The Express.
London, England, 1853-04-21 00:00:00

THE FRIENDS OF THE CLERGY.

The third anniversary of this useful and rapid:y
(attending charity took plate yesterday, and was inaugu-
rated in the first instance by a religious service at the
church of Bt. Mary-le-Bow, Cheapside, at which Lord J.
Russell, the Lord Mayor, sad Mr. Sheriff Cron, and a
numerous congregation, attended. The sermon was preached
by the Bight Bey. the Bishop of St. David's, and a selection
of sacred music was sung by selected members of the metro-
politan choirs. A collection was made, by which about 301.
was added to the funds of the charity.
THE DINNER.
_ _

la the evening the friends of the charity dined at the
London Tavern, to the number of upwards of 300, amongst
whom we noticed the Earl of Chichester, the Earl of Kin-
tore, Lord Erskine, Lord Drutolanrig, Bishop of Llandal,
Mr. Sheriff Carter, Mr. Sheriff Civil, itc. The chair was
taken by Lord J. 11178421.1., who was loudly cheered on
entering the room. On the removal of the cloth his lord-
ship gave " The Queen," observing that as it was one of the
most important duties of the clergy to inculcate maternal
duties, they could net hen a brighter example with which
to illustrate their precepts, than that of the illustrious lady
who filled the throne of these realms. (Loud cheers.) His
lordship concluded by giving " Church and Queen." (Loud
cheers.)
" Prince Albert, and the rest of the royal family," fel-
' lowed, after which
The CHAMILN gave " The Archbishop of Canto/keg
and the clergy, with which he wished to usocate the mum
of the Bishop of Llandeff."
The Bishop of LLANDAFF returned thanks, taking the
opportunity to allude to the destitute state of the church in
Wales, and the mode in which, at various times, it had
been denuded of its property. Ills lordship alluded also to
the increase of population in Monmouth and Glamorgan-
shire, from 107,000 to 357,000 in a period of 80 years, and
impressed upon the meeting the importance of strengthen-
ing the hands of the clergy.
The next toast was "The Marquis of Salisbury and the
Vice-Presidents," to which Lord W. Paulen returned
thanks, after which
The Cnazastax proceeded to give the toast of the evening,
" Success to the Friend of the Clagy," an institution
which, although only three years in existence, had already
pealed pied's. to 30 persons of from 301. to 401. a year,
sad ateohl he aunt May give 10 more to applicants who had
been added to the list. (Hear, hear.) In addition to this,
large acatance had been given to clergymen in distress.
His lordship dwelt in eloquent terms on the distresses of the
poem clergy, and the sudden casualties to which numbers
et the body were exposed, and the claims which they there-
fore established on all friends of the church. He disclaimed
for "The Friends of the Clergy " any hostility to the
"Sons of the Clergy," but pointed out that whereas the
latter gave annuities of only 101. a_year the former gave
301., and while one was confined to England and Wales, the
other extended its benefits to Ireland. The noble chairman
ungeded an eloquent appeal by again recommending the
aka of the institution.
The toast having been duly honoured,
The SICIISTAILT (Mr. Stephen Aldritch) proceeded to
read the report, from which it appeared that the total
amount collected in the year was 7,0821. 6s. 2d.
To the toast of the " House of Lords,"
The Earl of Cutcusstxn returned thanks, bearing testi-
mony at the same time to the wants of the poorer clergy.
After which

ELECTION EXPOSURES
MAYO.
MMES. MOOSE AND 111001N11 DOLT ELECTED.
On the committee resuming its inquiry yebterday,
Lord It. V:sne in the chair,.

Mr. O'Mency, t 2 C., intimated that the cue for the pe-
titioners wu closed with the evidence naduced the duy
before.

