The Express.
London, England, 1867-11-27 00:00:00

THE EXX'RESS, WEDNESDAY EVENTNG, NOVEMBER 27, 1867.

had been allowed to return to Europe,leasing his wife and
children as hostages, and was therefore bound in any case
to go back. On that account he was selected to carry the
Queen's letter to King Theodore, while Colonel Merewe-
ther went to Massowsh to give him all the assistance he
could, and to examine into the possibility of obtaining the
release of the prisoners, Well, sir, 31r. Fled reached
Maamerah in October last year- What follows is on record
in the papers which have been published. The King ex-
pressed soicc anxiety to see the artisans, but would say
I nothing at all as to the release of the prisoners. Colonel
Merewether, acting on the instructions he had received
to provide for such • contingency, declined to give the
presents or to send on the artisans. I have some criticisms
upon this; I have heard it said, " You unr eces airily offended
the King by showing distrust of him." (Hear.) My answer is
that after his past conduct we could not help feeling
distrust of him. (Hear, hear.) If any other course had
been taken, and that had followed which I believe would
have been tho inevitable result, we should have been not
only his dupes, but his dupes by our own fault. Well, in
April we demanded the prisoners in a formal manner,
avoiding at the same time all threats except that of for-
feiting the friendship of England. At the same time, in
anticipation of possible contingencies, we began to consult
the India-office and the War-office on the possibility of an
expedition. The letter of April 16 reached King Theo-
dore in the month of June ; no reply followed, and it was
only when we found that it had failed that we began
seriously to consider the question of using force. It was
only on the 13th of August that the result of inquiries
made in India was reported. About the same date we
beard from Colonel Merowtther that the messenger who
had gone up to the King had been sent back without •
reply, making it clear that he had decided upon giving no
answer. It was on the 19th that we wrote to Col. Merewether
announcing that the expedition would be undertaken. I
will mention, in passing, that the peremptory demand re-
ferred to in the Queen's speech was intended to have been
sent out at the same time, but on consideration we thought
it better to keep back that demand for a few weeks, on
the ground that to send to the King a message of menace,
without at the same time showing by the state of our pre-
parations that we were in earnest and able to enforce it,
might in the interval have exposed the prisoners to in-
creased danger. That demand bore date the 9th Sept.,
sod was actually despatched a few days later. There is
oui; one other circumstance in this narrative to which I
wilt a,:vert. We have within the last few weeks received
from the Viceroy of Egypt an offer of diplomatic assist-
ance, in em shape of • minion which he proposes to send
to King Theodore to induce him to comply with the
Mad' demands. That step was not taken at the
request of this government, but it certainly was
taken with our consent and sanction. (Cheers.) At the
same time we have not allowed that to interfere with our
preparations. It was • chance we thought we ought not
to throw away; if it succeeded, so much the better ; if it
failed we should be none the worse. There has not yet
been time to learn the result of that negotiation. Now,
air, reviewing these pointa, I say that if objection is taken
to the sending out of an expedition, my answer is, what
else was there to do? What other alternative remained ?
No doubt there was one alternative—the simplest of all—
lname, to leave the prisoners to their fate. There is a
ent for this—for it is just what was done in the
case of Stoddart and Camolly, who were imprisoned and
put to death at Bokbara. But in their case there was a
reason, unfortunately too valid a reason, for the decision
then come to. It was believed at the time, and as
far as I can judge I believe the opinion • sound
one, that an expedition from India to Bokhara
was an undertaking physically impossible. The distance
was above 1,200 miles, over some of the highest mountains
in the globe, through countries very thinly peopled, and
where the inhabitants were fanatically hostile. The rescue
of those officers was, therefore, not attempted simply be-
cause it waa judged to be impossible. But we cannot say
the same thing now. To march through Abyssinia may
be • difficult task, but certainly it is not a hopeless one •
but even if, which I do not believe, opinion in this country
would have tolerated as a lesser evil than the sending out
of an expedition leaving the prisoners to take their chance
of being murdered or kept in chains for the rest of their
lives, es en that is not the whole question we should have
to consider. We have to consider what would have been
the effect of such • procedure on the opinion of India.
(Hear, hear.) If Europe alone were concerued we should
have known the worst. We should have incurred a cer-
tain amount of ridicule and reproach, and even some
humiliation. Your diplomatic position would have been
somewhat affected ; but still I suppose no very serious evil
in an imperial sense would have resulted. But how would
it have been in India? The possession of India by Eng-
land is no doubt a great glory, but it is also a great re-
sponsibility, and, under some circumstances, a great
danger. We rest oar position there on what is vaguely
called prestige. We hold our power in India not by the
exercise of force, but in • great measure by the knowledge
there that however mildly and justly British authority may
be exercised, it is backed up in the last resource by a force
which cannot be resisted. (Cheers.) It follows as • con-
sequence from this position that whatever it may cost we
cannot allow this ides to be dispelled. We cannot accept
an insult from any uncivilised tribe, and merely say we
are very sorry, but it is out of our power to punish it.
