The Express.
London, England, 1866-08-09 00:00:00

MEETING OP NONCONFORMISTS.

Yesterday afternoon the deputies of the Presby-
terians, Independents, and Baptists in and within twelve
miles of London held their half-yearly meeting at Radley's
Hotel, New Bridge-street. There were between thirty
and forty gentlemen present, and the chair was taken by
Sir S. M. Piro, M.P. The minutes of the last meeting
having been read and confirmed,
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, briefly
alluded to the various measures for the securing and ex-
tension of religious equality which had engaged the atten-
tion of parliament during the present session. The
bon. baronet said that a deep debt of gratitude
was rae to Mr. Hadfield for the perseverance by which he
had at last been enabled to pass his bill for the Abolition
of Qualifications for Offices, the propriety of which measure
bad been fully recognised by Lord Derby himself in
moving the second reeding of the Indemnity Bill. The
discussion of the Fellows of Colleges Bill in the House of
Commons bad done a great deal of good. The feeling of
the country in regard to this question was daily improving,
and the rights of nonconformists to share in the advan-
tages which were afforded by our national universities
were ;gradually becoming more std more generally
recognised. Be was quite prepared to re-intro-
duce into parliament a measure upon the sub-
ject of burials. but it had been suggested to him by mem-
bers of the House of Commons and others, that it would
be sufficient to claim for nonconformists the right to the
use of the parochial burial grounds without insisting upon
the performance of a service at the grave. He should like
before the opening of parliament for the next essekni to
be made acquainted with the opinion of dimenters generally
upon this subject. After a few remarks upon the Irish and
colonial churches, and the episcopalian church in America,
Sir S. M. Pete concluded by saying that he anticipated that
the next session of parliament would be a very interesting
one, and he trusted that they would see • large advance
towards that perfect equality which was so necessary to
their due enjoyment of the rights of citizens.
Resolutions were adopted approving of the course which
had been pursued by the oommittes with reference to
Kr. Hadfield's Bill for the Abolition of Declarations, the
Oxford Teets Bill, and the Fellows of Colleges Bill, and
thanking Mr. Hadfield, Mr. J. D Coleridge, and Mr. K
P. Bonveri• for the part which they had severally taken
In regard to these measures.
The proceedings terminated with • vote of thanks to the
chairman, which was acknowledged by Sir S. M. Peter

THs WORK or 11111 SKISTON.—Up to the present
time 90 public, 347 local, and 8 private bills have received
the royal assent. Other will be paned before the proro-
gation on Friday, but the number will be less than is the
preceding session.
REIGATE ELECTION Commissroff.—The commis-
sioner appointed to inquire into the alleged acts of bribery
and corruption at the late election for Reigate (Serjesat
O'Brien Mr. Allen, and Mr. J. T. Smith), have intimated
their intention of commencing their sittings at the Old
Town-hall, Reigate on Wednesday, the Mnd inst. A con-
siderable !amber of witnesses have been summoned, and
the inquiry will probably last some days.
TEE BANKRO rrcT Aer.—Yesterday at theindges'
Chambers en Important question under the Bankruptcy.
Act was decided in the case of " Mackenzie v. Jenny.•
The defendant made a deed under the Bankruptcy Act,
which was registered before judgment wee signed in an
action for an accident. He was now arrested. Mr. D
contended that he was protected. Mr. Denney.tilr:
Aster, submitted that there was no debt when the deed was
made, and therefore could be no protection, Mr. Edwards
attended from the Sheriff of Kent office. Mr. Baron
Bramwell rein/mato discharge, and dismissed the summons
with costs. Order accordingly.
ATTINDANCI AT gas JUDGES' CHAMBERS.—Yes-
today it was notified at the Judges' Chambers that there
would be no judge in attendance on Saturday. Mr. Baron
Bramwell wiII conclude the business next week, and it is
said will be succeeded by Chief Baron Kelly. It is
doubtful whether the Chief B.arm or Mr. Justice Lash will
attend. _ _

A MODERN COAT OF MAIL.—The Rod says that
the trial of a lisht coat impenetrable to musket shot, in-
vented by H. Charles Bastard was tried a few days ago,
at the Belgian Tir NationaL The experiment was made
with a cavalry carbine, charged with three grammes and a
half of powder, and the conical ordonnance ball for that
arm. The carbine, after having been tested and regu-
lated, was placed upon a stead pointed at the level of the
breast. M. Bernard, placing himself at the distance of a
hundred metres, commenoed by taking off his coat, and
showed that between his breast and his capote there was
absolutely nothing but his shirt and his waistcoat. He
then put on his spot; which is a flowing garment fell-
ing to the ground, and covered his bead witha steel =aqua.
The shoe was then fired. The public were greatly moved
when they appeared to see M. Bernard ideasr and fall.
Happilyblaie had oaly made a false step in stooping to pick
up the which had struck him a little above the waist
and to the left aide. The ball, deadened against the stuff,
had fallen at his foot, and he came running towards us to
allow it. At a short distance he threw the ball to the
marksmen, crying to them not to approach. Not yet I
having taken out a patent, N. Bernard absolutely refused
to let the garment be examined by which he obtained se
marvellous a result. The ball was only slightly beaten out
of shaps, and be en Be paint the impress of the stuff.
The Inventor offered to renew the experiment ; b declared
in
pre sons of the result obtained, those present declared a
sew experiment untteessuary. The coat is said to welch
very little, se !bet there can be no objeetica to it an inn
sore of Its bartioanemesses.