The Express.
London, England, 1851-10-30 00:00:00

ST. ALBANS BRIBERY COMMISSION.

should be late for the train. Coppock told him he must
then go on himself for the money to Brace and Co., Surrey.
street, Strand. Saw Colt. Colt was " quite angry" at •
witness coming. Witness gave Colt to understand what he
wanted. Colt said, " Go back to Coppock." Money was
not mentioned. Colt knew very well what witness wanted.
The whole thing was perfectly understood. Witness refused
to go back to Coppock, because Coppock had gone home to
dinner. Colt said, " Call again in an hour." Did. There
was still a difficulty. A " party" had not come. Colt and
witness then got into a cab, and drove to a street off Totten-
harn-court.ros d . Some person came to Colt. There was still
• difficulty. Witness said he was too late for the train,
and would go and wait at the Victoria, Euston-square.
Told Colt " Mr. Jenkins " would be waiting there fur the
packet. A person came to the Victoria, and asked for'
Mr. Edwards." Saw witness, and gave him a packet.
Said nothing, and went away. Witness just caught the
mail train and went to St. Albans. Locked the money
op. Employed the printers to print the address. A St.
Albans man, who came down in the train with witness, saw
the address, and agreed to vote for his (witness s) " friend."
Had an office in Chtequers.street ; it was now called " Sore-
reign.alley," in St. Albans. Out a proof of the address at
MS as he could. When it was printed it was sent round
the WM. Before going home witness left the packet at
,the Omega lon. Had not opened the packet; only
Anew what it was by its weight. Next more-
-1 Ing on the 28th, witness commenced preparations
for a contested election. Arrangements went on to the
30th November. On Ist December received a letter from
Mr. Mandell. Prepared for a contested election, because the
town was in a ferment, and because another candidate was
threatened. Simpson's party had boasted that they would
have a candidate. Witness expected a contest from the
moment when Simpson quarrelled with him. The letter of
Handel! was dated the 30th November, Birchin.lane,
London. (The letter was read.) It intimated that Mr.
' Bell would leave town on the next Monday, and that Mr.
Bell wished that the liberal printer should print the ad.
dress ; that Mr. Bell insisted that there should be no
" treating" or " bribery;" and that all accounts would
have to go through Mr. Itandell ; ordered that dinner for
a large party should be ready at a certain hour. Witness
attended to the letter ordered the dinner. There
came with Mr. Bell Mr. Wyld, M.P., and several others.
When Mr. Bell came into the town he was taken to the
Queen's Head. Went there because that hotel had a bal-
cony. The " influentials" met Mr. Bell at the Queen's
Head ; and Mr. Bell addressed the crowd from the balcony.
Voters were invited to cemc up to the room where Mr. Bell
was. Many did—fiftv, perhaps. After that the canvass was
commenced before dinner. The party went up two or three

The commissioners, F. W. Slade, W. Forsyth, and
T. plums, nuatinued their sittings yesterday at St.
Am.,. The court was again crowded. 'lle utmost in-
serest was taken in the day's proceedings in consequence of 6
top etation that Mr. Edwards, Mr. Bell's agent at the
late election, was to be exained. Mr. Edward', it w
understood, would make a "m clear breast of as
Business was commenced by
Mr. Brace, solicitor, of Surrey-street, Strand, request-
ing gcriaission to explain some statements which he had
made in the comae of his evidence on the previous day.
Ile had been wrong in stating that he had lent Mr. hills, Mr.
Bell'spertner,2,oosq. : he had only lent Mr. Hills 1,5001.
There was another 5001. advanced by him ; but that bad not
priedsl through Mr. Millis hands. The first 1,0001. lent to
I I ills was handed over in a cheque. (The cheque was pro-
duced by Mr. Brace.) Mr. Colt (Mr. Brace's partner)
would explain with regard to tho 5001. which did not go
through Mr. Hills.
Mr. Colt also desired to explain portions of his former
evidence. Ile had called on Mr. Coppock at the request of
141 r. Bell, to see if Mr. Coppock's influence on behalf of the
iron rnment would be sufficient to neutralise any contest.