Even that case of Stoddart and Conolly, as I have been
told, and as I believe, did us considerable harm in India.
Bat I will take a later instance. What was the origin of
the war with Bbootan ? It was precisely the same—the
detention of sad insult offered to the British envoy. That
war was costly ; it brought no return in the way of
material advantage ; but it succeeded, and I believe that
no one in India or in England has said it was unjustifiable
or unnecessary. I know it was said by some persons, "If
you fancy that the native population of India will
know anything or take any interest in anything that
may take place in Abyssinia, it is a delusion."
Now I believe that to be • complete mistake.
I know, from the lips of persons who were on the
spot, and I give it as an instance of how far and fast some
things come to the knowledge of the population of India,
that the news of the great disaster of Cabal was well
known in the native bazaars before, or as soon as it bad
reached the British authorities. (Hear, hear.) I will
add another opinion. I believe that the conviction the
mpoys came to entertain of their own power, a car Action
without which the mutiny would not have taken place,
was founded on the rumours, no doubt greatly exagge-
rated and distorted, of what was said and thought in
England—of what was called the breakdown of our mill-
tary system daring the Crimean war. (Hear, hear.) It
may be contended that in this case of Abyssinia we de-
spaired too soon of • peaceable solution, and that we
ought to have sent out another mission. I con-
fess I do nos see how, when the two pre-
vious missions had failed, under Mr. Fled, and
Mr. Ramon, there could be any reasonable hope that a
third mission would succeed. Certain it is that by any at-
tempt of that kind we should have lost another year. I
have heard it asked, " Where would be the difficulty, if
you manage it properly, of o'itaiuing the release of the
prisoners by Aping • ransom? Would not 100,000/.
offered to King Theodore have saved the captives, and
have saved the coat of the expedition?" Well, sir, with
all deference to those who support that policy, I answer
that I think we have gone as near to that roods of proceed-
ing as we could in decency or honour have done (Cheers)
When the artisans were encouraged to go out, when
presents were sent, when the Queen herself was advised
to write a letter in the most courteous terms to the King,
professing to consider all that had passed as the mere
result of tniaunderstanding—l think after these things
that the policy of concession and conciliation has been
carried as far as Hamill (Cheers.l Again, I doubt whether
if a sum of money had been offered it would have been
accepted. As far as we can see it is net avarice, but an
overweening vanity and cruelty of disposition that marks
the character of the King. Bat apart from that, it is doubt-
NI, I think, whether for us, who have numerous dealings
with half.civilized tribes in every quarter of the globe, it
would be wise to buy off an imprisoned envoy with a
ransom. A ransom is very easily coufounded with •
tribute ; and we know what • tribute means. If we were
to do this once it would, in my opinion, simply be offering
a premium fur the detention of English envoys and Eug-
lisla travellers ; because it would be said, " The English
government is never ready to tight under any provocation,
but is always ready and liberal with its money ;" and
the end of it would be that after having to pay in the
first instance, and probably in many instances,
something would be done which would compel us
to fight whether we wished it or not. (Hear, hear.)
The right hon. gentleman the member for Caine asked,
"What do you know about Abyssinia? What data have
you to go upon? and what are your prospects of success?"
My answer is, that the information collected from various
quarters by the War Department, and which has this even-
ing been laid upon the table—information which,
I am bound to say, I was not aware was either
accessible or available when I addressed the
house in July last—l say that that iefonnation
shows that we know as much of the interior
of Abyssinia as of many of those various countries with
which, unfortunately, we have from time to time been
compelled to go to war. (Hear, hear.) The main features
of the country are clear enough ; the principal roads have
been travelled over ; the physical geography and the
, resources of the country are tolerably well understood,
I and I say that we know more of the interior of Abyssinia
I than we did of Bhootan, and probably as much, or more
than we did of Burnish during the first war in 1820, and
of Scinde at the time of its conquest in 1843. As to
the chances of success, that is • question upon
I which the opinions of the first military authorities
have been expressed, but my difficulty is that it has never
entered the mind of any one of them to consider that the
SUOMI of the expedition was impossible. These authori-
ties have spoken of delay, expense, and cost of providing
the necessary transport, which no one doubts, but no per-
son speakims with any authority has expressed any doubt
of the ultimate success of the expedition. or even hinted
that the yhyeical obstacles are insurmountable. (Hear,
hear.) If any other opinion bad been given and
supported by competent argument, as in the ease
of Bokhara, then, however we may have regretted
that the honour of the country could not be vindicated
against insuperable physical obstacles, we should have
acquiesced in it, as no man could expect us to contend
against insurmountable difficulties. But what we have felt
is this, that if this thing cannot be done there will be 1111
end at once of our duty and responsibility ,• but on the
other hand, if it can be done—and we are told heap be
done—then there is in honour and duty no choice but to
go forward. (Cheers.) We must remember that our
Indian empire has not been built up without
oar panics through and overcoming great dill-

