The Express.
London, England, 1846-10-19 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 19, 1846.

THE GUN COTTON.

Since Sehonbein made known to the world the
explosive power to be communicated to cotton by chemical
agents, a great many " discoverers" of the same article have
started up. Among others we notice the names of Beittger of
Frankfort, Morel of Paris, Dr. Otto of Brunswick, M.
Chodsko, a Pole, and a couple of others at Mayence,—all
pretenders to the invention. It does not appear, however,
that any of them made their experiments until the recent
announcements of Schoubeiu ; and it would be more
creditable to men of science to call their experiments repro-
ductions of Sebimbein's (the original discoverer's) cotton.
Dr. Otto, professor ef chemistry in Brunswick, has pub-
lished the following statement in the Ilanorerian Ga-
zette, which—supposing the constituents he mentions to
be the true ingredients—leaves the process of its manu-
facture no longer a secret:—" Independent of Schonbein
and Bottger, but relying on an observation of Peloure, con-
tained in p. 136 of the lot vol. of my Manual of Chemistry,'
I have succeeded in producing an exploding cotton, which,
after a series of experiments, seems quite suited to supply
the place of gunpowder. To prepare it, common, well-
cleaned cotton is dipped for about half-a-minute in highly-
concentrated nitric acid (the acid which I use being made
by the distillation of ten parts of dried saltpetre and six of
oil of vitriol), and then instantly placed in water, which
must be often renewed, in order to free the cotton from the
acid with which it is impregnated. Care must then be taken
that all the knotty particles of the cottoa are properly dis-
entangled, and that it is thoroughly dried."
Dr. Otto fails in establishing his claim to originality, inu-
much as by his own account his first certified experiment
was made on the 4th of Oztober, while SchOnbein's cotton
wee used in the Cornish mines in August last.
By the Measager we learn that M. Morel, a mechanical
engineer of Paris, also claims to have invented gun
cotton ; and experiments were recently made with his
invention before some of the military authorities. The
account of these experiments states that AI. Morel " pre-
sented a box of cartridges ready ptepared for small
arms. Burned on the hand it causes no sensible pain,
leaves no stain, and produces no smoke. Dipped in water
and pressed, and afterwards dried between two leaves of
blotting paper, it preserves its fulminating properties. Gene-
ral Gourgaud fired a charge of fulminating cotton from an
ordinary fowling-piece, at a distance of 40 yards from the
object at which he aimed. He fired a holster pistol at a dis-
tance of 25 yards, and a pocket pistol at a distance of ten
yards. At 40 yards a ball from the fowling-piece traversed
a plank of beech of 0.3.5 centimetres thickness ; at 2.5 yards
the ball from the holster pistol lodged in the plank with-
out perforating it; the ball from the pocket pistol made the
same impression on the plank as that which might have been
produced by a charge of ordinary gunpowder. The charge
of fulminating cotton leaves scarcely any residue in the
barrel. The recoil of the gun is extremely slight, and the
report is not louder than that of a large detonating cap. We
cannot calculate on the effect which may hereafter be pro-
dueed by the discovery of M. Morel. /4.Chodsko, a Polish
refugee, likewise presented a fulminating substance which
has the appearance of cotton, and which was tried with an
artillery musketoon, fired at forty yards. The ball produced
the same effect as dust fired by fulminating cotton, but it left
a considerable deposit in the barrel. The cotton powder of M.
Chodako was compressed into a wadding in order to charge
the gun, whilst the fulminating cotton Will not. Both mate-
rials ignite by the blow of a hammer on an anvil, but not by
the blow of a hammer on wood." . . . .

