The Express.
London, England, 1862-02-22 00:00:00

EASTERN COUNTIES.

The report of the directors to the fifty-first half-
yearly meeting of proprietors to be held on Than •
day next has been published. The directors in their
last half-yearly
.report caramel a hope that the pres-
sure in the sencultural districts, which had for some
time no seriously affected the receipts of the railway,
wouid shortly terminate, and that the traffic would
exhibit more elasticity. Their anticipations have now been
realised. The revenue account for the half/ear exhibits an
increase of 37,1011. 19s. ; the receipts bang 727,206!.
lie. Bd. sa against 690,1011. 13e. Bd. foe the corresponding
period of 1860, and as this Monism in the receipts has been
earned at a less per osntage of expenditure than for the cor-
responding period of last year, the 'malt is a source of
much satidaction to the directors. In addition to the sum
of 50,9611. 15e. AL added to the oapital for the new plant,
as stated in the lad half-year's report, a sum of 47,6171.
17s. lei. is charged to this account for rolling
stock since delivered and placed upon the line.
A further sum of 2,3091. has been paid in respect of pro-
perty at Harwich purchased of the corporation in 1855. The
result of the nedertakins as regards the Eastern Counties
Company is that there is a net sum applicable as revenue
(after deducting the working expenses, which amount to
358,6381. 24. 9i, as will be seen by reference to revenue
account B), of 246,1901. Ils. 10d.; leas interest on guarantees
and locos, 146,623/. Ik. 10d. ; balance, 97,5671, -11 s. ; add
sum carried over after paying June divideed, 1861,
6,9841. 91x-101,5521. ; deduct on account of the deflated
parmansat way and other accounts debited in the general
revenue account, asen;er page 12, 8,5001., leaving 96,0521.
available for divid out of which the directors have de-
clared a dividend of /. 10s. per cent. for the half-year,
being after the tate of 31. per cent. per annum an the anti.
nary share capital of the company, which will abeorli 87,5051.
Is. Al., leaving a balance of 8,5461. 18s. 10d. to be carried
forward to the succeeding lsaltyear. The working ex-
mem for the half/ ear are 471. 91. per amt., against
491. 18e. per cent. for the coorrespouchng of 1860. The
actual expenditure on this amount during the past
half-year has been 57,7651. 3s. 9d. There has also been
debited to this account for the rimiest half year the
sum of 15,9951. 16a. 5d., which was expended in the re-
newal of the line between Stratford and Colchester, making
a debit to revenue in respect of maintenance of way and
works this half-year of 73,761/. Os. 2d. The permanent
way and works continue to be maintained in • mast ell-
cient state. Every attention continues to be_ given to the
efficient maintenauce of the rolling stock. Five engines
• have been renewed during the half-year, at a
cost of 8,4601., and charged to the revenue. The
report of the locomotive superintendent is annexed.
The directors are taking measures for carrying out
the hues for which parliamentary powers were ob-
i Mined in the last sessioo, and their beat endeavours will be
I used to insure the completion of them with as little delay
as possible.

NORTH AND SOUTH WEITZRN JUNCTlON.—Yettor-
darafternoon the half-yearly meeting of this company was
held at the Loudon Tavern; Mr. Reary Toestal in the
chair. Mr. H. Chubb, the secretary, read the report,
which has already appeared. The chairman, in moving the
adoption of the Cupola, congratulated the proprietors on
the prosperity of the company, and recemniendod the pay-
ment of a divideod at the rate of 51 per cent. per MINASIL
Mr. Allender seconded the motion, which was agreed to
without discussion. The chairman, in reply to a gnostic's,
said that the expellees bad lac:sued to a large =tut
during the half year, owing to the morrows amonut of
tams which had been imposed on the company. They must
resist this assessment ae far ae possible. A resolobon was
then passed, declaring it expedient that the two vacancies
at the board should be idled up, and Meson. A. Cox and
O. Allender were elected.
SETRNOAKA.—The fifth half-yearly meeting of the
shareholders was held yesterday, at the oMoss in Victoria-
street, Westminster, Earl Amherst in the °hair. The Secre-
tory read the report, which his already been published.
The chairman moved its adoption. He mid the hoe was
in a satisfactory state of progress, and there was every ex-
pectation of its being open for Who in May d this year.
The board had introduced a bill into parliament for a
line to )(oldster's, and also for an extension to Tonbridge.
By these extensions important local districts would be
seecensiodated now altogether without railway accommo-
dation, which must prove highly remunerative to the,ooto-
pony. The directors had felt it their duty strenuously to
oppose the projected line of the South Eastern Company
from Lewisham by Seveneeks to Tonbridge, as injurious to
the interests of tihrciszany. Mr. Hilton seconded the
motion, which was a to. EMI Amherst sod Lord
oodre were re-e u directen, and Mr. Weiss am
auditor, of the company ; and a vote of thanks having been
proposed to the chairman and directors, the meeting
terminated.

tale Entdltgcnce.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.-FEB. 21.