culties and the various obstacles which were
thrown in our way, and the house will observe that
those who by their training and occupation are most fami-
liar with obstacles of this kind are the men to whom these
obstacles appear the least serious. Indian officers are aocus.
tom ed to rough countries and rough ways, and of these officers
Sir R. Napier u by common consent recognised as one of
the ablest, and we feel that whatever can oe done by skill,
by pluck, and by perseverance, will be accomplished.
For myself, I may say that I know enough of sir R. Napier
to hazard that opinion, and I think it will be endorsed
by the whole of our Indian service. (Hear, hear.) Then
again, it was said by the right hon. gentleman, you have
an enemy to contend against for which no amount of moral
courage or skill will avail you, and that Le the climate. I
believe that that opinion was widely prevalent in India,
and I Aare,' it to some extent myself when I spoke upon
this subject during the last session. I think, however,
that that opinion rests upon the assumption that the
whole of tropical Africa is unhealthy, and that as Abyssinia
is a portion of tropical Africa, therefore that country is un-
healthy. But the fact is that the whole of Abyssinia,
so far as it is known to us, is an elevated plateau 5,000 feet
above the level of the sea, and that is just the elevation
chosen in India for the Indian sanitaria ; and of the cli-
mate Mr. Plowden 'peaks in the highest terms, and Mr.
Rasesm says that upon the whole it is a very healthy
country, and other travellers may that it is one of the
healthiest climates in the world ; and we must not over-
look the fact that the health of the captives at Magdala
has been verygood notwithstanding the severe privations
to which they have been exposed, and all those
depressing influences which arise from captivity. (Hear.)
As to the commissariat, Colonel Merewether reports that
once the plateau is paned there will be an abundance of
good water and plenty of fuel and food ; and I have to
state that since I entered the house this evening I have
received a telegram which states that along the chief
route there is good encamping ground, and a plen-
tiful supply of water, but that forage is from
seasonable causes scarce at present; and the tele-
grim went on to say that 120 villages had sent
in applications offering service in connection with
the expedition. (Hear, hear.) I think the committee
will agree that this information is very satisfactory.
Wo have had • very formidable picture &rim in the
matter of the roads. Now I certainly do not mean to con-
tend that in Abyssinia we are likely to find good roads, but
does any one suppose that the obstacles in Abyssinia will
be more severe than were presented and overcome in Alf-
ghanisten ? I know that that word is one of ill omen, but
the committee must recollect that, although there was
misconduct and mismanagement, too lamentable for me
to refer to in detail, and although the army engaged was
not a large numerical force, yet it traversed that
country victoriously from end to end. (Hear, hear.)
Now, I will venture to say that Affghanistan presented as
many natural difficulties as Abyssinia does now ; but there
is this to be said of Abyssinia, that no serious military re-
sistance is scarcely to be feared, and even if it were, an ex-
pedition supplied with all the appliances of the present
day cannot fail to do that which the comparatively feeble
expedition of the Portuguese actually accomplished three
hundred years ago. But then it was said that there were
other difficulties in our way, and the right hon. gentleman
the member for Caine asked, " What will you do etipponng
King Theodore decamp', abandons his capital and falls back
upon the interior, and takes the prisoners with him ?"
My opinion and belief are that he cannot do that, for, so
far as we know what is paring there, the greater part of
the country is in • state of chronic insurrection against
him—(hear, hear)—and those who now submit to his autho-
rity do so through fear, and not from love towards him or
his government. If his army should be disbanded, and
he should seek to take refuge among the half-independent
chiefs of the frontier, my belief is that without any of our
Interference he will very soon cease to reign, and pos-
sibly cease to live. Then it was said, suppose he
murders the captives, how shall you gain the object of the
expedition! My answer is that there are a hundred
chances to one against that, and I concur with the right
hon. gentleman the member for Colne that King Theodore
is not likely to throw away that which, if it come to the
worst with him, will be his beat chance for buying peace.
The King has been warned that for the fate of these pri-
soners he will be held responsible, and the prisoners
themselves, amongst whom the probability of liberty
has been again and again discussed, are well aware
of the risk they run, and have made up
their minds to it, and they implore us to ignore this dif-
ficulty, and urge us to go forward. Well, air, there is
another criticism which I may mention by anticipation
because it has found favour in many places, and that is
that the expedition is too large, and that one upon •
smaller scale would cost lees and would have • better
chance of success. On those points my answer is that we