In juxtaposition with these experiments, it will be inte-
resting to place some which were recently made in the
pounds of Mr. Barron of Stanmore, under Professor Schitn-
bein's superintendence, and reported in the At/tem/tuns of
last Saturday, by a gentleman who witnessed them:—
"Previously to trying its powers with fire-arms, the pro-
fessor made several experiments to show its explosive pro-
perties and perfect combustion. He placed some gun-cotton
upon a heap of the strongest and most cagily-ignited sporting
gunpowder. The cotton was then fired by heated platinum
wire: and, although there were innumerable points of con-
tact between the cotton and the powder, the former exploded
so instantaneously as to leave the gunpowder unexploded.
The gun-cotton explodes at about 400 degrees of 1- sheen-
heft, with a vividness of flame which is perfectly dazzling—
leaving scarcely any residue behind. It has been stated that
no smoke is emitted: this is erroneous. A slight smoke, or
rather vapour, is thrown off ; but it so soon disappears as to
occasion no inconvenience. After repeated explosions of the
cotton, the room in which the experiments were conducted
was perfectly clear. It is difficult to over-estimate the ad-
vantages attendant upon the use of the gun-cotton in mines ;
since the smoke proceeding from the coarse gunpowder used
for blasting purposes occasions so much annoyance and in-
jury to the health of the miners. The experiments in blast-
ing tried in the Cornwall mines a short time ago, were most
satisfactory and conclusive in favour of the gun-cotton.
Another of its strange qualities consists in its not be-
ing deteriorated by damp or wet. Some gun-cotton
which had been steeped in water for sixty hours, and
dried by exposure to the air, exploded with the same fa-
cility, and as instantaneously, as cotton which had not been
wetted. Professor Schonbein stated that immersion in
water for two months has not impaired its explosive qualities
in the slightest degree. The experiments with fowling-
pieces and rifles were highly interesting and satisfactory.
A gun charged with thirty grains of prepared cotton pro-
pelled an equal charge of shot with greater force and preci-
sion, at a distance of forty yards, than was done by the same
gun loaded with a hundred and twenty grains of gunpowder.
A rile charged with fifty-four and a half grains of gun-
powder sent a ball through seven boards half an inch in
thickness, at a distance of forty yards : the same rifle charged
with forty grains of gun-cotton propelled the ball into
the eighth board. Another rifle, which had been
used for elephant shooting, and consequently carried a
much larger ball, charged with forty grains of gun-
cotton, propelled the ball through eight boards, ate distance
of 90 yards. In no case was the discharge accompanied by a
greater recoil than usual ; and the reports were not louder
than those accompanying the discharge of guns and rifles
loaded with gunpowder. We understand that a hundred
weight of the gun-cotton is on its way from Bade to Wool-
wich ; having been ordered by government with the view of
testing its applicability to heavy ordnance. Professor
Schonbein states that the manufacture of the gun-cotton is
unattended by risk ; anti that it can be effected in the small
vote of eight hours, and at a less colt than gunpowder. If
these statements shall turn out to be correct, the adoption of
the gun-cotton will follow as a matter of course."
SAVINGS' BANKS.—A return has been made, in
obedience to an order of the House of Commons on the
motion of Mr. Hume, staling in detail the purchases and
sales of Bank Annuities and Exchequer Bills, effected by
the national debt commissioners, on account of the trustee.

of savings banks, from the 20th of May, 1844, to the 6th of
July, 1846. From this it appears that within the time
specified the sum of 3,141,3791. 17s. 6d. has been
plied to the purposes indicated. On the other hand, sales of
stock and the pa off Exchequer Bills have been effected
to the amount of 118,9171. 10s.
Beeluscnism PALACE.—We hear that the greatest
exertions will be made to expedite the new erections and
improvements at Buckingham Palace. Mr. Corbett, the
builder, is employed under Mr. Blore, the architect, to carry
out the plans. In the meantime the occupation of a portion
of the palace by her Majesty will in nowise be interfered
with.—Observer._

ADMIRALTY RECORDS.—We understand that a very
considerable quantity of Admiralty records have recently
been transferred into the custody of the Public Record
Office. The documents are now in progress of transfer from
the Dockyard at Deptford to the White Tower of London ;
and we regret to hear that, so great is the quantity, they
will not only fill up the large Council Chamber, but also the
Norman Chapel known as Cmgir's Chapel. Thus, the hopes
of arch:n(llopda, that this, the most perfect military eccle-
siastical remain of the Norman period, would shortly be
cleared of the records and opened to the public, are likely to
be postponed—at least until a Public Record Office is built.
This will, surely, now be at no very distant day, since the
urgency of providing a safe and permanent depository is
being telt more and more. The immediate cause of the re-
moval of the Admiralty records, we believe, is the want of
room in the dockyard at Deptford.—Allientrum.
AN ANT-PLAGUE AT THE WEST-END.—Some of
the houses in Pall.mall are infested by ants, similar in foriu
to those we see in the country, but much smaller and Gl' a
reddish colour ; they swarm in such multitudes as to become
an intolerable nuisance, generally frequenting the warmest
parts of the house, and finding their way into sugar canisters,
bread cupboards, &c., and covering all that is succulent and
edible. The unwelcome intruders do not confine themselves
to inanimate substances, but, introducing themselves into
wearing apparel, crawl about the body, thereby producing •
titillation far from agreeable. Beetles that abounded pre-
viously to their appearance, have nearly disappeared. Some
of your correspondents may have the charity to suggest the
means of extirpation.— The Builder.
CORRECTION TO BE MADE IN ALL GEOGRAPHIES.—
PYRENEES. A chain of mountains which was formerly the
boundary between France and Spain. They were cleared
away by Louis Philippe in the year 1816, on the occasion of
his son's marriage with the Infanta Luisa. This gave rise to
the French saying, which is now so popular in the eelaminete
of Paris: " Il n'y a plus de I'mr6ties. •—Punch.

THE Gni COTTON.—We have oar doubts whether
the explosive cotton is really the discovery of Professor
Schonbein. Certa;n it is, that for the last gaarter of a cen-
tury, there has been in use a cotton of incomnarably greater
explc.ive power, and that it is the material of which Sir
Robert Peel is made. Could a whole bale of Professor
Schonbcin's cotton have blown the Tory party to atoms ? It
is all very well to send a rifle ball through eight planks at
fifty yards, but what is that feat compared with driving a
Corn Importation Bill through the House of Lords? What
is the resistance of boards to that of blockheads, which
Peel's cotton made uof little account as egg-shells ? Peel
has been blowing everything up, riving, splitting, and blast-
ing, all his life, without a spark of fire, for the cotton com-
bustible explodes at a low temperature; he has blown up
Protestant ascendancy, he has blown up his party, he has
blown up the Protection system ; and what in the world is
there that he will not blow up one of these days, for he is a
cabinet petard of explosive cotton, and the thread of his
nature is destructiveness?—E-rantiner.

