The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1864-03-15 00:00:00

Sontersetshire.

LECTURE AT YEOVIL

Dr. Skelton gave hi l second lecture on Wednesday
evening.— He said there coal,' not be a stronger
proof that God created maw for a purpose, *nil that
purpose, that he should know himself, than that of
creating him a reasonable being. But did men yet
know himself? Was the health of the people what
it ought to be, notwithstanding the thousands of
medical men, and the tens of thousands annually
spent in our hospitals in educating them? Dr. Lee,
of Scotland, once preached a sermon before Her
Majesty on "What Christianity taught in relation
to the body." In oonsequence of the present ignoranoe
of the 'medical prefeanon in the treatment of disease,
100,000 die annually unnatural deaths, and the
great christian duty of Ulan was to pay attention to
Lis body. Her Majesty commanded the sermon to
be published to enable the public to see and to
ponder the statistics therein contained. If Dr. Lee
felt it his duty as a christian minister to preach that
sermon, if Her Majesty felt the necessity of having
that sermon published, he (Dr. Skelton) also felt
It his duty to stand there and explain the evils causing
the sad state of things to which that sermon referred.
And he asked them in charity, with good will
towards all, having the welfare of his fellow men
and women at heart, to hear what be had to say on
the subject. Why was he there? To endeavour to
overthrow the prejudices and cupidity which follow
where darkness reigns. Ile believed, as Dr. Lee
believed, that the human race improved only by the
interchange ofhurnan thought. He held that nothing
ought to hinder tlie poorest man in Yeovil from
becoming • member of the medical profesei.on, if the
pmfmaion was 000 in which he took sn interest,
if he investigated and had the genius to study and
comprehend the subject. To whe.t was owing the
success of the trade of their town was it by so.
elusiveness? Had they den',rd twa mother to
manufacture glove,? No. All were on ea
_OOl
footing in that respect; trade was 0..„,,"1awd
free for any one to take
.% part. So nod erai77,o
re-
specter of persona- He gave one man a genius for
one thing, and a" Aker man he gave a genius for
another thing. No peweron earth could deny that;
why,,,", 'a .4 'medicine made an exclusive profession
for _only Why did Socrates swallow the
or einem? Why was Ignatius sawn asunder?
W sibid ()mower burn at the stake? Why did
iviat 'direr on tho crow? Because their deeds
were reviled—not acknowledged by the people—onn-
4sidered heretical. But was Christianity now cion.
eidered heretical in this country? No, because the
popular mind had been trained in •dufferent channel.
And why was he before them that night? To
awaken them to a value of the truth as regarded them.
selves. Could they see the increase of the population,
and still allow the existing eells to increase? If
there was one duty. which was
_greater than
'of