He should also have added, in reference to Edwards, that
Lauuds himself had called at the office of Brace and Co.,
after the affairs of Mr. Bell hail passed out of the hands of
that firm. On seeing Mr. Cuppock, he told Mr. Coppock
that Edwards would call on him. Ile had been
riven to understand that Edwards was at the Vic-
toria Hotel, Eusten-square, waiting for a " packet," and
that Edwards was assuming the name of Jenkins. (Mr.
Edwards here cross-eaamincil the witness.) But he could
not state poaitivelv that Edwards was the party who was to
assume the false name. There was a Jenkins certainly in
the case.
Mr. Hill" was re-examined. lie produced different ac•
counts and documents. lle had borrowed altogether only
1;1001. He had yesterday stated that the sum was 2,000!. ;
but that was a mistake. No one cheque fur 1,0001. was
ever given to him by Mr. Brace. In the first instance he
got two 5001. notes from Mr. Brace. A cheque for .1001. had
passed through his hands, given by Mr. Brace. There au
no other cheque. He had stated yesterday that he had re-
paid Mr. Brace the sons of 2,0001. But he now believed he
had only repaid 1,5001. lie could account fir no more on
his books. Ile had given Mr. Brace promissory notes fur
the first two rata notes. Ile did not think he had given
any note for the third 5001.
Q. Did he know if Mr. Brace had advanced a fourth 5001.
on behalf of Mr. &AI or himself?

...suer. es., r__ alt up two e. _.
A. lie was not aware. But indirectly he had heard some streets. The dinner was at the George Hotel. A large
money had been sidemen, ed. party dined together. The canvass went on from the next
U. What was the amount? day up to the nomination. Witness had received four
A. WI 11, he believed it was 6001. " packets " up to the nomination day, and a filth packet on
(4. Had he repaid that. the day of the nomination. Witness found the first packet
A. Ile was nut sure. In fact, he had complicated the contained 500 sovereigns. The next packet contained the
affair as much as possible. lie had mize.l up other accounts same. Got the second packet in consequence of having
with this secount ; and he could not say how it stood. The written to Brace and Co. to say that witness's son would call
money repaid to Brace was taken out of his business. The on Coppock. Only counted the first packet. Took fur granted
business made-up accounts were monthly. The deficiency there were 500 sovereigns in each. There were intervals
of eeool. (if lie had repaid Mr. Brace a fourth 5000 would of five or seven days between the receipt of the packets. Wit.
have spin med. lie did find that 1,7004. had been abstracted ness senthis eons for all of them. All the packets contained
from the bovines. sovereigns and nothing but sovereigns. The witness (whose
te. Induseive of 5001. which he had drawn himself from statement had fallen into a narrative after about a dozen
the banker, there was 2,260(. withdrawn from the business? questions had been asked) here paused, and then said that
A. Ile would like to see more of his books before he he thought he had now 'doted all he knew except as to the
arswereel that. lie had borrowed 5001. from his hankers. expenditure of the money. lie hoped that iu reference to
lie drew 5001. due to him from the bu..ncels. Then he this point he would not be asked to volunteer particulars.
borrowed from Mr. Brace 1,5001. (Here the witness, lie requested that the commissioners would put questions
became confused; end, at the suggestion of the COMMIS- to him.
amen, he acknowledged that he could not speak offhand Mr. Slade then put a series of questions.
as to accounts, and that he had not the requisite books Witness had once represented a conservative party. Ex-
with him. Filially it was agreed that he would bring all cept on that one occasion he had always represented the
his books to-morrow, sod then go into the figures more liberal party. At the late election witness was one of the
carefully.]
