The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1858-06-22 00:00:00

DORSET COUNTY EXPRESS

DORCHESTER, TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 1858.

HONESTE AUDAX.

IN the House of Lords on Monday Lord Haan-
.mos announced that the Government intend to
embody a certain number of militia regiments
during the ensuing autumn, and that a Royal
commission is to be appointed to inquire into the
whole subject of the militia. On Tuesday the
Property Qualification Bill was read a third time
and passed, Lord DENMAN'S amendment for de-
ferring the third reading for six months having
been negatived without a division. On Thurs-
day the BISHOP of OXFORD called attention to
the Spanish Slave Trade, and to the manner in
which Spain had evaded her treaty obligations
with regard to Cuba. The Earl of MALSIESBURY
said that Spain had systematically violated her
treaty engagements, but there was reason to
hope that the United States would join this
country in establishing an ocean police—a mea-
sure which would not only prevent the practice
of surreptitiously hoisting the American flag to
cover the illegal traffic, but would remove the
main cause of misunderstanding between Eng-
land and the United States.

In the Commons on Monday the House went
into committee on the sth resolution, providing
that the Council should be partly nominated and
partly elected. Lord J. RUSSELL moved, as an
amendment, 'That the members of the
Council be appointed by Her Majesty," and Sir
J. GRAHAM suggested that the Council should be
nominated in the Bill, awl that the larger por-
tion of its members should consist of the present
Directors of the East India Company. After a
long discussion the amendment of Lord J.
RUSSELL was negatived on a division by 250 to
285. Lord GODERICH then moved that the
Chairman report progress. On a division this
motion eas lost by 239 to 155. The sth resolu-
tion was then agreed to without a division, and
the Chairman reported progress. The second
reading of the Peace Preservation (Ireland) Bill
was carried on a division by 168 to 20. On Tues-
day Mr. FITZROY'S motion, declaring that Mr.
TOWNSEND, the member for Greenwich, having
been adjudicated a bankrupt, is incapable bylaw of
sitting and voting in the House, was agreed to, to-
gether with a resolution annulling all the votes
given by Mr. TOWNSEND since he had been adjudi-
cated a bankrupt. Mr. BRADY'S motion for a
Select Committee to inquire into the case of
Mr. W. H. BARBER WU agreed to. Mr.
BAXTER'S motion for the appointment of an
Under Secretary of State for Scotland to per-
form the political duties at present attached to
the office of Lord Advocate, was negatived by
174 to 47. On Wednesday on the motion for
the second reading of the Edinburgh Annuity
Tax Bill, Mr. BLACKBURN moved as an amend-
ment that the Bill be read a second time that day
six months. On a division the amendment was
carried by a single vote, the numbers being
130 to 129. The Bill is therefore lost. On the
order for going into Committee on the Registra-
tion of County Voters (Scotland) Bill, Mr. G.
DUNDAS moved to defer the Committee for six
months. After a short discussion, the amend-
ment was carried on a division by 108 to 96; so
the Bill is lost. On Thursday the House again
went into Committee on the Indian resolutions,
when Lord STANLEY explained the views of the
Government respecting the constitution of the
Council to be provided for by the 6th resolution.
They proposed that of the 15 members of the
Council, eight should be nominated by the
Crown, and seven by the existing Court of
Directors from amongst their own number; and
that all future vacancies should be filled up alter-
nately by nomination of the Crown and by
election by the Council itself. Lord PALMER-
STON opposed the scheme as a departure from
the principles of the constitution, and after a
brief discussion, the CHANCELLOR of the Ex-
CHEQUER proposed to omit the 6th and 7th reso-
lutions, and to postpone the scheme of the
elected Council until the Bill came on for discus-
sion. This suggestion was agreed to, and the
remaining resolutions having been withdrawn, the
Government of India Bill (No. 3) was brought
in and read a trot time, and tile second reading
fixed for Thursday. The Commissioners for the
Exhibition of 1851 Bill was read a second time,
and the Joist-stook Companies' Acts Amend-
ment Bill was considered in committee.