NUMEROUS FlRES.—l)uring the morning of Satur-
day the metropolis was visited by the outbreak of the fol-
lowing fires :—LinEIiOUSE.—At an early hour, the premises
in the occupation of Mr. W. Joel, known as the Coopers'
Arms, in the Old-road, Limehouse, were discovered to be on
fire. The police constable on the beat was the person who
made the alarming discovery. Having sprang his rattle, he
set about awaking its inmates. After considerable trouble,
he accomplished his object ; but on the residents attempting
to descend by the staircase, they were forced back by a mass
of flame and showers of sparks. Having regained the front
rooms, they at length succeeded in effecting a safe retreat
out of the windows. The necessary intelligence having been
forwarded to the fire stations with all possible expedition,
the several Brigade engines of the district arrived with Mr.
Fogo, the foreman. An abundant supply of water was in-
stantly obtained from the mains of the East London works,
which was copiously discharged upon the lire. Notwithstand-
ing that the firemen exerted themselves to the utmost, they
were unable to stet the flames subdued until the shop WM burnt
out, the stock in trade, fixtures, and other effects consumed, aad
the remainder of the premises severely damaged by fire and
water. The cause of the disaster could not he learned. For-
tunately, Mr. Joel was insured in the Guardian Fire-office.
—Cmenxes-wers..—Another fire trek place the same
morning, upon the premises N o. 33, Red Lion-street, Clerken-
well. It consatneed in the apartment occupied be Mr. J.
Sheppard, newsvendcr. The brigade, parish, and West of
England engines quickly attended, and owing to the exer-
tions of the police, and strangers, the fire As 3.4 got out, but
not before it had done considerable damage, the • hole of the
furniture and wearing apparel, with the window glass iu the
apartment, being destroyed. Mr. Sheppard was uninsured.
—lioxrom.—A fire, which at one time threatened very
serious results, took place at a late hsur on Friday night,
upon the premises, in the tenure of Mr. J. Still (private),
situate at 14, Haberdashers'-place East, Hoxton. It was
caused by a lighted candle coming in contact with the win-
dow drapery. Engines were soon in attendance, and owing
to the exertions of the police and inhabitants, the fire was
speedily extinguished, not, however, until a great deal of
damage was dOne.-•---IN CHEAPAIDE, CALBED BY A RAT.—
Between the hours of eight and nine on Saturday morning
the residents of Cheepside perceived smoke issuing from the
premises of Mr. Joseph Baker, tobacconist, situate opposite
Bow church. Feeling convinced that a fire was burning
within, intelligence was sent to the Watling-street engine
station. In the course of a few minutes Mr. Superintendent
Braidwood and three engines arrived. Upon breaking open
the front door it was proved that about five thousand fusers
had become ignited, and there is little doubt if the discovery
had not been so opportunely male, that the whole of the
premises would have been consumed. As it was, the fire
was speedily extinguished, the damage not being very con-
siderable. After the fire was got out, an examination was
made to find out the cause, when it was found that a rat had
worked its way from the bottom of the flooring and had
got amongst the fusee., when in nibbling them the friction
had caused them to explode, and hence the disaster.—
Shortly before eight o'clock last exening, a fire (which, it is
feared, will he attended with fatal results) broke out on the
second floor of No. 1, Church-row, Newington, in which
were three children in bed, one of whom, about six months
old, was so much burned shout the head and face that it is
feared it cannot survive. By the timely arrival of the en-
gines, the fire was confined to the room in which it broke
out, the contents of which arc nearly destroyed, but which
are fully insured in the Phoenix office.
Susriciors DEATH.—Very early yesterday morn-
ing a young man, named Alfred Whithorn, was brought to
Hackney station, charged under the following suspi-
cious circumstance :—The accused, who is 19 years of age,
by trade • shoemaker, had been marketing on Saturday
evening with his wife, to whom he had been united only
three weeks, and on reaching the Cat-and-Mutton-bridge,
over the He gen.'s canal, about one o'clock, they began to
quarrel, and instead of going home, a few yards off, turned
on to the towing-path leading to liaggerstone bridge. In a
few minutes a violent splashing in the water attracted the
attention of some men, on whose arrival at the river's edge
Whithorn was observed running away, but was seized and
given into custody. Drags were promptly obtained, and the
female got ashore in a state of exhaustion and past reco-
very. The unfortunate woman had not attained her 19th
year, and is described as industrious and cleanly. On being
visited yesterday by his mother, Whithorn maintained a
sullen silence ; but on allusion being made to the existence
of severe and extensive bruises upon the chest of his deceased
wife, he burst into a flood of tears__, which increased on being
apprised that he would appear at Worship-street this morning.
ACCIDENT.—A HORSE DROWNED. —About four
o'clock y-esterday morning, Mr. Davis, cow-keeper, North-
street, Hackney, was attempting to ford the Old Riser, near
Temple M ills,in a cart containing ca n s of milk,when the strong
current caused by the late heavy rains, carried the horse out
of the track, overturned the cart, and precipitated the cans
and driver into the river. Mr. Davis escaped with difficulty,
but tbo hone, • valuable animal, war drowned.
ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.—On Saturday morning,
shortly after one o'clock, a man named Murray, residing in
Charles-street, Woolwich, was passing through the church-
yard when he was accosted by a stout elderly man, who was
leaning against the iron railings which bound the footpath,
with the exclamation, " I have cut my throat." Murray,
who thought, from the position of the man, that he was only
joking, immediately replied, " The devil you have." The
man made no reply, but seizing hold of Murray's hand, to
the surprise and horror of the latter, thrust his four lingers
into a deep gash in his throat. As soon as he recovered his
self-possession Murray led the unfortunate man to the Mitre
Tavern; and the assistance of Messrs. Turner and Macdonald,
surgeons., having been obtained, the wound was strapped
up, and the unfortunate man removed to Guy's Hospital.
His recovery is exceedingly doubtful. From the time ho
uttered the exclamation in the churchyard, he never spoke,
and although a pen was put into his hand at the hospital,
he was unable or unwilling to communicate who and what
he was. On his person were found 21d. in copper, and a card
bearing the address "T. C. Marchese de Beceadelli." lie
is about fifty years of age, and was attired in a black great
coat, black coat and trowsers, and black figured satin waist-
coat. The police have searched the churchyard, but have
been unable to discover the instrument with which the rash
act was committed.
CUSTOM-HOUSE POLITICS.—It has been deemed
expedient to amend the articles in the printed instructions to
tidewaiters and other officers in the service of the customs'
department, which relate to political societies and the repeal
of the union, in the following manner, viz : " You are
strictly forbidden to take a part in any party procession, or
to belong to any political society, including persons of a diffe-
rent religious faith, using secret signs and emboli, or acting
by means of associated branches, on pain of dismiasal ;" and,
" You are strictly forbidden to attend any political meeting,
or to subscribe to the funds raised for any political purpose
on pain of dismissal ;"—the commissioners of the customs
have issued directions to the principal officers of the revenue
In London, and the collectors and comptrollers of every port
throughout the United Kingdom of Great Britain and
Ire-
land, to cause the instructions in the possession of the several
officers at their respective ports to be amended accordingly,
for their individual information and government in this
imaortant particular.
THE LATE FIRE IN SOUTITIVARIC.—On Saturday
afternoon, the young man named John Cantell, who was
burned at the fire on the premises of Mr. Sharp, Kent-street,
expired in the accident ward of Guy's Hospital, notwith-
standing every care and attention that medical skill could
suggest.

