The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1859-11-15 00:00:00

Somtrottsbire.

YEOVIL
ELECTION OF MAYOR.

On Wednesday last, the first meeting of the newly'
constituted Council was held, and the lately-elected
members—Messrs. Cox, Bodenbam, Idarden, and
Penny—qualified, and made the declaration required
by the Act. The Totem Ctaiic having announced
that the first business was the election of Mayor,

Alderman MAYO rose and said him to
say he had had great pleasure in acting with Mr.
Tucker in the last year. He could vouch for his
attention to business, and the way in which be had
conducted it; and he had great pleasure in proposing
that he be re-elected. As far as he was concerned
Mr. Tucker had given him satisfaction, and he had
no doubt he Mid given satisfaction to the town
generally. After the compliment which had been
paid to himself and Mr. Hide, in a second election,
he thought it would be rather a slight if they did not
re-elect Mr. Tucker • and if he had done so well in
his first year, great things might be expected of him
in the second.
Mr. E. Wiirreir said he need not tell them that
he had always been an advocate of the elective
principle—the principle of representation in local
matters; but he never expected to see the time
when non-paying burgesses should have it in their
power to spend the money of rate-paying burgesses.
Nevertheless, at the last election 220 votes had been
recorded for the men at the head of the poll, and
they had to take into account 300 burgesses who had
not voted at all; and he supposed they must con-
sider those 300 burgesses had tacitly given their
consent to the acts of the 220; therefore, they had a
gentleman in the room who had with him by far the
largest of the constituency, and he had
sup that his friends would have put him forward
to- y. He could not do it himself, not having the
power of being one of his supporters, and he should
second the re-election of Mr. Tucker.

Mr. Rolm+ lIAM said be had no intention to rise so
early. The question was mooted last night, and he
said he trusted there was no person who would pro-
pose Mr. Cox. He had been e!ected by the voice of
the burgesses, and he (Mr. Bodenham) did think it
ought to have been treated with respect. He was
surprised at the language holdout by Mr. Whitby.
Mr. MILL said if the matter had not taker, the
turn it had he should not have proposed an amend-
ment, but he now begged to propose that Mr. Henry
Bryant Phelps be Mayor.
Mr. Gomm{ seconded this.
Mr. PuELPs said there was a proper time for all
thine, and he told them candidly he was not an
acquiescing party, and if elected be should not serve.
Everyone lad • right to act and think for himself,
and be claimed this liberty for himself whilst he
conceded it to others.
Mr. Cox begged to second Mr. Robert Tucker for
Mayor. He was sorry to see his friend Mr. Whitby
nursing_alittle spite and getting a little out of frui-
tier. (N.,io se.)
Mr. W HITBY : I beg your pardon I did not say
one word in spite. (Confusion.)
Mr Gomm thought it was very much out of order
for Mr. Whitby to mention Mr. Cox's name.
Mr. HiLL said he had opposed the election of Mr.
Tucker, and he should oppose his re-election. He
objected to melection,
Mr. MAYO asked why he did not object to the re-
election of Mr. Bide.
Mr. HILL said he did.
The Tows CLERIC suigested that perhaps Mr.
Whitby mild throw • ittle oil on the troubled
waters so that there might be • unanimous deci-
sion.

Mr. WHITBY said he referred to the elective prin.
ciple as that which ought to govern the views and
opinions of the town. He wanted to prove there
was a very large body who bad supported Mr. Cos.
He was only speaking of the elective principle, noth-
ing more, and he meant nothing offensive, and did
not know that he had said anything offensive.
(Hear, bear.)
The Tows CLERK then put the proposition,
which was carried unanimously, Mr. Hill withdraw-
ing his amendment.
Mr. TUCKER baring taken the chair, said he sup-
posed they would think him wanting in gratitude if
be did not say a few words, but be fancied at that
momest titers were a great many Mayors who felt
onmewitet like himself—a little palpitation of the
he at the ottoranoe of the good feelings and whim

of their fellow townsmen, and when a man's heart
beat faster, his tongue would not move so quickly.
He was rather sorry they had commenced with a
little fire, but he believed it had burnt out. He
thanked them for the honor they bad done hiui. He
anticipated no difficulty in the future, for he had
found none in the past. He took no credit for
keeping order, for there had been no disorder; and,
although some of them might have come there with
a crochet or nostrum when the feeling of the
Council was against it, they had the good sense to
abandon it altogether. No prejudice or personal
feeling that any gentlemen might have against him
would prevent Ins acting in ally other way than
one gentleman should act to another. He fancied
there would be a vast deal of Ninth-of-November
platitudes uttered, and he would not detain them
longer, but again express his thanks for the honour
they bad done him.
A vote of thanks for hie past services was given to
the Mayor, and Mr. Bide was re-appointed as lus
deputy.

