The Express.
London, England, 1851-04-24 00:00:00

THE NEMPSETT MURDER.
EXECUTION OF WILES AND SMITH.

ST DEMONSTRATION IN
EDINBURGH.

The long-talked of dinner under the auspices of
the Scotch l'rotection Society, came off in the Music-hall,
Edinburgh, on Tuesday evening. About seven hundred
persons dined, and a considerably greater number would
(it was said) have done so had it been possible to
obtain tickets. Between two and three hundred gentle-
men were present as spectators in the gallery, while
on the platform behind the chairman there might be about
al many ladies. The Earl of Eglintoun occupied the chair,
and L,,rd John Scott, M.l'., discharged the duties of
croupier. They were supported, among makers, uy the
Marquis of Aden, Mr. 0. F. Young, hlsjorCumming Bruce,
Earl of Selkirk, Earl of Lauderdale, Sheriff Allison,
Professor Aytoun, Mr. Christopher, M.P., Mr. Newdegate,
M.P., Sir J. Stuart Forbes, Lord Naar, M.P. Sir J.
Walker Drummond, of Ilawthornden, Mr. Forbes of Cal-
lender, M.P. Hen. F. Scott, M.P., Lord Colville of Cuirass,
Sir W. Dick' Cunningham, Mr. Campbell Renton, M.P.,
Mr. hope Vere, of Craigie-hall, Sir J. 0. Baird, of Saughton,
Mr. Bane. M.P., Mr. I'orbes Mackenzie,
The routine toasts having been disposed of,
The Noble CHAIRMAN proposed " The Protectionist
cause, and the health of Lord Stanley, its leader." (Great
applause.) After a few observations, he said :—When that
sail change of 18111 came over us—when all the leaders,
save one, in whom we confided deserted us is, the time of
need, and we found ourselves, instead of a triumphant party,
a broken and disheartened section—think you, that if Lord
George Bentiuck had not rallied round him all that re-
mained true to their country, and thrown down the gaunt-
let to our unexpected adversaries, we should have been in
the position which we now hold ? Think you that, if Lord
Stanley had been satisfied with only obeying the dictates
of his own honest and chivalrous heart by withdrawing
from a ministry whom he could no longer trust, we should
now once more be the most powerful party in the state,
feared and respected by our opponents? (Cheers.) It is
because Lord Stanley and Lord George Bentinck, the
Duke of Richmond, and Mr. Disraeli, did not sit with
their arms folded, because they did not fall down with co-
vered faces before the statue of free trade, when the blow
came from so unexpected a hand, that we are now a com-
pact and hopeful body under leader% in whom we confide.
(Renewed cheers.) But however holiest, however elo-
quent, however determined those leaders may be, it is
in the counties and towns, among the loyal and the well-
affected, at the registrations, and, above all, at the
coming elections—(cheers)—that the battle of the
country is to be fought; and inactivity and irresolution
at such a time would nut only be culpable, but ruinous.
It is possible that we are mistaken. It may be that misery,
and prostration, and ruin, are in store tor that imauriant
interest which has made Britain what she is. It may be
that we are nut to see around us the honest and friendly
faces of a contented tenantry—that the smiling homestead%
are to be ruined and deserted—our smiling corn-fields nu
longer to gladden our eye—that our sturdy labourers must
seek a precarious and congenial existence at the loom or on
a foreign %hurt —that our proprietors must eke out the
tenni:int of their fortunes in distant lands. It may bo that
the majority of the constituencies of the country will so
determine, but it has not yet been decided by them. (Cheers.)
To such an expression of opinion, deliberately and consti-
tutionally Risen, we must bow—but we will not bow to the
interested or flippant assertions of any family cliques— (hear,
hear)—or any knot of politicians, however apt they may be
in parliamentary tactics or powerful in " unadorned elo-
quence." (Cheers.) What is the cry with which we are
met? That the country is prosperous,. export., increaaina,
the revenue thriving. but can that be true or lasting pros-
perity front which the most important interest of all is ex-
cluded ? Can that be a healthy state of things, when the
prevalence of agricultural distress is admitted in the speech
from the throne, and yet the legislature refuses to examine
into the causes of it, or seek fur a remedy ? (Hear, hear.)
