes
which operate in nature. the better qualified is he to
judge what will conduce hest to his own well-being and
happiness. The drinking customs of the land stand in
the way of education. We peek to remove that barrier.
Many • child is kept from school, and is injured for
life by the father spending his money in drink. Some
fathers are so infatuated that they would sooner see
their children grow up ignorant than give up their pips
and their beer. If we want the people to become
educated we must teach them to he sober. 2nd. To
elevate the working Mama we must teach them to be
provident. There is lunch truth in the words of
Franklin that if a man only earns 6d. per day, and
spends but 51. he is • provident man. Don't spend all
your earnings at once. Working Men's Chiba have
been established to mat in the elevation of the worths/
classes, and to neutralise the evil influences of the
publie-house. They have almirably succeeded, bat
he Wes speaker) was greatly afraid that in connec-
tion with the temperance movement they had too often
turned the cold shoulder to those they sought to benefit.
Drinkers have been noted for their sociality, and if we
would succeed in inducing the drunkard to give up Ids
debasing habits, we must be kind to him, pity his
failing', and if he breaks his pledge, instead of findiug
fault with him, seek to get him to e'en again. Tempe-
rance Lund and Building Societies were a means of
elevating and improving the condition of the working
chows. Many a man complained of his rent being too
high, and of the unhealthy stencil:pi of his cottage. He
did not say. for he could not say, that all might become
their own landlords, and have ground of their own,
for the agricultural labourer, with his per week
end a wife and family to sup Port, could not. He, how-
ever, could often have many enjoyments both for him-
self and his family if he gave up strong drink, for it
was • fact that often such men spent their 3s. per
week in beer and Wham*. But to those who had
higher wages and were provident, the building societies
offered an eligible unease( investing their spare monny,
and Reis wearing an independence to live upon in their
old age. The lei:titer closed his address by giving
several instances of working men who had by tempe-
rate and provident habits raised themselves to com-
parative affiuenee. —The Chairman said he perfectly
coincided with the remarks of the speaker. Though he
was glad to state they had s Working Men's Club in
DAUM in the tows, yet he was sorry to say, the class of
persons for whom it was especially designed did not
avail themselves of its edvantages. After singing the
doxology the meeting separated.
CANFORD.--The festivities at Canford House, the
seat of Sir Ivor Beetle Geed, have of late been On • very
extensive scale; many of the distinguished guests having
been enjoying themselves with pigeon shooting in the
park. Dancing in the magnificent uloon of the mansion
has been kept up with mat spirit to the enlivening
strains of Eyen's quadrille band; and on the 16th1 it.,
the Wienborne troop of the Q.O.D.Y.C. assembled in
the park,and went through •variety of evolutions, much
to the satisfaction of their gallant commander, Sir Ivor,
who expressed himself much pleased with their soldierly
aim arum*, and Invited them to the mansion, where
they partook of a liumptuoes tepid provided for the
omudon. As the troop were seated round the
• &dive board, it was remarked that a finer set of men
could not be found throughout Her Majesty's dominions.
SHAFT&SBURY.—Mrs. Edwards, organist of
Blandford Church, gave an evening concert at the
Amicably Rooms on Tuesday, January 26th. Of
the performance generally we cannot speak too
highly, and the admirable precision and expression
with which the various choruses were rendered by
the Blandford church choir called forth great ap-
plause. Those most deserving of notice were •
beautiful pert song of Pearsall's), "Coins let us be
merry," which was sung with great taste, and much
applauded. "The Village Chorister" was also gives
with much effect and received an enthusiastic encore.
The favourite round, "The Midnight Drum," was
sung in masterly style by Master Skivington
(soprano)„ Mr. Lance (tenor), and Mr. Furmage
(bass), and was deservedly encored. Mr. Kenning.
ham, from the Salisbury Cathedral choir, sang in • I
masterly style four very beautiful songs, the most
admired being "The Village Blacksmith," given
with excellent taste and feeling, and enthusiastically
encored. The splendid performance by Mr. Skiving.
ton, of two beautiful solos on the cornet, sworn-
pealed by Mrs. Edwards on the piano, quite elec-
trified the audieooe, whose appreciation of the talent
displayed by both performers was shown by
rapturous applause, and in demanding an encore of
the last one. The evening's entertainment was con-
cluded by Rossines "Carnevale," sung by the whole
company, with great effect and precision. We used
scarcely add that Mrs. Edvrards's accompanimimta
on the piano were executed in • first-rate style. We
regret to state that in consequence of a mistake by
the gentleman who made the neoceary arrange.
manta, the price charged had the effect of limiting
the attendance. Should Mrs. Edwards again favour
her friends at Shaftesbury, we trust many more will
be able, by a reduction in the prim of tickets, to
enjoy such a rich musical treat as that given on
Tuesday.