Tai7Nrox.—The opposition to the payment of the
rate made some time ago for rebuilding Saint Mary's
tower has been withdrawn, and the parties who

were supposed to be determined to carry the mat-
ter into the Ecclesiastical Court have paid their
rates.

A se.rie• of operatic performances were given
in this town lately by a talented com-
pany now making • tour through the West of
England. Only two entertainments were at first
announced, but the success which attended them. in-

timed the performers (Meesrs. Come, Manley,
Bentley, and others) to prolong their day. Each
performance drew a crowded audience and appeared
to give every satisfaction.
_ _ _

The first concert for the winter of the Taunton
Madrigal Society was held on Thursday evening
week, when our assembly room was filled with such
a brilliant company as those entertainments invari-
ably attract. The programme embraced about fifteen
pieces, about one-half of which were new achieve-
ments by the members, and were rendered with
almost as mach accuracy as the old pieces. The
performance gave the strongest assurance of atten-
tion to the practices on the part of the members, and
of assiduity on the part of Mr. Corner, the talented
conductor.

Several new clam rooms which have been recently
built in connexion with the Independent Chapel,
North-street, were opened last week, and the in-
auguration was celebrated with a public tea meeting,
at which about 400 persons attended. The Rev. H.
Quick, of Bristol, the old pastor of the chapel, and
the Rev. J. Graham,
.of London, were among the
. . .

ministers who attended the meeting which followed
the tea. £lBO being the balance of debt due on the
new works, was subscribed during the eveuing.
The trustees of our markets were engaged a long
time on Friday week in dimming the report of a com-
mittee on the recent squabbles between rival sac.
tioneers as to things to be sold, by whom they were
to be sold, and where they were to be sold in the
Taunton market. Some of the recommendations

contained in the report were adopted, and others
postponed for further discussion. A committee was
appointed to consider the best plan of providing
more suitable rooms for public entertainments. At
the end of the year it was said the trustees would
have funds in hand that could be applied to this
object.

BOARD OF HRALTH.—Some disaffected inhabi-
tants recently got up a requisition to the bailiffs of
the borough, Mown. Alford and Stevens, to call a
public meeting to condemn our Board of Health.
To the requisition were attached but few of the

names of our principal tradesmen. It was, in fact,
such a requisition as could be procured almost any-
where and almost at any time against the payment
of rates and taxes. A public meeting was asked for,
ostensibly for the purpose of adopting measures to
get the working expenses of our Board of Health
reduced, but reality to ultimately assail one particu-
lar officer of the Board, who, were he a Tory, in•
stead of a Liberal, would have a more quiet time of
it. The meeting was held on Tuesday at 12 o'clock,
at the Guildhall, from which place on account of its
inadequate accommodation it was adjourned to the
old Assize•hall ; here some two or three hundred
persons were kept waiting nearly an hour before the
doors could be opened. The Economists to show
their earnestness for close shaving very judiciously
committed the first resolution to the care of two
barbers. The resolution condemned the Board of
Health for not discussing the question of expendi•
tune with open doors. It was moved by Mr. Ser.
combs, and seconded by Mr. Saunders, who has
been a resident in the town but a short time. Mr.