It is true, and we rejoice to hear it, that the looms
are at work, the manufacturers employed. But when
has such not been the case atter the recurrence of those
commercial shocks which periodically affect us, and which
overtrading and speculation must always bring upon us ? It
nut the free-trade measures of 1846 which have causal
the present commercial prosperity, but the reaction front
the crisis of 1817, and the establishment of the leave of
Europe. (Cheers.) When the markets of the world are
again glutted with our manufactures—when the truu.mil-
lity of Europe is, again disturbed—when credit is again
shaken—then will lie seen, but seen perhaps too late, the
impolicy of the course that has been pursued ; then will the
manufacturer, deplore the loss of their best customers, the
home market, and grieve over the ruin of those who would
have once more curried them through their temporary dif-
ficulties. (Cheer.) The noble lord concluded a speech of
considerable length amidst loud cheer'.
Sheriff ALLISON, in the course of along speech,said—lt
is the glory of the protectionists to represent that great
party—the party of British industry—once so united, re-
cently so fatally disunited—now, I trust, MI really re-
united. (Cheers.) But we must not shut our eyes
to the strength of the opponents whom we have to meet.
Ile contended that there was no class in the empire
not interested in the reversal of the present policy, and then
entered into a series of intricate statistical details to show
that the position of the country now, as compared with
what it was under the former system of defies, eSitillit,
deterioration in wealth. Ile alluded especially to the home
trade, the particulars of which he principally drew from
Ireland and Irish agriculture, and showed that since the
tommeneemeut of tree trade, that country had loot about
eight millions of money ; he expatiated on the drafting of
gold from this kingdom, and the consequent decrease ill
look-note circulation, and explained that such a circum-
stance arose from our enormously increasing importations,
and our decreasing exports. The learned sheriff then went
on to show, by a lengthened statistical statement, the great
increase which had taken place in the importation of grain
since the commencement of free trade, which he said
amounted, in March 1841, to one-third of the whole quan-
tity required by the inhabitants of Great Britain. A sensi-
ble increase had taken place in the importation of sheep
and cattle. Ile greatly regretted that there were no
means of knowing the increase or decrease of the internal
state of British interests, except in Ireland. In that coun-
try they find that the exports of grain had decreased from
three million qrs. of grain in 184-I to one million in 1849 ; and
in addition to that terrible decrease of exports she hail vastly
increased her imports of grain. The money value of the de-
cream, in Irish exports amounted to eight millions sterling.
The next thing to which the learned gentleman referred, in
order to show the decreased prosperity of the country during
the term of free trade, was the statistics showing the in-
crease of emigration and crime which had, during that
period, taken place ; and after referring to the heavy
tax placed by Americans on British iron, the amount
of British and foreign shipping before and after this
repeal of the corn and navigation laws employed in the
British traffic, showing that while the British tonnage had
greatly decreased in this trade, foreign shipping had greatly.
increased, he made a few allusions to the state of
the colonies and the proposition to cut them off from
connection with Britain, remarking that if such were so-
eomplished, Britain would be surrounded by a mighty host
of foreigners, who would unitedly fall upon and overwhelm
her, and where, then, he would ask, would be the interests
of the Manchester school, by whose infatuated policy such
a fatality had been occasioned. Ile then briefly defended
the cauae of protection, which had been tested by long
experience, and produced most beneficial reeulta—(loud
applause)—and referring to the toast, passed a high cub°.
glum upon the House of Peers, whose proceedings were at
all times characterised, he said, by certain truthfulness and
rectitude. Ho concluded by proposing "The House of
Lords." The toast was responded to with loud cheers.
Lord LAUDERDALE briefly acknowledged the compli-

TAUNTON, APRIL 23.
'lho two 'wretched criminals, John Wiles and John I
Smith, who were COli‘ ieted at the last Somerset assizes of
the wilful murder of William Wilkins, this day underwent
the last punishment which the law can award, at the County
Gaol at Wilton, near this town.
It will he remembered that the murder was marked by
circumstances of great ferocity. The deceased man (Wilkins)
was nearly 80 years old, and with his wife, who was almost
as fur advanczil in ay as himself, kept a little shop fur the
sale of groceries at sempnett, a small village, which hangs,
RI It were, upon the hillside, in the valley of the Meath''.