have consulted the beet military authorities, and Sir
Robert Napier, dealing with these points, says that lea
than 10,000 or 12,000 men would not be safe to make an
attempt with. No doubt • smaller force might succeed,
but we wish to make sure, as far as we can, of the success
of the expedition, and nothing would be more damaging
to our reputation, or more oostly, if, through •• smaller force
being sent, nothing should be done this season. (Hear,
hear.) I said before, and I repeat it now, that the amount
of military resistance to be expected is not g t, but
there are no doubt natural forts to be engaged along the
line of march, and difficult to be traversed, and
even after we reach Magdala there will be • long
line of communication to keep up ; but after all
these are professional questions, and I must say
I should have shrunk from the respocsibility
of Pending out • less fixes than those who have to under-
take the command of the expedition tell me will in their
tidgment be sufficient. (Hear, hear.) Another difficulty
been raised, and great importance has been attached
to it. It is said you may easily get into Abyssinia, but
how will you get out! That you may destroy the govern-
ment, but that you cannot make another, and that anarchy
will result. Well, sir, anarchy is • bad thing, but if all
be true that we have heard, anarchy will be better than
the government of King Theodore has been of late years.
(Hear, hear.) But I deny that England must be held
responsible for any results after the withdrawal of the
expedition. No doubt the population of Abyssinia will
'infer. In all such cases it has been so ; but our duty
will be to take care not to hold out false hopes, or en-
courage anyone to believe that our occupation will continue.
One thing is very clear, that the sooner we can leave the
country the better. We can do very well without Abys-
sinia, and Abyssinia must learn to do without us.
(Hear, hear.) The right honourable gentleman the mem-
ber for Caine has laid great stress upon one
point, and as it is personal to myself. I can-
not omit noticing it. He complains that the
expedition was determined upon without parliament
having an opportunity of considering it. Ido not hesitate
to say that all unnecessary reticence on the part of a
minister would be folly, and I deny that that was the can.
(Hear, hear.) The debate on this subject took place on
the 20th July, and we were pressed to send out an expedi-
tion, but we said we would not commit ourselves to that
course of action. Between that time and the end of the
session there were nearly four weeks, and the final deci-
sion of the cabinet was taken within • week of the close
of the session, but many inquiries had to be made before we
could make preparations for the expedition. (Hear, hear.)
I may be asked why that decision was not taken earlier.
My answer is, we bad acquired then, and only than, the
knowledge that King Theodore rejected our overtures ;
also knowledge of other things of which we had been in
doubt, vie., the possibility of sending out an expedition
this year. On my own part, I thought in July it would
be impossible to send • force out this year, and I may ob-
serve that it was only in the interval that we obtained
from the war department the information which showed
how much we know of the interior of Abyssinia. Since
the scows the questions have been discussed in the
public papers and in private conversations, and we
feel convinced that public opinion is in favour of the ex-
pedition, and of which until uow we could not satisfy our-
selves. It should be remembered that operations upon
the coast of Abyssinia are only practicable at certain sea-
sons of the year, and if we had incurred any delay this
house and the public out of doors would not have relieved
us of our responsibility. It might have been possible to
announce the policy of the government to parliament in
August, but what was the state of this house! Why,
seven-eighths of those who occupy these benches had de-
parted from England, and were probably travelling
all over Europe between Norway and the Mediterranean,
and they bad gone upon the distinct understanding that
nothing remained to be done but to wind up the formal
business of the s<ssion, and to have proceeded in taking
• hasty vote when the supporters of the government only
were present would have been something like a fraud upon
the house, particularly if the discussion upon the subject
had been postponed till February next of the three alter-
natives open to us : taking • vote in August last all
parliament together now and postponing the discussion till
February, we believe we have adopted the best ; for we
bare called parliament together at the earliest moment
to ratify our proceedings. We can show that we have not
incurred any expense more than was necessary. If we had
postponed this expenditure, the expedition must have
been put off for another year, and that would not have
satisfied the country. I repeat that we have called par-
liament together at the earliest possible moment to give
them all the information we can of what we have done,
and I believe parliament will say that we have done our
duty, and nothing less than our duty, in the course which
we have pursued. The noble lord sat down amidst loud
cheers.

