The Express.
London, England, 1863-06-09 00:00:00

THE BALL AT GUILDHALL.

[TWOPENC.

STRAND.

After a short interregnum this theatre re-
°posed last night under the manigenteet d Mr. W. 11.
Swaoborough, who filled that position in the early days el
Miss Swaoborough's leaseerhip. The only new appearance
was that of Miss Fanny White, of the Primo el Wakes
Theatre, Birmingham, who sustained the character of
Aladdin, which Mies Marie Wilton rendered so popular,
end which, since her departure for the country, has been
performed by Miss Ada Swanborough. . Mies White, who
afterwards appeared in the farce of Marriage at any Price,
is a lively and piquant aatrms, and promises to become a
favourite at this house.

UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE.

OXFORD, Juin 8.
&rumors Pain Reed.—The Stanhope Prim, " The
influence of the Feudal System oa the losmatioe of politi-
cal ohmmeter," was ou Saturday awarded to Mr. Framis
Hoary Jamie, scholar of Ballot College, ems of Dr. Jewle,
muter of Pembroke College. Subject for sent year, " The
War of the Rosa"
WADDAM Oowtoik—Mr. Alfred Stowe, M.A., probe-
tiocary fellow of this society, has bean admitted an actual
fellow ,• and Messrs. Joseph l)obell and Francis William
Caulfield hare been admitted scholars el the ISMS society.

THE DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE.

THE CENTRAL RELIEF FUND.

The weekly meeting of the Executive Committee
was held at Manchester yesterday. Sir J. Kay-Shuttle-
worth presided. The hon. secretary stated that the receipts
of the past week had been 2,2701. lls. 3d. ; balance in the
bank, 382,4614 12s. lOd. Mr. Commissioner Parnell re-
ported that the decrease in the week ending May 30th el
persons in receipt of relief in 27 unions was 1,868. The total
decrease since the 6th December wss 102,388 persons, leaving
169,597 persons still chargeable. The hon. secretary's
monthly report for May was presented, by which it appears
that the total number of persona in receipt of relief on the
books at the end of May, as compared with the end of
April, shows a decrease of 72,000. The attention of the
committee was called by the reports of their imp*.
ton, and by information from individual members,
to the fact that considerable numbers of persons
not belonging to the class of mill operatives, as
well as persons ordinarily relieved from the parochial rates,
had been admitted on to the relief lids during the winter
months, and still continued in receipt of relief. It was
therefore decided that a circular should be prepared
directing the attention of local committees to the circum-
starces, requesting them to furnish the central committee
with • return of the various dames of persons in receipt of
relief from them, and urging upon them the expedieocy7of an
early revision of their relief list, with a view to the reduction
of the number of persona of the classes referred to now upon
the relief funds. Great. were made to thirteen places from
the general fund to the amount of 8,090/., including 3,000/.
to Manchester and 2,000/. to Preston. Grants were made to
Tintwistle, Crompton, and Broadbottom of 2921. from the
Employment and School Fuod. Goode were made of 402/.
to six of the local committees for the superintendence of
labour.

FIRE AT TEE ROUSES OP PARLIAMENT.

Yesterday afternoon, about three o'clock, con-
siderable alarm was experienced by the members of the
select committees of the Houses of Lads and Commons, as
well as the witnesses attending them, at the announcement
that a fire had broken out in the building, and was then
burning. As may naturally be supposed, a general panic
ensued, and numerous member. left their other duties to
ascertain the truth of this announcement, of which they were
soon able to satisfy themselves from the strong smell of
charred wood which prevailed throughout the corridors of the
building. It turned out on inquiry that • waiter belonging to
the refreshment department of the Howe of Commons, on
passing from the library to the members' tea-room, observed
smoke issuing very near to the latter from the wooden roof,and
immediately afterwards the flumes burst through. He ob-
tained the assistance of the police on duty in the building,
and they immediately sat to work, applied the hoes, and
turned on the water with which the mains are constantly
charged with such effect that the games were soon subdue 4
and no further mischief was apprehended. The corridor
leading from the House of Commons to the Lords' commutes
rooms was flooded with water. When the flames were ex-
tinguished Mr. Kelly, the acting nail under Mr. Golds-
worthy Gurney, to whom the ventilation of the Houses of
Parliament is entrusted, made an examination as to the cause
of the outbreak, when it was found that a brick flue from
the kitchen passes over the wooden roof of the corridor, and
that by some means or other • brick had become dis-
placed, and by the opening and draught the beat had
communicated to the woodwork near it, and had thus
taken fire. It was deemed prudent to make a strict ex-
amination to ascertain if the fire had extended to any
other portion of the space between the woodeo roof above
alluded to and the flooring of the corridor ahove it, end
several of the *Moen connected with the gas department
were sent down the trap doors to see if there were any
other parts on fire ; but after • diligent search it was re-
ported that it had been 000 fined to the place where it
originated, and no farther danger was to be apprehended.
It was stated that so early as nioe o'clock the smell was
perceived by some of the police on duty, but until the time
above stated it could sot be found out from whence it
originated.