INQUESTS.—DEATH FROM DISTRESS.—By Mr. W.
Carter, at the Tankerville Arms Tavern, Caroline-street,
Princes-road, Lambeth, respecting the death- of Joseph
William Grove, aged 20 years, who hung himself at his resi-
dence, No. 5, Maniiing'splace, East-street, Kennington-
road. Deceased was a single man out of employment.
The deceased and his father, who resides in White Hart-
street, Kennington, had not spoken to each other for
four months, through a family quarrel. The deceased,
although in very reduced circumstances, was not in
want of food. Verdict, " Temporary Insanity."—
A Suicinz 'Rom CUTTING THE THROAT —By Mr. G. J.
Mills, at the Calthorpe Arms, Gray's-inn-road, on view of
I the body of Mr. Wm. Wheeler, aged 45, map and print
' mounter, who lately resided at No. 5, Lower Calthorpe-street,
Gray's-inn-road. Deceased was a man of very regular habits,
but had latterly become extremely depressed in spirits,
and although his conversation and manners were uniform]
rational, ho was still subject to parosysms of excitement, and
had mentioned to his wife that he at one time considered
himself inmate. About a week ago, he failed in some busi-
ness contract into which he had entered, and the circum-
stance preyed heavily on his mind. Soon after ten o'clock
on Friday morning, he entered the room in which were his
wife, child, and the servant, and having called for some
shaving water, the domestic left the room to procure it. In
a fhw minutes ater, he seized hold of the razor,
and nearly severed the head from the body. Death was
almost instantaneous. Verdict, " Temporary insanity."--
DEATH FUOM MACHINERY.—By Mr. Mills, at the Industry,
Gedding, near Hayes, on the body of Thomas Wright, aged
20, in the employment of Mr. Gurney, farmer, of the former
Tillage. On Friday week deceased, dressed in a loose amuck
frock, had to pass amongst the works of a threshing machine
put in motion by fur horses. The spindle of the machine
got entangled in his smockfrock, and, the horses refusing to
halt at his command, he was whirled round, compressed by
the swift rotatory motion into the shape of a ball. His
father's arrival caused the horses to stop, and deceased was
extricated. lie had received a severe scalp wound, and the
thick muscular part of one thigh was torn away, making a
wound nine inches in diameter. On the third day after its
infliction lock-jaw set in, and death ensued on Thursday last.
Verdict, "Accidental death."
REPRESENTATION OF BRISTOL AND GLOUCESTER.
—To TUX ISi DZPTIN ELECTOIII or TIM NV VAITEILN DI Vl‘lo,l or
G 1.01,1.1.1.11 llt X —Gentlemen Deeming it necemary to offer to your
notice any facet Illustrative of the danger in which your interests may
be placed by ablind adherence to unexplained plans, such as the adhe-
rence afforded by the meeting called by Lunt Fitz at Glouces-
ter, on the 15th September,] announce to ton the Nilo additional
information. Lord Fizahardinge has officially signified his inten-
tion of withdrawing his support from hie brothers, the Liberal mem-
bers for IlriAtol and Gloucester. 'suggest to you that it is high time
you should inquire, what influence or what reason exists for aban-
doning those interests, in the .me manner that the Western
iito be deprived of its present member.—l remain your obliged and
faithful servant, Oaxernxv F. 111CALKIILLY.—liesoun-lodge, Getotier
15, 1846.
THE ASHES OF CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.—The
Sardinian Government has, it is said, entered into a nego-
tiation with Spain for the restitution of the ashes of Chris-
topher Columbus. The mortal remains of this great man,
after having been first deposited at Seville, were removed to
St. Domingo, where they remained till 1795, when they
were taken to the cathedral church of the Havanna where
they now are. As the King of Sardinia has no ambassador
at Madrid, it was through the representative of the Two
Sicilies that the application was made to the Spanish Go-
vernment.