Mr. Bovill then lammed up, contending that the cir-
cumstances of the case, as developed in the evidence, pre-
sented an unprecedented state of things, and such as con-
sistently with freedom of election was not to be tolerated by
the house. Neither the candidate nor his voters, it had
been seen, could venture out Inr proceed to the poll, with-
out a military escort, the intimidation and outrage raised
by the denucciations and influence of the Roman catholic
priests being one of systematic arrang meet throughout the
county, end the sitting members were proved to have
placed themselves unreservedly in the bands of the lode-
pendent Club, who interfered with the free exercise of the
peoples political will, and whose influence over the excited
mob had resulted in the peril of the lives of the oppueing
candidate and his supporters. The learned Collabei then
proceeded to deal with the law of the cue us contained in
" the books," in instances where intimidation and riots had
interfered with freedom of election ; and said that, in view
of all the evidence adduced, that the sitting members were
not duly elected.
Mr. Serjeant Kinglake, Q.C., replied oa behalf of Mr.
Moore.

The room was then cleared for about half an hour, and
on our re-admission,

The Chairman said the committee have unanimously
come to the decision—
__ _

" That George Henry Moore, Esq., and G. Ouseley Hig-
gins, Esq., are duly elected knights;of the shire to serve in
this present parliament for the county of Mayo."
The announcement was followed by loud applause.
Mr. Serjeant Knight'', applied for costs, but
The Chairman said the committeo were unanimously of a
contrary opinion as regarded the granting of costs.

BARNSTAPLE.

SIR W. MASER AND MN. DEEYHIDGE UNSEATED.

When the committee met yesterday morning,
Mr. J. S. Clay was examined— Witness said he a soli-
citor at Barnstaple, was agent for Lord Ebrington at the
last electron for that borough, and is agent for conducting
the present petition on behalf of hie lordship against the
sitting members. This witness was examined chiefly to
prove who the ostensible and recognised agents of the
sitting members were at the last election, in the way
of assisting them to canvass, so as to prove the fact of
allsne
In reply to questions by the committee, he stated that at
the last diction the town was regularly canvassed by both
parties. Lord Ebrington began his canvass in February, sad
resumed it in duly, shortly before the election took place.
Among those whom he saw canvassing with the sitting mem-
bers, he could speak positively, from recoil( ctinn, to Mr.
Marsh, the local agent for Woolmer's Exeter Gazette. At
the election of 1847 witness was canvassed by Bremridge
and Fortescue. Bremridge was at the head of the pull on
that occasion. His impression was that there was no money
spent at that election. The canidates at that election were
Mr. Forterene, Mr. Bremridge, and Mr. Hodson. Mr.
Hodson was a conservative and Mr. Fortescue a whig.
Bremridge and Fortescue were returned—that was, one and
one. Mr. Hodson peneverr d to the last, end the poll was
left open to four o'clock. On that occasion the numbers
polled were—for Bremridge, 464 ; for Fortescue, 396 ; for
Hudson, 3d6.
Mr. G. E. Kingson said he was an agent for Lord Ebring-
ton at the last election. He saw Potter and Clement can-
vassing with the sitting members.
By the Committee—lt was notorious that bribery was
practised among one section of the electors—he means the
freemen. That practice prevailed at other elections as well
as the last; at the election of 1841, In particular, it was
very notorious. He has heard Mr. Fortescue say there was
an Immense amount of bribery and corruption at the elec-
tion of 1847. The public houses fir holding "quilling"
meetings were opened by the conservative party . imme-
diately after Lord Ebrington began his canvass, in Feb-
ruary last year.
Mr. Clay recalled and examined by the committee—lt is
notorious that bribery and treating on a considerable scale
existed in the borough at previous elections; that was a
matter of notoriety both at the election of 1811 and at the
last election.

Idt. Issandt, town-clerk at Barnstaple, examined—At
the last election was canvassed by Sir W. Fraser ; Mr.
Basile (Mr. Bresaridge's partner) and Mr. Marsh were with
Sir W. Fraser at the time. That might be about a week
before the polling day. On the day of the election witness
was engaged officially in one of the polling booths on the
North-walk. He saw John Tbornby bringing voters to the
poll in a sort of an omnibus, and occasionally in a gig. The
voters were very drunk.
Bthe Committee—Saw thoae voters poll for Bremridge
andi.