Atrommt Vi air To CRINOLINE. —The wife of
Mr. T. M. Phillips, the coroner for the Wolverhampton
district of South Staffordshire, who is also a solicitor, and
resides at the Lloyds, Pens, near Wolverhampton, has
become a sacrifice to the prevailing fashion in dress amongst
ladies, to which they cling often, as in this cam, with fatal
tenacity. The deceased lady was 55 years of age, and has
bad seven children, who have grown up to manhood and
womanhood. The eldest son is a solicitor in partnership
with his father, and is the deputy coroner for the Wolver-
hampton district. During Friday forenoon the deceased lady
was in one of the kitchens of her residence where was an
open grate, giving instructions about the dinner, and was AMATIUR DRAMATIC PERFORMANCIL —An ama-
y
standing with her back to the fire. Suddenly the bottom part teur dramatic perfmmame, which is likel to prove snored-
of the skirt of her dress became ignited, and she was irome- ingly attractive, is to come off on the 15th inst., at the
diately enveloped in flames, for the dress which she wore was Queen's Concert-moon., Haymarket. This
performance is
tA.)::::gfohtrttiledtladb.tiniigu:fisnaiP,:edlia.mlikaßert.tltieLf
sTimoemtliktterep.,,,:idtotbatlwa.they
of muslin fabric. After imploring the servant to put out the
llamas she ran in her terror to and fro into the hall, and
so fanned the fire that in an incredible short space of time
AB.nnkeSbersor
mrsn.,
pM.rsciThylloillienirpsoGnib.so3L, lardF.R•saasiayObitln,,,tadia•
nearly every fragment of bey attire was consumed. The
butler, the coachman, and Mr. Phillips reached the ball
whilst the flames were yet about the unhappy lady, and the sir esi:riee Young.
fint•tiamed tried to extinguish them by throwing a great
„MADAME TUBBAUD'R."-11/1. Tusaitud has re-
cast around his mistress. The assistance, however, came
too late. Nor could all the medical skill of the town avail cently had some of the effigies of the monarchs and great
to save her life ; all that could be dorm was slightly to ells- ones of Eogland, shown in Baker-street, clad in suite a wal
vote her intense sufferings, and she died at eight oclock on such as they wore in their days of life. This armour has bees
Saturday night. At the time of the accident the deceased made by M. Granger, of Paris. The noble figure and warlike
lady is understood to have been wearing that description aspect of Edward the Black Prince contrasts very favourably
of crinoline known as a " steel skeleton." with the figures of some of the heroes of modern days,
pit.igesonsatoGtrli.e e.:hdibmiti;m6a.They convey at •
A BRITISH STEAM= CHASID BY A FIEDILKAL whodunnit to let the creations of their tailors and valets.
CIWITZD.—LIVZIPOOL. MONDAT.—Tae screw steam-ship Nothiog can better illustrate the militnry costume of ogee peat
Miriam, Captain Pittman, arrived here to-day from Nassau,
,oughtththie:thadde with 765 bales of cotton. The Miriam left Raman on the glance the information that would otherwise have to be
ADULT ORPHAN INSITTUTION.—The half-yearly
7th of May, and called at Bermuda on the 14th. On tbe
18th filay, when 120 miles N.E. of Bermuda, she was over-
hauled by the United States gunboat Tioga. The latter meeting and election of this institution was held yesterday
vessel sent an ofiloar on board the Miriam, who examined at the Asylum, St. Aedrew's-road, Regent's-park, Admiral
the ship's papers, sod then left. The Federal officer expressed Bowles is the chair. Mr. Bassett, the Secretary, having
his regret at having to detain the Miriam, and Captain Pitt- read the minutes of the last court, the chairman congratu-
man says that the offieer was most courteous, sod on lase- laced the subscribers on the steady progress making by the
Mg the ship bade them all " Good bye." and hoped they pupils in their education, combining, as it did, all those re-
would have a safe passage. The Tioga had her wheelhouse Titlit.S fitting them for governesses and teachers with the
full of cotton. The minem brings date, from Richmond inculcation of the principles of the Christian religion. The
direct to the 25th of April. We understand that she has on health of the pupils cm:Airmail satisfactory. lie was also
board a gentleman from that city, who is the bearer of moat glad to say the recent alterations in the laws and rules of
important despatches from the Confidante government to the institution hod worked well, and were all muffin to
its representative in this country. increase its usefulness and influence. The subscribers were
Sown' Kg:DUNG/OD MUDITAIL —During the week much iodebted te the ladies' committee for the great interest
ending June 6, the visitors have bees al follows s—On Mon- thrff erineed in the inaficilie of the institution and their we-
lay, dant attention to it. The candidates elected at the last
day, Tuesday. sad Saturday (free days), opeo from 10 a.m. tall
10 p.m.. 6,723. On wed...day, mums, and Friday election, viz., Miss Bray, Miss Berry, Miss Parsons, and
(students' days, admission to the public 64, open from Milo Lace, had all tam their places as made. and they
10 sae. till 6 p.m., 1,314. Total, 8,037. From eke would he "Oa called °U to elect four contributory wards,
opening of the Museum, 4,089.187. I from a liskof sic candidates, three being the daughters of
OPERA GLASSES. —T. HARRIS and SON'S GLAIR= clergymen, and three of officers in the army lately demand.
still retain the celebrity long awarded to them by the habitues 1 The 'moil and routine business having hem transacted, the
of the Opera. they posses, high magalyleg power, with a election was then proceeded with, sod the business of the
to
large and perfectly distinct field 01 view, the acme of perfec- • meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.
tl a. T. Harris and Bon make or alter Opera Warms was ac- wsila UeStrill OF PATINTit, SOUTH I{lL/11111ICTON.
1
curately suit near-sighted eyes. A varkty of tha newest form : Numbs., of visitors for fbo weak ending Jess 8, um ;
and I fashion fur this season. Moderate vices. Thos. Barris total
and An l.lclans, opposite tbe British Museum gates, London. 'lumbar visa the opening d the MU."' free daily
Istablishedl7Bll.—(Adverthissosetl (UM May, 1858), 727,276.