" Spencer ' (Lord Spencer's) party—that is, the liberal ,
Mr. Beare (recalled) said that he had certainly drawn a party. That party was strong enough alone to return a !
cheque in Mr. Hills's favour for 1,0001. It might be, how- member, with a proper expenditure. About 324 out of the
ever, that he had got the cheque cashed while Mr. hills whole 4113 electors had been in favour of Mr. Bell at
was waiting, and handed Mr. Hills notes to that amount. the late election. Had conic to a general understanding
The cheque was on the Bank of England. Could not state with Mr. Blagg, the representative of the come:re:dive party.
that he had ever asked Mr. Celt as to the 211.1. and 3001. Their strength was fifty or sixty. Mr. Gape and the Late .if
Mr. Cult had Mien to Freeman. 2,0001. had been repaid Verularn were of that party, and it appeared, in the result.
by Mr. Hills. 'the commissioners here consulted, and iuti• that Mr. Blame's compact was for the " intluentials " only.
mated to Mr. Hills that they bad got all the evidence as to There was a " third party." They were 151. They were
his accounts which was at Present needed. The facts as to polled to a vote. The conservative party was merged in Mr.
the money Mr. Hills had borrowed and repaid had been Garden's party and Mr. Bell's party at the last election.
communicated by Mr. Brace straightforwardly. The cem- There was no "third party" at that election. Mr. Carden
missiouvr., therefore, would not need Mn, Hills further. was brought into the field by a portion of the third party,
Mr. Hills said lie would, then, leave matters as he had and then supported by the conservatives. Witness told
stated them, and he would not appear to-rnosrow (this Coppoek that whoever came he (witness) could poll two to
one against him, and had done so. Was manager of the
Mr
dos)'
. Edwards was then called. The commissioners, liberal party on that occasion, and was sure of his strength.
in consideration of his being lame, requested that lie would Blagg came into the compact directly alter the death of
b. seated during his examination. Ile gave his evidence in itenbad. lnagg said he hail seen the heads of his
the most frank and manly manner, and obviously without paiiy. Witness didn't ask who they were ; trusted to
the slightest reeleoe. At various times, however, when his giegg's word. Blame said a respectable candidate brought
testimony affected the honour and character of other per- forward by witness would not be opposed. 11Iagg m-
eans, hr was painfully affected. feigned as his reason for not opposing that witness had iv-
Mr. Slade asked him if he had any statement to make. turned Mr. !Upton. The compact had been so carried out
Afterwards questions could be put to him. that not ten conoervativesin the town refused to vute fur
Mr. Edwards said he had nut volunteered any testimony. the radical Itaplisel when that gentleman came forward.
Ile had been eu 11111 l tined and would answer truthfully all. Witness considered he had been justified in relying on the
ie... stem.. Ile would give a narrative if re mit were conservative party. Had the compact been carried out there
eie But the position iu a hkh he was placed made it pre- would have been no opposition, because there would have
I. relies that his evidence Ishmael be drawn from him. been no chance.. During these election proceedings witness.
In answer to questions, was in daily communication with the leaders of the liberal
Mr. Edward. then stated he had been long a resident in nerty. An opponent was brought on the ground very soon.
and about the borough. He had been manager of the St. Sir. Carden's name was mentioned within three or four
Albans Bank ; and had had a vote for the borough. Ile days atter the dinner. Heard of Mr. Carden first in a letter
was now a firmer. Ile bad taken • part iu elections for ieiteedwee, Mr. on seem. This Mr. Gresham said lie had
Mia borough fur 15 }cure lie had received a letter from ee „andeleeees Gresham asked witness if witness would
Mr. Coppock, dated the 16th November. (The letter was ever operate with his ((;reshain's) candidate. Gresham
read. It referred to the death of Mr. Raphael, and sum- said his emendate had " tote of money." The name was
aimed Edwards to town.) lie saw Compel, on the follow- mentioned—Sir Fitzroy Kelly,. Gresham said he had come
ne day, on the 18th. It was in l'orliarneut-street. Mr. to reside near St. Alberni, and wanted a " slice." Ile soil
Coppock asked witness to act with him. At the two last he wasn't going to be " quiet." Witness add, " What do
elections he had not acted for Coppock. Ile now eon- you want ?" Gresham said, "10 guineas a day." Witness
'crated. Coppoek welted about expenses. Coppoek men- offered five. Ultimately decided that he would ask the
boned that the Hon. Mr. Craven was desirous of becoming friend who introduced Gresham. When Bell cause down,
• cemlidote. Won,* said 2,5001 would be the expense. tireeliam was one of the first persons witness sent to, asking
Coppock said lie would comenuiticate with Mr. Crowe, his aid in the CanyllSS. But at a meeting to call on Cardec
and desired swathess to call nest day. W• •ss said that in to come forward, Gresham got up and offered to draw up
ClSSW4lllelier of ucontract with the conservatives there would the form of the requisition to Alderman Cardeu. Witness
lie no contest. The expense was ins whined in eonnexien was surprised and hurt. Wrote to Gresham to remonstrate.
