biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Express.
London, England, 1847-10-29

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT.
Before the Chief Commis.loner,

VEXATIOUS rTEPEcCE:TXIt/t if:IOBINSON.—This
ir.oolvent, a barrister, was opposed for a creditor, named
Harrison, on the ground of his having contracted a debt
without any someone-We expectation of payment, and baring
vexatiously defended an action. The opposing creditor, who
was now a law student, but who had at one time been an at.
terney, had lent the insolvent various sums of money,
amounting in the end to 6151., for the recovery of which an
action was brought, and, in consequence of the insolvent's
pleading thereto, the costs amounted to 1031. He had been
in the habit of gambling, and had lost a great deal of money
between the years 1831 ana 1839. Tho opposing creditor,
however, declared that he was not aware, at the time, that
the insolvent borrowed from him for gaming purposes.—
The learned commissioner was of opinion that the ease did not
come within the act, and appointed a day for the final order.
London, England, 1847-10-29

/

ispibod proposed by them for laying down the narrow in
stets action with the broad gangs, upon the Oxford and
Rugby line" (and also the line between Worcester and
Wolverhampton), and requested observations thereon. As
one of these hots b 3d mile* in length, and the other 40
miles, and as Mr. Brunel, on parliamentary committees last
session, proposed to introduce the double-gauge system on
'upwards et 400 miles of railway, Mr. Stephenson was re-
quired to consider not only eases "as plain as • pike-staff,"
like the Cheltenham and Gloucester, but also cases in which,
in addition to the present inevitable complications of stations
'and crossings, the additional complication of a third rail
would require to be added. The most complicated instance
reasoned on, and illustrated with a diagram, by Mr.
Stephenson, is that of the Slough station as it at pre-
sent exists, with the addition of • narrow-gauge rail.
Although as decided a partisan of the narrow gauge as
the Morning Herald is of the broad, I do not enter into the
question of the merits of the double gauge or the cost en-
tailed by it even under the simplest conditions. f merely
address you to show that Mr. Stephenson, instead of having
reported on impossible or extreme cues, has been guided by
the consideration of mechanical difficulties certain to occur
if the double-gauge system is to be adopted on ally length of
line where any traffic exists—in fact, that he has drawn up
his observations, not on theoretical—but on actual proposition
for switches, points, &c., made by Mr. Brunel—that he has
been neither imaginative nor cunning, but practical and can-
did. Mr. Stephenson is at present in Italy. In his absence,
therefore, as the author of the only work published on the
subject, I take the liberty of defending him.—S. SIDNEY.

THE MURDER IN BIRMINOILANL—The mother and
murderess of the four children died at the Queen's Hospital
in that town yesterday. The children were interred a few
hours afterwards in the presence of a large crowd of persons.
Before her death the unfortunate woman made a full and
complete confession of her guilt.
A NOVEL CASE OF SUMMARY EJECTMENT occurred
at Chester on Wednesday. A house in the occupation of a
Mr. Crawford, which was required for the purposes of the
new station in course of erection, was attacked by a
number of railway workmen while a guest was sitting down
to dinner, and in the course of two hours the building razed
to the foundation. The occupier had several notices served
on him, which were treated with contempt. The contractor
therefore, adopted the above mode of e&tment.
CONTINENTAL INTERCOURSE.—The returns of in-
tercourse between the channel ports show the following
numbers for the week ending Oct. 24.—Through Boulogne,
1,379 passenger; through Calais, 307. Corresponding
period 1846: Through Boulogne, 1,302 passengers; through
Weis, 315. The 1,379 passengers through Boulogne may
be subdivided as follows : From Folkestone, 3G2 ; from
Dover, 90: from London, 17G—total, 628. For Folkestone,
396; for Dover, 159: for London, 196—total, 751.
London, England, 1847-10-29

COMMERCIAL 4. MARKETS.

MONEY MARKET & CITY INTELLIGENCE.

Two o'Cloek.—The notification in the Daily News, I
which appeared to carry something of an official
character, or was so interpreted, that Parliament
would be summoned for the dispatch of business on
the 18th proximo, caused a considerable sensation in,
the stock market, and led to a variety of discouraging
reports as to the cause for so early a convocation.
The confused state of Ireland at present, with an I
apprehended aggravation of evils prospectively, is,
as always, one of the standing topics with parties
speculating for the fall in stocks. The unfortunate
condition of the cotton manufacturing districts,
and of the operative population, in face of a
ccming winter, is another cause of alarm assigned.
Under these influences, magnified into greater im-
portance by some sales of stock for money, Consols
opened per cent. worse than yesterday, at 814 to
for money, and 814 to for time. They descended
subsequently still lower, but have partially rallied,
and now again are quoted at the same prices. Re-
duced Threes are 804 to Three-and-a-Quarter per
Cents., 814 to y. Exchequer Bills, 245. to 18e. &a-
count. The market continues in a very disturbed
state. Some rumours of failures in the country are
current in the City, as usual, but with nothing, so
far, of an authentic character about them. Bank
Stock, 183 to 5. . .

Our foreign market, with respect to active business,
would be quite deserted but for its being pay-day of
the settlement. Mexican are reported u low as 151
to 161. In other foreign stocks we have no change,
and prices can only be repeated as in the list below.
London, England, 1847-12-24

SHIPPING.