another, it was that ordrawing the stantion of the
public to the right way of progressing. The
majority of the people did not understand it; if
they did they would be there that evening. They
might say of him, "You are • stranger. We are
preindiced,against you. The rich do not come to
bier you." Very good. The Gospel was first
peached to the poor becuse the poor needed it, and
on the poor depended the future success of the
principles which he was advocating. They must
not run away with the idea that it was not right to
be rich; not so, for they were part of the leaven
by which the whole mass was moulded, and their
hansoms often had great weight on the poorer classes
of society. Hit would therefore speak simply of the
vase of medical liberty and the question of medicine
as it wee at the present time, and why so much coo-
fusion existed on that great question. There were,
according to the creed of the legitimate medical
profession, housceopethic quacks, and hydropathic
quacks. The people never properly understood
what quacks were. There were also botanic and
herbal quacks, and as • matter of course, they must
be very low fellows? Who believed in them? Who
believed in Christianity when Christ was on the
moos? Who formerly believed in theology' People
went to church because they thought right to go.
It wee the great law of religions liberty. All had
s perfect and undoubted right to enjoy their rights.
Was England the worse for that? Would it not be
better if medical rights (cold be so enjoyed? What
difference was there between the Bunyan in theology
and the Banyan in physic? The law thought right
to manufactue doctors,and doctors thought right to
manufacture Pharugecopeiaa It was their Bible;
but not like our own good old Bible, for they
kept altering their Phormnoopeias, which showed
they were wrong. They had again picked it to
pieces, and had issued • new one. They had done
away with certain things which it formerly contained,
and which had been generally adopted,and they now
said. " you mon do so and so." If you wish to carry
on the profession aright you must 00p7 from it.
They dare not exercise their own opinion as to
disease. They most copy from this book,the produc-
ticio of • few minds. It is their sole guide. What
• system When people fall ill, therefore, they '
were fit subjects for these doctors to practise on.
Their motto was, "Open your mouth, and ehoi rwer
eyes.and see what God will send you." We are in the
right, listen to us. Down with the "quack." But
"quacks" were thriving. The public merely eeti- I
mated them as tinkers in medicine. They say,
nYdn of that sort don't look like doctors. They
not keep their carriages. They do not live
in fine houses. They have not 'studied Lain or
Greek." Did the public for • moment think that
it was absolutely necessary fora man to be manu-
factured into • cleano scholar, before be could
understand the nature of dims.. ? What had
I or Greek to do with the art of healing?
It occupied the whole of • member of
the profession's time to become • gentle-
man. There wu no advertisement in the world
like a carriage and pair of greys, and although
• man knew nothing whatever of phyla's, but looked
like a doctor, men believed him. He had himself
studied medicine for many years. He was born in
• town where there wee then no doctors and people
had to do the beet they could for themselves. He
roes from time to time by degrees, being with
many struggles, until at last he went to °onus.
But before be wont himself, he sent his son. He
wished to carry out the laws of England, as related
to the legitimate profession, and knowing that be
was rising in years, and that his days were getting
abort, he gave his son the advantage. But be
wanted to know medicine himself. He wanted to
know what was good for mankind, and he bad to
encounter with no small amount of hard fighting to
accomplish it. Did they think his conduct infamous
In cluing that' The colleges did think his conduct
infamous; and since be had been to college, they
esteemed him • greater quack than before. A
"quack" meant a chest, or investor, and there
were those in the country who endeavoured to take
in the public. Those were the real quacks. They
were impostors. Their whole and sole object was to
get money by gulling the public, not 'Knowing
tittle about diatom or its core In England physic
was divided into cheese. There were the aristocratic
and the democratic dams& But even among the
aristocratic class there were many dissenters. There
were the allopatlis, the homeopath., the hydrapeths,
and he could number some 16 botanists or herbal
doctors. The dissenters, however, they had
endeavoured to put down by the strong arm of the
law. In 1859 a law was passed to ensure the equal
rights of the proroguing. whether they were &Repels,
homeopaths, hydropoths, or what not, but it was at
the same time enacted that no one who had not
puled should take the title of surgeon, IL D., &a.,
union they had pawed the college. In other words,
a botanic-medical practitioner who had not passed a
college could not usume the title of thou who had
paned the college. Well, this was all fair and
right. The medical profession by this Act obtained
their rights. They could announce on their door
plates what degrees they bed pared, but they also
obtained something more than they bargained for. The
very same Act which allowed oollege-aducated men
to doss they liked, at the lame time allowed the public
to adopt any system of medicine, or any class of
doctors they might choose. While therefore
legislature gave the "qualified practitioner" every
right and privilege, it at the nun* time left the
public to act as it pleased. It was supposed by
many, and the doctors endeavoured to support the
ides, that if a person died under the hands of •
medical man, who was not college-qualified, such
non-qualified man could not give a oertifiute of
death, and on that account many would not employ
what wes termed a "herbalist," for fear of the results.
But he would inform them that if they thought
fit, IN parents or as friends, to employ an herbal
doctor, and the patient died, that herbal doctor wee
allowed to give a certificate of death, and the
registrar could not refuse it. If it was not for LAM
regulation they would be enslaved indeed. The
law further stated that if • man not recognised as •
medical man falsely gave such certificate, he was
liable to he mulcted in a sum not exceeding £2O. Pre-
vious to the paining of the Act the legal professing
said that quacks imposed on the public, and made
people believe they were what they were really
not, and need professional titles—they felt them-
selves in danger. The Government, therefore,
would not allow them to adopt the medical titles,
either as physician, surgeon, or apothecary. The
benefit they thug delved, the legitimate members
believed accomplished great good to themselves;
but their fancied good attempts bad boss turned to
evil Just as Bunyan by the help of God sollfh, to
lave souls; so now, by the help of God, ll=
to cure the diseases of the body. The
and democracy of medicine was a mere matter ed
form. There au a great struggle goingcu
amongst the legitimate members and non-legitimate
of the medical profession. The legitimate doctors
had certain privileges and exclusive rights, and
therefore looked down on the poor practitioner ass.
unlawful being. The public, -however, now wished
to be cured. He ogee witameed a orieletsnatek he
which the members of the cricket clubs of Iniembeir
and Nottingham were sapient The Leissopy
gentlemen were more refined and genteel Ulm the
Nottingham gentiemen • bet the Fatter were the
more musonlar and powirfuloind therefore carried off
the prise. He recollected seeing • fine uniscalar
young man at the wicket reedy for the ball. He
dad sot hold the bat well, but the ball tame up and
he 'book it, and she dialling), which it went was