(lay, hatter, proposed a resolution for transferring
the duties of the inspector of nuisances and collector
of rates to the clerk and the surveyor. This was
seconded by Mr. S. Summerhayes, Mr. Edwards
Beadon, solicitor (in whose office the clerk of the
Board was managing clerk for many years) thought
that the exercise of collecting the rates would be
beneficial to the clerk if his time was not fully oc-
cupied with his duties as clerk, Mr. Rawlinson and
Mr. Shewbrooks, both of whom had been formerly
members of the Board, spoke against the objects of
the meeting. The resolutions were carried, and, it
was further decided that they should be forwarded to
the Secretary of State.
Hic RERUN:M.—FataI Railway Aceideng.—A
shocking railway accident occurred at Highbridge
on Monday, causing the death of Mr. Thomas Syl-
vester, surgeon, of that place. Mr. Sylvester had
resided in lolighbridge and the neighbourhood about
20 years, and was universally respected. He was
kind-hearted, generous, and considerate to the poor,
and it is not too much to say (bathe was beloved by
all classes in the district. His fearful end has cense.
quently canoed great sensation in the locality
in which he was so well known. The accident by
which he met his death, took place on the Burnham
branch line. The deceased had been to visit a
patient residing by the side of the railway just above
the Highbridge crossing, and was returning towards
the crossing, walking on the grans below the level of
the line. When within 50 yards of the crossing, be
got on to the rails, and was walking along the
space over which the carriages peas, just as the 4.15
p.m. train from Burnham was approaching. It being
market-day there was • large number of people con-
gregated on either aide of the closed gates, waiting
to cross. Many of these persons saw the danger of
the unfortunate gentleman, and joined their
cries of warning to the shouts of the policeman in
charge of the gates and ot the engineer and fireman
on the tender. Mr. Sylvester was partially deaf,
but appeared to hear something, and turned his head
away from the approaching train and towards the
Highbridge station, apparently conceiving that the
sound proceeded from that direction. About three
seconds after he stepped upon the line the engine
came up to him, knocked him down, and the train
passed over him, dragging and crushing him several
yards. The engineer stated that, when the train was
close upon the deceased, he turned round and saw it,
started with fright, and endeavoured to escape; but
it was too late. A crowd of people rushed to the
spot immediately, and discovered the dead body of
the surgeon frightfully mutilated. His head, and
the upper part of his countenance were smashed and
torn away, leaving only the chin distinguishable;
his brains were scattered about; one of his legs was I
cut in twain about the ankle, and fractured at the
thigh; his beck was broken, his arm was nearly ,
severed from his body; and his abdomen ripped
open. The mangled corpse was conveyed as speedily
an possible to the Railway Hotel. Death must have
been instantaneous. The spot where the accident
occurred is lees than • 100 yards from the deceased's
residence. Mr. Sylvester was 60 years of age, and
has left a widow. His only child, a daughter, was
married six months back.
SOUTH Pmeeore—On the feast of fft. Simon and
St. Jude fifty persons were confirmed in the pariah
church of St. Mary, South Perrott, by the Bishop of I
the diocese, who has been engaged on a confirmation
tour. Of this number twenty-six were from the
sister parish of Moeterton. His Lordship is the first '
diocesan who has visited this remote part of the
Salisbury diocese for centuries. Divine service com-
menced at half-past ten o'clock. Although the rain
at intervals, came down in torrents, the church was
well attended. The bishop, followed by his chaplain
and the rector, came from the parsonage to the
church in full canonical& Prayers were read by the 1
rector. the Rev. John Wills, the proper lessons by
the curate, the Rev. William Gibbens, and the altar
service by the Bishop and his chaplain. A simple
and an earnest discourse was preached by the Lord
Bishop. His observatiane were chiefly grounded
upon the words of the epistle and proper second
lesson appointed for the day. Those who had just
received the right of confirmation were exhorted to
remember that the seven-fold gifts of the Holy
Spirit were to be found in the use of the various
means of grace. The Most High, as it were, in the
means of gray, stretched forth his hand to direct
them in the way of pleasantness and peace. They
could not see this hand, save by the eye of faith.
As the Jews of old perished in the wilderness, so
would they if they continued not, in the name of
Christ, to hold fast the blamed hope of everlasting
life. Among the neighbouring clergnmen present
were the Rev. Dr. Penny (Crewkerne). Rev. John
Cox (Misterton), Rev. W. Vanua (rector of Hard-
ington). Mr. Tacker, churchwarden, was also in
his place, with many inhabitants of the two parishes.
After the service the company retired to the rector'',
where an ample luncheon awaited them; whilst
those who had been confirmed enjoyed a substantial
meal provided for them by the kindness of the rector
of the perish.
CURRY ItIYILL. West Somerset Yeomanry.—
On Monday week a drill and inspection meeting of
the members of She Issugport and Someiton troop of
the West Somerset Regiment of Yeomanry Oar-airy
111111 held at Curry Rivell. The attendance was
numerous, and in the afternoon a large party dined
at the Green Dragon Dm. it. Neville Grenville,
Esq., the captain of the troop, presided, and WM
supported on the right by Captain Tomlin, the ad-
jutant of the regiment, and Cornet F. N. Fastmesit,
and on the left by Lieutenant V. Stuckey Wood.
Quarter-master Cuff occupied the vice-chair. —Lieu-
tenant V. 8. Wood, in highly eulogistic terms, pro-
posed the health of the Captain, which was enthu-
siastically reoeived.--Captain Grenville, in returning
thanks, observed, "My gallant friend has said thsg