MAILS ARRIVID.—DabIin, 2 : Waterford, 1 ; Donaghadoe,
1; Guernsey and Jersti, 1; French, 1.
LONDON, Dec. 24.—Wind this day at noon, N.N.E., light
breeze, dull hazy weather.
DIAL, Dec. 23,-9. to W.S.W.—Arrived Susan Crisp,
Cape of Good Hope; Greenlaw, Madras; Ethelred, Moul-
mein Coromandel, and Persian, Calcutta, and gamed to
the river. Arrived from the river: Euphrates, Sydney.
Arrived: Westminster, St. Andrew's, and remains, having
been supplied with an anchor end chain.
PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 23. —E.N.E. Arrived: Zenobia,
from London, for Cape sad Calcutta, and sailed. Passed
by : Ann Dashwood, front St. John's, N. 8., for London;
Bremen, from Hamburg, for New Orleans. Sailed: Nunez,
Rio Nunes.
POOLE, Dcc. 22.—Arrived : Nelson Packet, Newfoundland.
Pirrsourn, Dec. 23.—E.5.E. and S.W.—Arrived : 22nd,
Tigris, Ceylon; John King, Mauritius. Put in: Minter,
from Gothenburg, for Bahia, with loss of mils, rigging, and
spars; British Queen, from Hartlepool, for Ceylon, eight of
crew refusing to proceed. Off Port 21st, Justine, from
Madras.
OFF THE EDDYSTONE, Dec. 22.—Triton, fkomßetavia, for

Amsterdam.
Brunet, Dec. 23.—B.W.—Sailed: Adelaide, Tobago.
Faamomr, Dec. 23.—8. to S.W.—Arrived: Alert,Ga-
lats, with cargo damaged. Sailed : Pierre Le Grand, Mu-
*ernes ; Happy Return, Lisbon.
PENZANCE, Dec. 22.—The I.abella, from CROW, tO Lon-
don, was pseud, 11th hut, in lat. 25, lon. 28, W. water-
logged, and with loss of rudder, sails, &c. Crew taken off
by the Loodianab, arrived here.
Swansea., Dec. 23.—The Garonne, of Dublin, repairing
here, took fire last night, and has received considerable
Coax, Dee. 21.—5. E., fresh.—Arrived Saxon, Callao;
Demerara, Liverpool, for St. Thomas's, Inky. Bailed
Susan, Pondicherry ; Herald, Bermuda. The Brolly, from
Liverpool to Africa, with loss of topsail yard, bulwarks. &c.,
water-asks bilged, and ring-bolts torn up, put in here to-day.
HARTLEPOOL, Dee. 23.—Arrived: Jaoobine, Copenhagen,
for Hell, very leaky.
Teoco, Deo. 21.—Arrived: Gateshead Park, from New-
castle, after having been in contact with • schooner, RAMO
unknown, off the Eddystone.
OFT PENZANCE, Dee. 20.—Andromache, St. Stephen's,
N. 8., for Hull. 21, Cornelia, Batavia, sailed up Channel ;
LoodiMah, St. Andrew's, N.B.
NEWPOILT, Dec. 22.—The Prince Carl, for Havannah, got
aground on the Western Point of the river Usk to-day, and
remains. Arrived: 21st, Guardian, • Wil-
berforce, Grenada; Prince Carl, of fOr Ha-
unnah.
Sarum, Dee. 23.—The Jorme,et.Tameralli.whialt wept
en .the rocks on the 17th link gat alk ash watt cep
the river to repair.
CAERNARVON, Dee.
CLYDE, Dee. 21.--eanat
Ceylon; Careaarba, New e

. 21.—balled : Poi/oak Now Odessa.
iew irareo, Ore • I
U`l
IP.
14.,9/
London, England, 1847-12-24

fine ens.

A STATUE TO Mi. LISTog hen been propoeed by
hie friends and pupils, and Mr. Campbell, tho sculptor, bay-
ing taken a east of the head, bust, and hand of the deceased
surgeon, a committee is now being formed to raise tho requi-
aite funds for completing the work.
London, England, 1847-12-24

Mg Court.

WINDSOR, THURSDAY. —The Most Rev. T. Muff-
grave, D.D., Archbishop of Trk, had an audience of the
dueen this day in the Castle. and did homage on his trans-
lation to that see. The Right Hon. Sir G. Grey, her Ma-
jesty's Secretary of State for the Home Deportment, and
the Rev. J. Vane, M A., Deputy Clerk of the Clo,et in
Waiting, uaisted at the ceremony.
The Queen and Prince Albert took their accustomed
early walk. The royal family took walking and pony eget.-
' vise this morning in the grounds around the Castle. Prince
Albert enjoyed the sport of shooting this morning. His
Royal Highness was attended by Lord Waterpsrk, Lieut.-Col,
Hon, A. N. Hood, Col. Hen. C. Grey, Col. Bouverie, and
Gen. Bowles. The Queen and Prince Albert are elpected
to honour the Duchew of Kent with their company at
Frogmore-house this evening after dinner.

Mr. G. Burnand had an interview with the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer yesterday. Mr. Wickham, Chair-
man of the Stamps and Taxes, and Mr. Pressly, Secretary
to the Board, had also en interview yesterday with the right
hon. baronet, at his official residence in Downing-street.
On Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday last, her
Majesty's royal charities were distributed at the Almonry in
Whitehall to the aced and disabled poor, according to the
usual custom, under the immediate direction of the Lord
Bishop of Oxford, High Almoner, and the Rev. Dr. Jrlf,
sub-almoner, and assistants. The number of persons ex-
ceeded 1,000, who received a crown each; and the Royal
Gate Alms were at the same time distributed to 168 poor
aged and blind persons, who received 13s. each.
The Earl and Countess Grey left town yesterday
for their seat, llowick-hall, Northumberland.
Sir G. Grey returned to town yesterday afternoon
frem Windsor Castle.

Sir T. Fremantle, Chairman of the Customs, and
Mr. J. Wood, Chairman of the Excise, had interviews on
Wednesday with the Chanoellor of the Exchequer.
The Right Hon. H. Labouchere has left town for
Brighton ; the Right Hoa. T. M. Gibson has left town fur
Theberton Rouse.

HER MAJESTY'S NEW YEAR'S GIFTS TO THE
roc:la.—Her Majesty has just commanded that on the
morning of New Year's Day a liberal quentity of provision
is to be given away to nearly five hundred poor families, re-
siding in the parishes of Windsor and Clewer; the recipients
of the Queea's bounty being selected from amongst the most
deserving of the needy and distressed, by the Hon. and Rev.
C. L. Courtenay (her Majesty's domestic chaplain), the
Rev. I. Gossett, the Rev. 111 r. Gould, and the Rev. S.
Hawtrey, assisted by the churchwardens and overseers and
the ladies of the visiting committee.