with the absence of a contest, as irrespective of it. The (Here Mr. Gresham violently interrupted the witness, hut
sum was in refi•renee to the general expenses of an eke- was compelled to keep silence.) Received a letter in reply
Lion, contingent MI eircums'anees. Nothing was said of from Mr. Gresham. (Letter was read. It stated that the
the sum required in the event of no contest. Witness writer knew nothing of the Canlen party.) It was soon
wild not embark, under any circumstance., in a con- after the date of this letter, the :10th of November, that Mr.
test unless lie had Out amount. Witness had al- Carden appeared. At the meeting referred to, Mr. Carden
vier, found that preliminary necessary —a clear on. was spoken of as a liberal; and witness was not
demanding. Witness saw Coppock next day. Col' very much afraid about it. Witness saw Mr. Carden
peek said no answer hest been received; but that before he commenced his canvass. Witness said Mr. Carden
an answer would he ready by six o'clock in the even- could not know the position of the town, or he would nut
in, if witness would call at the Reform Club. Saw Coppock disturb it—that Mr. Bell was certain. Mr. Carden bowed,
there at sis. Coppuee said Mr. Craven's answer was that it and his friends talked is fudge." Witness would not have
would nut be " convenient." Then there was a talk of been afraid of two opponents. lie did not believe there
stir candidate.. Coppock said be would soon have one would be a serious opeosition. Began, however, to take
r. sly. Witness represented that there must be no delay. active measures. Secured promises for Mr. Bell. Can-
Sew Simpson with Ceepuek. Simpson had some con- vaned personally, and in company with Mr. Bell and other
v. isedun with ('oppeek's committee. Coppock advesed persons. Went from house to house. After the meeting
Foe nun and witness •to go and look fur a candidate. Sinap- where a requisition to Carden was agreed to Carden came
wee Isad said yeste relay to the cemmiuioners that he had re- down. The house in Chequers-street, now called " Sine-
tueee to have anything to do with Blass( or witness, in reign-alley," was witness's office. Parties were there about
roeequence of witness's conduct at former elections. But the election. The George was the witness's headquarters.
Simpson and wettest went together to Serjeant Shoe. They saw Mr. Bell frequently there. Took all the " packets" to
saw Serjeunt :eke. SIT,C4Ist Shee was told the expenses ; Chequers-street. Never saw Mr. Bell at the place in Che-
but he maid that it that time his being a Roman quers-street. Kept the sovereigns in the daytime in his
catholic was ag dust lion, and be must decline. Au- own roots in Chequemstreet, but always took the money
"'her tin)* he eeed'l he happy. That wa, on the 19th. home at night. In canvassing did nut find the electors
Simeon and 'time., then went together back to St. Albans holding back more than usual. Did not find his own
and 'slip -el together. Neat thy Simpson went to London. party, the liberal party, unusually unwilling to tpiledge
Winne* waited to bear from Cuppock. Simpson renamed themselves. There was a specific understanding. from a
anti said Cupp uek was not prepare d ; but he (Simpson) wus, tort of custom, that this party would vote fur witness's out-
land had got a "good man." No name wax mentioned. didate. Witness held out no promises. When there was
Simpson said hi-candidate WAS ready with 3,000/. Simpson anything to give, the witness always gave it. It was a dis-
else that the objection of his (Sempeon'e) " party" was to act fillet understanding in St. Albans that voters should have
with leilwenbe l tore was some negotiation, but Simpson head-moony. This was notorious. Out of the 321 liberals,
is 4teratell that his party 'would nut act with witness. The about 250 always looked for head-money. The other parties
lee ulty was as to the management of the money, Wit-, were like his ((witness's) own party; they all look d fur
new would not give up his position in the borough head-money. He should have considered it strange if any
Simpson said—. If you appropriate 1,600/. I will appro- one voted for Carden without getting money. Witness had
priate I,ioo/." Witness refused. Simpson then said, paid money at previous elections to fifty of those who, at
I will dive You 3001. if you will retire." the last election, voted for Mr. Carden. Calculations were
Witness still refused. This was on the 20th. always made to meet the expectations of head-money. At
That day, in the SITIIINE, Mr. Bracecallei on Nitness at the the hot election the voters got 51. each; that was the lowest.