NOT WITHSTA NDINO the natural excitement of the
Americans consequent upon certain illegal visits
of British commanders paid to American vessels,
there does not appear to be any substantial
reason to fear a rupture with our Transatlantic
eousins. The observations made in Parliament
by members of the Government, and the steps
which have been taken on the part of this coun-
try, seem to remove the apprehensions which
were beginning to be felt on this side of the
Atlantic. There seems to be yet some doubt as
to the actual nature of the proceedings imputed
to our commanders, but there is no longer any
doubt upon the important point, that if such
visitations have been made is have offended the
Americans, those proceedings are acknowledged
to be illegal; and clear and precise instructions
have been sent out to prevent any further repe-
tition of this conduct. There is, therefore, no
question of disputed right in the matter, as be-
tween the two countries, and nothing whatever
that can render at all necessary the rough arbi-
trament of the sword. Our commanders seem
undoubtedly to have acted either under a mis-
construction of orders or a misconception of
duty ; errors in either case being of course ens-
oeptible of explanation and reparation, both of
which the Government of gagland have nnequi•
vocally expressed their willingness to word.
The transactions charged against the British
commanders appear to be tvroteld
boarding American ships sailing under the Ante-

rican flag without any reason for supposing that
the ships were other than American, and search-
ing those ships in order to ascertain if they had
slavers' casks on board—the right of visit being
inadmissible in time of peace. Secondly, hin-
dering vessels engaged in legitimate trade, and
it is believed even removing commanders for a
length of time. Each and all of these cases must
of course be made subjects of investigation, and
in case of proof being established against the
commanders, the Government of America is al-
ready in possession of the course of justice and
indemnity which this country is fully prepared
to concede. A quotation from a very high autho-
rity in public law, Lord Srowsxx, has been made
by a contemporary with the view to show the
illegality of the stops said to have been taken by
the British commanders; but it has so direct
and forcible an application in the way of caution
to all who are engaged in checking the slave
trade, and may so advantageously serve to
temper the zeal of all such persons in authority,
that the principle involved in Lord SrowsLL's
lictum cannot be too well and generally under-
stood. It is obvious that had commanders of
British cruisers been more familiar with the law
as it bears upon the important matter in which
they have been the active agents, the susceptibi-
lities of our brethren of the Union would not
have been aroused, and we should have heard
none of those violent and hasty harangues, and
motions for immediate and manifest acts of war
against this country, with which the Senate of
the Union has lately resounded. Lord Srowzrz
listinotly lays it down that the right of visitation
and search on the high seas does not exist in time
of peace: and the same authority adds—" No one
uation has a right to force its way to the liberation
of Africa by trampling on the independence of
other states ; or to procure an eminent good by
means that are unlawful; or to press forward to a
great principle by breaking through other great
principles that stand in the way." Fortunately,
the rapidity of the means of communication
between the two countries will hardly admit
of many aggravations of mistaken and un-
justifiable conduct before the arrival of explana-
tions and the amen& honorable; while, on the
other hand, there is reason to hope that time
will not permit the fermentation of enmity and
rancour to precipitate any of those overt acts
of war which certain irascible tempers have so
intemperately committed. It is gratifying to
find from the intelligence brought by the steam-
ship Africa, which arrived at Liverpool on Sun-
day last with advice from New York to the
9th inst., that "the irritation upon the subject
of British oppression was dying a natural death."

DORCHESTER PITCHED CORN MARKET, Saturday.
—Our corn Market was thinly attended to-day, and
the supply of wheat short. The trade was slow at last
week's prices. Barley and oats were nominal.