CONVENTION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT
OF TWO DAILY MAILS BETWEEN (}BEAT
London, England, 1847-12-24

COMMERCIAL er MARKETS.

MONEY MARKET & CITY INTELLIGENCE.
Two o'Clock.—The reduction yesterday in the Bank
minimum rate of interest and discount does not
appear to be favourably viewed in any quarter. Con-
eels, the regular barometer of opinion in the Stock
Exchange, opened at 833 to 4, u they left off
yesterday, but these quotations were not long
maintained. They fell successively to 8d and 4, at
which they were done,but are now better, at 83} to j for
the opening. Rednoed Threes, 84 to b. Three-end-
London, England, 1847-12-24

demand, but one that gave reasons, and too made t►e
defendant judge whether or not the boat ought to be given
up; that the regulation by le hich the race was not to be
deemed won, tinkle it should be so to the satisfaction of the
managers, must be talc ea to mean Edam won in a manner with
which they ought to be eatl•fled, and that in [Disease the ma-
nagets were incompetent to decide, inasmuch at they had acted
partially, and had betted en the resalt.—Lord Denman was
of opinion that a oonversien had been proved; that the pro•
petty is the boat belonged to the manager. of the race ; and
that the defendant ought not to have virtually deprived them
of the power to deliver it to the person who was in acir
judgment the winner of the race.—The jury found a verdict
for the plaintiff, Damages, 231.
London, England, 1847-12-24

COURT OF.4UEEN't3 BENCH,

iim Pam, ft—cuskasu.. a Common Jury.
CREWMAN AND ANOTHER V. HART. THE PRIZE or
THE GRIVINWICH EAST-END REGATTA..—MV. 8112e•IIA
Sheri and Mr. James were for the plaintiffs Mr. Cham-
bers, Q.C., and Mr. Bovill, appeared for the defendant. This
was an action of trover for converting a boat which was the
prize-wherry of the Greenwich Baetand It•gatta, which
took place on the 13th of July. The defendant is the pro
prietor of the Trafalgar Hotel, at Greenwich, and the boat
in question was deposited in his stable-yard by the friends of
one Brown, who assumed to be the victor in the contest, after
they had paraded it round the town. The rules under which
the race was to be conducted, and the prize-wherry, which
was the trait of a collection, to be adjudged, were that
the men should row a fair wager, and not foul each other
wilfully; that each man should deposit a certain sum of
money, to be forfeited in case of misconduct ; that the men
should wear their colours, and not give one another " the
wash," that is, not dash water into tech other's boats ; and
that the prizes were not to be delivered unless fairly won, to
the satisfaction of the managers. The friends of one Wat-
kins, who bad been Brown's competitor in the fifth heat of a
race consisting of five heave, of which the last was to be run
between the victors in the first four, conceived that
Brown had violated the regulation against fouling, and the
managers, the plaintiffs, being of the same opinion, a written
demand of the boat waa made on the defendant by the plain-
tiffs, who therein stated that the boat had not been won to
their satisfaction. The defendant said that the boat was not
his, and that he could not give it up ; and he added some ob-
servations not complimentary to the pleintifft. Thereupon
this action was brought, and a great deal of evidence was
given on both sides, as to whether it was Watkins or Brown
that had fouled the other, and as to the real conqueror in the
struggle. For the defence it was suggested that there had
been no conversion, inasmuch as the deenclant bad merely
offered esplanade= why he did not feel himself authorised to
give up she boa; ; that thus bad sot bees_ an decide

- ~.
London, England, 1847-10-16

alustc.

DRAM OF MR. ROOKE. THE COMPOSER.—This
gentleman, who had been suffering greatly during the Net
eix months, died on Thursday morning at Fulham. Mr.
Hooke was an Irishman, and very soon after his arrival in
this country was recognited as an accomplished musician,
and appointed to the situation of ;chorus-master of Drury
Lane Theatre, which he retained during mac )• years. In
the palmy days of Vauxhall Gardens he directed the music
there, and composed many of the most popular songs of that
day, which were sung by Miss Love, Mi.s Tunstall, and Mr.
Robinson, and other Vauxhall stars. In emjanction with
him friend Lover, be composed an opera, which was, how-
ever, never produced on the stage, although it was announced
in the bills of more than one theatre. In 18.38 Mr. Hooke
was fortunate enough to get a hearing for one of his works
—" Amelia "--which came oat at Covent Garden when that
theatre was managed by Mr. Macready. It was quite sue-
cessful, and has been since played frequently in ?few York.
In the succeeding year he brought out the opera of
" Renrique," but despite the beauty of several of the pieces,
it was not so profitable to the composer as " ' the
copyright never having been disposed of to the music-sellers.
When Madame Veetras managed Covent Garden, she ac-
cepted an opera of Mr. Rooke, entitled " Cagliostro," but
the premature secession of Vestris from the management
prevented its production. It will thus be seen, that, though
a man of superior musical acquirements, he was by no means
a fortunate one. The chief port of his income was derived
from teaching, which 11l health frequently interrupted ; con-
sequently, the large family ha has left to deplore his loss is
but slenderly provided for.
London, England, 1847-10-16

