The Express.
London, England, 1867-01-28 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 28, 1867.

tendency of the money market can be only tem-
porary. Bullion is arriving from Australia and
the United States—in the latter case in flagrant
violation of the laws of trade, since we are
told its importation here leaves no profit.
These foreign supplies are likely in a great
degree to be taken to the Bank, which is
also receiving considerable amounts of sovereigns
withdrawn from internal circulation. The slack-
ness of trade is unfortunately too calculated to
promote this movement. Commercial and finan-
cial enterprise shows as little sign of revival as
ever, and even the railway companies, usually so
prodigal of expenditure, will this year call upon
the British public for a mere modicum of the
capital they have been accustomed to raise
annually. The experience of each week only con-
firms the belief that the crisis of 1866 will
be followed by the consequences that have
invariably occurred after modern commercial
panics. Contraction of trade, and, therefore,
cheap money, are the characteristics. Certainly
the latent distruat, the legacy of the events of
last May, shows no material symptom of being
mitigated. Almost every new channel for the
employment of money and many of the old are
shunned ; but, on the other hand, it is satisfactory
Ito find that well-established investments are gra-
dually rising in public favour.
As regards the former, however, it is necessary
to make some exception. The success of the
new Russian Loan has been exceeded by that of
the Chilian operation, but it is not certain that
the example will be very extensively followed.
No doubt there are many governments who would
be only too glad to borrow from us on our own
terms, but English capitalists have from long ex-
perience learnt the necessity of using caution.
Russia and Chili enjoy a deservedly high reputa-
tion for strict faith to the foreign bondholder.
How many other countries can may the same I As
a rule we are disposed to condemn the system of
foreign loans. Nine times out of ten the proceeds
are wasted in unproductive warlike expenditure,
!entailing a continued burden upon the nation for
which it has received no benefit whatever. Still,
while disapproving of the practice, it is only fair
to concede that as regards Chili and Russia at
least the national obligations have been punctually
fulfilled, whether the money raised has been
squandered uselessly or not.
The principal demand, however, of late has
been for the best English railway securities. The
unfortunate revelations respecting the Great
Eastern, the London, Chatham, and Dover, and
the North British produced, not unreasonably, a
kind of panic in the public mind, and the result
was a general depreciation in all descriptions of
stocks, including those which were absolutely
above suspicion. More than once attention has
been drawn to the necessity of exercising a fair
discrimination, and of avoiding the unjust course
of condemning all railway investments because
one or two had gone wrong. The reaction has
now come. The desire to purchase railway
stocks is as strong as was some time ago the in-
clination to sell. The result is a rapid recovery in
prices, and at each succeeding settlement the dealers
on the Stock Exchange find a scarcity of stock for
delivery. In a similar manner Consols have im-
proved, and hence a growing disposition is shown
to invest in our best home securities. Still for
every buyer there must be a seller, and the
question equally remains how these funds are
to be employed. The probability is that they will
come into the discount market. Tho balances
with the banks will increase until, after the lapse
of a year or two, they may find a vent in some
fresh shape of speculation. Meanwhile the supply
of money bids fair to be superabundant. How
the national accumulations may he eventually used
is, of course, beyond the reach of conjecture. Ac-
cording to precedent, we have at least one, if not
two, years of stagnation before us. The solution
of the problem cannot therefore be looked for
before 1868, and perhaps 1869. It is, however,
to be hoped that the public will not be tempted
by the same class of specious schemes as the Cali-
fornian mining companies of 1852, or be led to
support indirectly the overtrading that figured in
the early part of 1857.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.
(THIS DAY.)

thnonials, it says, are always unsatisfactory when the
persons who give them " cannot venture to refuse."