surprising. It was accomplished by powerful
muscle. The Leicester gentleman seid, "that was
'line hit. He can hit, can't he? but it was very
unscientific !" It was first so with the Bunyan' in
jihysic. They were very unscientific; and people said,
if you go to them they can't cure you, they know
nothing of medical science. But they care the
People, the Berne as the Nottingham cricketers got
lb. runt, and they will get more scientific in pro-
portion as they acquire experience. As regarded
the practice of medicine, whoever were practitioners
met at timee with very curious accidents in their
Practice. The legally-qualified, however, had a
license to kill. " Kill or cure" was their motto.
In Bridgwater the other day a doctor met with every
curious case—rupture of the uterus. Mr. Coheir had
also unfortunately met with a similar case. In the
town of Bedford, some time since, a moo was tried
for a similar thing, and convicted. The judge, in
summing up, raw bow the profession had been work•
ing against him, and said, "You have tried to put
this man down. He is an educated man, hut not a
legally-qualified member of the profession, and you
therefore unitedly conspire against him. The law,
however, does not allow you to pat • halter around
his neck." A similar cam, as be had said, hail
occurred at Bridgwater, which the medical man men-
tioned in the Lased, and nothing was thought of it.
A case of the same description had happened in
Yeovil, and the legal rights of the profession gave
them the power to persecute a fellow-townsman.
Dastardly and unlawful proceeding.' Prejudice
often warped popular reason. Mr. Colmer bad met
with an accident, and certain of the profession, at
once said that it was an act of violence, and for that
act he was to be tried in • fortnight, so that his
liberty was hanging on a thread. But if the case
wee looked at in its right light, all evidence of the
man's guilt would fall to the ground. Englishmen
were such, that if they saw a fellow-being persecuted
they would rally around him. The evidence must
be clear and definite before a man could be con-
rioted, let prejudice scheme and play how aim
might. Mr. Coiner need not be afraid. Let him
trust in Providence, and he would surely win. Mau
could hurt the body, but be could not hurt the
soul. He would draw to a conclusion, but
before he did so, he would relate a cir-
cumstance which had occurred lately, which
showed the value of trusting in Providence. The
other day, in Sunderland, a poor woman lived in •
house at which several Christians used to meet, and
hold prayer meetings. She wee very poor, end kept
a little shop, which was barely sufficient to support
herself and family. Misfortunes came upon her, and
her goods were ordered to be sold. The auctioneer
arrived, and several were there ready to purchase,
anti as the business was about to commence, she said,
"Stop, we have met here many time. to seek
God's aid in times pest, and before you go to
work we will fall on our knees, and pray.
The company said they were not come there to pray
but to work. She, however, fell on her knees, and
prayed that if it wee God's will be would soften
their hearts and save her few things for the main-
tomato of herself and family. The auctioneer then
said that he did not care to sell the goods, and the
others maid they would not bay them. The woman,
therefore, was the only one to bid, and 2s. 6d. was
all the money which she in the world. Her
faith made her whole. Ehrerdpurchaned the whole
of her goods for half-a-crown. He would, there-
fore, in concluding, say trust in Providence. He
might never meet them again in this town, but he
trusted that his remarks would be like "bread east
upon the waters which they would find again after
many days:"

Mr. Brooks, of the Western Flpsigr Post, said he had
listened to Dr. Skelton with peat pleasure, and he
believed if there was one in that room who ought to
propose to him • vote of thanks it was himself. He
had placed three of his children under the hands of
legally-qualified doctors —not in that town—and they
bad killed them all. He was himself ill, and had •
doctor. He got worse and worse, and he believed he
would been died, till one day he discharged the doctor,
sent for some herb', and in less than • week after be
was able to walk sic miles, whereas when he sent the
doctor to the " ripht-abont" be could not have slit up
for Ave minutes If one 66d given him the world.
Some time after he returned home one night, after
being away two days; as he was going in.doors
be met a doctor coming out. " Hallos I doctor,
what's the matter?" 'Oh, only a trifle, don't be
frightened, your youngest child is poorly, but she will
be all right in • few days." The medicine was sent, •
spoonful was given, the child grew worse, and he took
the child out of the deices hands. He gave her
medicine according to Dr. Skelton's inetructions, and
the child got better. The doct ir visited her • few days,
and remarked how pleased he was with the child's re.
{every. Said be, "I saw such acme, and did not
expect the "child would have lived. Do you know I
have lost several within the last month." Mrs. Brooks
replied, "Sir, perhaps my child would have died, had
not her father doctored her. Ho has cured her
with Dr. Skelton'a medicine, but you were allowed
to emus on account of the certificate in cam she
died." Ou another occasion the owe child was
taken ill very stiddanly. He was from home, and
a doctor was sent for. On his return he saw
the doctor had sent medicine for the darrhata, whores.
be perceived from Dr. fikehon's work, that the chili
was suffering from inflemmation of the bowels. Well, he
acted as Dr. Skelton had preacribml for inflammatjun of
elatid was wen, Inieresa
had the doctor's medicine been taken she must have
died in • few hours. By the blessing of Providence,
therefore, Dr. Skelton had been the means of taring
his child's life on two occasions. Dr. Skelton's book,
from which he acquired his information. coat 2s. 171 d.,
the herb. he procured met a few pence. The two
doctors who prescribed the medicine, which would have
killed the child twice over, charged, together, 1:3 10.
The Chairman asked if Dr. Skelton had publiabed •
work on his system of treating diseases!
Dr. Skelton handed him a copy, And after a vote
of thanks had been peened to the lecturer, the meet-
lag ulthrst•d.