COLONIAL

SOUTH AUSTRALIA. Accounts have been
lately received from this colony. They are still of a
very favourable character. The produce of the copper
mines is exceeding all previous estimates: within the last
fortnight there have arrived at Swansea three large vessels
from Port Adelaide laden with ore, while the latest accounts
bring information that 2,000 tons more were ready for
shipment. These discoveries, in addition to the other more
ordinary occupations and productions, have had a favourable
effect on the commerce and public revenue of the colony, so
that the exports in 1846, being the growth or production of
the colony, amounted to 287,0591., being at the rate of fully
331. per annum for each male adult, besides producing all
the necessaries of life in such abundance as to render the
colony entirely independent of imported food. The ordi-
nary public revenue. for the quarter ending March 31,
1847, was 17,3771. 19s. Id.; while the ordinary expenditure
was, 12,8971. Os. 4d.; showing a surplus for 3 months of
4,4801. 18s. 9d.
. _ _

bean have been entertained in England, that amidst so
much excitement, as the mineral discoveries have occasioned,
the cultivation of the soil would be neglected. It is gra-
tifying to know that this has not been the cue in any
degree; on the contrary, that vitally important department
has been progressing ;sari paws with the increase of the
population and the advancement of the colony in other
respects. By the statistics published in the government
Gazette at Adelaide, it appears, that the increase during
1846 of land fenced in and cultivated was very consider-
able. At December 31, 11145, the extent of land fenced in
was 62,218 acres ; while on the last day of 1846 it amounted
to 89,565 acres; being an increase of 27,317 acres. At
December 31, 1845, the extent of land under cultivation
was 26,218 acres. At the corresponding date of 1646,
the cultivated land was 33,292 acres; increase, 7,074 acres.
The average produce in some districts of that country
at the lest harvest was 28 bushels of wheat and 39
bushels of barley. Several parcels of their wheat have
been lately received. The general weight of one parcel
was 64116. per bushel. By • census taken in March, 1816,
it was found that the population amounted to 22,390 souls
During that year the customhouse books show the number
of immigrants to have been 4,616 ; and when to these we add
the number in 1847, and the births in the colony, there can-
not be fewer now than 30,000 souls. Such is the demand
for labour, that shepherds' wages have lately been advanced
from 10e. to 12s. per week (ration., 10ibs. flour and 10Ibs.
butchers' meat per week, with tea and sugar) and lodging
found; and even unskilled labourers get immediate employ-
ment on arriving there at 21s. per week and upwards; while
the prices of provisions are very moderate indeed—bread
21d. to 3d. per 41b. loaf; beef and mutton 31d. per lb. ; tea
2s. to 3s. per lb.; and sugar 31. to 4d. per lb. Lodgings in
Adelaide may be had from 3s. to ss. per week.
London, England, 1847-10-16

i o e w•.iera.d: e s cv.n..

Setting : 3t02 on nom eat the field. Comna made the run.
nine for about hal• Talk, when be dropped off, and Venom took It
up, was not agate heeded, and won In • center.

Wans MDAT.
The racing to day was eery pod, but the atteuclaaee was
fully as bad as on Tuesday.
HER MAJESTY's PLATE of 100 gi., for horses. &e. 3 miles.
Mr. Whaley's b e Borguady (1. )Cogan) I
lard llowth't eh c Hat-trap
(220rP3Y) 2
The following 10.0 started Wren, sad Panl6.—Betting : 2to 1 on
Burgundy. oonha a wallL
TRAD:Rns' STAngll.-BWEETSTAIIEn of 5 90TO. each, with
20 eon. added. asetesey Poet. Second horse to save his stake.
Mr. Davies's to e Red I (1.. Keegan, jun ) 1
Mr. Watt'. M e CragEV (Coulon) 2
The following also etarted : Wee =hey, Tearaway, and Brandy Bet.
Woo by MB
AwATEra CORINTHIAN STARES, 10 sows., hR. For
buntere; racers admitted: with 30 emu. aYsd. Ong mile and a half
on the Peel Courar. Heats. Gentlemen riders.
Mr. Armstrong's eh m Beatrice (Mmusedp) 1 1
Mr. Harvey's br f Chimaera 2
Lord Waterford's th g Smike

WESTMINSTER COUNTY COURT.
Before D. C. MoyUm, Fig., Judge.
PAYMENT OF POOR-HATES IN ADVANCE.—TOZER O. COO-
HILL.—The plaintiff in this case, a gentleman residing in
Henrietta-street, Covent-garden, summoned the defendant,
the collector of the poor•rate for the parish of St. Paul,
Covent-garden, to recover back a rate paid twice over. A
gentleman who attended for Mr. Tozer stated that on the
, 15th of June last the Midsummer rate was paid to Mr. Cog
hill by a servant of Mr. Tozer. Two days after the rate
was again paid, Mr. Tozer having forgotten the previous
payment, and be new sought to recover back that rate, as he
contended the collector had no right to receive rates in ad-
vance. Two receipts were handed up to the judge,
upon which it wu found that the defendant had
given credit far the Michaelmas rate, applying one of the
payments to the latter quarter.—The judge said the Michael-
mas quarter being due, surely Mr. Tozer could not complain
of getting credit for it. —Mr. Coghill said he had the power
to collect the whole rates for the year if he thought proper.
The money ►e had received twice over he had paid to the
parish, and credit had been given to Mr. Tozer for it:
learned Judge said, that having revised the India voters for
Westminster foe several years, he knew that in the parish of
St. Paul but ens rate woo made in the year, and if due no-
tice had been given of that rate the whole of it was due. It
wu solely a matter of convenience to the rate-payers that it
wu collected quarterly. Mr. Coghill would be justified in
not only collecting the rates due at Christmas, but even up
to Lady-day.—The case must be dismissed.
London, England, 1847-10-16

SIR ROBERT PEEL IN LIVERPOOL.