)CS TOPICS. ,

In the opinion of the Tima the charge against the Gur-
neys could only be sustainable by such proof as has not yet
been established. Shareholders, however, have reason to
complain, though it does not appear probable that they
can be absolved from the liability which their subscrip-
tions entailed. On this critical point the Vice-Chancellor
has already expressed his opinion without much reserve,
and we must consequently expect to hear that this famous
transaction, whatever may be its complexion in other re-
spects, involved no such acts as would deprive the creditors
of the security on which they relied.
The policy of inaction attributed to the government in
the question of reform shows the blunder, remarks the
Daily Pews, of assuming that a great party—pledged by
the action of last session, even if by nothing before, to
stand or fall by reform—will consent to please the govern-
ment which has taken their places by saying nothing
more on the subject. It assumes that the nation is equally
apathetic and equally acquiescent. But in the last place,
the policy has the damning vice of depending for its
success on the operation of motives which are temporarily
powerful, but are of less force than others which are the
permanent springs of conduct. It assumes that dislike of
a reform bill will lead forty or fifty men belonging to the
liberal party and elected by liberal constituencies to desert
their party to keep a tory government in offioe. Ultimately
the critical vote will be taken on the question not of men
but of measures ; and as Reform has now become the very
shibboleth of the whigs, it is hardly likely that there are
many on the liberal benches who would dare to affirm that
there ought to be no measure. But if they did, and placed
on one side the great houses and the small boroughs, and
on the other the metropolis and the great towns, such a
flagrant demonstration that a radical reform was essential
would not be long endured.
The Times compares the readiness of the public to invest
in foreign loans, as just shown in the case of Chili, with
the languishing state of the domestic investments which
are to be found on the share list. This of course is mainly
due to the deep distrust which the catastrophes and reve-
lations of recent times have created among ordinary in.
vectors. The hankering of the public now is rather for
good security than a high rata of interest. Certainty of
facts, punctuality of payments, and stability of capital—
these are the requisites for repute in the money market.
Foreign loans seem to fulfil them, but foreign loans have
before now had their turn of discredit, and there is ample
room and no bad chance for competition on sound and
rational principles.

the Court.

OSBORNE, JAN. 26.

The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, ac-
companied by Princess Christian and the Duchess
d'Atunale.

Colonel Ponsonby was in attendance upon boneback.
Her Majesty and Princess Beatrice walked and rode on
ponies this morning.
Princess Louise, Prince Leopold, and Prince Henry of
Prussia walked in the grounds.
Prince Arthur drove out, attended by Major Elphin-
stone.

The Duke and Duchess d'Aumale, attended by Mdlle.
Clinchamp, left Osborne to-day for Twickenham.
Their royal highnesses ensiled over to Southampton in
the royal yacht Alberta.
General Peel hadthe honour of dining with the Queen
and royal family yesterday. He left for London this
morning.

JAN. 27.

The Queen, accompanied by Princess Christian, drove
out yesterday afternoon, attended by the Dowager Duchess
of Athol°.

The other members of the Royal Family walked in the
grounds.
Her Majesty, and Pi:nce and Princess Christian,
Princess Louise, Prince Arthur, and Princess Beatrice,
attended Divine service this morning at Whippingham
Church.

The Rev. George Prothero officiated.
Mr. R. B. Morier arrived at Osborne yesterday, sad had
the honour of dining with the Queen and the Royal
Family.

A Committee of the Lords of her Majesty's Most
Honourable Privy Council sat at Whitehall on Saturday on
matters relating to quarantine.
Despatches were received on Saturday at the Colonial-
offiee from the Governor of Canada. Despatches were
sent to the Governors of Gibraltar, Malta, the Mauritius,
Ceylon, Hong Kong, Labuan, the Australian Colonies, the
Cape of Good Hope, Natal, and Canada.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales has
forwarded 25/. towards establishing a central hall in con-
nexion with the Working Men's Club and Institute Union,
in addition to 211. previously for the general find.

A Sunday contemporary states that the Earl of
Derby, who since his return to London has enjoyed ex-
cellent health, was on Friday seized with an attack of
gout.

The Earl of Dudley has loft Hanley Hall, where
the earl and oounteu have been vialting Lady Ward, for
Enville Hall, on a visit to the Earl of Stamford and War-
rington. The countess has gone to Witley Court.

The Earl Cowley has left Hatfield Howe, Herta,
the Marquis of Salisbury's seat, for Dray**, Wilts. The
countess has gone on a visit to Lord and Lady Ebury at
Moore Park, Rickmansworth.

Lord Stanley of Alderley arrived on Saturday at
his residence in Dover-street, from Alderley Park, Cheshire.
Lady Stanley and Hon. Miss Stanley are expected to arrive
in town in a few days.

Mr. Arthur Russell, Lord Enfield, and Mr.
Bouverie are at Paris just now, with other liberal mem-
bers.

Mr. Charles Dickens will shortly commence a
series of readings in the provinces, and in the course of
next month he will vials IrcLuid.