Mr. HORSMAN did not wish to take issue with
the government as to the expedition itself, but no
one could read the Blue-book without coining to
the conclusion that the expedition had been vir-
tually decided upon, and that the preparations
were in a forward state, and when Lord Stanley
said he was waiting fur further replies from Bom-
bay he was waiting for a reply to his ultimatum.
This was another instance of the neglect of the
House of Commons by the government, and of the
neglect of its duty by the house.
Mr. Arrous blamed the government for not
announcing their determination within the last few
days of the session, and not then taking a vote on
account.

Captain VIvIAN criticised the preparations for
the expedition, and gave notice that he should
move for the production of certain contracts for the
purchase of mules.

Sir H. Vi RNEY impressed on the government the

advisability of taking advantage of the opportunity
to obtain historical, geographical, and other
scientific information respecting that country.
Mr. L►BOU&HEKE was under the impression
before he read the Blue-book that we were goin to
war for a definite purpose —the release of the Eng-
lish captives—but ho found from the ultimatum
that it was for the release of all the European
captives; and the Foreign Secretary said to-night
that we were going to war to maintain our prestige
with India.

Mr. OSBORNE thought Mr. Lowe was not justi-
fied in making the speech he had without testing
the opinion of the house by a vote. This war
arose from sending out Mr. Plowden as consul in
1848, and in the next place)by the sending out of
Consul Cameron. It would be unjust to place the
charge of the war on India, but the people of this
country ought to pay for it as a punishment to
them for not insisting on their representatives
watching these matters more closely.
Mr. LAYARD entered into a vindication of the
proceedings of the Foreign-office under the late
government with regard to the sending out of
consuls to Abyssinia. He approved of the war,
because it was absolutely necessary for our safety
to maintain our prestige in the East ; but he re-
served to himself the right of criticising the pro-
ceedings of the government if the expedition
should fail.

Sir S. Nogrucovs denied that Lord Stanley had
deceived the house, and vindicated his conduct.
Besides, war had not been declared, and the expe-
dition would not commence till December, that
which had gone now being merely the vanguard.
Colonel SYKES denied that there was any
force in the prestige argument, seeing that there
was not one person out of 100 in India who had
ever heard of Abyssinia.
Mr. GLADeTONE was unable to censure the go-
vernment for the policy they had pursued, and he
did not think any advantage could arise from dis-
cussing the details of the expedition. But he
thought that when they had determined on sending
the expedition, it was their duty to have an-
nounced that to parliament, and to have asked for
a vote. He considered also that they had violated
the act of 1858, in applying the revenues of India
in advance of the expense of the expedition.

The CHANCELLO.II of the EXCH4U/Ut briefly re-
plied. He contended that the course they took
was a constitutional one.
Mr. WYLD vindicated the character of Dr. Beke.
The vote was then agreed to.
The house adjourned at ten minutes to one
o'clock.

/spurting irctsiltgents.
CROYDON AUTUMN STREPLECHABRI3.—TuEstut
The business of the legitimate steeplechase season
yesterday et the Croydon Autumn Meeting under the directions
of Ur. J. F. Venal. Although the morning broke with raw,
cold, and cheesier weather, still, as the day wore on, more
cheering prospect. presented themselves, and an enjoyable day's
sport was the result, there berg little or no delay in-the weigh-
ing-room an entire absence of objections, and no running in
the dark, as is only too often the came when the eventa are so
numerous on the card. There was only one drawback to can-
plate success. We refer to the accident which betel Mr. Ed-
wards, the rider of kndsleigb In the Grand National Hurdle
Race. Mr. Edwards sustained severe cute about the face, and
was otherwise bruised and rasa. It will, however,
be consoling to Mr. Edwards'. friends to learn that
be is recovering as favourably as can be expected, and that he is
carefully attended by Mr. Lanchester, in Croydon. Potter also
got an ugly spill, but altar a brief rest be seemed not very much
the worse. There was a good attendance, seine thousands of
people paying for admission into the greunili. The leading
patrons of the so-called " illegitimate " spurt were prceaet
within the enclosure, which wee numerously patnnlsed. The
line of country run over was the same u last year, namely, at
Stroud Green, about two miles east of Croydon and one from
Norwood Junction. The land has since last year been tho-
roughly drained, and the committee have profited by expert.
enco, and considerably altered the takings or and bindings at
the fences. The water jump had nut been diminished at all,
bet the gorse has been sloped so that the hones can see
where they are going to land. The Grand National
Hurdle Race was the event of yesterday, and It pro-
duced a numerous field, amongst them being some se
consplished "timber topper." Endsleigh, the winner of the Sen-
sational Metropolitan, sustained an injury which is more than
likely to put an end to her racing career. The mare, not per-
ceiving one of the obstacles, did not rise to it but bungling over
It came down on her head, and made a cavity capable of ad-
mitting a seven-pound weight. The race was won easily by
Steamboat, Moose, whose tint appearance it was In the character
of a hurdle-jumper, being second. Marie Louise, the Liverpool
and Shrewsbury winner, broke down In her off bind pastern,
and limped In fourth. She was made the favourite with her
stable companion, being backed at 2 to I, while ft to 1 was laid
against the winner. The Stewards' Plate was won by the useful
Comberton, and he did the backers a good turn, bringing them
back their lore. on the Hurdle Race- _ _
_ .

BILLING HURDLE Barn of 3 son. each, for 37r-old,, bet ;
four, 1 Ist alb; Ere and upwards, list 7lb winnen extra; the
winner to be sold for bU eon about a mile and a half, over
6 flights of hardier).
Mr Pawleys Roving Maid (Potter) 1
Mr. W. 8. stonobewer's ljtham (itlekett) 2
Mr. W. O. Jarvigs Order . (W. Jarvis) 3

Air.ollt!)..als9 ran.