Institution to be sacrifi. oed to a technical infor-
mality. They had twice visited the Asylum and
there had seen with their own eyes, and heard with
their own ears, what they reported to the Execu-
tive Committee. They had found an absence of
moral control, a religious instruction having no
relation to practical duties, a system of revolting
punishments, a discipline opposed to all notions of
delicacy and propriety, and betraying a general
incompetence in the Chaplain and the Lady Su-
perintendent for the responsible charge of female
orphans. And what was the reply of the Execu-
tive Committee ? That they disapprove and regret
the conduct of the Lady Superintendent and the
Chaplain in some instawes. But, "considering the
" peculiar circumstances under which the Schools ,
" had been carried on" ; that ia, the absence of all
supervision on the part of the responsible Royal'
Commissioners, and the want of previous experience
on the part of the Lady Superintendent and the
Chaplain, they were of opinion that a recur-
rence of those faults might be prevented,
and that therefore It was not necessary to
proceed to the extreme measure of calling upon
the Lady Superintendent and the Chaplain to
resign. Can we be surprised that seven of
the Ladies should have entirely dissented from
this decision, which is nothing more or less than
an aggravation of the original fault of appointing
to the care of three hundred poor orphans officials
without previous experience, and destitute of the
commonest qualifications ; a Chaplain who substi
tutes for moral control hysterical religious excite-
ments ; a spinster Lady Superintendent without •
grain of self-reliance or decision of character ; and
an honorary naval Secretary whose notion of the
fit and proper training for orphan girls is mes-
merism (without the medical officer's sanction)
when they are faint, and corporal punishment when
they are "rude "? Can we wonder if the seven
Ladies were not satisfied with the assurance of the
Executive Committee, that • new set of rules and
regulations for the domestic management
of the Asylum had been drawn up, and
that in future the Asylum would be
periodically inspected by two bishops f They
fear a relapse into the former mismanage- ,
ment and indifference, and this fear will be under-
stood and shared by all who have not yet forgotten
the war in which many of the fathers of these poor
orphan girls were sacrificed to " the unpleasant-
" nese of the task of dismissing incompetent
" officials" ; a task which the independent section
of the Lathes' Committee of the Royal Victoria
Patriotic Asylum deem quite a secondary conside-
ration to the claims of common sense and common
feeling, to the benevolent intentions of the founders
of the Asylum, and to the satisfaction of a noble
national purpose.

gbe Court.

ght erpreors.

TO 0011KIMPONDENTEL
utveriteementa bitded toe " The Express" Leedom
Two
Taw. must be $ the office, Bouverieutreet, by Two
o'k on Use day of publication.

BA VIIALK IT.

TBIs ETininte, AN UNLUCKY MOITAL. Ills Barrie.
—FINESSE. Messrs. Agan.. Wigan. Noire. Includes.. Gordon,
and Ferree . Mrs. A. Wi Mae Wilkins. Mile L. Angel,
MIN F. Wright—Med BUCK/TONI AT HOILL and

PIIII(CEATS.

T® ODUBIN i031.:00111.1' AND CAN?.
Mann. G. Vining, Verner H. Marston, Delmore, Norm.
and Wards; Mimes Ansy Arra, J. laldlaw, sad Lydia
Thoopson.—And A CHAIM N PAIL

LYCZUY.