WILTON.—GIATIFYINCI I'IIIMITATION.—The ate-
tioa-maiders of Wilton, Mr. Gillingham, South-Western
,beiii"alle:bilrmwaat.2p:it.l.ndlotedMarh.otoß:tdrege,GirrestrappstaretrWinttei.on:n tallicifhetiheiiirhyabco, hniattadvoini
.in..abiaisubsptant.tia;laith.mdan.mneetivAecooailiingynit.iittihglmlboy tuhanteytdweenßontetyniidda,intio.:
down to an excellent dinner at the Greyhound Inn,
under the presidency of H. Brittain, Faq. After the
loyal toasts had been drunk, the chairman said he had a
very pleasant duty to perform, and nothing could have
afforded him greater gratification than to officiate on
that occasion. It was pleasing to do honour to whom
honour was due, and to recognise the merit and good
qualities of the deserving. Two gentlemen present had
well earned promotion from their employees, and the
good will of all who were brought in contact with them.
The testimonials were then presented to each gentleman,
oonsisting of a piece of plate and a purse of sovereigns.
Mr. Gillingham mewed them that he was very pleased
So meet them that evening. Ile was deeply 'retrial for
Vat kind mark of their esteem, and more especially
for the eeseplimentery remarks with which the
preseatatioa had been accompanied. His maxim
through life had been to do unto others as he would be

done by—to study the comfort and interest of those
with whom he came in contact, whether in • public or
a private capacity. By adhering to that rule h•• had
retired many friends, and he trusted few, if any,
enemies. Moreover, lie had enjoyed the good opinion
servitude to the company- a perio of eirt years— he
cohf
alids.aupearzii,oirsdi.ioen
too.fficcof bin
"thewoeomlt pan" ylraniu"d durteing.
the
had never had • reproach or a :rink., in any quarter.
It was • great setisfection to be able to say that.
(Hear. bear.) When the intelligence reached him or
his appointment to A sminster, he began to feel some-
what sorry for the shay , and much more en whes the
time arrived to say farewell. Still there was • pleating
rati•faction left, in knowing that be was carrying with
him all their good wishes for his future prosperity.
Railway men were like birds of passage. No sooner
they became acclimatised and settled down, than they
were obliged to take Bight for another atmosphere,
which, if not so congenial to health, was rather more
cheering to their pockets, to which till were
bound to look. But lit him be located wherever
he might, he should always look boa with
pride and pleasure on the happy event which
bad brought them together that night, and dr
on the many happy days he bad spent in Wilton. Re
again thanked them for their kindness, and expressed a
hope that God would bless them all with health, wed*,
and prosperity.—Mr. Bond also returned thanks, ax-
pee-sing his gratification that he had riven satisfaction
to the inhabitants of Wilton. He should highly prigs
their testimonsh and he trusted it would stimulate him
to further exertions. Several other toasts, iocludirg
" The Mayor (W. Robson, Esq.,) and Town Council of
Wilton." "The Earl of Pembroke, Lady Herbert and
family," followed, and the evening was spent very eon-
S. .1.5.
EILETER.—Pge.IORT.—COMMITTAL 1,01 TRIAL—
At the Reeler police court, on Saturday, the derision of
the Bench was given in a cane in which Mr. Bradford,
• tradesman, was charged, "That in his evidence, eheen
in an arbitration case between Mr. Welland and the
accused, the latter committed wilful and corrupt
perjury, by =rearing that he never agreed to takes
certain Government contract for making some diet
scales, do., and that the contract was Mr. Wollaod'o,
he (the defendant) only undertaking to do the work.'
The Bench felt that they should not he doing their
duty if they did not commit him to take his trial at the
assizes. The Bench would accept hail—himself in £5O,
and two sureties in £25 each.
TIV BETON. —Mr, terfoliT SlBelng. We
to bear of the melancholy death, from suicide, eV
George Dunn Corey, for many years a draper in Fare-
✓ust An inquest on the WO was held at the do,
resed's private residence on Wedneedu
bars F. Mackenzie, Esq., and a respectable jury.