DEATH OF SIR JOHN SHELLEY, BART.—We regret
to have to record the death of Sir John Vilna's' Shelley,
Bart, late M.P. for Westminster, which took place on
Saturday, at Mareefield-park, Sussex. He was eldest son
of the sixth baronet, whom he succeeded in 1852, and was
born in 1808. He was educated at the Charterhouse. In
1832 he married Miss Knight, only daughter of the Rev.
S. J. Knight, rector of Welwyn, Herta, and vicar of All.
hallows, Barking. He wee M.P. for Westminster from
July, 1852, to 'rely, 1865, and was an unsuccessful candi-
date for Same: in July, 1841. He was appointed lieu-
tenant-colonel of the 40th Middlesex Rifle Volunteers.
He was a claimant to the ancient barony of Soddy (in
abeyance since 1336) as representative of one of the co-
heirs. He is succeeded by his brother, the Rev, Frederick
Shelley, rector of Beer Ferris, Devon.
DEATH Or THE DOWAGER COUNTF.SI9 OF JERSEY.
—We regret to learn that Sarah Sophia Child, Countess
Dowager of Jersey, widow of George Villiers, fifth Earl of
Je-vey, and principal partner in the old banking firm of
Child and Co., Temple-bar, died on Saturday night some-
what suddenly at her town mansion, in Berkeley-square.
She was grand-daughter of the late Mr. Robert Child, of
Osterly-park, Middlesex, who made her his heiress in con-
sequence of her mother's elopement with John, tenth Earl
of Westmorland. Lady Jersey was in her eighty-second
year.
HONOCRS AT CAMBRIDOR.—The number of
wranglers this year at the University of Cambridge is 42,
as compared with 41 in 1866 ; of senior optimes, 37, as
comp—red with 27 in 1866 ; and of junior optimes, 39, as
compared with 23 in 1866. Adding one agrotat, we have
a total of 119 this year, as compared with 93 in 1866. The
42 wranglers of this year were derived as follows from the
various colleges :—Clare, 3; Pembroke, 2; Caine, 3 ;
Corpus Christi, 1 ; King's. 1 ; Queen's. 1 ; St. Cathe-
rine's, 2 ; Christ's, 2 ; St. John's, 12 ; Trinity, 9 ; Em-
manuel, 5; and Sidney Sussex, 1. Including senior op-
tima' and junior optimes, the number of honours carried
off by each college was as annexed :—St. Peter's, 6; Clare,
4 ; Pembroke, 5 ; Cahn, 5 ; Trinity Hall, 4 ; Corpus
Christi. 4 : King's, 1 ; Queen's, 4 ; St. Catherine's, 5 ;
Jesus, 5; Christ's, 10 ; St. John's, 24 ; Magdalene, 3 ;
Trinity, 25 ; Emmanuel, 9 ; Sidney Sussex, 4 ; and
Downing, 1.
THE LONDON, CHATHAM, AND DOVER RAILWAY.
—The following notice was placarded at the Metropolitan
Extension stations and also at Ludgate-hill terminus on
Saturday afternoon :—" Take notice that all the fixtures,
goods, chattels, and effects in, about, and upon these pre-
mises are the property of Major Henry Jelf Sharp, of
Kincarrathie, in the county of Perth, and of Hall Rokeby
Price, of Cowper 's-court, Cornhill, in the city of London,
}:sq., and that the use thereof is rented of them by the
London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company. Any
person or persons intermeddling or interfering with the
same will do so at his or their peril. January, 1807. Few
and Co., 2, Henrietta.street, Covent-garden, solicitors for
the said H. J. Sharp and H. R. Price," This notice is sup-
posed to be specially addressed to sheriffs and their officers
to prevent them seizing property in execution.

LATEt3T INTELLIGENCE.

SPAIN.

It is reported that Narvaez intends to suppress
the present Senate by royal decree, and to replace
it by an hereditary one composed exclusively of
the high aristocracy, with perhaps some additions
from large landholders and great capitalists.

(RZITTICR'IS TELEGRAMS.)
PRUSSIA.
BERLIN, J.or. 28.