1 out Order Batting sto 4 apt Raving Maid, sto 2 apt Lytham, and 3to
OItAJID NATIONAL HANDICAP Hyalite RACE of le sOva each,
10 forfeit, 5 only if declared, with 100 *ova added; winners
extra ; second horse to receive 1 son. out of the stakes. About
two nalksand a quarter. (33 subs, 15 of whom pay 5 son. each.)
Lord Coventry's Steamboat (J. Adams) 1
Mr. L Brayley's Moose ,J Page,
Mr. E. litudd's Owen Roe Elphick; 3
The following also ran : Marie Louise, Kean of Trumps, Ends-
tele, Liston, Foxholes, Chanticleer gelding, Lord Raglan, Em-
press, and Tom Coke.
Betting 2to 1 apt Marie Louise and Knave of Trumps
coupled, 5 toe apt Owen Roe, 4 to 1 agst endaleigh, Is to 1 each
eget Lord Raglan and Steamboat, 10 to 1 agst Moose. After
three breaks away a good start was effected, Owen Roe end Lin-
ton cutting out the work, followed by Moose and Steamboat,
Foxholes, Paddeigh, Marie Louise, Lord Raglan, the Chanticleer
gelding, and Empress, Knave of Trumps bringing up the rear.
After going about three furlongs Foxholes ran up to the quer.
ten of Moose, Steamboat following the pair, attended by hada-
Web, heading the tuck, Knave of Trumps still bringing rap
the rear, Alter clearing the hurdles Lord Raglan was in-
dulged with the lead, Foxholes, Owen Roe, and Winn
following clear of the others. Rising the ascent fur the turn
preceding the stand, Owen Roe took up the running, improving
the pace Lord Raglan going on second In advance of Steamboat
and Marts Louise, Foxholes, Moose, and Lmpress being next,
having hndaleigh tu close attendance Knave of Trumps still
acting as whipper-In. Before reaching the next Sight of hurdler
Radii/Ash improved her position, following in the track of the
leaders, so that, on reaching the obstacle, the mare hardly being
able to perceive it, did not rise, and before 11r. Edward,. could
call on her for an effort she breasted the hurdle and came down
heavily on her head, causing ea Indentation almost large enough
Wedeln of • SA. Mr. Edwards had no opportunity tosere himxelf,
and part of the saddle coining in contact with hla forehead,
le warn severely Injured. Approaching the five furlongs
post, Lord Raglan held • momentary lead, but at
the hurdles he was beaten. relinquishing the command to
Owen Roe, who was Joined by Steamboat, Lord Raglan drop
Into the rear of Marie Louise, end being Just clear of Foxhpiolesng
and Liston, the Chanticleer gelding linden the ruck, which wan
somewhat widely scattered, the last two now being Empran and
Knave of Trumps, the latter having been outpaced all the way.
Making the bend for the straight, Muse ran through his hones,
taking his place by the side of Owen Roe, and Mr. finders re-
presentative being beaten on the ascent. 11004 t on the Stand
side, and 84/111011.1011L on the right, were the only hopes left In
the race. fit :ausboat answering gamely to Adams's cell at the
commonest :nt of the Stand enclosure, took up the running,
and won very easily bye length. Owen Roe coming again at the
Stand, was only defeated by a neck for second place ; Marie
Louise, who In consequence of spraining her off hind pastern at
the turn, retired from the front, and limped Ina bed fourth ;
Foxholes was fifth, Toni Coke was sixth, Lord Raglan seventh,
Liston eleth, Chanticleer gelding and Knave of Trumps next,
Kmpresslelog Wt of all.

iiillsilWll74 HANI.ICLP of 106 son. winners
extra. Any number of horses, the property of UN same owner.
may run. About two miles and a half.
Mr. R. Herbert's Comberton
Mr. G. Walker's Whips of the Wind (Owner) S
Mr. Jacques's Nabocklish
The folio. lug also ran:—Pe etire. Black Rock. Huntsman's
Daughter, Laura, Smite, Jassy, HeUce, Standard Bearer, Clam-
ber Mustang). Faint Heart, and Vindicator.
Betting : 6 to S apt Comberton, 4 to 1 seat Vindicator, 100 to
16 seat Standard Bearer, and 8 to 1 smd Wings oi the Wind.
A Aricepucciuse 51flirrSTAKIS of it soot each, 0 ft, with 10
nova added for 4-yr-olds, 1180: 5, list 101 b; 0 and aged, 12et.
The winner to be sold for SW son. belling allowances About
two miles and a-half. (13 sobs)
Mr. T. Golby's Ace of Trumps (Wheeler) 1
Sir. J. Turner's Red Roes
Colonel keox's Stiff 'W. Reeves) S
Horace Walpole and °Molester also ran.
so d Mad Raw
Biala.: Ito 6 NW SUB, 100 to 30 each seat Ace of‘Trumps

