The Express.
London, England, 1853-05-30 00:00:00

INTIMIDATION DI THE PRIESTS.

The members of this committee are : Mr. E.
Divert, Sir E. Pittner. lion. W. H. B. Portman, Mr. W.
J. Eveln, and Mr. C. 'Dudley.
Mr. James, in opening the case fur the petitioners, said
that the intended case of scrutiny being abandoned, the
chief points to which the inquiry of the committee would
have to be directed were those of an organised system of
intimidation and violence exercised by the calholic priests at
the last election to prevent the polling of votes for Mr.
Somers, the unsuccessful candidate. A system of terrorism
prevailed through the district, and the success of Mr. Tow-
nley was attributed by his supporters to the exertions of the
catholic priests. It would also be shown in
evidence that priests Philips, Quin, O'Gars, and
Wright, were engaged in abducting voters, had
them locked up, and taken by force to record
their votes for Townley. The other chief agents in these
transactions were Mr. Gethin, an attorney; Mr. Tiptie,
Mr. hi'Doughlin, Mr. Connolly, Mr. Verdun, and Mr.
Peter M'Niff, a schoolmaster. The priests, during the
election, were engaged in exciting the mob to intimidate
the voters.

Mr. Downie was then recalled, and stated that there was
• balance of 1031. due to him from the election preceding
the last on Mr. Townley's account. Mr. Verdun, the
mayor, and Dr. Brown told him that if he left Sligo during
the election, and did not vote, although he bad promised
Somers, he would be paid the money. Witness did, so, but
never pot it.
Mr. J. P. Somers, the unsuccessful candidate was then
I examined. He said that he was the petitioner in this,
case, and had, with very slight interruption, represented
Slip for fiften years. Great excitement prevailed in Sligo
prior to, and during, the last election. Witness attended
the parish chapel the Sunday before the nomination, and
Dr. Phillips addressed the people on the subject of the
Stockport riots, and pictured in glowing terms the atrocities
that took place on that occasion ; and, at the conclusion of
his address, he stated that such riots had never taken place
except by the base desertion of such men as their late repre-
sentative, alluding to him (Mr. Somers). He also told him
(Mr. Somers) that he had repeatedly alluded to him in the
chapel, and that he would tell him face to face what he had
said behind his back; and then, addressing him (Mr.
Somers), said, "You are a traitor to your religion end your
country. Every man who supports you votes for hell and
the devil, and every one who supports Townley votes for
God and h ." (Laughter.) This produced excite-
ment, and he (Mr. Somers) was adviied not to leave the
chapel, but did in spite of it. He (witness) on the follow-
day saw voters brought up arm in arm to the poll. Priest
Philips laid hold of some of the voters by the collars,
and literally pulled them to the poll. Witness tried to
address the voters, but could not, and was pushed about
violentl and knocked down. One of the priests, O'Gara,
called him a hang-dog ruffian and a liar." He
attributed the loss of his election to these circumstances.
The committee here adjourned to this day.
CLARE.

AIR I. PITTORRALD AND MR. C. WRIER PETITIONII
AGAINST.-INTIMIDATION RV THR CATHOLIC PRIESTS.