YEOVIL —Simons Flag AT LTD{ FARM —On
Wednesday night a fire broke out at Lyde Farm
near Yeovil, in the occupation of Mr. Kennard
Knott. It appeared that Mr. Knott's household
retired to rest about ten o'clock. The servant girl,
however, after she had undressed, sat up in led
I mending her stockings. After she had mended two
pairs, her candle went out, and she went down Maim
for another candle. It then wanted 25 minutes to
12 o'clock. Shortly afterwards she put out her
light and lay down, but the wind blowing very
much, she got out again to fasten the window. Her
bedroom is jest opposite the barton, but she saw
nothing of the firs at that time. But shortly after.
ward. she wee aroused by an alarm of "fire." It
appears that George Hardy, and • man named Green,
who live near the farm, were returniag from
Bradford, and seeing flames issuing from the stable,
gave the alarm. The first thing attempted was to
get out the homes. The halters were immediately
cut, but it was most difficult to get them to move,
and one of them, valued at £6O, whirh had been
mitered for exhibition at the next Bath and West of
England show, perished in the Mmes. Three others
I were fortunately rescued, but they were nearly
sufioosted, and one of them received severe injuries
from burning; under the able treatment of Mr.
Lewis, veterinary surgeon, however, they are pro-
gressing favourably. While Mr. Knottwas endeavour.
tog to get the home from the stable, the other men
were engaged with the stock, pigs, hc., from the
adjoining buildings. In the meantime, the West
of England fire-engine arrived, but the valves soon
became choked, in consequence of the muddiness of
some of the water employed. The Yeovil Fire
Brigade shortly afterwards arrived at the some of
conflagration with their engine, and by their
exertions the flame, were speedily subdued. It is
worthy of note that this is an exceedingly well
organised body. Every men has his own work to
do and they therefore attend each to his own duty,
thereby th
avoiding confusion and loos of time. The
engine is also kept in excellent working condition.
The stable and coech•house were down, and had the
wind been blowing in an opposite direction, the
barn, and indeed the whole of the outbuildings
would, undoubtedly, have been destroyed. Mr.
Knott's gig, a four-wheel, worth £5O, a set of silver-
mounted ma, • saddle, d.c., were consumed
with the buildings; and ten pigs, belonging to one
of the men who first discovered the fire, which were
ins stye next the stable, were saved with difficulty.
The c•rter, who was the last person in the stable,
left at seven o'clock. No blame can therefore be
attached to him, as the fire did not occur till live
hours afterward.; and there are besides circum-
stances, we understand, which lead to the belief
that the fire vie the work of an incendiary. Mr.
Knott we learn was insured. _ .

-- ---
A SLIGHT MI/MALL —Of Wednesday SD Irish.
man called at the house of polios-000stable Gale,
in /high, and persistently asked for alms, as be
said he had no money to provide a bed for the night.
The constable humanely provided him with lodgings
in the police cells, and next day the Mayor ordered
him to be fed and housed at the expense of the
Comity, at the hospitable mansion at Walls, at the
name time directing that he shank try the ex-
periment of walking up the everlasting stair-case
for • period of seven days.
GREAT WESTER X RAILWAY DIVIDE/ID6 —Tbe
Board at its meeting on Wednesday resolved to
recommend the following as the dividends for the
half-year :—Great Western Original Stock, at the
rate of 3 per east, per annum; West Midland
(Oxford) Ordinary Stock, at tbe rate of l per coot.
per annum; Wait Midland (Newport) Ordinary
Stock, at the rate of l per cent, psr annum; South
Wales Consolidated Stook, at the rats of 3 per cent.
per annum.

BNIIORB.- BUDD= MUTH. —On Wednesday last
Yrs Borah Carill. aged 70, was on a visit to her goo
who keeps the Tynte's Arms Inn, at this place. She
left to go borne about Ave o'clock, but had not proceeded
more than 100 yards when sbejstaggered and fell, at
the same time calling to • man noosed John Baker to
ooroe to hr assistance. Baker went to her, and with
the help of another man carried her back to her son's
boom. M. never spoke afterwards, and expend shortly
after. Dr. Brooks, of Bridgwater, being mot for,
pronouneed life to be extinct, and gave it as his opinion
ibst decease, had died from disease of the bout

Flt Old& litsdara, Werlaasday. ll*
weather Una ntorning was vary wintry, mow
very thiekly. Than was oonsecissatly Mit al=
attanclanos at the market, and the little balsas
done in oars was soasisally at net week's ratan
La the cattle markin than. was • brisker baisms,
several head al good milk amen had& at WO
risen
•

SHEPTON MALLET. —MUTUAL Imr•ovisittcr
Soctxxv.—On Monday evening the Rev. E. Godson,
noted in this neighbourhood fur the high order of
his ability and pleasing manner, delivered • lecture
in the Mu/in-hell on • Queer Folks," to a crowded
audience. The Rev. H. Pratt, president of the
society, occupied the chair, and introduced the
lecturer, who treated his subject in a very able,
comprehensive, and amusing manner, and was
listened to with evident graddeation.
NI Saint It AT fa' 0 rrsoe. Tuesday.—(Before E B.
Clerk, Eag.)-0. Herrington, the son of a respect- ,
able farmer, residing near Brute, was taken into
custody for not supporting his illegitimate child.
It appears he has appealed against the magistrates'
previous decision, both at the county session and
the Court of Queen's Bench, but only got the
orders confirmed. He consented to meet the pro-
posed allowance of 24. 6d. per week, and was
liberated.--A little boy, named S. Plenty, was
examined respecting • ease of brutality of which he
was the victim. It appears about three months ago
the lad was working and lodging with • coal
haulier, named T. Morslimam, at Crosoombe,and in
the middle of the night the latter was Raised with
lunacy, and broke several cups, flowerpots, &c.,
without the least provocation, on the head of the
lad, causing him to lose the sight of one eye, and
to be insensible for a month afterwards. Marsh-
maw was immediately taken to the County Lunatic
Asylum, at Wells, from which, by the order of
Sir G. Grey, he is to be taken and tried at the
next Somerset Assize. In all pr3bability the man
will be liberated, as it is fully believed he was in-
sane at the time.