Blue Boer. Mr. Brace was introduced by Mr. Durant. seine got 8/. ; that wars the highest. The five-pounders
Went together into a private room. Was asked if be was were not called light-weights; there were heavy-weights.
engaged. Wanes. said he was. 'Vitiator told Mr. Beim Those who got 75e were the heavy weights. 'I he course
that 2ea511, or 2.7041. would be required. WW itaces did net was to come to witness to get the money. This was not
tell Mr. Brace sayteing about the conservative compact. in the general canvass. The mode was this. 'The town
Kea w too littk of Mr. Brace at that time. Witume was war canvassed all day. In the evening witness took up
my Ci4tiOlts in witigt be said. The '2,7001. was in reference his position at his office. The custom was for the voters
to a r'n,tr.t°d election. Mr. Beat* said he bad issued a to come to him, and they got their money. That bad
placard. Wits's said that that was very wrong. Rearrange- been the custom for 20 years. Those who came stopped
ment was then come to. Mr. Brace was cautious too below stairs. Witness's brother-in-law stood at the top
Witness, and Mr. Brace were afraid of each other. Agteed of the stairs, end introduced the voters, one by one.
to meet Brace at Wottord. Met him there with Mr. Bell. Generally the whole scum to each wan paid at the time.
Bell took nu part in the conversation. Saw Mr. The sum given to each person varied at different elee-
Bowman there also. Thought Mr. Bowman might times. Must of the voters were engaged at elections as
lc Simpson's candidate. Bowman gave a letter to messengers, spies, and so on; and each was remunerated
Brace. While Brace was talking to Bowman witness as be deserved. A elan got more or less. Each man was
went into the Cionnadon Aims. 11r. Colt, whom he saw put upon the footing of a servant. Some were actually
there, toll witness that he hoped Bell would nut come for- and some only nominally employed. Those who got
ward. Mr. Bell was not mentioned by name, but as the money under the colour of work got least. Those who
" candidate." Brace said, when he came hack, that he did work got most. The coming to the house in Chequers-
could say no more about the matter. Brace advised wit- street, or "Sovereign-alley," commenced on the 30th
nes. simply Ss ES to Cuppock, declining to come to any November. The paying commenced on the 30th November.
seresinint. Mr. MiiiB6 was there. Mr. Ileac* asked Mr. Some men were certainly paid that day.
Ileum if there would be a contest. The answer seemed Mr. Made—Did you keep a list of the persons who came,
satisfactory to Mr. Brace. Witness was not acting with and an account of the money you paid?
Mr. Moe& who was the town clerk of St. Albans No Mr. Edwards—Yes. But -1 have destroyed the list. I
*armies la existed between witness end MIMS as to Mr. , don't want to mention names. I will tell everything else. Dell. Biagi; ',Sargent el the conservative party. Witness Mr. Phinu—But the act of parliament renders it necessary
west to London soil saw Mr. Coppock. Told Mr. Coppock he us to know the names.
what be had seen and heard. ('uppock said he knew no- Mr. Edwarels—you see how painful is my position. Does
thing about the. " candidate." Was told to call again. Did the &clef parliament coronet me ?
tall soon after. Found Mr. Colt'''. with Coppock then. Saw Mr. Slade—The act gives us power to compel yea.