A 4117111.111e6 FirAEI of 5 slow each, 2 ft. with 30 added, for
hunters of syn old and upwards; weight forage, with winning
penalties; gentlemen riders. (11 suits
Mr. Robinson's Flare-up
Mr. London's Maid of the Mlll (Peareorn 2
Mr. IL Brayton's Jove 'Mr. Waishburm 3
The following also ran :—V ittoria, Statesman, Advertisement,
Elsie Vernier, nomeried, and Bright Flash.
Betting : 6to 4 on Maid of the Mill, 6 to 1 ant Advertise-
ment, and 10 to 1 each apt Flare-up and Sosneried.

LATEST BETTING ON THE COURSE.
CROYDON GRAND METROPOLITAN STEEPLECHASL
4 to 1 agat Chimney Sweep I 10 to 1 bar one (off,
(t and off) I
CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE THAMES.
CO to 40 on KeUy (I)

BETTING IN ILANCHMTER.—Tcespee.
CROYDON GRAND METROPOLITAN STEEPLECHASE.
4 to I UM Chimney Sweep 1,1
WATERLOO COURSING CUP.
25 to I apt Mr. Brocklebanka nomination (t;
600 to 16 Mr. Inigh's nomination (t
6.0 to 15 Mr. Blansharda nomination 't
600 to 16 Mr. Jardine. nomination it
600 to 16 ISr. R. Jardine. uomilmtion

The most wholesome breakfast is made of Dr
Emirs Baru -arra CIOCOLATI PORDIUL, In tins of 12 cups,
2a ,24 cap, la. ;48 rem , 268 cap.3os. , 676 cups, 6544
It la more *tendons, dlgeWble, and nourishing than the bes.
bed. Alm adapte to rear Infanta with.—Da Barry
W., London.—LAdrarthemeatj

soa Co:: 77,

tab) Intelligente.
COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.—Nov. 26.

After Term Nisi Priam Sittings at Wertminster.—(Before
the Lord Chief Justice mid Special Juries.)
/MOWN V. !TATHAM.

This was an action for an assault scaind a surgeon-
dentist for using chloroform and extracting teeth against
the plaintiff's consent. The PIN was tried about twelve
months since in the Bail Court before a common jury, and
after a three days' inquiry they were discharged, not being
able to agree to a verdict. The defendant pleaded—Best,
not guilty ; secondly, that the plaintiff permitted the sets
complained of by the defendant ; and thirdly, that the
plaintiff did not employ the defendant for hire and
reward.

--Mi.Montagu Chambers, Q.C., and Mr. Telford Salter
were counsel for the plaintiff ; Mr. Gifford, Q.C., andltr.
Murphy were counsel for the defendant.
The plaintiff was examined at great length, and after
some other evidence had been given in support of her case,
the further hearing was adjourned. The case is likely to
occupy several days, and it 1/1 rumoured that Mr. Statham
is so dangerously ill from anxiety in reference to the case.
that he is not able to attend, and the short-band writer's
notes of his evidence on the first trial pill have to be
read and given in evidence on the present occasion.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.—Nov. 26.

Sittings at Nisi Prins in Middlesex.—(Before Mr. Baron
Pigott and a Spacial Jury.)
HAMM V. 110DIZT8.