From the evidence it appeared that the chromeat had
bum for some little time confined to his house ki eon-
sueenee of inner, and that on Tuesday evening be
was abject to delusions and speared to be sufferer
great depression of spirits.. He sat up that eight
' with his sister And Mr. Davey, his assistant, and about
two o'clock on Wednesday morning retired to his bed-
room, stating lie should return in • few minutes.
Whilst absent be accomplished the fatal set with •
razor, which be took from the dressing table. Mr.
Davey, asthe deceased did not return to the sitting roam
went to his bedroom, where he found him on the floe:
bleeding profusely, with his throat ca. Mr. Reed,
his medical attendant, was immediately nut for bat
life was extinct before his arrival. The jury reamed
a verdict of 'Temporary insanity.' The deemed had
been for many yearn a member of the Town Council,
and was much revered.
BRI DOW A TEIL —lows Conweit. —The monthly
meeting of this body WWI held at the Burgess Hall oe
Saturday, under the presidency of the Mayor.—Mr.
Alderman Smith reported that a balance remained io
the hands of the treasurer of L'l26 13u 4d.— Mr. Smith
then proposed and Mr. Palmer seconded, "That the
corporate seal be affixed to the account or =rip= and
e pendituredind alai the sums dus to andf rota Mr pora-
tion in relation to the Bridgwater Navigation Account,
for the year ending list December led, in accordance
with the provisions of the Bridgwater Port and Naviga-
tion Act, 8 and 9 Vie., a 88."—Mr. Smith rid
he considered that £lOO of the surplus fund of the
Navigation Fund ought to be invested to meet any'
contingency or accident which might contra the bridge.
It wag not of 'efficient si= for the traffic perattnt
thmogh the town, and if an accident should occur
£4,600 would be saddled on the parishioners in rase-
goatee. Such • plan was adopted Wale year=
and by investment, Au, it had inward to
which however was expended in law-suits with.
reference to the docks Mr. Korner would not
question Mr. Smith's motive, but be questioned
whether it would be prudent to apply the money
for that purpose. He considered the money
would be more profitably laid out in im-
proving and altering the current of tbe river.
—The Mayor considered it would be more prudent to
look to the bridge in ease of accident; and it was then
proposed by Mr. Smith, and seconded by Mr. Rosniter,
" That the sum of EBB he applied out of the red=
fund of the Navigation Fund, in case of saident to the
bridge, or for navigation works."—Mr. Horner then.
proposed, and Me. Auber seconded, "That the
corporate seal be affixed to the returns of the amounts
paid for proration expenses for the half-year
ending 31st December last, at Arises and Quarter
Sessions." Mr. Borner said he considered that 9s.
per week charged for prisoners was too highdle compared
with 31. per week allowed to paupers who were often
poor, honest, and industrious people.—Mr. Smith, in
reply, stated that the high charge was not for provinces,
but for keeping them in custody.—Mr.
Smith, in introducing the next portion of the day's
badness, vii.. petitioning Parliament for the albohir
of capital punishment, rid it was necessary for him to
enter largely into the abject, as be felt confident that
it would receive their unanimous orient. Minor
cases, for which capital punishment had bee. dere
away, crime had decreased, and in countries where it
had been altogether abolished, murders were very few.
A condemned culprit could not, in three weeks, (the
period usually allowed). be in a fit state to enter into
the presence of his Mar. When Cain killed his
brother Abel. God did not sentence him to death, but
set • mark on him and consigned him to banishment.