Cuppoek, when Colt left. Cuppuck would not say what We feel for your poaition. But these names must be gives. Colt had said. Told witness to come next day. Went to Mr. Edwards—Let me know in the presence of these Ueda. Wain Mat day. lewdoPPoc again, end then had around me, my townsmen, what will be the consequence, if
au interview with Cede. oul not get at the name of the I I refuse to tell the names.
"candidate," and Cult would not speak poetise:ly. No- Mr. Phinie—You will be imprisoned until you do.
Wag was said about money with Colt. Neat day saw Colt Mr. Edwards.-1 have already been in gaol eighteen
I
and tomoek together. it was then agreed that the candi- weeks,and would go for another 18 weeks sooner than tell
date was ready. Delta tame was then mentioned. Wit-it- this names.
mess aeon told Cuppock that 2,5001. was indispensable. Mr. Slade.—But you may be imprisoned for life.
That •ce, the bolds of every negotiation. When witness got I Mr. Edwards.—'l hen lam compelled. I will give the
back to St. Albans, lie let his friends know that a eatedi• names. I will give every one of them. I will take an al-
dote was ready. No names were to be mentioned till the I phabetkal list of the electors, and will tell all I know of
2eth. Saw Cupoock on the:Nth. Went to get Ilell's address. ' each ore of them. I won't select names. I won't make
Wrute previously to Coppeck. lied destroyed all papers, after - fish of one and fowl of another. It shall all come out.
the election. Had done this in apprehension of a petition.' Mr. Slade.—You are traducing nobody here. You are
Sew Bell on the 28th. Bell gave witness a copy of his ad- 'to satisfy the supreme power an the state, and simply to dress to get printed. Thought the address pretty good. Alter tell the truth.
seeing Bell saw Coppock. Told e'eppock that expenses ' Mr. Edwards.—l wish to do so ; and I hope it will do
were heginning, and asked for mouey on account. Told good,
Coppoek the best way would be to advance 5001. at once. „ Great excitement prevailed in court during this conver.
'I eat was agreed on. Called a third time for the money. ' cation. A acme was now about to bo enacted such as had
It was not ready when be called. Witness was afraid he never before been witnessed,

THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 80, 1851.

Copies of the register were procured. The commissioners
took a copy and began with the first name, Mr. Edwards
being given to understand when a name was called that the
question was "Did that man receive money from you?"
Many of the parties referred to were in court at the time,
and the answers offered by Mr. Edwards were followed, in
each case, by murmuring continents from the audience. At
four o'clock, about two hundred names had be en called,
these being electors resident in a single parish. Tor obvious
reasons we do nut give the fist of those reported by Mr.
Edwards to have received bribes, but we may state the re-
sults. Two out of three had received bribes ; and of those
nine out of ten had received the money direct from Edwards
himself. Sonic had received the money from Mr. Blanc,
as the conservative scent, acting with Edwards, but
not allowing Edwards to interfere with his own
people, and others had got their bribes through
inferior agents employed by Edwards. A few had declined
taking their bribes except through their wives; and in
those cases it was found that the parties had voted agaiest
Edwards's candidate or had not voted at all. Nearly all
had received their money before the day of the election.
Those who had received their money afterwards were par-
ities who had forfeited their words in previous contests.
" Hut," said Mr. Edwards, "there is seldom a forfeit of
word in these cases." The usual sum given by Edwards
was 51.—" .if. for his vote, by myself," being the must fre-
quent answer as the names were called. There were other
sums of 61., 81., and 101. paid, but in those eases vote and
actual service were paid for together. In reference to
one name the witness said, "That was not fur
his vote. I bud taken his room for a committee
boom; and there was a bedroom. The price was
high, but not too high for election times." Nothing
whatever was said about the vote to him. That was quite
understood. It was a matter of course that he would vote
for my candidate." In reference to another name the
statement was—" The Si. was for his work as messenger;
and he worked very bard. It was understood he would
vote for me. I never even asked that. It was a matter of
course." Another statement, respecting another party,
was—" Ile got between 101. and 201. but that was for
goods supplied. The vote was a matter of course." Of
another the witness said—" He got the dl. to keep the
peace. lie is a prize-tighter. I used to have a band of
10 prize-fighters at the elections, but at the last election I
only employed one. I gave him 5/. ; and he would have
had that if he hadn't had a vote. Ile used to get it before
he got a vote."