15TH SOMRKSITT RIPLR CORPS. —Ou Wednesday
the competition for the challenge cup took place at
the butts at Mendip. The wind was high, and snow
fell rather heavily, consequently the scores RPM
not very good. Mr. John Allen, three times the
winner of the last cup, was again re:tenon&
MA RTOCK.—The manor of Stapleton, in the
parish of klartock, was formerly held by the
family of St. Clare. Robert St. Clare died 2 Edward
11., and was then certified to hold this manor of
the Crown is capite by the service of holding •
towel before the Queen at the feasts of Easter,
Whitsuntide, and Christmas, and likewise at the
Rime, Coronation.
BRISTOL—kIr. Edwards, a journeyman brush.
maker, 70 years of age, was run over by a cart
last week, in Old Marketstreet, and killed.
A child, three years of age, named Clothier, died
in Bristol last week, through swallowing a nail,
which stock fast with the head downwards in the
poor thing's windpipe.
TAUNTON.—Tng Sommer'. MILITIA. —The re-
cruit, of the let Somerset Militia will assemble at
Taunton on the 7th April, and the main body of the
regiment on the 21st, for the tumid pencil of
I drilL The ascend regiment will assemble in Bath
I on the 21st of April, for their usual 21 days' training.
17 young men were enlisted recently at Glastonbury
for this floe regiment
EITRALORDIN•RT AYVILIALTION CASR. The
Taunton bench of magistrates were occupied for ,
several hours on Wednesday in investigating • case
of affiliation, the excitement camped being greater
than has been known in Taunton during the hearing
of soy similar case, consequent on the position of the
partite. The ball was densely pecked throughout
the day. The complainant, Miss Sarah Hoskins,
belonged to the Independent Chapel Sabbath school,
North-street; the defendant, Mr. Samuel Maynard,
being • draper's &militant, and a member of the same
place of worahi* When the fact of Miss Hoekina's
condition became keown, the deacons of the chapel
investigated the matter' the result being that 'he
was expelled the school. Anonymous letters were
then sent to Mimi Hoskins, in one of which the was
threatened with eternal perdition if she ventured to
bring the matter before the magistrates. Notwith-
standing this, she was determined that the whole
affair should be fully investigated. According to
her statement and that of her witnesses, it appeared
that Mr. Maynard had seduced her, and that the
birth of a female child wag the result. The defence
sot up was a most extraordinary one—that com-
plainant was • drunkard and the associate of commas
prostitutes, and several young men swore that they
had been criminally intimate with her, one even
going so far as to say that she had communicated to
him a loathsome dimwit It was also deposed to
that she was on familiar terms with members of the
West Somerset Yeomanry Cavalry and with militia-
men, and that she permitted indecent liberties to be
taken with her whilst engaged in a singing claws, in
the presence of twenty young men. The defendant
himself was put into the witness box, and solemnly
swore that he never took any indecent liberties, and
was not even on speaking terms with her. —ln
announcing their decision, the Bench said it was the
most painful case ever brought before them, and the
defence set up was the most extraordinary they had
ever heard. Their decision, however, was that de-
fendant was the father of the child, and that, in
addition to the costa incurred, he must pay Is. 6d.
per week towards its maintenance.