General Manteuffel who, on account of weak
health, has repeatedly requested the King
to relieve him of the chief command of
the 9th Army Corps, has obtained his Ma-
jesty's permission to retire from that position.
General Manteuffel will only retain his post
as general aide-de-camp to the King, and in order
to enable him to recruit his health, is relieved from
all other functions for a period of one year.
Lieutenant-General Mannstein is designated as
his sucxesor in command of the 9th Army Corps,
but has not yet been definitively appointed.

ITALY.

FLORENCE, JAN. 27, EVENING.

The bill for the liquidation of the ecclesiastical
property is followed by the convention concluded
between the Italian government and MM. Lan-
grand Dtunonceau. This stipulates that if the
bill be approved by parliament and the majo-
rity of the bishops consent to effect the con-
version of the property, MM. Langrand Dumon-
ceau will undertake on behalf of the government to
collect the 600 million lire, or whatever less sum
may be determined as the quota appertaining to the
state from the proceeds of the liquidation.

BELGIUM.
BRUSSELS, 'AV. 2g.

Royal decrees have been issued prohibiting the
import or export of cattle in the town of Hassell,
and the entry or traruiportation of cattle or hides,
horns, &c., on the widen), Belgian frontier from
Montzeu to Athus.

. I lidnona I '.
a 12. W. iIPi. ,--.......--....1 W. IL. lido
19 .Y. . D. I 1 a
--..- —'— ---.- --
Mane ---an 41 B.W. I &W. ao 0.06 2
Aberdeea ..!3.33'421 B.&W. 1 3 8. Iro 0.361 3
Leith
Ardromeao 36 471 8. / 7 I 8. Iro 0.90 6
Greancsetb 34 46, W.S.W. • 4 W. re 0.84 4
ValenUa ts.ea 47; B.W. 1 8 I B.W. to 0.64 6
Cape Clear 29.67 01 W.S.W. 7 W.N.W. tm 0.116 7
Holyhead W 50.
149 8.14. W. I
6 8.8. W. 0 0.60 5
renzanoe :29.95 62 W. I W.S.W. ro 0.53 3
Brag ....- 60.0 R 60 W. 8.17. . 6 I W. fr 0.28 5
[orient 30.0660 &W. ' 4 &W. tr 0.20 4
Rochefort 30.3462' W. 1 &W. to 0.1! 6
Plymouth _29.97 61 8.8. W. II &W. r 0.35 4
Weymouth 19.97 50 15. W. 4 &W. ort :0.43 3
Portsmouth- 29.96 49 B.S.W. 8 W. r 0.60 7
London 29.93 50 &W. 6 B.W. as 0.64 -
Yarmouth_ 29.88 50 W. 6 N. ro 'O.lB 3
Scarborough. a 6651 B.W. 3 N.W. Ico 0.06 2
Shields - 2
Helder

Barometric pressure this morning Is unsteady, and much
higher In the south of England than In the north of nootland.
Temperatures have risen considerably. The winds are chiefly
southwesterly, very strong on our wodern coasts, and moderato
to fresh on our other coasts. The weather in overcast, with rain
and fog In Name.

THE MEETING OF THE FRENCH CHAMBERS.
—The Mosileur of yesterd►y contains an Imperial decree
convoking the French Senate and Corps Legialatif for the
14th February.

The new French Minister of Marine has given
orders, says the Ind(pendance Beige, for the construction
of 15 armour-plated vessel% . Fire of them are to be ships
of the line on the model of Le Tigre. The remaining 10
will be frigates. Marshal Niel, who has completed his
" Life of Vauban," hu ordered a general inspection of the
fortified places in France, in order that he may be assured
of their strength.
A meeting of the editors of Paris journals is to
be held to-day, at the house of 51. Navin, the editor-in-
chief of the Si.-le, for the purpose of coming to a common
understanding as to the reforms which should be asked
for under the imperial decree of Jan. 19.

Certain hia.;aachusetts journals have nominated
Mr. Charles Sumner for the Presidency.