DORCHESTER AGRICULTURAL SOCIETT.—The an-
nual mowing match, in connection with this society,
took place on Thursday, in a field at Piddletown,
belonging to H. N. Middleton, Esq. The work was
executed in an excellent manner, and the compe-
tition was keen, there being no less than 21 who
strove for the prizes. The judges were Mr. H. Damen,
of Fordington, and Mr. L. Groves, of Cruxton, and
their awards wore as follows :—lit prize, Thomas
Gibbs, servant to Mr. G. F. A Flower; 2nd, Daniel
Pomeroy, servant to Mr. J. A. Smith; 3rd, James
Legg, servant to Mr. J. A. Pope—Highly com-
mended, James Puckett, servant to C. Porcher, Esq.

POUNDBURY.—The annual custom of assembling
on Poundbnry camp, the first Sunday after the cows
are turned in on the common land to graze, and which
is populary described as " Pummery feast," was
duly honoured on Sunday afternoon, a larger con-
course of smartly dressed young men and women
being present than has been the case for several years
past. The demand for new milk, which was drunk
generally in a "rummy "style, was quite brisk.
CONFIRM ATIONS. —The Lord Bishop of the Diocese,
in accordance with the plan hitherto adopted by him
of holding confirmations at a few places in the years
intervening between his triennial tours, with a view
to provide for any special cases that may occur, has
announced his intention of administering the sacred
rite during the present year at the following places
in the county of Dorset :—Sherborne and Bradpole,
Friday, Aug. 20; Dorchester and Blandford, Mon-
day, Aug. 23; and Shaftesbury, Tuesday, Aug. 24.
DORCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL.—A report of the
annual distribution of prizes at this establishment,
which took place on Thursday, will be found in our
third page.

. -
SPECIAL SERVICE 9 FOR THE WORKING CLAMPS.
—At the service held at Christ Church on Wednes-
day evening, the Rev. D. ROgarth preached. There
was, as usual, a goodly attendance of working people.
The Rev. C. W. Bingham is to preach on Wednes-
day evening.
AN hankie HERO—We understand that Captain
Weston, the brother of M. C. Weston, Esq., solicitor,
of this town, reached Southampton from Lucknow
last week and is now in London. It is but a few
weeks Rime that our pages recorded his gallant
deeds at the Residency, Lucknow, where his bravery
won him universal regard. We heartily welcome
him home to his native land.

DORCHIDITICR BRITISH SCHOOL—Mr. Macready
has fixed Thursday evening, the Bth of next month,
for his visit to Dorchester, said his Reading in behalf
of the funds of the British School. The county ma-
gistrates freely grant the use of the Shirehall for
the rare treat and thoroughly benevolent work, and
the school committee have fixed the prices of ad.
mission at a very moderate rate. Under each circum-
stances, it is naturally expected that a large amount
will be realized, and ono of the fullest and most
fashionable audiences which has assembled for a long
while in this town is confidently looked forward to.
Mr. Macready dill enjoys the matchless power
which years ago made him so widely and really popu-
lar as a tragedian, and he has selected a masterpiece
of the master poet for his Reading, portions of which
will be graced by the polished elocutionist's own re-
marks.

SUDDEN DEATH.—Yestertisy afternoon, At a quar-
ter past four, an inmate of the alms-houses in South-
street, known as Napier's mite, suddenly fell down
dead whilst talking to another inmate of the institu-
tion. Deceased was between 50 and 60 years of age,
andthe wife of Henry Helxlitch. Medical assistance
was at once sent for, but it was found the poor
woman had breathed her last.

CORONATION•DAY CELEBRATION.—Next Monday,
the anniversary of Her Majesty's Coronation, is to
be celebrated as a general holiday in this town.
An "Amuseinent Committee," with M. C. Weston,
Esq., for hon. secretary, and comprising several
tradesmen of the town, have decided on offining
some suitable recreations for those fond of fun ; end
at Poundbury, beginning at 2 o'clock, there is to be
a series of races of an exhilarating though not don.
gerous character. Amongst other morceaux the bill
of fare includes a donkey race—the last in to win,
and the winner to have a coat. Another race
announced, is that of young ladies under 21 years of
age, the fleetest to have a gown. The proceedings,
being of an entirely innocent description, are, we
understand, under the sanction of his Worship the
Mayor of the borough, William Mandeb', Esq.
There is to be all excursion train from Bridport
hither on the same day; and the South-Western
Company announce a trip from Dorchester to
Waterloo, and back on the day following.