_racer.
Tbis doted the evidence for the pet'tioner'a ease.
Mr. James:sumensd up on the part of the petitioner (Lord
Ebrington).
Mr. Andrews then replied on behalf of the sitting mem-
berm.
The Chairman asked if Yr. Andrews intended calling any
witnesses ?

Andrews said no, that was his cue.
The room was then cleared. When the public were again
admitted,
The Chairman read the following decision :
" That Sir William Augustus Fraser, Bart., and Richard
Bremridge, Esq., were not duly elected to serve as burgesses
in this prevent parliament at the last election for the
borough of Bantstaple.
" That the last election for the and borough was a void
election.

"That Sir W. A. Fraser, Batt., and R. Bremridge,
Fag , were, by their agents, guilty of bribery and Weans
at the last election for the borough of Barnstaple.
" That it has been proved to the committee that John
Smith and Henry Smith were bribed by Henry Weedon
with the sum of 61. omit to vote Is, the ;sitting members at
the last election fora. old boroosk of Barnstaple.
"That .Henry BsailWaSSl was bribed by Thomas
Williams with the sum of Si. to vote for the sitting mem-
ber..

" That William Harris was bribed by William Clement
with the sum of 31. 16s. 6d. in money, and boots to the
value of 11. Is. 6d., to vote for the sitting members.
"That John EUis was bribed with the sum of 61. by
Robert Weetacott, to vote for the sitting members.
" That William Huxtable was bribed by Samuel Feather-
stone with the sum of 101. to vote for the aittiog members.
" That Thomas Drew was bribed by John Thornby,
with the sum of 101., to vote for the sitting members.
" That John Ireland was bribed by • promise of the sum
of 1.51., by John Ridaon Davy, aen., agent for the sitting
members, and promised to vote for them.
" That John Ireland, under the inducement of said pro-
mise, voted for Sir W. A. Frame and Lord Ebrington, and
then claimed 71. 10.. for his vote for the said Sir W. A.
Fraser, as half of the money so promised.
" That R.chard Bremrbige, Esq., was cognisant that an
offer of money had been made by John Ridson Davy, sen.,
to John Ireland, to induce him to vote for Sir W. A.
Fraser, and ratified that offer, but that with this exception
it was not proved that the cues of bribery before-mentioned
were committed with the knowledge or consent of the sit-
ting members.
' •• That it was proved to the satisfaction of the committee
that corrupt practices bad extensively prevailed iu the said
borough of Barnstaple during the last and previous elec-
tions.

Mr. &moot Kinglake then applied for casts, on the
ground that the sitting members had not attempted to come
forward to be examined touching the charges brought
against them, and of there being a direct cognisance of one
case of bribery found by the committee against one of the
sitting members ; and as they had not withdrawn their
opposition to the petition at the proper time, when they did
not intend to submit themselves to be examined, he prayed
the committee for costs. _

--
Mr. Andrews was heard briefly in reply ; after which
The Chairman said the committee were unanimously of
opinion that this was not a case for costs.
The proceedings then terminated.

NAVAL.

ADMIRALTY. APRIL 20.—APPOINTMENTS.—CM a
in Charge, C. C. Ick, to Columbine. Master's Assistants,
B. C. Ilithcock, to Duke of Wellington; and L. W.
Browne, to &ar. _ _

Sir W. P. WOOD gave "The Chairman."
Lord J. Roseau. returned thanks; and, after ono or two
other toasts, the company separated.