I am a person who never will be found wanting to
speak up on behalf of the Yeomanry. (Cheers.) I
say that (=melon will never require for me to stand
up in their defence, and I trust that I shall never
have occasion to speak in defence of the Yeomanry.
Let them stind or fall upon their own merits. My
own impression is that their milts are such that
they will long be kept up by the Parliament and
Ministers of this country to do good service when-
ever occasion requires." (Hear, hear.)—Captain
Fowler, in returning thanks for the toast of his
health, said—Certain things have recently been
spoken against the West Somerset Yeomanry and
other regiments of Yeomanry in the country—(hear;
hear)—but I feel confident, and I have always felt
so, that, as Englishmen, they will always do their
duty when called on. (Applause.)—Cornet East.
went proposed the health of Sergeant-Major
Mitchell, which was responded to with great
please. The gallant Sergeant-Major, in the course
of his observations in reply, said :—There is a sub-
ject to which I did not wish to allude this evening,
but I must say one word upon it. (Hear, hear.) I
see, gentlemen, you know to what I refer. (Uhrons)
You-have a gentlemen representing this county who
sneered at you and at the Yeomanry of Great
Britain. (Hear, hear.) I shan't mention the name
of that gentlemen, but I hope at the next election,
when he comes forward, you will all hold up your
hands to turn him out (Hear, hear.) There is
another gentleman—l won't mention names—(a
laugh)—who I think would have a great chance of
being returned if he would come forward—(hear,
hear)—and I hope to see that man come forward
then. (Applause.) If old Mitchell gets the spurs
from that Baronet, knight of the shire by your
favour, by jove they shall put on the gentleman to
whom I am alluding. (loud applause.) Those
sneers have been in the newspapers for the last four
or five months. You know what they were.
(Hear, hear.) But I ask you who placed that man
in the "proud position" he boasts of? (Hear, hear.)
The yeomanry of the county,—the class of men at
whom he casts those sneers. (Hear, hear.) Would
to God that he had never attained that "proud posi-
tion !" But never mind, gentlemen; though he s
there now, his stay in it will be of very short dura-
tion. (Hear, hear, and cheers,)—Captain Tomlin:
What about the spurs? On whom will you buckle
them, Mitchell? (Hear, hear.)—Sergeant-Major: I
know, gentlemen (making a gesture to indicate the
President, which elicited loud applause and cheering.)
—Captain Grenville: I am sorry to call an old
veteran to order; but one of the greatest things in
the Yeomanry is that we have no politics in it. If
in its early days we had had politics in the regiment
—in the days when political- feeling ran high—God
knows how high it &chit run !—our regiment would
soon have gone to smash. If once we introduce
politics here we shall have ill feeling, and we shall all
go to pot. The Sergeant• Major lam very much
obliged to our captain; but I hope he will excuse
me, ea lam an Irishman. (Laughter.)
WELLS. —Diocese If Balk awl Wells. —The Right
Hon. and Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of the Diocese
has licensed the Rev. Thomas Bliss, late of Wraxall,
to the curacy of Christ Church, Clevedon, on the
nomination of the Incumbent, the Rev. G. W. Braik en-
ridge, and has licensed the Rev. W. Arnold, late of
Midaomer Norton, to the curacy of Evercreech, near,
, Bath, on the nomination of the vicar, the Hon. and
Rev. E. P. A. Talbot.
ESCAPED LUNATIC.--John English was charged
before the Bristol maguitrates, on Monday, with
having been found sitting down in the public street,
having no place of residence. After he was taken
, into custody a message was received from Wells.
describing the defendant as an escaped lunatic from
the asylum there. A keeper now attended, and,
, having claimed him, he was handed over to his
charge.
_

THE LATE EARL OF WALDEORAVE.---The follow.
ing letter, addressed by the late lamented earl to
the chaplain of the county gaol, the Rev. It. Burnett,
at a period when his lordship was in deep affliction
at the loss of his son, Viscount chewton, will be
read with great interest at the present moment.
The tnily Christan spirit of the noble earl can only
be fully appreciated when it is borne in mind that
those to whom he was desirous to present " God's
Word" were fellow-countrymen of the men to
whose terrible cruelty a beloved son had just fallen a
sacrifice. "Hastings, Nov. 15, 15:14.—My dear Sir,
—I write to you to counsel me. I have lost my
eldest son at the battle of the Alma. His worst
wounds were inflicted by the Russians shooting him
whilst lying on the ground with s broken thigh.
He was again shot the day after the battle. I have
twenty Russian Bibles, which I have sent you to
present to the Russian prisoners, for them to learn
that our Saviour Jesus Christ desires us to love our
enemies. Are the prisoners tit to receive these
inestimable inspirations, or are they too rich, and
have they been made too much of? Pray tell me.
I will come towards the end of next week. Yours
truly, Waldegrave. —Rev. IL Burnett, County Gaol,
Lewes."

NOELFRA BAY, FRIDAY IGIIT. --THE WRECK
OF THE ROYAL CHARTFR.— Friday night, .me of the
divers descended down that part of the wreck where
it is supposed the specie is, and brought up a bar of
gold weighing Sibs., and a cash-box, much crushed,
containing a photograph, bearing the following
address :—' James Hawkins, Eaq., High-street,Wells,
Somersetah ins. Times.

GLASTONBURY. —The Guy Faux anniversary was
celebrated by letting off squibs and other fireworks
in the public streets of this town until a late hour,
and lighted tar•barrels were carried through the
town, a large mob following, greatly to the annoyance
of the police—printed circulars having been issuel
days before, by order of the magistrates, stating that
anyone letting off fireworks in the town would be
summoned. If such be the cue, and every one is
summoned who was guilty of the offence, we shall
have a large meeting next Sessions day.