The prisoners, one of whom (Wiles) had worked for a short
thaw at a smith's shop near the residence of the aged couple,
wont on the morning of the murder and asked for some
bread, and as the old man was quietly eating his breakfast,
nod without his having offered them the slightest provoca-
tion or attempted any resistance, they fell upon him, and
Was, with a stick heavily loaded with iron, and with
■
spade, which be found in the house, beat the poor fellow in
a very savage manner, inflicted numerous wounds on his head
and occasioned his death. They at the same time greatly
maltreated the old woman, and left her fur dead, but fur-
tunately for the ends of justice, she was preserved, and
gave evidence which led to the conviction of the mur-
derer.
The time of execution hail been fixed originally for II
o'clock, but it was subsequently changed to 9 o'clock,
which prevented so large an assemblage as has generally
congregated on such occasions. Still there was a numerous
concourse. Many of those present belonged to the middle
walks of life, and their demeanour was becoming the occa-
sion ; but there were not wanting those who in the very
gaze of death indulged in expressions of levity, rib:dd
jest, and profane oaths. Within the gaol, too, there were
. metlitors beyond the mere uncials, as all ie convicted
felons were paraded to see the execution.
The indifferent and callous behaviour of the prisoners
pending the trial will be in the memory of your readers.
Subsequently to their conviction and sentence, however,
their demeanour underwent a change. Upon their removal
from the Assize Court they were placed in different cells,
and were watched day and night, so as to prevent any de-
feat of the sentence by suicide. 'lhe chaplain of the pri-
son, the lies. Joseph Gamy, visited them both the same
evening, and remained with each for a considerable length
of time, and they both seemed impressed by his conversa-
tion. His visits after this time were frequent, and they
were always gratefully received by both prisoners. Indeed,
no men could conduct themselves better than they did.
They confessed their guilt, acknowledging that they both
participated in the murder, but denying that when they
went to Wilkins's cottage they bud any intention to com-
mit any crime greater than robbery.
At daybreak this morning the preparations for the execu-
tion were commenced by the erection of the drop—a work
which occupied but little inure than an hour. Caleruft, the
executioner, had arrived the previous night. At nine
u'elock, the under-sheriff and other functionaries having
arrived. the two prisoners walked with firm steps to the
under word of the hospital, and thence to the drop. The
signal being given, the Jolt was drawn, and the men died
apparently without a struggle.
After hanging the required time, their bodies were taken
down arid buried within the precincts of the gaol.
The prisoner Smith asserted, during his confinement,
that lie hail given his wrong name, and he refused to the
last to dieclose his right one, saying that he was respectably
connected, and did not wish to expose his family to the re-
prisal& which must follow a knowledge of their being the
r relatives of a murderer. Wiles has long been known as a
'r bad character, having abandoned his wife and family to
indulge iu a loose life, and having been before convicted of
Mon,.

ment.
Professor AYTOtJN, in proposing the next toast, said
that down to the present moment the constituencies of the
empire have never pronounced their verdict or have had an
opportunity of doing so upon this all-important question. "In
1846 the deed was done. Right or wrong, free trade, as they
still persist in calling their one-sided and iniquitous measure,
was made the law of the land; and I put it to every one
who hears me, whether it would have been right to expect
—whether it would have been possible to expect an imme-
diate reversal of that policy ? The deed was done. With those
who assented to it, contrary to their own distinct recorded
opinions, lies the responsibility. They did it. They changed,
with one violent wrench, the whole internal relations of the
different classes of the community; and, having dune so, they
asked—what, indeed, could hardly be denied them—that
their so-called experiment should at least have fair play.
This has been an experimental parliament. It has experi-
mented upon labour, it has exprimented on trade, and also,
under the able direction of Sir C. Wood, it has experimented
largely upon budgets. (A laugh) Time enough has been
given to enable even the slowest intellect to form a judg-
ment upon the succees of the free-trading measures, tool
facts enough have emerged to enable us to test the acenrrey
of the free-trade oracles. Is it true, or is it not, that Sir R.
Peel, previous to the repeal of the corn laws, estimated the
remunerative price of of the quarter of wheat to the British
grower at Ws. ? Well, then, we find the prices is England
dwindled to 375., and those in Scotland even lower.
(Cheers.) Was Mr. Tooke right when he estimated the
utmost amount of foreign wheat that could possibly be
imorted into this country at 2,000,000 of quarters? Was
Mr. Wilson, of Westbury, right when he calculated the
coat of freights from Dantsie at 204. 9d. ? What has become
of that monstrous economical dogma, that free importations
could only equalise prices without permanently lowering
them ? What has become of the assertion, more monstrous
still, which we owe to the sage of the Economist, that, under
the operation of face trade in corn, the price of labour in
this country would rather be increased than diminished?"