SEOOND COURT.

littiap at Niel Priu;7-I(Beforeili.-4-tiatice Blackburn and

• Commas Jig.)
MINIS O. THN NORTH LONDON RAHMAN OOIQANT.-
ACCNOR•

Thieves an *dims brought by the plaintiff,alittle (triaged
10 years, by her next friend, her father, to recover comers-
cation in damages for injuries sustained through the alleged
negligence of the defeauts' servants. The defendants ad-
mitted their liability, but questioned the amount of
damages the plaintiff wu entitled to.
Mr. Hawkins, Q.C., and Mr. Hooymnn were counsel for
the plaintiff ; Mr. Duman, Q.C., and Mr. J. Browne for
I the defendants.
It appeered that the plaintiff was a passenger by the ex-
cursion train, which, it will be remembered, met with as
accident at the Hampstead Station on the 2nd of September
lut. She was Nitta( in the lap of a female who was
killed, the plaintiff being discovered in a state of insensi-
bility. She was taken to the University Hospital, where
she remained an in• door patient for four days. She was
formerly an active intelligent child, and was being educated
es a governess. Since the accident, which bad lamed her,
she was not nearly so active, and the accident seemed to
have affected her brain.
Mr. Marshall, surgeon of the University Hospital, was
called, with Mr. Bloomfield, Mr. Roberts, and Mr. Oan-
DOD, who attended to the child, and gave a lengthened ac-
count of the injuries that she received, and which went to
show that she wu injured in almost every part of the

Mbi.
. Denman having &dammed the jury in mitigation
of damages
The jury returned &verdict for the plaintiff—Damages SOOl.
COURT OF EXCHEQUER.—Fn. 21.
Sittings at Nisi Prise at Guildhall.—(Before the Lord
Chief Bares and figiseial Juries.)
UMW AND ANOTEMS V. TSB tikILIVAT

RANCID COMPANY.—"A 1111111121008 INOSAPPILMANCI."
The caire on behalf el the defendants was summed up by
Ir. fierjeant ItaMardis*, and Mr. Hawkins replied gear

rally.
His Lordship was proceeding to sum up, when a juryman
asked if it were too late to mak a question of a witness.
The Lord Chief Baroa--Cartaialy • not, sir. It is is tbe
provisos of the jury to ask any question during the progress
of a cams.
Charles Waster, who bad fined the clothes of the alleged
dierred, was then recalled.
The Juryman—Were there any other permits on the ma
side of the bathing machine, when you found the clothes?
Wituns—Yes, there were two, one about 40 yard. distant
On one side, and the other about the same distance on the
other side.
The Lord Chief Baron—Were there other penises walk-
ing about?
Witeem—Not on that side of the machine.
Charles Vines, re•called and examined by the same jury-
man—lf any plasm had walked along the beach, and had
placed a bundle of clothes on the steps of the bathing.
machine, should you have noticed it ?
Witness---I should have taken no notice of n pence with
a bundle under hls arm, as people who come down from
Leyden often carry bundles. (Laughter.)
H. lordship then went on with his summing up, minutely
commenting on the evidence, telling the jury the question
they had to decide was whether they were satisfied that the
person who had effected the policy with the defendants
had been drowned on the 15th of September, then the
plaintiffs, as his representatives, were entitled to recover;
but, if they believed that any reasonable doubt could exist
as to the drowning of the person whose repremotatives the
plaintiffs were, then they should give their verdict for the
defendants. His lordship mid, in commission, he was de-
sirous of leaving this matter entirely in the bands of the
When they were about to retire the foreman sated where
the photographic portraits bad beets found, end received the
reply that they were in ohs carpet bag.
The jury retired at 20 minutes to 4, and at 10 minute.
past 5 were sent for by the learned judge, when the fore.
man said there was no possible chance of their agreeing.
His lordship said that he knew other judges were el •
di/Tenet °pinks, but when a jury had deliberated tot a
nameable time, to look them up without meat, drink, or
dm was a mere relic of • bedtime age. He should, them
tore, dined them to he
The jury were acoordieglarged without mean; to
• verdict.
His lordship then observed that be hoped nothing he had
old bad infineocod the just enis 'w.ay (*Abe ether. He
cembiamt see that either of the parted were to blame, bet
he snit observe that this was ems of the mat ritramettl-,
my ors he bed ever bong or mai at
11111W.AND ANOTILER 11. ?VI 1111111ILLIffile'LWID stun .
ASStell#Ml oortorr,
do
Clibt Bosom iiisietel
as= MOSAi
do ali& la do flaw. Posi

111 111.