At four o'clock, when the register of St. Albans parish
had bei a gone through, the court was ordered to be ad-
journed until the nest day. Belem the adjournment,
Mr. Slade, in the most courteous terms, begged that the
reporters for the press uresent would bear in mind, in the
accounts they furnished to the newspapers, the caution
given by the commissioners, on the first day of the inquiry,
with regard to defeating the purposes of the investigation.
He thought that in common fairuces the names of those
whom the last witness had sworn had received bribes
ought not to he published.
The court was then adjourned.

LIVERPOOL TOWN COUNCIL

THE APPROACHING INQUIRY INTO THE
coNuccr OF "THE JUDGE OF THE LIVER-
POOL COUNTY COURT.
LiveKroor., WEDNESDAY.

The last meeting of the town council for the muni-
cipal year was held to-day. Sir JOHN BENT, the mayor,
presided.
Before the ordinary business of the council was proceeded
with, a memorial from the inhabitants, very numerously
signed, was read, calling upon the council to become the
prosecutors in the inquiry about to be held before the Earl
of Carlisle, into the conduct of Mr. ltantshay, the judge of
our cuunty court.
Mr. Cuuoeillur SAMUEL lIOLME, in moving that the
council adopt the prayer of the memorial, and become the
prosecutors in the inquiry, said, under the present ex-
traordinary and unparalleled circumstances in which the
town was placed, the burgesses had exercised their un-
doubted right of memorialising the council to take a part
in the inquiry which was shout to be held. It was on pub-
lic grounds that he (Mr. Uolme) supported the prayer of the
memorial which had been read. This oust:Aim was one vi-
tally alLeting the public of this community ; and it was be-
cause he believed it to be his duty to urge upon the council
to act upon this memorial, that he thus ventur. d to bring
the question prominently before them. After refer-
ring at considerable length to the circumstances
in connection with Mr. Rauishay's proceedings, which are
already so familiar to the public, the speaker went on to
contend that the council was the proper party to conduct
the inquiry on the part of the town. The council was the
representative of the burgesses, who were the eggrieved
parties. (l tear, hear.) If houses became a nuisance to the
community it was the business of tho council to remove
them. It was the business of the council to provide
courts of law, and in many instances to pay the salaries,
all being fur the benefit of the community ; and by
a parity of reasoning, he maintained that that council was
the legitimate channel through which these proceedings
ought to be conducted. It might be said that the council
had nothing to do with it. Then he would ask, who had
to do with it ? Were a few individuals to have the entire
onus of conducting it thrown upon them? (near, hear.)
lle thought not. It might be said that to vote any portion
of the corporate funds towards conducting the inquiry
would beu maladministration of those funds; but he

thought that was an idle argument, because, if they
were so disposed, they might even double the allow-
ance of their chief magistrate. 'f hey could vote money
to welcome a strange:, and thousands to do honour to their
Queen, and, therefore, he thought it was a fallacy to say
that they had not the power devote any portion of their
funds in order to remedy what he believed to be a public
nuisance, for 11r could call it by no other same. (near, •
ar.) Ile believed that so long as they were acting for
the public benefit they had the power to exp. zid
their funds, and he emphatically stated that this
was a case involving the public benefit. This matter in-
volved a great constitutional question. " Sir," said Mr.
Moline, addressing the mayor, " I look upon it as your
question, as my question, as the question of every man in
this town ; and I think that every inhabitant, as far ex in
him lies, is bound to take steps to protect himself—he was
almost going to say—from positive insult at the hands of our
county mart judge." After some further remarks in support
of the council taking up the question, the speaker said
that in the event of the Earl of Carlisle reins ittiug Mr.