This was an action for assault. The defendant pleaded
rot guilty ; and secondly, that the plaintiff first assaulted
him, and that he (the defendant) thereupon necessarily
committed the seta complained of in his own defence.
There was a replication to the effect that the defendant
used more violence than was necessary for the purpose
mentioned in the second plea. The damages were laid at
7,000/.
Mr. Serjeant Ballantine and Mr. Joyce were counsel for
the plaintiff ; Mr. Dishy Seymour, Q.C., Mr. Talfourd
Salter, and Mr. B. I'. Williams counsel for the defendant.
The plaintiff was Mr. Henry Calvert Barnett, a medical
man, formerly in practice at Milford, Pembrokeshire, sad
the defendant was Mr. John Davies Itoberts,who was for-
merly a shipbuilder
i and owner in the Name town, but now
resided in al-cresoent, Notting-hill. It appeared that
in 181% the p n ••tiff went to Milford to pursue his pro-
fession there, and for that purpose he became the
tenant of a house belonging to the defendant, and the
purchaser of a portion of the furniture it contained. After-
wards some dispute arose between them with regard to •
list of some of the articles bought, and it resulted in the
assault in question, which it was alleged had so affected
the health of the plaintiff as to render him wholly inca-
pacitated for following his profession.
Mr. Barnett, the plaintiff, was the first witness called.
He was shout 36 years of age, sad appeared to be suffering
from almost complete prostration of body. He was 'teem-
modated with a seat in the box, and gave his evidence
with great difficulty. The assault took place at the
plaintiff's house in Milford on the evening of the 10th
January last, and the plaintiff's account of it was as
follows :—The defendant called between eight and nine
in the evening, and I came down stairs and saw him in
the surgery. In the course of our conversation he said a
list of certain small articles had been shown to me. I
said it had not. He replied in • very loud and passionate
way, " It's • lie, it's • lie." I said I could not allow any
man to speak to me in that way in my own house. I rang
the bell for my man servant, and on his coming I said,
" Show this man to the door." The defendant said he
would not leave. I said, "You must." He went out
slowly flourishing his umbrella in • threatening way.
I had;however, no idea that be would strike me. I was ,
then strong and hearty, and I had no notion that
he would dare to do so. I laughed at him.!
He said I was a scoundrel and deserved to be hinged. I
repeated that he must leave the house. He said he would
go when be pleased. I was quite in • good temper, and
looked on the matter in a jocose light, thinking he was
melting himself very foolish. I would oertainlybaveput him
out if he had not gone. lam sure I had strength then to I
have done so. When at the door, without any warn- I
ing, be struck me with the handle of his umbrella upon the
centre of my forehead with all his force. My skull was
bared, and my face covered with blood. I staggered back,
and on recovering myself he struck another blow. I put
up my arm to ward it off, but the umbrella beat down my
guard sod struck my forehead, breaking the skull. There
was • wound on the arm and • swelling. At the first blow
I had my hands in my pockets. I became dizzy, but at-
tempted to strike him; whetberl did so or not 'cannot say.
I recollect trying toget the umbrella from him. I followed
him out into the street, and I received blow after blow. I
cannot say how manyin aIL My recollection is very vague. I
rem mu ber • heavy blow on my skull as if it was broker open. I
felt the crash. I was then quite helpless to defend myself.
Some one came between use. I think it was Mr. Ware.
I returned into the house, and my wife insisted upon
seeing me. I begged Mr. Ware to take her upstairs. In
her condition at the time I was very anxious about her.
I don't know how I got into my chair in the surgery. I
was very dizzy. They put cold water over my head, and
that brought me to my senses. I got a hand mirror, and
saw the cuts on my head. I thought they were very dan-
gerous, and I knew I might get into a comatose state at
any time. I thought it would be necessary to give evi-
dence of the person by whom the blows were inflicted. I
nerved myself to write a short note to two magistrates to
come to me. I gave directions what was to be done if I
became insensible. My wounds were dressed by Mr.
Hare, • surgeon. I suffered greatly. I was not able to
leave my bed for seven or eight days. I had ice and mow
constant'. put on my head, and my bead was frequently
leeched. 'The first day I left the house after the assault was
Sunday, the 27th Jan. I went with my wife to church
on that day. I was very sick and faint in the middle of
the service. When I returned home I had shivering tits.
My illness and weakness of memory increased so much
that I determined to have the best medical advice. I had
• fit at Milford. I came up to London, and was so ill
that I thought I should die in the train. In the street I
felt very faint, and went into a shop and laid down on •
bench. They threw water over me. I believe I was in-
, sensible. They sent for • cab to take me home. By the
advice of Dr. Forbes Winslow I went in July to Devon-
, shire for the benefit of my health. lam now very weak
both in mind and body. I have had several Eta. lam
thoroughly unable to practise my profession. I rarely
, sleep till daylight, and have continual intense headaches
almost always commencing where the skull was fractured.
! In the daytime I cannot apply my mind to business nor
reed. I was never nervous and never had beadaihes before.
I agreed to pay the defendant 40/. a year for his house.
I took it for 12 mouths. I began practising at Milford
in September, 1866, and in October my receipts were
about 9/. ; in November over 9/. ; and in Deoember, 20/. ;
and my receipts were increasing every week. I was in
Devonshire for three months, and stayed at an hotel.
Other evidence having been given with regard to the
assault, several medical men were called to speak as to 1
the injuries sustained.
Mr. Seymour addressed the jury for the defence. He
said his client was • mnistrate for Pembroke.
shire, a member of the load Trinity Board, and
held several public offices in his native town, and ob-
served that it was not likely he would have been chosen
for such positions if he had not commended himself for
propriety of conduct and the quality of self control. He
should show by the witnesses who would be called that
the defendant did all he could to avoid a quarrel with the
plaintiff, by leaving the house, but that the defendant
followed him, and culling out that be was a villain and a
, scoundrel, struck him in the eye and cheek with his fists ;
that the plaintiff was really the aggressor, and that the
defendant only used his umbrella to parry his blows ; and
that if he bad sustained any injury, it was entirely caused
by the defendant defending himself against his violence.
I He should also prove by medical testimony that the de-
pressiou of the bone, to which his injuries were traced,
was congenital, and not caused by auy act of violence.
At the conclusion of the learned counsel's address the
! trial was adjourned.