Tina Eviriva, ♦ 817DLiiITTICL. Mews. Shoes awl
111ddloossb . Mir Henrade sad Mrs. Lee.—And THE OWENS
MOTTO. Mean. ►ecbtrr. Shore, Brougham. and Sapsond
Ulna 8. Benteste, Y. Tarry, and Elsworthy.

Thu Brows, IHR VIDOW.T.ND ORPHANH—FAITH,
HOP& AND CHARITY, with Proteraor Pepper • adaptation of
Mr. Direte's SPECTRAL ILLUSION.—The Brothers Conrad*.
And Till MALADSTTA. - Commence at hall paste.

HIGH NAM AT LONDON 11JUDGI.
Ms DAT —Morning, Th. .Aitarnoon. ltas.
Taisoszow—liorobsg. gh. 411 Attannoin. BG.

LONDON, TUESDAY, JUNE 9.

Ir to any of our readers the analogy drawn
last week between War Office and Horse Guards
administration during the Crimean war, and the ad-
ministration of the Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum,
may have seemed farfetched or fancifully malig-
nant, we can only recommend to them the careful
perusal of the " Third Report of the Royal Com-
" missioners of the Patriotic Fund," just pre-
sented to Parliament. So far from being far-
fetched or fanciful, the analogy deserves rather to
be called a likeness—as painful as the likeness of
a sick child to a dead father.

The Royal Victoria Patriotic Asylum, of which
ber Marxery laid the first stone in July, 1857,
was opened for the reception of orphan girls in
July, 1859,wben 150 were admitted. This number
gradually increased to 268. It was not until
January, 1862, that the domestic management of
the Asylum appears to have become the subject
of inquiry, after one of the inmates, a poor orphan
girl, a servant, but not receiving wages, had been
burnt to death while under solitary confinement.
This poor girl had evidently perished by an acci-
dent, but her solitary confinement for two days
was • punishment inflicted by order of the Chap-
lain for the heinous offence of " rudeness to the
" laundrem." The Lady Superintendent, it after-
wards appeared, was opposed in principle to the
penalty of solitary confinement, but had not the
courage to differ from the Chaplain. It was the
scandal of an inquest that provoked the Executive
Committee of the Royal Commission to appoint a
Visiting Committee of Ladies. For two years and
a half the poor orphan girls had been left to the
discretion of the Chaplain, the Lady Superin-
tendent, and a distinguished naval captain,
acting as " Honorary " Secretary of the Royal
Commission. The Chaplain and the Captain
together had (among other peculiarities) de-
vised a scheme of corporal punishments for the
female orphans, the Lady Superintendent tacitly
disapproving (as she afterwards avowed), but con-
senting. The Ladies' Committee, appointed at the
end of January, 1862, met on the 11th of
February, and again on the 11th of March, and
adopted resolutions with which the Executive
Committee only partially complied. On the 27th
of March eight of the Ladies' Committee cf
thirteen drew up a statement of the circumstances
under which they could not consent to continue
the exercise of their functions, unless the Execu-
tive Committee, at their meeting on the following
day, should dismiss the persons to whom they
had hitherto entrusted the local management of the
Institution. These ladies had been made aware,
by close personal inquiries, that the Institution
bad been entirely mismanaged, and that the
Executive Committee had been kept in igno-
rance of many important details of its inter-
nal administration. Thus they found that
the Chaplain had assumed unauthorised powers,
and administered punishments totally unsuit-
able and revolting—especially in a girls' school ;
that the Lady Superintendent was unequal to the
control of such an establishment, " as not possess-
" lug sufficient judgment of her own, and had
" consented to follow out unauthorised orders,
" which she knew to be objectionable." This state-
ment was politely set aside on a point of form by
the Executive Committee, as it had not been
drawn up at a meeting of the Ladies' Committee,
regularly summoned; but the Executive Com-
mittee promised to inform the ladies of
the result of their own deliberations on
the whole question of the future government
of the Asylum. And now mark the contrast
between the Executive and the Ladies' Committee.
The latter would not allow the vital interests of the

THE EXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING, JUNE 9. 1863.

WINDSOR CASTLE, Jon 8.
The Queen, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce,
walked and drove in the grounds this morning.
The Prince of Wales, attended by the Earl of Mount Edg-
cumbe, Lieutenant-General Knollya, and Lieutenant-Colonel
Keppel, left Frogmore for Marlborongb•houae this morning.
The Prince., of Wales returned to London in the after-
noon, attended by the Countess de Grey, the Hon. Mrs.
Bruce, and Lientensat-Colonel Hon. D. de Ron.
Her Royal Highness previously visited her Majesty at the
Castle, and remained to luncheon.
Prince Alfred, attended by Major Cowell, went to London.