(Cheers.) The learned professor concluded by proposing
The House of Commons and the Health of Mr. Disraeli."
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. CHRISTOPHER, M.P., after regretting the absence
of Mr. Disraeli on the occasion, acknowledged the eompli-
meat, and having pawed encomiums upon Lord George
Bentinck and Mr. Disraeli, concluded as follows,. It has
been stated, as a reproach to the country party, that the
cause of the late failure of Lord Stanley to form a cabinet
was the incapacity of his party. It was not so. It was
owing to several adverse circumstances, to which I shall
briefly allude. It must be remembered that of that party
there are only one or two who were ever in office before ;
and the present government cunningly devised their mode \
of resignation at a time when not only the Mutiny Bill was
unread in the House of Commons, but when not a single
sum of money was voted to carry on the government of the
country, and when Sir James Graham, supping from the
high position he was entitled to assume, and once assumed,
as the constitutional adviser of a constitutional Sovereign,
counselled the army to mutiny and the people of Ire-
land to rebel if the identical measures were carried
which Lord Stanley would have felt it his duty to propose.
(Hear, hear.) In these circumstances it was Lord Staoley's
duty to consider what security he had for the safety of the
sovereign and of the country if he had assumed the reins of

THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 24, 1851.

government. (Loud cheers.) In the House of Commons,
too, the most injuriously obstructive policy was followed;
and tbr these reasons Lord Stanley found it impossible to
form an administration : but there is no doubt whatever that,
since these circumstances have been in a great measure re-
moved by the progress of the session, if ever again that
noble lord should be called to place himself at the head of
the count do of the sovereign, he would be successful in
forming an administration. (Loud applause.) I am con-
vinced that, happen what may, you will fluid among the
country party in Great Britain at large men who, in times
of difficulty and danger, would be equal to the emergency.
(Loud cheering.)
Various toast., followed, such as " The Tenant Farmers,"
" Ships, Colonies, and Commerce," and the meeting sepa-
rated at 12 o'clock.

IRELAND.

' THE PAPAL AGORESSION.-MEETING AT
CONCILIATION-HALL. DUBLIN.

A public meeting was held on Tuesday, in Concilia-
tion-hall, Burgh-quay, for the purpose, u stated in the
advertisement, of petitioning parliament against the Eccle-
siastical Titles Bill, and to adopt an address to the Queen,
praying her Majesty to dismiss from her councils any
minister who shall propose the enactment of measures
infringing the religious liberty of her Majesty's subjects.
The galleries and body of the hall were densely thronged
with an audience that consisted almost exclusively of the
working-classes. Among those upon the platform were
Mr. John Reynolds, M.P., Mr. Henry Grattan, M.P., Sir
Simon Bradstreet, the Very Rev. Dr. Cahill, Very ltev.
Dr. Sprott, Mr. James Burke, Mr. E. W. O'Mahony, Mr.
A. R. Stritch, Mr. J. O'Neill, T.C., Mr. John Bagnall,
T.C„ &c. At half-past one o'clock, on the motion of Sir
Simon Bradstreet, the chair was taken by Mr. Joxst REY-
NOLDS. M.P.
The CHAIRMAN said they were there in pursuance of a
public requisition to petition parliament against the atrocious
act introduced by the Queen's minister to annihilate the Ito-
mancatholic church, by depriving it of those rights and pri
vileges which, even in the worst of times, it was permitted to
enjoy. They were there also to raise their voices against an-
other insulting measure,callcd "The Religious Houses Bill,"
a bill that might he termed the twist sister of Lord J. Rus-
sell's bill, and the bare introduction of which was not only
an insult to the virtuous, chaste', and religious women
against whom it was directed, but also calculated to insult
their fathers, their brothers, and their other relations.'
(Cheers.) This atrocious bill had been introduced in the
fell spirit of religious bigotry and intolerance. And what
were its provisions? That those sanctuaries of female
virtue and usefulness, to which he had alluded, should be
visited at all times and seasons by commissioners to be
appointed by the British government—(hisses)—that even
their daughters and sisters, who had devoted their lives to
the service of their God—to the promotion of moral and
religious education, should be polluted by the visits of—
whom did they think ? Discreet persons, the bill said.