Mr. Perry, who has been commissioned by the Qneen
to execute for her s bust of Bhskspeare out of s frag-
ment of Herne'. Oak, is a native of Taunton, where he
I...seivaiv tor SHIRT VIRM
ROM CAVALRY. -la consequence of the decision
of Government respecting the yeomanry this year, we
uaderstand that the Bon. W. li. B. Portman, M.P.,
the Colonel of the West Somerset Regiment, intends
assembling in Taunton for a few days the troops in the
immediate vicinity, and to defray the cost out of his
own pocket
THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW TOR
INM. —The bailiffs of the Borough (*den. C. &glance
and H. Prince) have received a communication from
the Council of the above Society, intimating their in-
tention of holding their meeting for 1865 in s town in
one of the four counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset
and Dorset, and requesting to be favoured with replies
to certain questions having reference to the poenibility
of Taunton being selected by 'the Council. ltspbes to
certain inquiries contained in the communication must
be made to the Council before the 25th instant, and the
bailiffs have, therefore, lose no time in making the
matter known, and announcing that they will be happy
to carry into effect the wishes of their fellow-townsmen
in reference to it. On Thursday some tradesmen of
lbe town assembled at the Markelphouse, sad joined in
acquisition to the bailiffs to convene a public meeting
to Abeam the stillest.
WESTON-SUPER-MARE. —Pixel. Ramirsoe.
—On Monday evening lara the Penny Readings'
Society gave a second reading from the poets at the
Townhea H. Rockett, Eaq., took the chair upon
the occasion, and there was a larger attendance than
on the previous Monday. The chairman, in opening
the proceedings, said the committee having done
him the honor of requesting him to take the chair at
their second meeting, be had consented to do so,
and he would use his best endeavours to bring it to
a happy issue. Before proceeding with the acted
work eel down in the programme, he wished to
make a few observations, at the same time he pro-
mised that they should be brief and concise. He
considered that meetings of this character were at-
tended with a vast amount of good, tending, as they
did, to elevate the minds of men, and causing them
to oarry their thoughts from earth to heaven. They
served to create in them an honed pride acid emula-
tion. They drew men instinctively away, se it were,
from those vile haunts of iniquity, temptation, and
drunkenness which were the ours* of the land, and
to which possibly some may have been abject slaves.
Such wad a few of the results. Meetings such as
those were calculated to bring them all under one
common bond of union, and more especially into
detect with those who were distinguished by the
bonouratle appellation—the working olds—who
were the bleating and the pride of their happy land,
1 in which they enjoyed so many privileges, and on
which their best and fondest hops. might indeed
well be centred. In conclusion the chairman ex-
pressed a hope that the audience would not be too
critical, and he bogged to assure them that they
would all do their best to render the evening both
amusing and instructive. The song, "Now pray
we for our country" having been sung by MISS Annie
Edwards and a few amateurs, the readings cons-
mewed, the following being the readers and pieces:
—The Chairman, "The banal of Sir J. Moore • R.
A. Kineake, Esq.,' The Wife's Appeal ;"
Esq., "The destruction of Seananheiiii '." Mr. Pastry,
" The three Preachers ;" the Rev. Mr. Matthews,
"one of the Ingoldsby Legend.'" Mr. J. Williams,
" Grave;" Mr. H. Day, "The Days that are
no more ;" Ewell, Hat. "Pathetic Soap ;" Mr.
Spencer, "The Horse Chedut ;" the Rev. W. Hunt,
"The Pied Piper of Hamelin ;" Mr. Wadley, "The
Philosopher's Scales ;" W. W. Carus Wilson, Esq.,
" Genevieve ;" Mr. Parker, "The Slave's Dream ;"
Mr. W. C. Williams, "The Newcastle Apothecary;"
Mr. D. Gill, "The Legend of Horatio,;" the RM.
1 E. G. Gladstone, "The Well of St. Keene;" Mr.
Quin, "Give me youriand ;" Mr. Lawrence, "The
Clown and Om Vicar;" and by desire, R. A. King-
lake, Esq., "The Quarrel." One or two pieces of
music were given in timecard of the evening.
XLIGIRT MEMORIAL INDUSTRIAL NIGHT NCROOL.
—ON .nlesday evening last Mr. C. B. Dunn gave •
very interesting lecture to the pupils and friends of
flit' school, on "The Analogy between the Animal
and Vegetable Kingdoens.". The lecture was pro-
fusely illustrated by drawings and specimens, the
drawings being kindly lent to the lecturer by Dr.
Martin, of Bristol, and the specimens by Mr. A.
Stone, of this town.
KINGS WOOD.—On Tuesday morning great seeder-
nation was awed in Riegelwood, near Wootton-under-
Edge,by the disposer, of the dead body of • newly-born
Infant In an out-house in that pariah. Information was
• to Sergeant Watts, of the county pollee, who
Instantly took the neemeary steps for discovering by
what omens It CHUM there. On Wednesday an inquest
was held at the Deg and Bader Inn, before Mr.
William Gaidord, and eddied was gives to the offset
that a young woman, named Sims, had bees ocadaM,
and bad bees sees near the out-beess. Two serpoes,
Mr. P. W. Bulled and Mr. IL A. Kingsley, who had
made • swami dandadion of de body, wed
ezasrU.sldhtThe former believed that the child bad not
fully breathed, but was enable to my whether it had
been bees alive • and the Wad wee al opinion that the
child was sot bore alive. The jury reenneedimaavoteruyesdiet
to the effect that the diadem did ad s how
wheelie( the child hull bees hors alive or not.
SR APWlCK.—Offaiff nom Basoura. —Oa MU"
an inquest was held before J. Wybreete, 114=ort
er
ea the body of Mei litowyeeso. eipa Id,
the Bev. Mr. Merryman. a velked eleromem.
at Illhaperisk. It appeared Art es the previsee4
she we. &raft ke dimmer, with her book
the fire, when her dress card in soehtet tab the
of the pate and ignited inunediately. Her mother who
was in the reed, inehently
but from Ho light ebereelarthis aM. easget