On Thursday afternoon, at five o'clock, Sir Robert
Peel arrived at the Edgekill station, and proceeded to Moe
ley-hill, the seat of Charles Lawrence, Beg., where he dined
with Lord Bandon, Mr. Cardwell, M.P., and a select party
invited to meet him. lesterday morning, accom-
qrnielalawGellYl. Pwanredn:ieh,:eth'ei!:y tgre, vLord a
SObjle'ent;
' of interest in x.iverpcse. ; and was driven in the first instance
to the noble building to course of erection by the corporation
(and which her Majesty is expected in person to open), the
Assize Courts and St. George's Hall. The right hon. baronet
was received there by M. Bramley Moore, the Chairman
of the Dock Committee, by several members of the Corpora-
tion, and other influential gentlemen connected with the
tows. Sir Robert was profuse in his inquiries, and left ne
nook untraversed. The distinguished, party then re-
entered their carriages, and were driven to the Coburg
Dock, where the unfortunate Great Britain at present
lies, and on board of which the party were received and wel-
comed by Messrs. Bright and Gibb, the Liverpool agents
Almost all the vessels in port were decked with signal and
ether flags, and had a gay holiday look. The right hon.
hart. was then driven along the entire line of docks, which
coul not fail to strike him with their magnificence and ex-
tent. The carriages stopped in front of the custom-house,
and Sir Robert alighted from the carriage to inspect •
beautiful bronze statue of Huskisson, elevated only a few
hours before in front of that edifice. The party were then
driven along the Prince's, the Waterloo, the Trafalgar, and
Victoria docks, and, alighting, proceeded to inspectthe noble
additional docks in course of construction in the north. Here
they embarked on board the Medina. Dublin mail packet,
for a sail up the river. The tight hon, hart- appeared
highly interested with all that met his view. After
he had inspected the leviathan new landing stage, the vessel
was steamed towards Woodside, when the right hon. bait.
and party landed from one of the Medina's boats. He was
received on the pier by Wm. Potter and Wm. Jackson,
Esql., was greeted with a hearty cheer, and proceeded direct
to view the new docks and the various objects of interest at
Birkenhead.

List nieht Sir R. Feel was to dine witha party of about 70.
at the town-hall ; and although the event and the expected
speech appear to have excited considerable interest through-
out the country, the mayor and other parties concerned in
the management of the dinner have thought it most consis-
tent with their dignity to exclude the representatives of the
public press. Such exclusiveness they may find to be unwise :
for if aught impo'-tant be uttered, it will be sure to ooze out,
although in a mangled form.
Our correspondent adds a postscript:—" The Exchange
flags were crowded till a late hour in the afternoon, but the
right bon. hart., as some expected, did not appear."
London, England, 1847-03-02

NATIONAL FAST.

Lord J. RUSSELL said that u the hon. member for
Kent had a notice on the paper respecting a national fast,
he begged to state for the information of the hon. member
and the house, that her Majesty had summoned the council
in order to llx a day for the purpose. (Bear, hear.)
London, England, 1847-03-02

drama.

FRENCII PLAYS.—Lest night, after " Le Demon de
la Nuit," M. Lafont appeared in a new part, Maurice DO-.
rose!, in " Un Mari qua se Derange," which was played for
the first time in this country. The piece is a comedie• vau-
deville, in two acts, constructed with that skill and can for
which the French dramatists are eminent. It is full of
amusing equivoque, and admirable alike for its situations and
pointed dialogue. Lafont was inimitable as le Mari qua se
Derange, and the scene with his wife at la maison d'ar. was
a finished piece of comedy. Cartigny, also, as the quiet
domesticated husband, Bertholin, the very antithesis of
Duro:vet, acted with his usual excellence. Altogether, the
present performances are an agreeable change from the
horrors of th • Porte St Martin, to which we have latterly
beam accolicuted.
London, England, 1847-03-02

ebt Oat.

The Queen and Prince Albert honoured the per-
formance of the French Plays with their presence yesterday
evening. H.R.H. the Duchess of Kent also honoured the
French Plays with her presence last evening. H.R.H.
Prince Alber rode out on horseback yesterday. T.RR.HH.
the Prince of Wales and the Princess Alice took their usual
walks and rides yesterday in the royal gardens.
Viscount Clifden has succeeded Lord G. Lennox es the
Lord in Waiting to H.R.H. Prince Albert, and Col. Douverie
has relieved Capt. the Ron. A. H. Gordon in the duties of
Bguerryin Wailing to his Royal Highness.
H.R.H. the Duchess of Cambridge and 11.8.11. Prince
Frederic of Hesse arrived at Ceshlobury Park, Hats, the re-
sidence of H.H. the Queen Dowager, yesterday morning,
having travelled from town by the London and North West-
ern Railway. The Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Frede-
ric of Hesse partook of a dejeune with the Queen Dowager.
In the afternoon the Royal Duchess and hie Serene High-
ness took their departure on their return to town.

Lord John Russell and the Chancellor of the Ex-
' chequer, accompanied by the Lords of the Treasury and the
Secretaries of the Treasury, received yesterday morning the
gentlemen from the City of London on the subject of the
new loan of eight millions. Mr. J. B. Heath, the Governor
of the Bank of England, andthe Deputy-governor, attended
the meeting.
Lord Macdonald and Mr. H. J. Baillie, M.P., had
an interview with S:r George Grey yesterday, at the Home-
office. A deputation from the South Lancashire Coal Pro-
prietors had an interview with the Right Hon. Edward
Strati yesterday, at the office of the Commissioners of Rail-
ways in Great George-street. Mr. Colquhoun, Diplomatic
Agent for the Manse Towns, bad an interview with the
Right Hon. T. Milner Gibson yesterday, at the office of the
Board of Trade. A deputation of the Directors of the Water-
ford and Kilkenny Railway Company had an interview
with Lord John Rumell yesterday, at his official residence in
Dawning-street. Sir David Brewster, Rev. Dr. Buchanan,
and Mr. Dunlop, bad an interview yesterday with Sir
George Grey, at the Home-office.
Despatches were sent off last evening from the
Colonial-office for the Governors of the West India Colonies,
and also fur the Governors of New South Wales, and New
Zealand.
SUDDEN ILLNFSB OF THE DUKE OF SOMERSET.
--His Grace the Duke of Somerset was suddenly seised
with a fit of an alarming character on Sunday afternoon
last, at his residence, Wimbledon-park. His grace, who is
seventy-five years of age, had been In the enjoyment of

excellent health up to the period of the attack ; on Sunday hi
partook of luncheon, and afterwards, u cmtomary, reclined
on a couch. The exact period at which he wee attacked is
uncertain, but on the valet entering the apartment between
four and flee re..lock, he discovered his muter in a state of
syncope. Dr. Chambers and Dr. Ferguson were in attend-
ance at an early hour in the evening. His grace remained,
during the night, in a very precarious state, end yesterday
afternoon the report of the medical attendants was very
far from encouraging.
London, England, 1847-03-02

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.