(Groans and hisses.) He (Mr. It.) had once supported her
Majesty's government, but now he was one of their most
determined opponents. (Hear, hear.) Why had he
changed his mind and policy? lie would tell them—it
was on account of Lord John Russell's letter to the Bishop
of Durham, and his subsequent speeches in the House of
Commons in reference to the Ecelesiutical Titles Bill.
(Cheers.) Having read Lord J. Russell's letter, he went
on to ask whether he was not justified by its contents in
raising up his voice and recording his vote against its
author? (Hear, hear.) They were on the eve of a great
battle, and let there be no mistake about it ; they were
determined to fight the battle out, and to tight it in any
manner. (Loud cheers.) They should nut be allowed to
trample ou the archbishops, bishops, and consecrated
priesthood of the ROM= catholic church. (Cheers.)
They were determined to fight every ouch of ground with
the government on the re-assembling of parliament, and to
put all the forms of the Rouse of Commons iu motion
in order to save catholic religion in this country. (Loud
applause.)
Mr. JAMES BURKE (barrister) then read a petition
to parliament against the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill, which
described that measure as calculated " to deprive ROIMM
catholics of that freedom which they, in common with their
fellow-subjects of other creeds in this country, had a right
to enjoy without restriction ;" and claiming Mr them liberty
to make such arrangements fie the government of their
church as they might think proper.
Mr. HENRY GRATTAN, M.P., moved the adoption of
the petition, and in doing so, said be came there to raise his
voice not merely against the attempts being made to excite
religious discord amongst his fellow-countrymen, but aloe
against the separation of the two countries, which was in-
volved in the Ecclesiastical Titles Bill. If he were a rebel
or an enemy to England he would support that hill; but he
was determined to oppose it to the utmo t of his power, be-
cause he claimed for his fellow-countrymen the right
enjoyed by the people of England of standing up, even to
the death, for the preservation of their civil and religious
liberties. (Hear, hear.) They would violate no law, but
they would resist the ministerial measure to the full extent
permitted by the eonstituti ~,, . (" Hear," and cheers.)
He recommended them not to slumber or sleep on this great
question, which went fur beyond what they imagined. It
was nothing short of u dolly blow aimed at the prosperity
of this country. They were hated at the other side of the
Channel, not because they were Roman catholies, but be-
cause they were Irishmen—that was the reason. (Hear.)
As the late Mr. O'Connell observed, "'They hated the men'
they had injured, because they feared they could never
repay the debt which they owed to them." (Hear, hear.)
And what were they now going to du? They were going
to distract and divide the people of Ireland at a time when
they had begun to he united. (Hear' hear.) Just when
protestants and eatholies hail become good friends, and were
living in peace and goodwill together, the demon of discord
nude his appearance, and sought to roes: the foul standard
of religious bigotry and intolerance. (Hear, hear ) Ile
(Mr. G.) wished, for his own part, to live in peace. with all
his fellow-countrymen, irrespective of creed or polities—
they might be Turks, provided only they obeyed the law.
Mr. MACKAY seconded the motion, which was put from
the chair and unanimously carried.
The Very Rev. Dr. CAHILL then rose to move the
adoption of a petition to parliament against " The Reli-
gious Houses Bill," and commenced his speech by com-
paring Lord John Russell to an image in Milton's " l'ara-
disc
Lost," representing Satan, when he was cast out of
Heaven, engaged in making war back again upon Gal.
There were two points embraced in this bill ; the first
was intended to degrade female conventual life, and the
other to withdraw the young women of Ireland from the
care and attention of the ladies who resided in their con-
verts. (Hear, hear.) If they looked to another country,
which he would forbear to name, they would WC the very
ground stained with crime, and the daily papers filled with
cases of poisoning and murder, and parricide and matricide,
and all those fearful crimes which defied God upon his
throne. (Hear, hear.) When they viewed these things,
and considered what the nuns of Ireland were—all
peace and love—spending their lives in stemming the
torrent of wickedness and vice—that they were remark-
able for more than the purity of their lives—that they were
the very missionaries of the Pope himself, no wonder
that au attempt should be made to destroy them. (hear,hear.) Their tabrts in the cause of education reached into
every avenue of life ; they reached their wives, their daugh-
ters, their sisters, their aunts, and their nieces. (Hear, hear)
They taught their young women to respect and love their
husbands, and they, in their turn, taught their offspring to
suck in with their milk fidelity to God and hatred. of op-
pression. (Rear and cheers.) Such were the establishments
which Lord John Russell contemplated to overthrow.