22, 1862.

like policy of 2501., end which depended en the ems state
of facts, should be made ■ nsenanet.

SECOND COURT.
op at Ni.i Prim after term at Oldldhall.—(Bodate Mr.
Baron Martin and a Common Jam)
Or 21101111111 ELTSAORDI-

PART.

This was an action for a breach of promise of marriage,
Ip= by the plabitifs Beat friend. The defendant
about • dozen pleas. He first denied the promise ;
then that a reasonable time for his performing has promise
bad not yet elapsed ; that the plaintiff was not ready and
willing to marry him ; thee, that she bad, after connexion
bad taken place between them, been unchaste to other
men, whose names were set forth in the pleas ; that the
plaintiff had exonerated him from his promise ; lastly, that
• written agreement under seal existed between them,
whereby the defendant undertook to marry the plaintiff at
his mother' death, which set aside the after promise, and
that his mother's was out yet dead, and that the defeudant
bad paid • sum of money to the plaintiff, which she had
accepted in satisfaction of her claim upon him.
Mr. Huddlestoo, Q.C.,Juid Mr. Dowwell were counsel
for the plaintiff ; Mr. Hawkins, Q. C., and Mr. Prentice
for the defendant
The learned counsel, in stating the plaintiff's case, cha-
racterised the defendant's conduct as the most profligate and
heartless that had OD= before a jury. The plaintiff was
the daughter of a farmer residing at Beacon-house, Great
Totham, Essex. The defendant, who was the son of a
clergyman, was also • farmer in the immediate neighbour-
hood, and farming about 170 acres of land. The plaintiff
and defendant became acquainted in 1857, which resulted in
courtship and • promos to marry in June, 185'8. He was
introduced to the plaintiff's parents, and received as her
accepted suitor. About this time be wrote her as follows :
" My dear little Love, my dear little Dock—(laughter)--
I hope you are alive and kicking—(mars of laughter)- and
looking as well, as fresh, and as pretty as you always do. I
shall be delighted tobsar from you, but much more to see
your lovely counteuance. (Laughter.) I hope you will not
desert your Charlie."
The letter concluded with sending her lots of kisses. In
the autumn of 1858, after his introductioa to the family,
he seduced the plaintiff, and in the May of 1859 he ooln-
muoicated it to Mr. Copeland, the plaintiff's brother-in-
law, sod promised that be would immediately make her'
his wife. The day was named for their marriage, and every-
thing was provided, but he did not keep his promise, alleging
that he was too nervous. (Laughter.) She was afterwards
confined in London of • child, which was now living. The
parties appeared to keep on intimate terms, and in Decem-
ber, 1860, he said he could not marry her till after hie
mother's death, but afterwards wished it to take place im-
mediately, and arrangements were made for the marriage
taking piths in London, because be did not like to be mar-
ried in his own neighbourhood. The license was procured,
and he cams to London, and saw her the night before the day
appointed at her sister's. He left and promised to be early
to breakfast the following morning and thee be married.
The morning came but not the bridegroom, who again ex-
cused himself on the ground of nervousness. She after-
wards received from the defendant the following letter,
which, it is almost neediest to may, created roars of
laughter.
"Dec. 21. Green Dragon Hotel, Bishopegatestreet
Within, Loodon.
" sfy dearest, dearest Loo,—Heap, if you like, 10,000
mama on my head. I had a fearful night and never closed
my eyes. My life is to me truly and really • hell upon
earth. lam again in this fearful, nervous, excitable state.
I thought I should have cut my throat last night.
Do pity ma, Leo, and pray for me. I do, indeed,
love you and your heavenly babe, though Dot lawfully
begot. I do indeed truly love it. Bin it for its father%
sake. Now do, pray my deer girl, wait till my mother's
death. The poor old lady won't, in all probability, live
very long. You have my word and honour and every surety
of my marrying you then. 1 swear to act by the agreement
which you have. I dare not see your dear face, the dear
little chicky, or your poor old mother. lam like • bunted
devil this morning. I imagined my poor old mother last
night paying to me next Christmas-day, "Charles, are you
married?" I could not have maid, "No," if we had been,
and then all must have come out. Thank God, I gave you
the Si., so that it will cost you nothing. 41. 41. will do
for your next Christmas quarter, and with the rest
pay your fares, have • Ay from Witham, and buy
dear chick), aod get self • bat. Now, pray dear Loo, do
not write blowing me up. I thought I would try (so help
my God It's true) if I had the moral courage, to marry you,
in the face of what I have last promised my dear mother,
you, and Mrs. Copland. I can't do it, dear Loo. Cheer up,
my old girl; you have plenty of good MOB and nerve.
Nothing on earth prevents ray having you now but my
mother and the losing of 3,0001. or 4,000/. Take care of
my carpet bag and the things in it, great coat, and blue rug
for me, and I will either send for them at Bowes House or
call for them when better. Now, do not form a wrong
opinion of me. One day I will have you; Cod, I believe,
has ordained It, but not yet. First kiss chicky, and your
old mother, and a thousand for yourself.—Bellsve me one
day your future husband, and devoted and attached
"C.. 1. DRIFTIILD."