SUBURBAN CITARACTERS.—Mr. Brixton is a great
character, consider the adjective as you will. He is a great
capitalist, a great trader, a great cater, and a great man
(omnibus measure). Mr. Brixton never enters lus office or
warehouse before ten, and never remains in it later than four.
His chief business is to give audience to junior partners,
sign checks, and eat dinners. He has always a fat voice, as
if his that was full of turtle. His face is rosy—rosy as a
decanter of old port when the sun shines through it.
His hair is cut short, as though he never gave it more
than a month's credit. His linen is curiously fine, and
scrupulously clean, and displayed to the best advantage,
as if he were anxious to advertise " Washing done here." He
is never without a pin set with diamonds—always diamonds,
dazzling and sparkling as if the gems were Humus's
through which you might see the honesty of his intentions,
if close enough to look into him. His rings are stupendous
A cameo, the size of a pennypiece, or a diamond as large and
as brilliant as the bull's-eye of a policeman's lantern. Mr.
Brixton is no niggard of his wealth ; his name is
down for five five' to all public subscriptions, and the
mention of his name at a charity dinner is always fol-
lowed by—(' cheers'). He looks forward to be Sheriff, and
hopes to tuck his legs under the Tuileries mahogany. In
the City he is grave and magnificent, like a peacock with
his tail spread ; at home lie is jolly and luxurious, like a
lively grub in a filbert. At church he is seen to great advan-
tage ; spread out in his pew lined with blazing rid broadcloth,
helooks as he feels, a pillar of the establiAntent. His carriage
is a wonder to the charity bey% and his liveries are the
envy of the beadle. He is the proprietor of a slip of
ground in the cemetery-, which he will some day enrich
with himself, and ornament by a mural monument, de-
scribed in his will as " Fame blowing a trumpet, and
pointing upwards with the city mace, as two chc,ruhs, wear-
ing city caps of maintenance, are bearing an alderman in
his full robes, seated on an easy chair of clouds, to the
realms of bliss."—Almanack of the Month.

IRELAND.
DUBLIN, Oar. 17.
DEPUTY LIEUTENANTS.—His Excellency the Lord-lien-
tient has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the
following gentlemen to be deputy-lieutenants, viz.:—County
of Kildare: Robert Burrower, Esq., of Ciiltown Kilcullen,
in the room of John William DigbyEsq., deceased. County
of Meath John Farrell, Esq., of Moynalty, in the room of
John l'ratt Winter, Esq., deceased. Ilis Excellency the
Lord-lieutenant has been pleased to approve of William
Sharman Crawford, Esq., M.P., being appointed a deputy
lieutenant fur the county Down.
TBE LABOUR RATE ACT.

The following additional proclamations ordering the hold-
ing of Baronial Presentment Sessions under the above act
appeared in the Gazette of last n;ght:—
AIUiAOII.-11arony of Tirenny, at Tynan, on Oct. 2G.
Dow N.—Barony of Mourne, at Ailktrl, on Out. it,
Deliu9.—Barony of lialruthery East, at Balbriggan, on Oct. 20;
Barony of Balmtberr Wcwt, at Ballyboghill, no Ott. 2T ; Barony of
Ratbdown, at Dunditun, on Oct. 29.
K1111101:47.—liar013) of hells, at Kllttunianny, on Oct. 28.
Lnowsex.—Barony of henry, at Pallaskenry, on Oct. 2i; barony
of North Liberties of Limerick, at Wtghtflelil, an Oct. 26.
Losoosukaar.—Barony of hecnagbt, at Newtownlimarady, on
Oct. 30.