Nos Pares—Betas Sir F. Potluck and a Leaden Speelol Jury.
VERTU! AND OTHERS O. EDOE.—WOODEN PAVEMENT.
—Mr. serjeant Bylee and Mr. Lush, were counsel for the
plaintiffs—The Attorney-General and Mr. Buncombe for
the defendants.—This was an action brought by the plain-
tiffs, who are timber-merchants, to recover 4881. for blocks,
supplied by them, to one Saunders, upon the defendant's
guarantee. It appeared that Saunders, who bad invented
an improved mode of laying down wooden pavement, con-
traded with the pariah authorities, in 1842, to lay down a
pavement upon his improved plan, in the vicinity of St.
Marrs Church, in the Strand. One of the conditions of
the agreement was, that Saunders should not be paid unless
the pavement lasted for an entire year, in good order.
On the 24th September, in that year, he purchased
from the plaintiffs 5,000 blocks of the best Norway
fir at eight shillings a square yard. Six months'
credit was to have been given, and the defendant guar-
anteed the payment on the expiration of that time.
During the delivery of the block., objections were made to
some of them b 7 the parish officers, but they were put down
upon the plaintiffs' undertaking to supply others if those
which were then disapproved of proved rotten or in any
manner defective. Saunders's experiment failed completely,
as it was stated; in consequence of the bad blocks furnished
by the plaintiffs, and tha result was that the parish Olken
refused to pay anything. The present action was then
brought upon the defendant's guarantee, but he also declined
to pay upon two grounds—first, that the article contracted
for had not been supplied, and secondly, that the plaintiffs
bad discharged him from all liability by taking, in January,
1843, Saunders's acceptance, dated on the 2nd Nov., 184,
and payable at six months for the debt, now sought to be
recovered.—A verdict was returned for the defendant.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
WESTERN ClRCUlT.—Witicmierrin, MONDAY.
The commission of assize for the county of Hants was
opened in this city, on Saturday afternoon, by Mr. Justice
Croswell and W. Justice V. Williams. The business of
the courts commenced this morning ; Mr. Justice Cromwell
presiding at nisi prise, and Mr. Justice Williams on the
crown side. There are lb causes entered for trial, and the
calendar contains the names of 82 prisoners. In the majo-
rity of cases in the crown court the offences appear to be of a
comparatively trifling nature.

• I • d • • • I I I •
London, England, 1847-03-02

the act 9th and 10th Virg., cap. 101, authorising the advanu,
of public money fur the improvement of land by drainage; '
and stated that it provided fur facilitating the operation of
the act by removing certain difficulties occasioned by the
law of entail. There was also a provision to limit the
amount to be advanced to individiuds applying by requiring
that • provisional certificate should issue for the amount
wttich the commissioners might have reason to believe would
be expended during three years, such certificate to be void
if the money should not he expended within the specintat
time. In almost all eases the net would be applicable to the
western highlands and islands of Scotland, in facilitating by
drainage the pasturage into arable land,
In answer to a question from Sir li. PEEL,
Sir G. GREY added that there was no provision for eon,
pulling persons to permit drains through their land neces-
sary for the drainage of adjoining property.
ENLISTIdEIst T ACT.
Mr. F. MAULE obtained leave to bring in • bill to limit
the term of service in the army to ten years in the infantry;
and twelve in the cavalry.
Mr. lIINDLEY expressed his intention of moving an
amendment to give more than the twenty-four hours now'
allowed to persona who had enlisted to withdraw if they'
repinted.
Mr. F. MAULE said that amendment should be proposed
in the Mutiny Bill.
The house adjourned at twelve o'clock

ROYAL COLLEGE of SURGEONS of
ENOLAND.—The COURSE of LECrEhlis in the Thew. 0
this 130111Dge for the present rear will be COMDICOCerI on Toads,' the
9th of /lamb neat. when Professor OWEN will besin his ko.
bares on the Comparative Anatomy and Physiology of the Vert&
Mated Animals with alit blood.

of the counte will be commenced by Frac:wet
IPAi :ET, on the concluaion of Übe kart by Profaner OWEN.
The lecture. wiU be delivered on coutt Tueaday, Tburaday. and
Saturday, at four o'clock. Cards of admission will be trued to owm-
ben of the college, upon personal or written application tithe college,
between the boom of ten and four.
February, DEG. EDMUND BELEOUR, Secretary.

gilt eporto.

melts.

The mail. hir Brltlah North America Bermuda, and the Milted
Mates will be made up on the evening of the 3rd March.
Tlvi overland mails for Gibraltar, Malts, Greece, the lonian Wand%
Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, India, Bong-Kong, and China, via floultiimpten,
will he made up on the morning of the ltd of March.
The mall, for the Brazils, the River Plate, Monte Video, Pennine
=wrßattia, Madeira, and Buenos Ayres, will be made sip on an
of the ith Marth.
The mils for Vigo, Oporto, Lisbon, Madeira, Cadis, and Gibraltar,
will be made op oa the morning of the 7th Mardi.
The overland eloped maila, via Marseilles, to the Mediterranean.
Egypt. Aden, Ceylon, India, Hong hose, he., will be made up em tb
evening of the MN March.
The mails for New booth Wales, V. Dkanen's Land, and Mei
Zeeland will be made up on the evening of the 31st March.
The West India math, excluding thane for Mexico, llondtxra
the Havanath, will be made up on the morning of the 31st i
London, England, 1847-03-02

IRELAND.