(Hear.) They were determined, it was said, to visit the
nunneries, and, by the authority of six magistrates,
they would have it in their power to perpetrate indecencies
within their walls. (Hear, hear.) Would they, he asked,
permit any filthy official, by the command of any filthy
magistrate, to go into one of their convents, and institute a
search for a nun who might be living there ? Would they
place confidence in a Whig cabinet which stood by when the
Speaker of the House of Commons declared, before God
and man, that it was no breach of parliamentary courtesy
to designate the Roman catholic nuns all over the world as
persona residing in a brothel ? For his own part, he would
say that if this bill pursed the Commons and the Lords, and
if it afterwards received the signature of their beloved
Queen, he declared before God and man that she would
possess his allegiance and loyalty as a terrible task, but not
as a pleasing duty. (" Hear," and cheers)
Mr. E. O'MAHONY seconded the motion, which was
unanimously adopted by the meeting.
Mr. J. BURKE then read an address to the Queen,
praying her Majesty to withhold her consent from the Ec-
clesiastical Titles Bill, and to dismiss from her councils any
minister who shall propose the enactment of measures in-
fringing the religious liberty of her Majesty's subjects.
Sir S. BRADSTREET moved the adoption of this ad-
dress, and in doing so, said that as a protestant and a friend
of religious lirty, he felt great indignation at the insult
which the two measures alluded to that day had inflicted
on his Roman catholic fellow-countrymen.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Baustress, T.C., and
passed unanimously.
It was then agreed by acclamation that the thanks of
the people of Ireland are due to the Irish members of
parliament who had opposed the present government in the
House of Commons.
Mr. O'CONNOR moved the last resolution, which aas as
follows :—Resolved,that we deem it our duty emphatically to
call on the Irish liberal members to attend its their places in
parliament on the sth May next, when the government mea-
sure of pains and penalties is moved in committee, as well as
on all other occasions when ministerial difficulties arise • and
that we will deem any Irish member absenting himself on
that day, or on any other important motion when the exis-
tence of the present or any other government is likely to he
imperilled, and an opportunity offered of driving them from
office, to have forfeited the confidence of his constituents,
and to have basely betrayed and deserted the interests of his
country and his religion.
The motion was seconded by Mr. Ryan, and adopted by
the mating teens. dis.
A vote of thanks was then p meeting Mr. Reynolds for his
conduct while presiding, and t separates'.
and

DVRLTN, APRIL O.
The Royal Dublin Society's annual exhibition of
black cattle, sheep, swine, &c., was opened yester-
day, and presented the largest and finest display of
stock in the several departments remembered on any-
similar occasion in Dublin. It is generally-agreed that
it is the best show of farm stock which the Society
has had since its foundation. Among the successful
exhibitors are his Excellency the Earl of Clarendon,
Lord Plunkett, the Earl of Charlcmont, Lord Talbot
de Malahide, Viscount Nlonck, the Earl of Mayo,
Robert Holmes, Esq., Col. Latouchc, Col. Vandaleur,
Sir Alan Bellingham, Viscount Hill, &c. In the
evening there was a meeting at which His Ex-
cellency the Lord-Lieutenant presided, for the
distribution of prizes; and after the usual
routine proceedings had been disposed of, and
an interesting lecture had been delivered by Pro-
fessor Ilarrison on the physiological principles of nu-
tiltion, or their connexion in certain points with the
present exhibition of the society, Lord Talbot de
Malahide proposed a vote of thanks to the Lord
Lieutenant, which was most warmly and cordially
responded to.
His Excellency, after acknowledging the compli-
ment, and making some observations having more
immediate reference to the proceedings of the day,
said:
I think that amongst other things. exhibitions, such as
these, prove the spirit which now animates the great majo-
rity of the landlords of Ireland, who are so habitually and
unjustly maligned. Far be it from me—even if I were so
inclined to do so 1 shall not presume—to speak of them or
any other class in the country in the language of flattery. I
have nodoubt that in former timesmany of them have deserved
censure, and that in the present time, here and elsewhere, in
so large a class, there may be mauy ignorant of their duties
:mil unmindful of their interests. But I say it is unfair to
class with these the great majority of Irish landlords, who
are now manfully struggling against difficulties, and bestir-
ring themselves with a epird, an energy, and a judgment.
that reflect the highest credit, which I devoutly hope will
le attended with the success they deserve. (" Hear, hear,"
and cheers.) Amongst other things, I shall notice one item,
that of drainage uuder the late landed improvement act.