Mr. Baron Martin—ls there not • postscript? (Laughter.,
Mr. Buddleston—Yes, my lord. (Renewed laughter.)
" P.S.-1 am afraid it is the mind, lam, my dear old
mother." (Laughter.)
After this it appears that the pieties occasionally met
and it was again arranged that they should be married in
1861. Again everything was prepared and ready, but again
to be disappointed. The defendant was staying in plaintiff's
father's Lowe, and the following morning left, having
fixed the wedding day ; he made an excuse that he must
go home to receive some money for some cattle, and he
accordingly vent home, and wrote a letter putting off the
marrisge. Voder these circumstances the premed action
had been brought, and the learned couosel urged that it was
a case for exemplary damages.
The plaintiff's mother woe called, and deposed to the
main facts in the ease. She believed the defendaut Lad
3,000 f. in the funds. He made a will providing for the
*kalif and Ler child.
In cromexaraination she said—My daughter is in her
21st year. Ido not know that she is a high spirited girl.
She was at one time an apprentice at Malden, and came
home once a week. About August, 1859 she left the
Haunch et Venhoo, Teruple•bar, where she had been bar-
maid about six weeks. After she came home, Mr. Pell
came down, by the defendant's invitation, to have • day's
shooting. He dept on the couch, and I know nothing
could have happened. The defendant did not come the
next day for her, and Mr. Pell left. (Several letters were
pet into the wituess's hands, but she was unable to say
they were in her daughter's handwriting.) I never saw
anrthing wrong in my deughter's conduct. I don't know
that she wee toed of Mr. Pell.
Mr. Hawkins—l suppose Mr. Pell had not a Mn. Pell
to look after him?
Witness—No. No more has others. (Laughter.) I
don't know that my daughter was a dressmaker at Horton.
She has worked at dressmaking with her sieter-io-law, in
the Old Kent-read. I never asked my daughter where,
when. or how she became acquainted with the defendant.
Children don't always tell their parents everything.
(Laughter.) My daughter never said that the defendant
was not the father of her child.
Witnesses were called to prove that the defendant always
behaved affectionately to the plaintiff.
Mrs. Dickinson, residing in Pimlico, was celled. She
stated that after the action was brought the plaintiff was
staying with her. The defendant celled and saw the
plaintiff. He asked her it she was going on with the action.
She said, " Yes." He said, " Then lam • raised man."
He afterwards said to ler, "Louise, will you make it up?"
She rid, " No." He asked, " Not on any conditions?"
She said, " What conditions?" He replied, " Why, I'll
marry yon." (Loud laughter.) She said, "I don't want
any more of year promisee. I want action. Laughter.
I have had enough rd your promises already." Laughter.)
He replied, "1 will marry yon next week, sod 's Mn.
Dickinson as • witness."

YYr
13aro;iistiin:1wish he bad. (Laughter.)
Witness--He said be wesdd marry her the next day if
he thought ha could get a liana. WAD.= said she thought
be could, se she Maw • triad of has who bad been mar-
ried at a day's modes. (Laughter.) He asked the plaintiff
to go sad dine with him, aad afterwards go to the theatre,
but the &slimed.
At this dare of the proceedings,
Mr. Haw kiss said the parties had come to an arrange.
went. There would be a verdict for the plaintiff for 200/.
damages.
Verdict by egament far the plisialiff—Damages 2001.