Gesso's Cotherr.-Bareny ofTortnabinch, at l'ortarlington, on
Oct. 28 ; barony of Stradleely, at strsdbally, on Oct. 26.
Triti.e..-Barony of Omagh }net, at Omagh, on Oct. 26
Wierrn•tru.-liarony lartullagh, at Roe hfort, on Oct. 26.
Morn.-Barony of Upper fleece, at Garadice, on Oct. 26; barony
of Lower licece, at Kilmewan, on Oct. 27.
CORK.-Wzar Mes EaltY.-The extraordinary Present-
ment Sessions for this Barony was held at twelve o'clock, on
Tuesday,at the Court-house, Macroom, and was character-
ised (says a Cork paper) as being the most turbulent that
has been heretofore held in this county. I shall proceed to
copy some specimens of this turbulence from the report:
Mr. W 11. Warren had made a calculation of the amount necessary
to feed the people for three months.-Mr. J. We.orthy : Three
months won't do. (Cheers).-Mr. M. 11. Warren would recommend
them to vote sufficient for three months and no more. (Uprear.)-
Mr. J. E. M'Carthy: That would be doing nothing, coneidering the
mirer)• of the people. ((Cheers.)-Mr. M. 11. Warren: After the M-
etro:noes of the Lord Lieutenant, it is right that we, get breathing time
- that we be enabled to we our way, and madder whether we can
take advantage of the plan proposed for draining. (Dieapprobationd
If we have not works enough, we can call another sessions. (Uproar.)
Mr. M'Carthy moved that they should take the presentments in
alphabetical user-)No, no; yes, yes; and uproar., -Mr. Johnson
conceived that the first step was to estimate the sum neeessiry to be
raised off the barony. -Chairman: Now which shall we estimate for
three or Fix months (Cries of six, six, and great uproar.) I think
the derision must be in favour of six months. (Cheers.)-Mr. M.
Warren : Then, sir, I demand a poll. (Tremendous uprour.)-Mr. J.
B. Warren : It is useless to say anything. You may as well let it
pass. (Cheers.)-Mr. M. Warren: No; I again call for a poll. (Re-
newed clamour.)-Chairman : Let it pass. The government will exer-
cise a controlling power. (Cheers and confasion.)-Mr. M. Warren:
Then I will withdraw it. (Cheers.) But in my opinion you should
go on the valuation of the barony, and pass only as many present.
meats as would give employment for six months. (No, no; yes, yes;
and uproar.)
Considerable discussion next arose as to a particular road,
and again the confusion recommenced :
Mr. It. Warren: said that if the works, did not commence before
four weeks, they might as well not meet at all. They ought to force
the Government to pram them on. Were the people to starve? Were
they to be left without employment for four weeks? There were no
provaions in the country, and to save the people the Government
should be forced to act. This was Thursday end If poedble the works
ought to commence next Monday. (Great cheers.)-A Voice: (anon
Captain Gordon. (Captain Gordon is an officer of the Board of
Works.)-Mr. R. Warren: I won't call on Captain Gordon-he is not
the man-the Government is the party to be called on-and if the Go-
vernment don't do it, on them be the consequences. (Loud cheering.)
Don't let us have Tipperary boys here, for loughal boys.—Rev. Mr.
O'Kearney : Or Dungarvoo boys. -Mr. R. Warren : lAA us force on
the Government to do its duty, and if it don't let it blame itself for
what may follow, (Loud eheers.)-Seemtary : 1 y, Mr. Chair-
man, wehave not met for this- -our duty Is thainme, and let us go to
business. (Great tumult.)
A presentment was then put forward for 1,0001 to build a Roman
Catholic chapeL-Dr. Baldwin did not think that the building of
chapels would give employment to the neighbouring poor, and be
would therefore oppose the grants for their erection.-The present-
ment was then passed.-The Rev. Mr. Murphy put in a presentment
foe 500 J, to build a chapel in the parish of Kileomey.-Mr. fil•Carthy :
I object to this also. - Mr. M. Warren : And I also object to it-Mr.
Wocelley : For my part I object to money being granted to build
either a church or chapeL-The presentment pared.-The Rev. Mr.
O'Drieooll put in a presentment for SOUL to meet a chapel at Dieshure.
-Dr. Baldwin : I must protest against those presenthenta, for I own-
rider it is diverting the money which should be used in employ-
ing the poor to other purposes, that of purchasing matenaa.
-The Rev. Mr. O'Driecoll replied that they did not re-
quire the money to purchase materials, they would raise with
script:lons for that purpose, and what they wanted was to
spend the money in giving employment.-Dr. Baldwin did not wish
to give an Invidious opposition, but at the game time he desired to act
conithentiotudy, and as he conceived that those buildings did not come
within the provisions of the act, he should enter his objection to the
presentment.-Mr. Woolley would oppose presentments for building
either churches or chapels. -Mr. M. Warren : do will I. And why ,
not poll this presentment? (Disapprobation.) Yost may hiss until ,
you are tired, for I don't care what you think of my acts. lam m
anitions a. any man to give employment to the poor, and don't wish
the money directed to improper channels. It is equal to me what you
think, for I will act oonecientiously, and I don't care whether you hiss
or not.-Eventually the presentment was passed without a division.-
A large number of presentments were then passed for the town of
Munson-LOON. for the repairs of the duvet
It having become rather late, and most of the magistrates and rate-
payers having retired, the Chairman said that there were a number of
presentment. before him, and as nearly all the magatratee were gone,
he did not know what to do with them, as he had no assistance.-Mr.
Johnson suggested that he should reject them all.-The Chairman re-
plied, that although they passed presentments for nearly 60,0001., he
thought it but fair to consider those before hint. On this announce-
ment being made, the presentments were handed in in such numbers,
that they began to accumulate very perceptibly, when the Chairman
was COMpelied m collect up all within his mach, and make a precipi-
tate retreat into an adjoining room, followed by the other magistrates
and es-psychs present, where they disposed ef them, and the meet-
ing dissolved,