MEETING OF THZ COTTON PORTERS IN LIVER-
rooL.—On Tuesday night, a very large meeting of the
cotton porters of Liverpool was held in the Circus-street
Assembly Rooms of that town, to devise the best means of
obtaining an advance of wages. The rate at present paid
to this clamed operatives is 3a. fed. per day, but the work
not being constant, the average earnings the whole year
round is considerably under a guinea a man. A resolution
was pawed, calling on the employers to advance the rate of
wages 6d. per day ; and • Mutual Benefit Society having
been formed, the meeting separated.
ABERDEEN RAILWAY COMPANY.—A meeting of
the shareholders of this company was held within the com-
pany's offices, Market-street, Aberdeen, on Tuesday ;
Alexander Pirie, jun., Esq., vice-chairman of the directors
(in the absence a Lord James Hay, the chairman) in the
chair. The report and balance-sheet stated that the re-
ceipts for the half-year ending the 31st of January last
amounted to 41,3431., being an increase of 4,6391. over those
of tDe corresponding period of 1852. The expenditure
amounted to 23,7801., being 1,3061. more than at the core.-
Wondioß period of 1842, leaving a balance of 17,5621.
From this is deducted 11,4-131. for interest on debentures,
80., and 6,0461. sent of Arbroath and Forfar Railway,
leaving a free surplus on the half-year of 721. The general
revenue account shows a balance against revenue of
76,6901., including 12,6581., being the amount of dividend
for the halear ending the 31st of October last on the 6
per mat. and 7 per cent. preference stocks of the company.
The capital account shows that 1.631,666/. had been re-
ceived, sad 1,693, 6622 expended, leaving a balance against
the company of 68,9661.
DEATH OF MAJOR-OENERAL GABRIEL, C. 8., K.H.
—Major-General Gabriel, lately appointed to the mach
mind distinction of the coloneley of a cavalry regiment,
I died on the 16thtrt. after a severe ilium

POR7SMOCTII, APRIL 20.—The Sidon, 22, steam-
frigate, Captain Goldsmith, was towed out of the steam
basin to-day to Spithead by the Echo, steam-tug. She is
to remain at anchor there until her new shaft is made. It
is reported that the reason of her going to Spithead, in the
present condition of her machinery, is the prevention of de-
sertion by her crew. We understand, however, that this is
incorrect. Captain Goldsmith's object being the carrying
out of a more effective system of duty and practice than
could be adopted if the ship remained in the steam basin.
The crew having only been on board about four months, it
is obvious that Captain Ooldsmith's object is a very neces-
sary one. If, however, there is ne dissatisfaction on board
the Sidon, and this is the fact, there appears to be some on
on board the Vulcan, steam transport, Commander
Von Donop, now in dock, having her bottom
payed over. The crew of this vessel evinced, it is
reported, somewhat mutinous symptoms yesterday in refer-
ence to their wages and leave of absence, but on Com-
mander Von Donop calling them on the quarter-deck and
reading the Admiralty instructions to them, they returned
to their duty ; but in doing so they indulged in a good deal
of grumbling.—The Conflict, 8, screw steam-sloop, went
out of harbour to-day, to Spithead, to try her engines.
She returned into harbour again; and she will now be laid
up as forming part of the steam reserve.—The Mercury
cutter, Lieutenant Freeland, sailed early this morning fur
the Channel Islands.

TIIE POLICE DAGUERREOTYPE.—The first speci-
men of the illustrated "hue and
,cry" containing the por-
trait of the individual " wanted, ' in addition to his verbal
description, basjust reached Scotland-yard. It is issued by
the Manchester detective police, and the likenesses are so
striking that an intelligent officer would have no difficulty
in recognising his man by their aid.
CORK AND BANDON MAILWAY.—Return of traffic
for the week ending 16th of April, 18.53 :—Pareengers,
parcels, &c., 1141. 18s. 4d. • merchandise, cattle, tic.,
061. 17s. 91. ; total, 2111. 161. id. Tneic for corresponding
week last year—Passengers, parcels, &A, 1131. 1e.9d.; mer-
chandise, cattle, Its., W. Is. sd. ; total, 1661.35. 2d.

THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 21, 1853.