At New Orleans on the 6th, a dinner was given
to John Francis Maguire, Req., editor of the Cork
Examiner, and M.P. Generals Hood and Buckner were
among the guests. _

- -
Amercan advices state that Ristori has gone
west to fulfil her engagements there. She will not reap-
pear in New York until April. At the conclusion of that
season she will sail for France.
PROTECTION FOR AMERICAN PAINTERS.—ThCre
is a story afloat that some of the artists are agitating for
• tolerably heavy tax on all pictures imported from
Europe, by way of protection to their own works. We
doubt the truth of the story, but we, nevertheless, are cur-
pr.,sed that gentlemen who find their pictures un-
saleable have not hit upon this method of " working
them" off long ago. From the standpoint of •
bad painter, which, without ever having had a brush
in our hands, we conscientiously endeavour to take, our
only objection to this scheme is that it does not go far
enough. The bill ought to contain a provision forcing the
Secretary of the Treasury to purchase all pictures of native
artists that nobody else will purchase, for the formation
of • " grand gallery." Our opinion, still from this
standpoint—has always been that all bad painters and
bad writers ought to be sdpported by the country,
though we have always been willing to leave the paltry
details of the arrangement to congress. If a man writes or
paints as well as he can, and he still cannot get • living, who
is to blame but the rascally public? We need hardly say
we are in favour also, on our own acoount, of the exclu-
sion of all foreign publications. We think, for example,
that the Nation and Nora& Anterioan &view ought to be
protected against the English weeklies and quarterlies, and
also against ErerN Satarday and Littett's Lining Aar.
The Japanese and Chinese are much decried in these days,
but they at least know how to foster native art and litera-
ture.—Nno York Nation.
The Hands Advertiser understands that a govern-
ment investigation will immediately take place into the
causes of the mortality attendant upon the present epi-
demic visitation of yellow fever at St. Thomas, and its ex-
tension to the unfortunate crews of the Royal Mail Steam-
packet Company's steamers.
The Lord Chancellor has, on the recommenda-
tion of the Hertford Town Council, appointed Mr. George
Ludlow, conservative, a justice of the peace for the bo-
rough of Hertford. There are now on the commission
for the borough six liberals and four conservatives.

THE REGENT'S-PARK ACCIDENT.

ADJOURNED INQUEST.-(THIS DAY.)

The inquiry by the coroner's jury into the cause
and circumstances of the recent ice accident, whereby the

lives of forty persons were sacrificed, was resumed at 10
o'clock this morning, at the court-house, iMarylebone.
Dr. Lankester, the coroner for Central Middlesex, who
conducted the investigation, was assisted by his deputy*
Dr. Hardwicke, and there were also present represent►tives
of the Department of Woods and Public Works, the Com-
mission of Police, and the Royal Humane Society.
The Coroner said the case of James Cranley was dif-
ferent to the others, as he was not dead when taken to the
workhouse, and he proposed to take that first.
Mr. James Cranley, the father of the deceased, was re-
called. He said—l heard of the accident about twenty
minutes past 5, and I want to the workhouse, but
got no account of my son. I then went to St.
Mary's Hospital to see if either of the bodies was that
of my son, but here I was again disappointed, and
I returned to the workhouse about 7 o'clock, where I
recognised the body of my son. From the appearance of
his clothes it looked as if he had been jammed by the ice.
I am perfectly satisfied with the treatment he received,
and feel deeply indebted to Mr. Douglas for the kindness
he exhibited. My son was in company with his brother,
who escaped.
Dr. Randell, the medical officer of the workhouse—On
the Tuesday 14 persons were brought in alive, and
one on Wednesday. All recovered with the ex-
ception of Cranley. He came in in a dying
condition. His face was livid, his extremities cold,
and his heart feeble. He did not breathe after the first
few minutes, and he died in about three quarters of an
hour afterwards. We employed four rubbers and two or
three nurses. I think the deceased suffered from asphyxia
and cold. Several others presented the same symptoms,
but not so severe, and in this case there were no evidences
of internal injury. The marks on the body were produced
by the remedies applied. Six or seven of the others were
delirious and two were comatose.

By the jury—The deceased was cut in the wrist by the
ice, but there can be no doubt he died from asphyxia. The
method of recovery resorted to by Dr. Silveater is very
simple, and I have found it in several cases to be highly
st.cceatful. Its the beat plan that can be adopted in such
cases as these. Two of the Royal Humane Society's men,
named Smith and Sheridan, were also brought to the
workhouse in a very exhausted state. They had got im-
mersed in saving and trying to save others, and one of
them was in a comatose state. They, however, ultimately
recovered.