INSTRUCTIONS TO RELIEF COMMITTEES.
Revised copies of the instructions for the formation of
relief committees have been issued by the Lord Lieutenant,
accompanied by a letter to the lord lieutenant. of maks.

The following is the only paragraph which varies the former
instruction., to which I append the letter to the lords lieu-
tenant of counties :
"In thaw came where local circumatanote may require that per-
eons not comprithended in this arrangement should be appointed on
I committees, It would be desirable to re-appoint ro many of the most
efficient and respectable member. of the committers of the past SC .IKIR
IN may be req 'te. In forming new committees, where none had
been named during the put reason, and where the ex-odlcio mem-
bers may be ineufficient, the lieutenant of the county will exercise hie
di-cretion in selections from the moist respectable subscribers to the
relief fund."

"TO Mt LORD I..irrntNANT or ?Mr rotsTr er
"Dublin Castle, October 14, 1,41.
"My Lord—ln transmitting to your lordship a copy of some fur.
thee instructions, with regard to the formation of Relief Committees
throughout the country, I am directed by his Excellency the Lord
Lieutenant to say, that be trusts no time will be kw in oriounsing
them committees generally in your county, es he has moon to be-
Dere that great inconvenience has been occasioned, in some distriets,
from the delay which has taken place. lam also desired to observe,
that lee Excellency trusts that your lordship will impress upon the
magistrates, and other persons, the amenity of supporting the
officers of the Iloard of Warts in the execution of their arduous
duties, in carrying into effort the instructioto of the government,
and especially in enforcing the system of task or pier-work, w hich
considered essential, as a general rule, to the successful gipmation of
the measures of relief —I have the honour to he, arty hard, your lord-
ship's most obedient servant, H. LAsorraERIL"
CoMPONENTS On' THE COMMUITEES.—III the letter of
instructions issued by Government, pointing out the parties
who should more properly compose the Relief Committees,
it is enjoined that only the principal parochial clergymen of
each persuasion within the district shall be placed on the
committee. This instruction has given rise to great dissa-
tisfaction, as it excludes utterly all the curates of the Roman
Catholic Church in Ireland, and all the Diahnps of that
persuasion, who are never rho principal parochial clergymen
in the the several districts. Mr. Dillon Browne, M.P. for
Mayo, has written a letter of reinonerance to Mr. Labou-
chere against this particular instruction, and the matter has
formed the subject of complaint in the popular journals ; the
Conservative papers, on the other hand, strongly eulogise
the instruction.
FOOD DEPOTS.—Lotto JOHN RUSSELL'S DETERMINA-
TION.—From the following letter written by the Secretary
of the Treasury to the Mayor of Cork, it will be seen that
the government has not changed its opinions respecting the
propriety of leaving the supply of food, an much as possible,
to " private enterprise: "
TreasuryChasthers, Oct. 13.
Sir, —ln reply to your letter of the 7th instant, encluaing u me-
morial hem the magistrates and otos payers of the borough of Cork,
praying the intervention of the government, in reducing the price of
food, I sin commanded by the Lords Commissioners if her Majesty's
Treasury to state to you, that it Ls not in the power of their lordships
to lower the price of food, and that if the attempt were mule, it
would, Ly in, hieing a rapid consumption of the Meek of provisions,
and by checking and suspending the bringing forward of euntilies
from other soirees, render the existing pressure more severe.
Their lordships have undertaken to establish weenie depots
fur the sale of food to Relief Committees in districts on the west-
ern side of Ireland, and to which the ordivary operations of the „
provision trade cannot be expected to extend ; but the same reason
does not exist for their interference in respect to the cities and
towns on the Southern and Western coasts, and 'o the neighbouring
districts, and beingconvinced that the course which they are pursuing
is the only one which is consistent with the public safety, their lord-
ships cannot hold out any expeetetlen of their deviating from It. In
order to make the suppliesprovided by the Government for the remote
districts on the Western roast answer the purpose for which they are
intended, it is indispensably necessary that the Government &plats
should not be opened while the markets can be supplied from the pro-
duce of the late harvest, and that when they are opened it should be at
prices proportioned to the neighbouring market prices —I am, air,
your obedient servant, G. E. Taarrumi.
