The Express.
London, England, 1862-08-30 00:00:00

THE DISTRESS IN LANCASHIRE.

The London Committee of the Fund for the Re-
lief of the Distressed Operatives held their weekly meeting
at the Mansion-house yesterday. Mr. Corrox again pre-
sided in the absence of the Lord Mayor. Mr. Gibbs, the
acting secretary, submitted letters containing the thaoks
and, receiptal from the local committees to whom grants
were remitted last week, and be likewise informed the com-
mittee that the total amount of receipts up to Thursday
evening was 41,005/. ; and he laid before them • letter from
Mr. !dodoes, the hon. secretary et the central committee
at Manchester, enclosing a list of the grants made by
that committee since they had commenced distribution,
from which it appeared that the total amount distributed
'by them was 4,050/. In consequence of • report
of the proceeding of the central committee at Man
chaster, at • meeting held on the 22nd inst., in which it was
stated by one of the 'miters "that the Logsdon relief com-
mittee had in more than a few cases been most egregiously
imposed upon," Mr. Gibbs, the secretary, was requested
by the committee to address a letter to each of the different
local committees to whom grants had been made, drawing
their attention to the allegation, and askint, in justice to
this committee, that some explanation might be given re-
specting such a grave charge—one to which, after four
months of careful investigation and distnbution, they did
not consider themselves liable. Yesterday Mr. Gibbs re-
ported that he had written as he was directed, sod sub-
mitted • number of letters which be had received from the
local committees iii reply, in which they each denied in the
strongest terms that the charge related to them, and almost
unanimously urged the London committee not to think of
giving up their separate distribution.
The Mayor of Blackburn addressed a letter to the eons.
mitt«, stating that he was anxious to establish a fend for
the purpose of obtaining clothing. ice., for the distressed
operatives in the winter time, and the committee directed
• reply to be forwarded informing him that the subject had
lately occupied their attention, and that they were con-
sidering a plan to form a depot for receiving such articles of
wearing apparel, &c., as might be contributed by the bene-
volent public.
Several fresh applications were received, and after con-
sideration, the committee resolved upon the remittance of
the following amounts: Salisbury, Dear Blackburn. 251.;
Buxton, near Charley, 201. ; Grey, Bury, 10/. ; Newton
Moore, 501. There were applications from other districts
than the above, bat the consideration of them was adjourned
until some further information could be obtained. It was
likewise resolved to send the following to districts having
already received : Ilatwistle, 6th dmistion, 100/. ; Embry,
2nd donation, 501. ; Matteotti, sth donation. 751. ; Belmont,
tad donation, 501. ; Gloisop, 3rd donation, 2501.

BIDEFORD EXTENRION RAILWAY. —The half-
yearly meeting of the proprietors of this line was held
_yes
terday afternoon, at the offices, Gresham-home. Mr. Tito,
ILl'., presided, in the absence of Mr. Bennington. The
report, which recommended a dividend of 14 par cent. for
the half-year on the ordinary stock, was taken as read. The
ehauinan, in a few words, moved its adoption. The South
Western had felt themselves justified in granting rather
better terms than they bed given to the South Western.
' The report was adopted unanimously.
AurRONOMICAL PHEN OWEN/ —MY. W. H. Wood,
of Weston-super-Mare, writes:—" The curious and rare
phenomenon, Pate Morgan, was seen from the Esplanade of
this town, on the 26th imam*, from 5.45 to 6.15 p.m.
Phantom vessels in full sail and steamers were suspended
in mid sir, erect and magnified,
_psi_rple in colour, projected
on a dull red background, at altitude from 5 dig, to 10 deg.,
and from W. by S. to N.W. in the horizon. nor real ves-
sels were not io sight, and were probably below the hatises,
appearing to be going up and down channel. The &Wes
of a two•united ship in full sail was very well chased is
the west at altitude of 5 dsg. • it want down darnel
rapidly and vanished at altitude 10 deg. is the B. W. Others
diminished in altitude and size. A similar plsesiantellne
• wall-defined perhelion were observed here by =my perm=
In the month of June."—Bristel Deily Poet.