Dr. &duster was then called, and with the aid of •
model human skeleton he explained his mode of
resuscitating half-drowned persons, and illustrated
its effects upon the respiratory organs The The sub-
ject, he said, had puzzled the faculty for the last
200 years, and be had directed many years' study to it.
After the doctor had disposed of the model? a boy almost
in a state of nudity was introduced, and being laid upon
the table, the method was further demonstrated, the ex-
planation partaking rather more of the character of a
medical lecture, than evidence for the jury. There
were cases on record of persons recovering after two
or three hours' application of his process. The Royal Hu-
mane Society had adopted Lis plan, and he believed it was
the best that had yet been discovered. In ordinary health
persons respire 14 to 18 times a minute, and by his method
the arms were moved up and down 15 times a minute. He
had devoted time, health, and money to this discovery ;
but as yet had received no recognition of his services from
the public.
George Fred. Grant, inspector of park constables—l was
present at the accident, but I cannot tell the cause of it.
The force under me consisted of one sergeant and thirteen
constables. The ice was broken around the island, but I
am not aware that the sides were cut away on
the north, or mound side, of the lake. It was
not broken to any extent. There were thousands of spec-
tators present and the orders to the constables are to pre-
vent people from breaking up the ice.
By the jury—l never saw the ice broken on the Sussex.
place or south side. It might have been broken by the
public previous to Tuesday.
William Archer, 19,Henryatreet, Portland-town—l am a
boat-builder in the employ of Mr. Searle. I was
in the park, and saw the whole of the accident. I was
also them on the previous days, and on the Sunday there
appeared to be no ice at all. It has always been the prac-
tice to cut all round the islands, but nowhere else. It
was so cut at the first frost. There was no cutting away
on the north side, but it was very much broken b 7 immer-
sions on the Monday, and I think it weakened the ice. The
constables tried to prevent the bresking as much as pos-
sible. I did not witness the rush of people that has been
spoken to on the north aide. Opposite the boat house
the ice was quite sound, and there were ample means of
escape at that point. I think the depth of water ought to
be reduced. If it had been shallow all would have
been saved. The people I think, went down, and
were covered by the ics. The people I rescued
supported themselves on the broken ice. The gentleman with
the two children I saved ; but had he been shorter in sta.
ture he must have been lost. I saved nine persons. There
were plenty of appliances on the spot, but the accident
was so sudden and extensive that they could not all be
brought into use. As far as I saw, the Royal Humane
Society's men .lid their duty, and Ido not think any other
class of men could have done more.

By the jury—The appliances were insufficient for the
suddenness and extent of the accident. I had no idea
whatever that such an accident was likely to happen, as
the ice appeared to be safe near to our boat-house on the
north side.

Mr. Whiteford, a former witness, was re-called, and
stated that the ice was not broken on the north side.

Mr. Edwards. the park superintendent, gave evidence as
to what had been done to search the lake. He thought the
operations bad been carried on so curefttlly, that bad there
been any other bodies they must have been discovered.
The water had been dragged over and over in all parts, and
nothing could bo found. He did not believe there were
any more, and therefore the drainage work/ were sus-
pended.
Mr. Douglas said the inquiries at the workhouse had
ceased.

Mr. Boyle, the beadle, intimated that the supposed
missing Egertons had been searched for at Haventock-
hill, but no such persons could be found.
John D. William Stewart, gardener to Mr. Burton,
South Villa, Regent's-park—l cut the ice round my
master's lawn to keep the people off it. We generally cut
it as soon as we find it is sufficiently strong for people to
cross from the water on to the land. I have never had to
ask any one's permission to cut it. I have only my master's
authority to do so. I cut it on Monday, but did not observe
that the water had sunk at all or that air had got under
the surface of the ice. I do not think there was any
vacuum between the water and the ice.