This committee—the proceedings before which will
be closely associated with the well-known affray at Sixmile-
bridge—is composed of Mr. Miles (chairmen), Mr. Warner,
Mr. Monckton Milner, Col. Knox, and Mr. Wynn.
It met on Saturday to investigate the allegations in the
petition of Col. Vandeleer against the return of Sir John
Fitzgerald and Mr. C. O'Brien.
Mr. James opened the cast es one of intimidation exer-
cised by the catholic priesthood, and as affecting the result
of the election, and as one also of bribery.
Mr. Armstrong, high sheriff of the county, deposed to
the necessity that existed of having the military in readi-
ness to protect the voters.
Mr. Kean, brother to the agent of the Marquis of
Conyngbam, was then examined, and deposed that on the
21st July be received a requisition from a number of voters
on the estate of the Marquis of Conyagham to accompany
them to the poll, as they, were afraid of being rescued by
the Limerick mob. Several of the mob did come, and de-
manded the TOWN, saying they were locked up, and
threwened to fin the house where they were staying. They
got into the house then and seized the voters,
and those who did not yield easily were sum-
marily knocked down. They then earned them off
on cars to Limerick, and lodged them in the Tem-
perance Hail, where witness and Mr. Delany the
magistrate, and a military escort went to their rescue. On
their approach the mob said from the window, "Kean,
the devil is come for his men," and witness and the mili-
tary recovered the voters, and took them to Six-mile Bridge.
The mob was very much excited during this period, and
took off their coats, and held storm in their hands, while
witness was endeavouring to rescue the voters ; and some
of the mob exclaimed, " Step off, boys, and put the devil's
guts on the dunghesp," alluding to witness. There was
great tossing and speechiog at Six-mile Bridge, and while
it was going on Father Rourke, who appeared to have con-
trol over the mob, at one moment said, "Boys, be quiet,
be quiet ,•" at another he told them to "rescue Kean's
men." Stones began flying about at Chapel Green, and
Father Bourke went up to the voters, and asked them if they
were going to vote against their religion. Witness com-
municated with Captain Eager, who brought the military.
Maks harangued the mob in the commotion, and said,
Fight, boys, for your religion ;" and the mob responded
to the appeal by flourishing their sticks and throwing
stones. Witness saw a soldier knocked down by a atone
that hit him on the head. [A basket of stones, or rather
chips of granite, of considerable size, was here produced by
witness as specimens picked up by him on the occasion in
question, being folly as large as a doubled fist.] Several
shots were fired by the soldiers, and the voters fled, fearing
their lives were in danger. Several dead bodies, after the
tumult, were found upon the ground.
By Colonel Knox—Did you receive any instructions
from Lord Conyngbana with reference to these voters 1—
Witness : None.
The proceedings were then adjourned to this day.

INDIAN REFORM SOCIETY.—A meeting of the
India Reform Committee was held on Saturday last at the
society's rooms, 12, Haymarket, with H. D. Seymour, Esq.,
M.P., in the chair. Amongst the gentlemen present were
the following members of the House of Commons : Mr. 8.
Fitzgerald, Mr. Blacken, Mr. Biggs, Lord Ooderich, Mr.
Bright, Mr. J. B. Smith, Mr. Lucas, Mr. Bruce, Mr. Oli-
veira, Mr. Hadfield, Mr. French, Mr. Kennedy. Mr. Bell,
Mr. Thompson, and Mr. J. G. Phillimore. Messrs. W.
Harcourt, J. Cranfurd, 11. Ashworth, and J. Dickinson,
jun., were also present. The chief topic of discussion
was the course to be pursued in connexion with the forth-
coming proposition of the government, and it was the una-
nimous feeling of the meeting that nothing short of a total
abolition of the system of double government, and of the
creation of a really responsible home administration for In-
dia, could be entertained or supported by the society. It
I was suggested and agreed to that further steps should be
taken to enlist the co-operation and subscriptions of the
manufacturing classes, and especially of the cotton trade,
In the objects and labours of the society. Some additional
subscriptions were received, and much spirit was shown in
the determination to prosecute the great objects for which

the society was formed. 1
THE PLYMOUTH ELFCTION i .—The nomination s
flied for Wednesday, and the polling will take place on
Thursday. The friends of both candidates are confident
of success.

NA VAL.
THE
Powramount, MAY 29.—The Arctic Squadron
sailed from Queenstown harbour, into which they had'put
for completing stone, on Thup-sisy last for the Arctic Re-
gions in quest of Sir John Franklin's missing ships, Intl
with stores fur the reli fof the other discovery ships already
there. The ships that left Qatiens'ovrn on the above day
consist of the Phreaix, 8, screw steam sloop, Communist'
E. A. Ingletield; Desperate, 8, screw steam stoop, Captain
W. W. Chambers ; and Barracouta, 6, paddle-wheel *team
sloop, Commander George Parker. the two last-nanit d
ships, however, only go in conjunction with the PlAcnin
for the purpose of towing the Breausibane, Captain
Mackenzie, and Diligence, Captain Elliott, store ships,
which convey the stores and provisions as tar as Beech, y
Island, Lancaster Sound.