the flames were not extinguished before the unfortunate
young lady was so area:fully burned that she died on
the following looming. Verdict. Accidental dlesth."
BRIDG W A IL Elt.--At the Exeter Court of Bank-
ruptcy. on Tuesday, John Stone, of Bridgwater,
butcher, came up before Mr. Commissioner Andrews
for his final examination and discharge. Mr.
Hirtzel appeared fur the estate. Mr. Hirtxel said
the case was adjmrnedi on ri former occasion in COD•
sequence of the omission of the advertisement in the
local papers. The bankrupt came inti. Couit on his
own petition. An execution had been put into the
house for gas and poor-rates, Ito had attempted to
make a composition with his oreditora, but they had
refused. At ths time he was distrained upon for
gas and poor-rates, the bank was pressing him, in
consequence of his father having refused to pay into
the bank on his account £4OO. He had six children.
The report of the official assignee is as follows —The
bankrupt has not furnished the accounts and
vouchers showing the amount he owes to his creditors
lie states that the total MO due to unsecured
ereditora is 41,165 194. Id. To creditors to be paid
in full, t 35 31. Total, £1.201 2s. Id. The largest
debt, .C7od, was contracted between the years 1554
and 11563. The remainder, chiefly in 1562 and
ISO. The assets are—good debts, £lOO Itia 11d. ;
doubtful, .C. 9,1 104. Id. • bad, £173 13.1. Sd. Trade
utensils, household goods, &v., .C 54 134. 11.1. A life
policy, dated Isfil, no present value. The bank-
rupt'e day books and ledgers have been kept
correctly. He has not filed a cash book.—Mr.
flirted inid he had no opposition to offer. —His
Honor acid the cue had been advertised, but as no
crcilitors appeared, he should allow him to pass his
last examination, and give him his order of discharge.
He was very lucky, and warned him not to make
his appearance here again. —The bankrupt said he
had been very much preened.
A NOBLIC.IIKARTILD SON. —ln the year 1644 Mr.
Thomas Baker, jun., who was living in Bridgwater,
became insolvent, and his creditors accepted a com-
position on their several debts, and executed a re-
lease to Mr. Baker. Mr. William Mills Baker, one
of his sons, then a boy about thirteen years of are,
left Bridgwater in the following year, and having
happily succeeded in business, be has determined to
devote a portion of the fruits of his successful
twos no the fulfilment of an intention which he
, formed when he left Bridgwater as • boy, viz., to
pay the balances of the &Ida left unpaid by his
father. For this purpose he has placed a sum of
..... ney in the hands of Messrs. R. and G. Poole, tbe
stflknown aolicitors, desiring them to apply
it in the manner mentioned, on the 10th nut., being
the anniversary of his leaving home, nineteen years
ago, to begin the duties of active life. There was
one debt respecting which Mr. Baker felt some little
difficulty—a sum left due for church rates. loss.
much al the defalcation wee made up out of succeed-
ing church rates, the real loaners by such defiles-
tion were the ratepayers of the parish for the time
being, whom it would be impossible to trace at this
distance of time, and no payment to the present
churchwardens would operate as • restitution to
those who suffered. Persons of all creeds contributed
to the church rates, and a payment to the church-
wardens would only benefit the existing congrega-
tion. Mr. W. M. Baker has, therefore, come to the
conch:idea that the best mode of discharging himself I
of the balance left unpaid of this debt, will be to hand
it to the treasurer of the Bridgwater Infirmary, an
institution which persons of an creeds contribute to :
support. The amount paid by Mr. Baker is about '
£650.

RATH.—Cnoitcn or ENGLAND Tons°
SOCIATT.—The last of the aeries of lectures arranged
under the auspices of the above society we. delivered
on Tuesday evening, at the Guildhall, by the Rev.
R. Burgess, Prebendary of St. Paul's, whose subject
was "God in Creation; or the earth prepared for
the abode of man."

FORZION AID SOCIETY.—A meeting on behalf of
this society was held on Wednesday afternoon, at the
Amami,ly Rooms, the Rev. C. Kern',le presiding.
From the statement read by Rev. C. G. Baakerville,
it appeared that the receipt. for the year ending 31st
March next were .C 63 lla. 11d., of which £34 had
been remitted to London, and there remained a
balance in hand of £23 12a. lad. The meeting was
addressed by the Chairman and the Rev. R.
Burgess, the secretary of tho society.
Tu. M•RRIAGI Or THE PRINCE op WALM.—
The anniversary of the marriage of the Prince of
Wales was celebrated on Thursday by the ringing of
the Abbey bells and the hoisting of the flap at the
different churches, in the park, and other planes, in
the evening there was a citizens' dinner, at Amery'.
Hotel, which was well attended; and also at the
White Lion Hotel,
A GoNVIKTED CLOWSI ON TIM AAAAA CIL—On
Monday evening the banqueting-room of the Guild-
hall was crowd.td to excess, to hear Mr. William
Dann, formerly • clown and comic singer, on the
temperance question. Mr. J. H. Cotterell occupied
the chair. The subject of the lecture was "A Young
Man's Story," and Mr. Dunn forcibly gave his own
history in such a pathetic manner, that the female
portion of the audience was moved to tears. Mr.
Dunn sang at intervals temperance melodies, to the
pnr.ol.. torso* of Rho day, ..3.11 MO audience
Livm. acub song, WU/ reepies
tip an interest in the meeting. Mr. Dunn stated
that stet* his conversion to the temperance cause he
bad sold more than 3,000 bibles and testaments. At
the close of his lecture he offered books for side.
Mr. Dunn lectured again on Wednesday evening at
the Guildhall, his subject being, " Scenes behind tke
Scenes."