Mr. Young confirmed this latter opinion.
Witness continued—l consider the cutting of the ice
had nothing to do with the accident. I attribute it to the
thinness of the ice, as the great width of the water re-
quired more frost to make the ice sufficiently strong to
bear so many people. lam satisfied our cutting did not
prevent the escape of any persons.
Mr. Earnest Bunsen, of Hanover-gate, Regent's-park,
who witnessed the accident, deposed—l went to the ice
about 10 or 20 minutes before the accident, and looked out
for some young friends who bad preceded me. I was told
they had gone just round the island, and at the same
moment I saw three men engaged in cutting away
the edges on the south islands. I gave direc-
tions to get the young gentlemen off directly,
as I thought the water had sunk. I made a remark to my
servant that I did not like their cutting away the edges
of the ice, and he said they were doing so because the
water hail sunk. I saw it would be exteedingly den.
germs for the young gentlemen to come off the south
island in the direction of Clarence-g►te, and I ran round
by the suspension bridge to the north aide. When
I got there I saw several people fall in near
the broad water. The same instant, as near as possible,
the whole body of ice broke in. I afterwards succeeded in
finding that my young friends were quite safe. I saw the
ice on the Sunday previous to the accident, and the ice
appeared to have been broken on the north side,
the pieces being thrown into the centre. In the
Bois de Boulogne when the water is frozen over,
the ice is always cut round the edges before
skating is allowed. The reason for that is the irre-
gular supply of water, and to let the ice sink with the
water in case it should sink. I observed that the ice in
the Regent's-park was broken on one side, but nut on the
other, and from that circumstance I anticipated danger.
because the effect of the cutting was to make the ice sink
on one side only. I assume that to have been the cause
of the accident.

By the jury—l am of opinion that the continental
plan of reducing the depth of the water and having the
roe to the level of the water is the best preventive of such
accidents. In Berlin there are ornamental waters, and
the water is let out to a shallow before the winter seta
in. It is a trespass to go on the water in Berlin except
under permission.
Mr. A. Smith, 8, Burton.crescent—l was on the ice at
the time of the accident, and got immersed. I went on
near the mound, and commenced skating about the broad
water. I thought it looked dangerous, and yet I went
on. The ice was very much cracked. About a quarter to
4 o'clock I was between the two islands on the north
side, when I observed the ice breaking up in all
directions. Before the breakages reached me I felt
a kind of swell—a kind of wave, and then the ice broke
into pieces. I went on my knees, but not to say my
prayers, and then I slipped into the water. I then struck
out to swim, and when I got into open space I saw a boat
within about 50 yards of me. I called out and the boat
came to me, but I was so intensely cold that my right arm
became stiffened, and I called to the man to strike it. I
was in the water about 2 minutes. When I got into the
boat I found it so full that I made my mind up
that I should have to go into the water again, and I took
off my skates and coat to prepare to swim spun. A poor

fellow clung to the boat, crying " Save my body, oh
save my body," and a man replied "Never mind your bed,
if your soul is saved." I believe he was saved. When eTe
got near the island another boat came out to as, and then
I had an opportunity of looking around me. It was fright-
ful to see the uplifted arms above water and I scarwly
know how I escaped their grasp. I got on to the isLud
and then creased the ice to the shore.
By the jury—l should not have got off with life had the
ice been broken between the island and land. I dont
think the ice should have been broken at the side., brat
that was not the cause of the accident. In my opinion It
was occasioned by the wear and tear of the ice, which ea,
completely worn out. Everything was done that 1.4
possible under the circumstances, and I must admit that
I was warned not to go on the ice ; bat I elected to take
my chance 'with other people. I met with every kind.
new on getting ashore, and I shall ever feel indebted to
the Humane Society.
Mr. Bunsen said from what he saw the men did all
they could ; but he did not think the appliances were mt.
dent, or the beat adapted to meet the accident. The ropes
were too large.
Mr. Young contended, on the part of the Humane
Sociy, that the ropes were the beet and lightest that
could be used. Experience had proved this to be so.
Mr. Charlick exhibited an apparatus of his own levee.
tion for extending ropes across the ice in cases of accideit,
Mr. Young said it was an ingenious invention, sod he
should be glad to see it practically tried.
Mr. 011ey, the father of one of the deceased person,
stated that he was afraid his son, who was a good swimmer,
lest his life through attempting to save others. lie most
have died from eihaustion and want of strength, as when
his body was brought up it was found clasped is
another. His own opinion was that the accident irm
caused by the air or the gas from the mud getting between
the water and the ice.

The Coroner did not think there would be any gis
given off under the circumstance:, but the idea ear
another evidence of the necessity of draining and clanging
the lake.

Oiley read a statement to confirm hie theory tbAt
the action of the decomposing matter was the cause of
the accident. He h►d only to thank the officers of tilt
workhouse for their kindness through this painful affair.
The court then adjourned for 20 minutes.

ENGLISH, SCOTTISH, AND AUSTEALIAB
BANK ( LIMITED).-f THIS DAY.)