DUBLIN, Fee. 28.
A meeting of landed proprietors and occupiers in
the counties of Down, Antrim, and Armagh, was held
in Belfast on Friday, to consider Mr. Laboaehere's
bill for the improvement of lands and property in
Ireland. Various objections were taken to the men-
' sure. In the first place, the leaseholder or occupier
would be compelled to bear the burden of injudicious
improvements made by en improvident landlord
without any capital of his owa. This objection ap-
plies to the different parties described as "owners"
in the bill, from the proprietor in fee down to the
leaseholder, with an interest of two lives ; secondly,
the advances are to be expended under the
Board of Works, which had power to increase
the rent on the occupier, although the expenditure
might have been made without judgment or econo-
my; thirdly, the liability of the occupier in the Brit
instance was a great hardship, because the law gsve
him no claim for compensation even for his own Judi-
cious improvements. The bill, however, was praised
for many excellent provisions, and though such a
measure as would enable the landlord and tenant to
act in concert was of essential importance, yet it
would not be fair to bring it into operation until the
law secured compensation to tenants for improve-
ments. The chairman, any Stone, Esq., of Comber,
claimed the attention of the government for the
meeting : " A meeting of Irishmen ; yet, strange to
say, they are not met to auk an advance of money,
they would prefer having their own capital secured
to them." The sanction of the law to the custom of
tenant right was all the meeting required. The

farmers of Ulster would find the capital and labour
The contemplated revision of the poor-law was inci- .
dentally discussed, but the Rev. Dr. Montgomery
brought the question more prominently before the
mating, and proposed a series of resolutions which
was unanimously adopted, to the effect that no poor-
law can be a permanent benefit wiles, it contains a
law of settlement, a vagrant act, a provision for ex-
tensive emigration, and the compulsory support of its
own poor by each electoral division.

VALVE OP LAND IN Kitawr.—Freehold estates in the
county of Kerry were exposed for sale by auction in several
lots, in the Commercial buildings, Dublin, about ten days
' ago. The lots appeared to he let at their full value. The
' competition was spirited. The average rate of purchase was
twenty-ieven years, and no lot &tenet' lees than twenty-
three. The purchasers were, with one exception, gentlemen
of the county : J. Ileckson, Esq., D.L., the Grove, Dingle ;
John Leahy, Egq., South Hill, Killarney; Rev. A. B.
Rowan, Belmont, Truce ; James Butler, E•q., D.L., .
Waterville, Cabircireen; and E. B. Hartopp, Beg , Dalby
House, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire. TLis is the beat
evidence we can have as to the power of resident Irish
capitalists to make investments, and as to their op:niou of
the eligibility of investing in land.
London, England, 1847-01-30

Vie erarreoo.

MAILS.

The mails for New South Wales, Van Diemen', Land, and New
Zealand will be made up on the evening of the Id February.
The West India mails, Including thine for Mexico, Honduras, and
the I larannah, will be made up on the morning of the 2nd February.
The maibi for British North America, Bermuda, and the United
States, will be made op on the erecting of the 3nl February.
7U^. overland mails for Gibmllar, Malts, Greece, the Tontan Islands,
Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, India, 110 tig-Koner, and China, via Southampton,
will be made up on the morning of the 2rll of February.
The mails for the Brazils, the River Plate, Monte Video, Pernam-
buco, Bahia, Madeira, and Buenos Ayres, will be dispatehed on the
evening of the Ith February.
The mails for Vigo, Oporto. Lisbon. afadeint, Cadiz, and Gibraltar,
will be made op on the morning of the sth Februnt y.
The overland closed maim, vin MarseWes, to the Mmlllerranean,
Egypt, Aden, Ceylon, India, Hong Kong, Be., will be made. op on the
evening of the Bt i February,
London, England, 1847-01-30

in supplying food in Scotland, not to intcrfao with the
usual retail trade.
CHELSEA PENSIONS BILL.
This bill was rend a second time.
DISTILLING FROM SUGAR BILL.
. .

On the motion that this bill be read a sec mil time,
Mr. F. MACKENZIE and Mr. GROGAN hoped it would not
be pressed forward so hastily, as the subject had caused
great excitement in Scotland and Ireland.
Ths CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the
bill merely carried out the resolution which had been unani-
mously natuietcsd in by the house when he made his state-
ment on the subject, and As he did not propo e.to commit the
bill until that do' week, there would be ample time for its
consideration. the bill was read a second time.
London, England, 1847-01-30

Dlttotor of the Tdurie and Condueor —M. SIALFF..

- -......-....
In addition to the above, several Operas, new to this country, will
be pi odueed, and the r4ertoire will be selected from the chefs.
d'oeuvre of Mocart. Cimarosa, Raeini, Donizetti, Mercadan'e, Bel-
lin', A.c. The strictest attention has been paid to all the details, ro
that an ensemble may be presented pellet in all its parts. A nu-
merous orchestra, of the most distinguiahed talent and power, boa
been selected from come of the be,t orchestra of Europe, combined
with tamer meritorious artistes of the establishment