The report of the Commissioners of Public Works last year
gave the names of numerous gendemen in almost every
county of Ireland who have undertaken great works, and you
will tiers find what effiet their example has hail on their
tenants, evidenced in the improved moral and social condi-
lion of the labouring classes. (Bear, hear.) Gentlemeiewith-
out alluding to any political subject, which is most properly
excluded from this room, where the object is to promote the
welfare ()full, and never to offend the feelings of any class in
the community—but, I say, without analysing causes, 1
think we should he all agreed, that none but good farming
is likely now-a-days to lie successful. (Hear, hear.) Gentle-
men, I speak as a landowner myself, whose sole dependance
is on the land, and therefore I have no hesitation here
to express my opinion, that in order to maintain a position,
and to command that consideration which is always and
willingly conceded by the public wherever it is deserved,
I think we have done right, as of late years, to come down
from what I may call our feudal stilts, and iu times like
sox of education, enlightenment, andintellectual progress,
springing as they have done, and lam happy to say, have
sprung from below, because their basis is more solid and
extended; while, on the other hand, they have been met
in the spirit they ought to be, and received with uo jealous
eye by the other classes. We must abandon, and we have
abandoned, that agreeable notion, that we are a privileged
class. We must be content to view ourselves as manu-
facturers; exposed, like the manufacturers, to active
competition, interested, like them, in producing the
are lent possible amount at the least possible cost.
Attention to our business—knowledge of all its details,
economy in all its branches--are alike essential to the land-
lord and the tenant ; and how often do we not prove that
the abstruse science of agriculture is received us if it re-
quired us training? How often do we not see land taken
by a man without capital, skill, or knowledge, and yet,
when failure ensues, other causes than the real one are as-
signed for that which is inevitable in the natural state of
things, area which would occur in any other pursuit under-
taken without skill, knowledge, or capital? (Hear, hear.)
Gentlemen, there are two subjects to which the
attention of the agriculturists of Ireland is at this moment
chiefly directed, to one of which, with your permission, I will
allude—l mean the cultivation of flax and the cultivation of
beetroot for sugar. With respect to the latter, it is impos-
sible not to entertain very high anticipations. Those who
have read, and I apprehend many of those I have now the
honour of addressing must have reed, the very able, inte-
resting, and opportune work of Mr. Sullivan, the chemist
to the Museum of Irish industry, must consider that the
mast satisfactory and encouraging case has been made out
fur the cultivation of this .root. It is plain that
the produce of beet root sugar has vastly increased within
the last few years on the continent—from 1847 to 1848, it
increased from lin to 1140,1101) killogrammes ; and that nue,:
1248 it has increased to 200,000, a quantity equal to the
wattle of the produce of the British \Vest Indies and the
Mauritius. Thew is, therefore, every reason to suppose
that this manufacture must be highly remunerative. But
our case is not strictly analogous, for in those continental
states where beet root is grown, the manufacturer is pro-
tected by a high luty against imported sugar. lu France,
holvercr;.there is tome analogy, for there the duties on colo-
nial and French beet root sugar have been equalised since
1848. But the gnat it-cremee of beet rout sugar that has
' taken place in France since that time, and which is attribu-
' table nut only to setter machinery, and to a more improved
process, but to is manufacture being carried on purer in
factories, and wilt a much larger capital, has removed all
apprehension in the mind from the native producers. For
instance, in 1844. there were 27,000,000 kilogrammes made
in 380 factories, while in 1848, there were 48,000,000 made
in 286 factories, showing that the concentration of capital,
and a larger emanation of it, was necessary to attain suc-
cess in the mannacture. French best-root sugar and the
French colonial sugar are both protected against the impor-
tation of cane sager. But whether we in Ireland should
be at once abb to meet the competition of Cuba and
Brazils is a question in reference to which we have no con-
tinental exampb to guide us. There is no case of beet-
root sugar being manufactured except under the protection
of large duties. and we must also bear iu mind that the
sugar can only le brought to market in such a refined state
as will enable UI to compete with the fine sugar of Belgium
and Holland. With terpect to flax, the subject has been so
thoroughly discussed, it has taken such complete possession of
the public mind—(hear)—the absurdity is now so generally
admitted of linnirting from abroad se, material which we
can produce so Huth better and cheaper at home, and which
can command in insatiable consumption, that it is unne-
cessary for me to endeavour to demonstrate it. I shall,
1 therefore, do nothing more than congratulate you upon
the determinates manifested in various parts of the country
' to give effect to ;his movement by extending the cultivation
' of flax, which '. know is at present taking place to a con-
siderable extent. The linen of Ireland is rapidly displacing
the linen of all (Bier countries in the markets of the world ;
and yet, to our shame be it spoken material for this pros-
perous manufacture we have been in the habit of buying
from abroad. (Bear.) We have all seen the beautiful
productions witch the city of Dublin has sent forward as
her contributions to the world's exhibition, and which
amply testify het determination not to be hehiudhand in the
great contest of universal skill and ingcuuity. (Ilear,
hear.) Gentlemen, I will not detain you longer than by
apologising for tie length at which I have detained you,
and fur having travelled away from the subject which as-
sembled us, in my desire to convey my own impression, that
Ireland is about ti become what she ought to be—that our
agricultural and manufacturing prosperity is nut an idle
dream—that itis not a problem impossible of solution that
industry and clergy have already accomplished sufficient
to encourage unto persevere to turn to the best account
that which name has bestowed upon us.