WICZKLY EXCURSIONS. -The Great Western
Railway Company have extended the time formerly
allowed from a great many stations to holders of
return tiokota to Weymouth. On Saturdays and
Sundays return tickets, available till the following
Monday, are issued to Weymouth at single fares,
with the addition of a small booking fee, from
Cheltenham and all intermediate stations to Frame,
from Salisbury and all intermediate stations to
Westbury, and from Bristol, Bath, Bradford, Trow•
bridge, and Devisee.

WIIXTIRN -Th. Hon. MP.
Baron Watson and the Hon. Mr. Baron Channell,
Southampton—Saturday, July 10, at the Coale, at
Winobester. Wiltshire—Saturday, July 17, at
Salisbury. Doreetehire—Wednesday, July 21, at
Dorchester. Devonshire—Saturday, July 24, at the
Castle, at Exciter. City of Exeter—The same day,
at the Guildhall of the city. Cornwall—Saturday,
July 31, at Bodmin, Somereatehire, ThuradaY,
August 5, at Wells. City of Bristol—Thursday,
August 12.
On the 11th Instant, the Rev. Richard A. T.
Barrett, M.A., was instituted by the Lord Bishop of
Salisbury to the rectory of Stowe? Provost with Tod.
bore, Dorset, void by the death of the Rev. Robert
Abercrombie Denton, clerk, in the presentation of
the Provost and Scholars of King's College, Cam-
bridge. On the same clay the Rev. William Tring•
ham, M.A., was instituted by his Lordship to the
rectory of Wootton Fitspaine, in the same oounty,
void by the death of the Rev. Andrew Tucker,
clerk, on the presentation of Win. Tringham, Esq.,
of Long Croft, near Chertsey, Surrey.

SALISBURY DIOCISAN CHURCH UNION Society.—
On Tuaeday, June 8, the annual meeting of this
misty WM holden at the Board-room, in the Close.
A grant of £4O was made towerds the erection of
• house of residence, for the minister of St. John's
Churl:ph, situated in the perishes of Meloombe Regis
and Radipole. Fifty pounds were likewise voted
for • vicarial house at Beaminster, and £3O for •
bow to be built at Handley, in the parish of Trow-
bridge, in the *eighty of Wilts.

COXIIIRMION LIMED Ay THF LORD LIEUVRNANT
OF TR6 COUNTY OF DORSIT. Henry Nugent
Bunke,. Esq., to be a deputy lieutenant of the
county of Dorset.—Dated 11th June, 1688.