The Duke of Wellington, 131, screw steam ship, Card.
H. B. Martin, is rapidly getting ready for going to Spit-
head, Some defects in her cooking galley have somewhat
retarded her. The Vulcan, iron screw troop ship, Com-
mander Von Donor, is now ready for service, having re-
bent sails yesterday, and bad her compasses swung. 1 i.e
President, 30, sailing frigate, at Chatham, is ordered to be
brought forward for commission immedistely, it is under-
stood, to supersede the Portland, 50, flag ship, on she
South American station. It is reported, on good maths-.
rity, that Rear-Admiral Sir James Stirling will hoist his
flag on board the President, and relieve Rear. Admiral
:sloresby, whose period of service in command of the afros o
station expires in August neat.
DEVONPORT, MAY 29.—The Star, 8, Commander
Warren, sailed on Thursday for the South American sti-
lion. The Syhille was taken into No. 5 dock on Thursday,
to examine her bull. She was commissioned on Saturday
by Capt. Elliott, and is to have a complement of :3:io officers
and men. The Sprightly, Master-Commander Allen, r.r-
rived with superoumerunm from Portsmouth yesterday.

SPORTING.
TATTERSALL'S.

Tits EPSOM ACCOUNTI3.—To-morrow is the regular
settling day at Tatteraall's. We deem it necessary to rnako
tLie announcement in con►equence of some parties having
received all they could last year nu the Monday, but wLo
failed to meet their liabilites to pay on the Tuesday.

IMPERIAL BRAZILIAN MINING ASSOCI.,:fIO.V.

On Saturday the half-yearly general meeting of
this association took place at the London Tavern, Bishops-
gate-street, Captain Leicester Vernon in the chair.
Two new directors and two auditors having been
elected, &report was read, which stated that the uteectors
had strengthened their mining force at Gann Soto by
sending out Mr. Henry Oxcitford as chief commissioner,
accompanied by Captain Pengilly, who had been eighteen
years in the employment of the company, together with
nine additional miners. The produce of gold for the six
months ending 31st December, 1852, was—at Gongs Seco,
471bs. doz. 13dwts., and at Banana!, 31bs. 7tlwts. 16 grains.
The expenditure of the establishment, both at house and
at Brazil, had been for the six months ending Decembes
31st, 18.52, 2,7291. 6a. 20. In reference to the mine at
Gongs Suco, the directors were pursuing a path which they
anticipated would lead to success, for they held to the belief
that there was much more gold yet in the mine
than was ever taken out of it. In respect to
Catta Funds, which was worked as a distinct
mine, the directors also saw reason to hope for favourable
results ; whilst the investigation which had been pursued at
the Camara lode had given satisfactory evidence is to the
nature of the formation, and the favourable condition of ;he
property for being worked at a moderate cost. The first
reports from the mine which were of a minute and detailed
nature showed, Recording to the representation of Captain
Brokenshaw, that by the ordinary process of st,mping and
washing he could obtain a profit of 91. per day, and in the
last report it was stated that he could procure by amalgama-
tion 11 dwts. of gold per ton, which would yield a pre tit of
about 761. a day. A stamping mill of 12 heads fur reducing
large messes of stone to fine powder was ready to be tent
out, and it appeared that by this instrument 40 tons of tho
Camara lode could be crushed daily. The directors were in
treaty fur the sale ef the Antonio I'ereira and Catta Pre tit es-
tates, by which they expected to realize 20,6001., and they
had every reason to balm that the value of their
landed property would be greatly enhanced by the
facilities which the government of Brazil were about
to afford them in the construction of a railway
seventy miles in extent. On the whole the directors
congratulated the shareholders upon the present aspect of
their affairs, and for the following reasons: First, the
gratifying prospect of the Camara lode ; secondly, the tale
of the Antonio Pereira end Catta Frets estates; and
thirdly, the welTgrounded anticipation of turning the sur-
face soil of their large landed estates to a profitable agri-
cultural account. _

After some little discussion, in which an opinion was ex-
pressed that, notwithstanding the promising assurances of
the directors, the company bad teen living tuo Ling on
hopes, whilst a very large sum was being expended on their
property, net only in the working cf the mines, but in the
maintenance of a number of idlers who, if the ground
were as rich as it was described to be, ought to he enabled
to support themselves, the report was agreed to, the Chair-
man observing that the present objcct of the board was to
diminish the expenses in every possible way.
The meeting then separated, with a vote of thanks to the
chairman and. directors.