PRIMENTATION TO • CLIIRGYMAN.—The Rea. T.
H. HoHier, who has just been appointed to the
valuable living of Priston, near Bath, has born pre-
sented with a testimonial of esteem from his
parishioners on leaving Matherne. The presentation
took place in the village schoolroom, which had been
appropriately decorated for the oocation, and the
testimonial consisted of • chase silver inkstand
(•ith candlestick in centre). and a pocket Com-
munion Service. Upon the inkstand was in-
scribed :—" Presented to the Rev. T. H. Mettler,
by the inhabitants of the parish of Matherne, for his
valuable services amongst them for seven years, on
the Ist of March, 1864." The chair was occupied
by Mr. C. K Lewis, of Saint Pierre, and the testi-
monial was presented to Mr. Molitor by Mr. Richard
Phillpotta, of Poolmeyrie-villa, one of the church-
wardens. In making the presentation, Mr. Phill-
pato remarked that the subscriptions towards the
testimonial were given with great cheerfulness ; and
the cottager*, especially, gave their mites with much
pleasure, although they expressed sorrow and regret
in losing the rev. gentleman's ministrations and
sympathy to the sick and afflicted. They felt
grateful for Mr. Hollis?' great perseverance in re-
gard to the school, which he had much improved,
yet he would no doubt feel amply repaid by the
swam of the work. However much they regretted
the removal of the worthy vicar, they rejoiced at his
having obtained • more lucrative appointment, and
he (Mr. Phillpotta) was sure all present medially
joined in wishing him abundant blessings in Lis new
sphere of usefulness.
SOMERTON.—Pgrry Sensuous, Monday, March 7.
—Before V. Stookey and T. B. littorman, Bova—
George Stacey, Joins West, and Edward Perkins, of
Street, shoemakers, were summoned for trespassing on
the Somerset and Dorset Railway at the of Street,
on the 15th February.—Henry Malespewed that he
was ganger over the peahen in the company's servios.
On the day in question be saw the defendants walking
on the line. They wers carrying pins, and Perkins was
very drunk. He ordered them off the company's pro-
perty, when they refund to leave, and threatened to
shoot Lim (witness) if he interfered with them. Wit-
ness saw a goods train approaching them, and considered
they were in danger, when he removed them by foros.—
James Wilton, another of the company's servanla,
coorroborated the last witness, and the magistrates Sued
them 17s. fat each including eosin—James Padfield,
of Stoke-lane, Si. Michaels, was summoned for being
asleep in his cart at 12 o'clock at night, whilst travelling
on the turnpike-road, at the perish of Keinton.—Fined
Ile. including costa.—Noah Taylor and Henry Taylor,
of West Lydford. were summoned by Soperintendent
Drewett for cruelty to a horse, at Keinton, by unmerci-
fully heating it about the bead with • large stiek, and
also kicking it on the legs, the horse being in • Ten
weak state.—Finad Us. 6.1. each inclading costs.
—George England, of Compton Dundee. was sum-
moned for being drunk and riotous at that plea!, and
I was fined 10e. including costa—Edwin Davis, of
Berton St. David, waa summoned by Charlotte Reading,
single woman, of Aller, to show cease why he should
not contribute towards the rapport of her illegitimate
child, of whom she alleged him to be the father.—
Ordered to nay Is. 6d. per week with end of order, kw
BUTLILIGH.—Pottoe Cooler, February FT.—Before
B. Neville Grenville, Esq.—John Cullen was changed by
P.C. Cutler with having been found sipping in an
outhouse at the parish of Compton Deaden, on the
night of the 23rd of February, and haring in, oinible
miens of subsistence.—Committed for time weeks'
with bard labour.
LANGPORT.—Potics COURT, 4th inst.—Before
T. B. Interment, F..q.—James Wert and John Ander-
son were charged with having been disorderly at
Leagport Union Workhouse, and also refusing to work.
—Committed for one swath each with hard labour.
THORNBTYRY.-11101ITHLT Wiassr.—This market,
unbtin blioding snow, was well attended, and consi-
derable business was done in pigs and cattle. No sheep
penned. Two very superior fat oasis, belonging to J.
H.tcb.,, Req., were much praised, and met • reedy
sale. Cows with calves were wares. Pip were very
scanty, and prima high. Fat pigs, 95. a more ; good
porkers, 10e. a soars. There was • sale by auction, by
Mr. D. Legge, of eight hailers, in season and two
yearlings, the property of Re Jamie Michell, of East-
wood. -The quality was good, and prime rated high.
On Tuesday evening the scrim of winter lectures
and psany readings in the Tborabury British
Schuo Lecture-room was brought to a close by the
delivery of a lecture, on " Power to let, aloiris
within," by the Rev. R. P. Macenester, of
The evening wee very wet, but dill the attendance
The lecture was of a very aret-rate
was vie,
cheraater,Clas regards matter and Illessir, and
the toiling eloquence and happy Waster
tionsfiltleatlecturer received the well-merited hearty
IV=of the very attentive and charmed midiSoos.
J. hl ProadodAnd v•e7 appropriately
introduced the , and a vote of thanks
ta Mr. hisaimow, inoved by the Rev. J. Matthews
and emended by Mr. R. Council, wee carried
unanimously, Mr. Morgan offered some cam-
granalstary resierts cc the moms which bad
attended these leateres and peony readings, now
wound up by the admirable lactate el that maims,
aad aaatreacad the meeting of the Therabary
Dame of ;be British sad Foreign Bible Society,
cm Friday, the 181li