RE-OPENING OF ASKERSWELL CHURCH. - In
a romantic spot, enveloped in hills, stands the
picturesque hamlet of Askerswell, and the principal
object of attraction had always been the neat tower
of the church, which was built in the same beautiful
style of architecture as most of the churches of
Dorset and Somerset —the early perpendicular style
introduced during the 15th century, and following
the Norman and dmorative styles. The old ohurch
had succumbed to the hand of time, and was in the
last stage of decay, when the rector solicited the aid
of the benevolent to enable him to affect the desired
object of restoring it to its primitive beauty.
Happily, his exertions have been crowned with
success, and on Wednesday last was witnessed the
pleasing ceremony of consecrating the renewed
fabric by the Lent Bishop of the Diocese. The
' principal objects of attraction are, first, the vene-
rable tower, sixty feet high, which has been
only slightly repaired, the mullions in this being
complete ; and thangh it must have stood at
least four hundred sears, it seems but little decayed,
the pinnacles of the iower alone have suffered from de-
cay, these having ablest entirely disappeared. The
principal entrance to the church is on the south side,
where there is a hanisouse yet simple Gothic portico.
In the chancel them is a beautiful window, very
similar in style to that elegant window in Henry
VlL's chapel, Westminster Abbey. The altar
rails are supported by light iron supporters; the
pulpit, desks, seats, &c., are all in the same simple
style; and one grest beauty noticed by the Rev.
Alexander Broadley, in his eloquent address in the
evening, is the space allowgd between the seats,
which will allow the poor to kneel rather than to sit.
"Let us worship, and bow down; let us kneel be-
fore the Lord our maker." The font of the church
is evidently an old Norman font and, probably,
this is the third Horse of God which has been erected
in Askerswell since the Conquest. It is dedicated
to St. Michael, the Archangel. The work of restor-
ation has been carried out by Messrs Chick and Sons,
builders, of Beaminster, and Mr. Wm. Swatfield, of
Shipten Gorge, under the superintendence of Talbot
Bury, Esq., architect, of 50, Welbeck-street, Lon-
don. Precisely at haltpast eleven, the Lord Bishop
of the Diocese, and several of the neighbouring
clergy, in their surplioes, arrived at the entrance to
the churchyard, where • petition, signed by the In-
cumbent and churchwardens, with some of the prin.
oipal inhabitants, was presented to his Lordship,
praying that he would consecrate the church, to
which his Lordship replied, "I have much plea/lure
in complying with the prayer of your petition." The
bishop and clergy, with the incambent and church-
wardens, then proceeded to the west entrance, and
up the aisle of the church, repeating the 24th
reaalleini. Amongst the clergy who joined in the pro.
cession, were the Revs. A Broadley, rural dean;
A. Cox, rector; Lundy Foot (Littlebredy), Raton,
Cooke, J. Cox, Rawlinson, Monteflore, James,
Waugh, F. Denman, Heatheote, and Gorton. His
Lordship having arrived at the altar, the usual con-
secration prayers were offered. The sentence of
consecration was read by the rural dean (acting as
chancellor), and signed by the bishop, and ordered
by him to be enrolled and preserved amongst the
muniments in the registry. The ordinary morning
service of the church followed, the choral services
being well sung, Miss Cox assisting with the new
and sweet-toned harmonium. The Rev. L. Foot
lead the lessons, and the lord bishop preached the
sermon, from Psalm cxxii, v. 4—" Whither the tribes
go up, the tribes of the Lord, unto the testimony of
Israel, to give thanks unto the name of the Lord."
His lordship, in conclusion, noticed the beauty of the
services of the church, the whole of which were the
keynote of praise and thanksgiving. The various
stages of life, from infant baptism, to the admission
of the young to the communion of the church by con-
firmation, the solemnization of matrimony, and,
finally, the service for the burial of the dead, were
shown altogether to be services of thanksgiving and
praise. He pathetically appealed to the congrega-
tion to feed their inner life with that bread which
came down from heaven, and which alone could fit
them to be partakers of those joys which are to all
eternity. The Holy Communion was then adminis-
tered to the clergy and laity. The service in the
evening commenced at half-past six, but owing to
the unfavourable weather, the church was not so
overcrowded as in the morning. The services were
read by the rector, and the sermon preached by the
Rev. Alexander Broadley, from Matthew ch. xxi.
v. 13—" It is written My house shall be called the
house of prayer." The rev, gentleman in conclusion
spoke particularly of the architectural beauty of the
edifice, and the space allotted to the poor, who might
kneel, and in that humble posture offer up their
, prayers. He fervently prayed that Goa would create
1 a right heart and spirit within them, and concluded
with an appeal for their alms. The contributions in
the morning exceeded 4:15, and in the evening
amounted to £2 10s. ; making, with s donation since,
a total of £lB.