In many ca-es, such as Townley's. there was • moral
reeponsibility and glad as he was to see him reprieved
he could not for a moment see why Wright should be
executed. Townley deliberately planned the murder
of his victim, while Wright killed his paramour in the
heat f portion. But, they would ask, what would you
do with murderers? His reply would he—wet • pill,
over the door of which should be written "The
Murderer's Grave ;" and as soon as culprits entered they
should not be permitted from ever again having inter-
course with their fellow-beings. He would move that
the following petition be sent to Mr. Kinglake for pre-
sentation to the Government. He was pleased to hear
that the subject would be brought forward in the next
• 'To the Honorable the Commons of the United
Kingdom of Great Britain, in Parliament &rambled
:-
"The humble petition of the Mayor, Aldermen and
Burgesses of the Borough of Bridgwater. in the CZninty
of Somerset, in Common Council assembled :
" That your petitioners are of opinion that capital
punishment should be abolished, for the following
amongst other reasons :—Because the penalty of death
does not tend to the prevention of the crime or
murder.—Because in all ears where capital punishment
has been abolished, either for murder or mines
offences, the crimes have very materially decreased.—
Because pubill executions deprave and harden thou who
attend them, and create an interest in the greatest
criminals who are often regarded as heroes, if they
have been notorious cheerers—or as tidier if the
ores have been involved in any (loath—Berner, by
the punishment of death the murderer is deprived of
the opportunity of repenting of his gin and reforming
his life,thus excluding one great object of • just punish-
ment, viz., the reformation of • ariminal.—Beesues
in many instances persons have been found guilty of
murder and executed whose innocence has been
subsequently clearly proved. Thu, in the
case capital punishment, human judgment is deemed
to be, and is acted on as if it were infallible. Because
in many eases of murder, questions of moral responsi-
bility frequently arise involving points of the
difficulty, which cannot be satisfactorily an red ii
capital punishment is enforced. Because by en-
forcing death by the law, no discrimination is
made 'between the different ;middens of the crime of
murder, whether the crime be planned or unpre-
meditated whether the result of sudden frenzy
or of • deliberate cruelty the same un p
meet is inflicted alike on all. M.MUS.
the punishment of death, though perhaps suited to
a bnerrous age and a savage eountry, repugnant to
the feelings of a christian people, an to the character
of this civilized kingdom. And because atrial punish-
ment is repeatedly, and is inconsistent with the fano=
and spirit of the christian dispensation. Your peti-
tioners therefore pray that your honourable house wet
be graciously pleased to repeal the existing law imPe
the punishment of death for the crime of murder. tal
your parishioners will ever pray, he. Given under
our Common seals, kg'.
Mr. A Herman Ford worded the motion. and
narrated • came in which 60 years ago, • man of Bridg-
wrerdramed Cradle, quarrelled with another man. A
struggle ensued and the man was stabbed. Cradle ems
executed for the murder, although he protested his
innocence to the last. After he was executed It was
discovered that he died innocently, and that during
the strugglea woman; who had Cradle's knife, hid
murdered the man.—Mr. Haddock did not agree !nth.
proposition, arid considered the Council did a great
deal apart from their paper briers. Their duty was
to attend to the municipal work, and he contended
convened been
w°thatagreea nd"dcw with
c'btahyag bt
propositionlimt art o.MayorHaddock,e aniaor fromt
bhhueadtpt purpose, public
consideredu proposedl3:ebelievedand
ir
it would have more weight.— Mr. Barter perfectly
an exceptional case. He should support it, as be
beleived capital punishments were contain te
Christianity. Many advocated capital retnishmeVzt
they knew it was not in accordance with religica.
however, would often quote, "An e= for any eye. Sal
a tooth for • tooth," and "w sheddrb
"lan's blood, by man shall his blood be
%lied." That was under the Marie dialm."
nation, and no one would now like Ita
live under Moses's roles. If cattle then gored too
other, or if • person gathered sticks on a Sunday. cc„
false prophets, or dreamers of dreams, they were all
put to death. As Mr. Smith had said, "God did net
kill Cain, but set a mark upon him" He did or
believe capital punishment tended to decrease murder.—
Mr. Good said be should support the proleafitt"n
but augured that a public meeting be called. as ,
would be • fair and lemtimais way of crerainine
opinflan of the public on the =Nut. On • 'bow d
hands 7 voted for and 8 against the reedutios. It was
therefore carried.—lt was then proposed by Mr. Brass
and seconded by Mr. Smith, "That this inalting
eiders it desirable to petition Parliament for tbe
or reduction of the duty on Fla Insurarter" The
mohair was carried nee. con. —Mrdreith end: Is the
erection of the new Tosrithall, they had now eases to a
difficult part. and the architect, Mr. Knowles. •014
tiered it advisable to employ • clerk of the work' ~...;
few weeks, at 255. per week, as it was derivable fer
some one to be continually looking on. The inestieg
consented to the appliance, and the business let'
minded.

Printed and published for the Proprietor. by CRAWS
WHITIMILD lfzuran, of Doran.tier, Printer. lit UP'
Oer of The Dana Omni, lispross, Clive-street.
Derebaster, Tuesday, February 2, 18114.

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