His Exeelency concluded amid loud applause.
The society then adjourned to the Library to partake
of refreshineir, and soon after separated.
The Boone of Ulster says t " A correspondent, in
the correctness of whose information wo have the
utmost confidence, writes to us stating that the —'
bested " Duncan Chisholm" is at length " taken, ...._
is now on his way back from America." This, in SUBMARINE TELEGRAPHS. The London adn
some quarters, will be no very agreeable intelligence. North Western, Chester and Holyhead, South Eastern, and
EMlfettATlO:.—Our quays are daily thronged with other railways are petitioning to be heard in committee
persons belonging to the agricultural classes leaving for against the propowd eubmarine telegraphs, on the greund,
America. Wilda the last eight days the following vessels ' railways of the
it is understood, that the latter propene in their bills to
have departed .rom our quays: The Dominus, for Quebec, I, obtain exclusive privileges along the
1.0 passengers; the Don, for New York. 160 Panengers ; . kin4dons.
the 'Marchioness of Bute, for Quebec, 120 passengers ; the BAKING BY STEAM.—Last night a number of gen-
\
Lockwood., fee New York, 280 passengers; the Sarah, for ticmen connected with the baking business assembled at
Boston, lab aasserigers ; the Solway, for New York, 196 the establishment of Mr. Nevill, 16, Holborn-bare, tu wit-
passengers ; ate Try Again, for Quebec, 130 passenger.; nein a series of experiments with a new apparatus which
the Favourite fur Boston, 120 passengers; the Clarinda, has lately been erected fur the purpose of applying Mr.
for New York, 100 passengers; the Swift, for Boston, 120 Perkin's hot water warming apparatus to the heating of
passengers; and Field Marshal itadetaky, for New York, ovens. The advantages proposed to be derived from this
88 passengers Making in all 11 vessels and 1,468 prawn- Plan arc, Ist cleanliness; 2ud, treedom from all the
gers, mdeperdent of the crowds who leave for Liverpool by noxious effluvia which abound in common ovens, and which
the steamer,. In addition to the above, yesterday one bun- render the bread much less palatable than that made in the
dred paupers comfortably clad, arrived in this city from country where wood is used; 3rd, great economy in fuel ;
the leenmare workhouse, and were put on board the Hot- 4th, perfect control of the temperature ; and, lastly, the
spur, which proceed to-day to Quebec. This is the second i abolition of night and Sunday work, which is now almost
batch that his been sent out within the last month by the I indispensable owing to the difficulty of heating common
guardians of the above union.—Cork Reporter. ovens. All these ends promise to be attainable; and the
company last night assembled appeared to be greatly gratis.'
TIIE BEM OF ST. ALBAN'S Cuenca, LIVERPOOL, fied by an inspection of the apparatus. A substantial re-
FILL on Saiday evening while, summoning the congvega- I past, cooked in the hot water oven, proved an appropriate
lion to divint service ; it weighs more than a ton, and in i termination to the explanations which were offered to those
falling carried with it three floors in the tower, and other- 't
taints present by Mr. Carroll, the agent of the patentee; and cer-
wise did considerable damage. No lives were lost, but a all' nothing could be more satisfactory than the manner
Perron, who was ringing it at the time, received some hurt, in which the viands were dressed.