Rhin IN WAG Es.—The Nctsagh Guardian writes thus:
It is now known that labourers on public winks can earn by task-
work Is. per day; and if all the Labour is almorlod on these works,
the farmers, and those gentlemen who farm a great deal, may Ind
themselves in a dilemma, if tbey cannot obtnin labourers for agricul-
tural purposes. At Kilkenry, within two miles of Nenagh, on 'thus.
day last, a fiat of forty names sent in by the Relief Committee was
handed to the steward by the engineer, to be placed on a certain public
work. However, seventeen of them did not make their appearance,
and a gentleman, or farmer, of the neighbourhood, came forward, and
solicited the engineer to spare him a groat portion of them who did
come to work. and offered Is. a day as wages for agricultural pur-
penes, for some months to come.
Mr. Thomas Fortcscue, of Louth, thus propounds his plan
for the reduction of rents upon his large estates in Louth :
As the small fanners ore by far the greatest sufferers, I introit in
the one of all persons whose rent does not exceed 111., to direct that
an inspection be immediately made of their farms, to ascertain the
extent of their lens, and the means of subsistence left them, and to
make mirk an allowance In their Will-year's rent us from the condi-
lion of each shall appear to be necessary. In the (nit of all farmers,
being tenants at wilt, or not holding benctlcial leases, %hose rent
exceeds ISt., a return will be obtaitwil from them of the number of
acres of potatoes which each one has lost, when, after taking into
consideration the unionany high price now obtained for grain and
cattle, I shall take upon myself a fair share of their reel hews by a
proixotionste ullowance in the halLyear'n rent.
MK. G. POItTEU AND THE EARL OF ENNISKILLEN.—
Upon Wednesday l*st there was a meeting of the magistrates
of 'Fermanagh nt Derylin, for the purpose of presenting for
the relief of the destitute, when Lold Enniskillen made the
following statement
o I think it right to state, that on the 20th of Rl.:'niter Last a
' meeting the magistrate*, pinllllll..lnhi. in 010 favor-Eon's of
Ennlvkillen, to am:obit ‘..•-g-j,7 ',guardians. At IL it unicting Ind three
magistrates attended. I proposed Mt. Porter's name. The clerk
Mated that Mr. Porter load nut attended no more than three max-
Mons since the lust time he had been appointed. Mr. Jolinston'o
name was than put on the list. On the day of the last minion. held
in Enniskillen I met Mr. D'Arcy and two or three other ;gentlemen
in wmois hotel. One gentleman was standing at the window and
hall his back to me. I inquired who thnt was, and, upon finding It
was Mr. Porter, I went over for the purpose of shaking hands with
him. Mr. Porter refused shaking booths. A conversation ensued,
which appear.' then to 'satisfy Mr. Porter. Ile then asked
me whether his name could be put on the list or not. I
thereupon apokc'tri, Mr. D'Arey 'on the subject Mr. D'Arcy said,
that without a magistrate could be got to resign, no election could Like
place. A few days afterwards I was in the act of sittingilown l's write
Is letter requesting a magistrate—(his lordship would not mention any
names) to resign, to make morons for Mr. Porter's appointment, when
the following letter was handed me:
Ilifficiale, Oct. 12, 1816.
"My lord,--I take the liberty to oak you now, after four days,
ivbetberßand if so, how your luedthip means tapulill your woolo of last
Friday. In order to prevent any mistake, I mind a mew-eager with
this mite ; and I hope your lordship will be quite clear In sour answer,
or else, though I hate and despise personal questions of this kind, I
will nut shrink trona my duty to myself and to the public, but will act
at once.--i am, your lunbdrip's obedient servant.
" Earl of F.niiishillen." " J. C. V. PORTER.
NCOT (enni(1111Oil his lordship) maweiving that that woo not the tune
in which one gentleman should adder. another, I wrote the foilow-
ing reply : Florenoeeourt, Oct. 12, 14411.
" Sir- -I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of thin
I morning. In answer, I beg to state, that however anxious I may bath
11,11 to further your wishes, the tons of communication is such, that
I beg to decline further corthspondence on the subject. -I have the
honour to be, Kir, your obedient nervoat, EithIsKILLLN.
" J. G. V. Porter, Egiq."
The result of this correspondence, gentlemen, has been
that placard which you have heard read.—Mr. G. Porter's
father, the Rev. J. G. Porter, stated that he thought his son's
feelings had been inured, when his name was not permitted
to remain on the list, and that Lord Enniskillen had acted
improperly in not appointing his son, but that if be had his
way,p public
eliwcuelled not have allowed one of the placards to meet
the