Ramshay he (Mr Iliilme) knew of no other course than
that of calling a public meeting; and he had no doubt
whatever that if the earl did re-instate Mr. Ramshay a re-
quisition to the Mayor to call a public meeting would
be preseuted. (Bear.) Ile unhesitatingly said that if an
indiser. et gentleman like Mr. Itamshay was to be kept
here, it would be the duty of the town to go to
parliament in order to have him removed—(hear, hear)—
for if he was to be permitted to carry out what he called
the letter of the law in the manner lie recently had done,
and if the town was driven to the last extremity, he re-
peated that it would be the duty of the coumunity to en-
deavour to oh Ain en act of parliament for the purpose of
removing a man from amongst them whose temper was
such as to prevent the inhabitants of this town from en-
joying those advantages and privileges which were conferred
by the passing of the County Courts Act. Ile therefore
begged to move that the council odupt the prayer of the
memorial, and that the town clerk be directed to conduct
the approaching inquiry on the part of the corporation.
(Loud cheers.)
Mr. AVISON, solicitor, briefly seconded the motion, re-
serving to himself the right to make some observations upon
it in the course of the discussion.
Mr. Alderman BILA.MLEY-bIOORE opposed the mo-
tion, on the ground that, to appropriate the corporate funds
in conducting the inquiry would be decidedly illegal.
After considerable discussion as to the legality of the
corporate funds being applied in conducting the inquiry,
The TOWN CLERK was called upon fortis opinion. Ile
said his own opinion was, that it would be illegal to appro-
priate the money of the corporation in the manner pro-
posed, but feeling some doubt about it he had submitted
it to counsel. Ile wrote to Mr. Crompton, barrister, and
that gentleman had forwarded an opinion to the
effect that to apply the funds of the corpora-
tion as proposed would he against the spirit of
the act of parliament. The town clerk thee pros
cemled to say that, being satisfied of the illegality
of so applying the corporate funds, he should refuse to
countersign the order for payment of the money, should the
council decide so to expend it.
A very long discussion took place, in the course of which
several councillors expressed themselves strongly in favour
of the council becoming the prosecutors, but the general
impression seemed to be that the opinion of counsel and the
town clerk was fatal to this course. Mr. Itainshay's conduct
was denounced in the strongest toms by every speaker,
and several members of the council being satisfied that the
corporate funds could not be legally touched, expressed
their readiness to contribute liberally towards the necessary
ext7ll:ima.tely Mr. Ilolme withdrew his motion' and substi-
tuted the following motion, which was carried by a majority
of 51 to 3. Mr. Hahne 'marked, that seeing the impossi-
bility of carrying his original motion in the face of conn-
eel's opinion, he had so modified it as to express the opinion
of the couucil OR Mr. Ramshay's extraordinary proceedings.
The motion as carried wan as follows:
" That in the opinion of the council, the circumstances
. .

which have taken place in relation to the course punued by
the judge of the county court fur this di.trict arc
such u to call for an inquiry, before the proper authorities;
but this council having been advised that it cannot legally
expend the corporate funds in prosecuting such inquiry*,
regrets that it cannot comply with the prayer of the.
memmial."

Several members of the council suggested the propriety
of calling a public meeting, and it is hilly expected that
requisition to the Mayor, to call such meeting for the pur
pose of raising funds to conduct the inquiry, will be pre-
sented to morrow.

THE KILDINAN FLAX MILLS.—Some time since
a statement having appeared in the Northern Woig to the
eff. ct that Mr. Dugan was about to give up his concerns at
Kildinan, that gentleman, in contradicting it, said that he
was working them with all the energy he possessed. In cor-
roboration of t',is, we may state that he buordered from
the eminent firm of Lackey and Co., of this city, au engine
of forty-horse power, end thirty scathing stundu, and that
the works will be spiritedly and vigorously carried on. We
understand that a very large quantity of flax straw is at
present stacked about Kildinan, and whether Mr. Pargan's
mill will be able to prepare for market this scum' au ybe •
yond his own we are unable to say ; but frotn all we 'have '
heard, we have no hesitation in stating that there is still
room enough for some more scotching mills in the county of
Cork.—Cork Reporter.