The chorus ha been chosen with the ;neatest care from Italy,
Germany, and England, and will comprise upward. of eighty per-
formers.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR TILE BALLET.
Mille. Carlotta Grist, Mdlle.l.ucille Grahn, and Millle. Cerito; in ad.
(Minn to which an engagement has been made with Made. Caroline
Rosati (of La Scala, at Milan, and other great theatres of Italy), who
will make her first appearance on the 111-4 nigh. of the season in a W.
ballet expr..ssir compliant and ananzed for her by M. Paul Taglioni.
Mane. wauthfer, of 'La Soda ; Madame Petit Stephan,
Millle.Elke Montfort, Mesillies Thy'arnot, Julien, L6111011M1.1, Emile,
Fanny P,I.C.IIeN and Benin; and Mdile. Caroline Ilancourk Incon-
sequence of the enthusiastic manner In which this eminent artiste
was received last mason, hopes are entertained that Mdllc. Taglioni
may be induced to appear for a Ibuitol smoker of performance.. M.
St. Lean, M. d'Or, 11. Ocaselin, M. Di Mattia, Sig. yen Sea, M.
Goode, M. Paul Teglionf, and M. Perrot. Composer of the ballet
mink, Signor Pugin; principal artist, Mr. Marshall. Maitre, de
Ballet—M. Paul Taglloni, M. Quail (of La Seale), and M. Perm.;
likap-maitre de Ballet, M. Gosselin It6gisseur de la Ducar, M. Petit. I
An ORIGINAL GRAND WU-LET will be products], ler( ra-
proody for her Majestr's Theatre, by the celebrated pat henry l trine,
en a subject selected from the old legend, of Germany. A novel and
poetical Ballet for the subject of which the establishment is indebted to
the kindness of a noble and listicapsidied porter., entitled EGERLI.
The celebraini Pus de Quart and Pas des INlesses wall be revived,
and an entirely new 'MYTH...vac:at, introducing an, tber Grand Pas
by M. Perrot, skleh, uniting all the peculiar attractions of the Pas
dr I Weser. and Made thane, will present a novel feature of ...raking
originality, and vAll combine the talent of all, to by • 'nailed LA
CONSTELLATION. The subscription will consist of the same num-
ber of nights as last season.
THE ITIEATIM
. .

MB open in the middle of Vebrio;,;y7WhWrrMil he prodowd, for the
And time at her 114awfr Theatre, flonintb's admired Orea of LA
FAVORITA, in whiab Rig..Gardoni and S.g. Sapereht wit nwlie their
Bret appearance in tide *Aviary ; and an mutely New Balkt by M.
Paul Tawlimn, In wbkh Mak Conk= Roma will appear.
London, England, 1847-01-30

AMERICA,

LtvEarooL, JAN:iI.-fiiTEpaminondas, Capt.
Lambert, arrived at Liverpool yesterday, has brought
one day's later news from Charleston. The commer-
cial news only possesses interest. A brisk de-
mand for cotton took place the day before the Epa-
minondas sailed. In rice also a good demand had
prevailed. A few days later news had been received
from Savanna. On Dec. 31, a good sale of rice had
taken place. In sugar nothing material had been
done, as very little had been received ; the demand,
however, for new molasses had kept pace with the
supply.
London, England, 1847-01-30

VAN DIEMF.N'S LAND.

From Hobart Town our arrivals are to the 14th of
August. Sir Hardley Wilmot ha& conceded the objection-
able points in the municipal bills. The Attorney-General
had given notice of his intention to introduce a clause appro
priatang the sum of 800/. for commissioners' dinners. It is
not said whether this was considered an objectionable clause.
There are Launceston papers in town to the Gth of Septem.
her. The vain markets both there and at Hobart Town
were adcancinc. The estimstta had nut yet been laid be-
fore the Council. _ .
London, England, 1847-05-07

' The letter of our Lisbon correspondent, published
by us yesterday, having applied particulars of the
state of affairs in the south, it is only necessary to
refer very briefly to the events which have lately
taken place in the north, of Portugal.
When the last accounts left Oporto, on the 30th
ultimo, Saldanha remained inactive to the south
of the Douro, while the Junta were actively
engaged raising and organising a force which
is described as having reached • state of much
efficacy, considering the materials from, which
it has had to be formed. The people of the Minho
and Tras-os-Montes, since the retirement of Casa!
beyond the Douro, had openly declared for the liberal
cause, and were offering their services to the Junta
more rapidly than arms and accoutrements could be
provided. The castle of Viana and the town
of Valence, were the only places on the northern
frontier that still held out for the Queen; but
their immediate surrender was expected. Perhaps,
the severest blow that has recently fallen upon the
royal cause has been the surrender of one of the
Oporto blockade Kaaren to the Junta. The crew
of a twenty-gun corvette, the Eighth of July, having
overpowered their officers, carried the ship into the
Douro in open day, on the 27th ult., without an
attempt being made by the other vessels to prevent
them. She was received by the Junta under a salute
of twenty-one gnus, and it was expected that another
of the Queen's squadron, • brig, would follow the
example of the corvette. The Oporto Joint Stock
Bank has been obliged to yield to the demand of the
Junta, and the remainder of the loan of 200 contos is
to be paid by instalments.

DEPARTURE OF TIER MAJESTY FOR OSBORNE-
Rousz.—Her Majesty, Prince Albert the Prince of Wales,
and Princess Royal, attended by the Hon. Miss Stanley,
Colonel Bouverie, and Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps,
left Buckingham-palace, in throe of the royal c trriageo. this
morning, at ZS minutes put nine o'clock, for the Nine Elms
terminus of the South Western railway, from whence the
royal party proceeded, by special train, to Gosport, en route to
Osborne-house. It is expected her Majesty will arrive at Gos-
port shortly before one o'clock, and embark on board the Fairy
yacht to inspect the fleet in the harbour and in the roads,
after which her Majesty and suite will proceed to Osborne-
house to dinner. The royal escort consisted of a detachment
1 of the 12th Light Dragoons (Lancers).
London, England, 1847-05-07

RAILWAY BOAIID REPORTS.

Mr. FIUME called the attention of the house to the
reports of the railway board, and pointed out some partiality
in them, contending that they did not fairly and justly repre-
sent the real circumstances of the case.
Mr. Fraurr defended the railway board, and stated
that the commissioners had been most anxious to discharge
their duty with impartiality.
Mr. HUDSON thought it of great importance to expedite
the reports of the railway board, which he considered might
easily be dune if the commissioners were so inclined, and if
the reports were curtailed it would not only be a general
advantage but they would be prepar.d with greats
expedition.
After a desultory conversation, the subject dropped.
I XI rERIAL GAS COMPANY.

Mr. AGLIONBY moved fur leave to present a petition
from the Imperial Gas Company, praying to be heard by
counsel *gaunt the Great Northern Railway (deviatiota
between London and Grantham)
The motion having been opposed by Mr. GxsettE and
STUCTT, woo withdrawn.