The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders vu
held this afternoon at the offioes, 73, Cornhill ; Mr. A. L
ELDIR in the chair.

The report and amounts, issued several days before,
having been taken as read,
The CHAIRMAN moved their adoption. Twelve months
ago, he observed, be held oat hopes which had not II yet
been realised. The year 1866 had crushed many hopes, and
taught them all very important lessons ; but that bank
had weathered the storm, and was now in comparatively
smooth water. The accounts presented included all the
losses incurred up to the settlement, but he regretted
to say that since the accounts were made up advices bad
been received of other losses at Sydney, which, however,
he was happy to say were not likely to affect the divi-
dend. In tact the bank was never in a sounder poetics
than it is now. They had every reason to be satisW with
their representatives in the colonies, and he hoped soon to
see the bank taking that position which it had not yet
attained, but well deserved. The price of the shares
depended on public opinion, the directors hid no control
over it, and all they could do was to take care that they
merited the conff deuce of the shareholders.

Mr. THOMPSON, • director, seconded the motion.
Mr. Kt/ mu regretted to hear the announcement
that there had been fresh lames, but was consoled
by learning from the chairman that the dividend would
probably not be affected.
The CHAIRMLN—The future dividend.

Mr. K Her REA would be glad to know what wu the amount
of loosen just reported.
Mr. WILKINSON shared in the disappointment jut
expressed at the statement of new losses. Notwithatand.
ing the large business done, they were only getting a late
of interest which might be obtained from a colonid bank
without any risk. It would be better to amalgamate with
some other bank than to go on making simply colonial
interest.

iiii;atznoLoga who said he had spent • large portion
of his life in Australia denied that 7 per cent, could be
safely obtained by ordinary investments. He had
himself lost half his capital invested on mortgage there,
and was glad to invest the remainder in that bank.
He did not at all concur in the feelings of dissatisfaction
expressed by the previous speakers. He believe," tlut
with decently-prosperous times the bank had • fair pros.
pest of success.
The CHAIRMAN, in reply, said it was impossible to gin
the amount of the loss. The gre..ter part of the debt vu
covered, but a portion of it would go into the past-0m
list

Mr. KiNTREA inquired whether the loss would amosct
to 50,000/.
The CHAIRMAN believed the portion which wool,' :o
into the put-due list was under 17,0001., adding mat
there were several estates to be claimed upon in respect to
that amount. . .

Mr. W. 17 140 N, a director, observed that it was possible
that a large portion of the loss might be recovered, shoe
being many names on the bills.
In reply to a question,
The CAW MAN observed that the reserve fund was not
vested but employed in the busincis of the bank, where 3
was more profitable than it would bo in securities.
A discussion ensued on the question whether the reserve
fund ought not to be actually invested, the result bent/
that the chairman pledged the board to take the mane
into consideration.

WT
The report was adopted, and a dividend at the rate of
7 per cent. per annum declared payable on the ith of Feb-
ruTha.
rye
retiring directors were then re-elected, and the meet-
ing terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman and
the other directors.

The Post says of the death of the Countess
Dowager of Jersey :—" We are informed that after a
cheerful dinner, and to every appearance in excelkat
health, the countess, shortly after 10 o'clock, vat
to her dressing-room. In • few minutes the house-
bold were alarmed by a violent ringing of her bell, and on
an attendant going into the apartment, the come
tess said she feared she bad broken a blood vessel. Medical
aid was immed ia tely obtained, but to no purpose, for lierlsdp
ship expired shortly before 11 o'clock." The Post also says:
" The Dowager Countess of Jersey had for more than half
century occupied the highest position in society. She Cu
a woman of extraordinary abilities, and no female member
of the aristocracy could pretend to a tithe of her hoe.
ledge of European politics. For nearly 50 years her saloons
were nightly open to receive the distinguished foreign
diplomatists of the day and the prominent political the
ranters of the tory and conservative party."
On Saturday evening Professor Goldwin Smith
delivered his lecture on " Pyre," in the small
Concert-room, St. [George's-hall, Liverpool. Mr.
Yates Thompson occupied the chair, and there
was a large audience. Amongst those present vat
Messrs. W. Rathbone, jun., J. R. Jeffery, I a
Macrae, R. G. Rathdone, D. Kerr, R. Trimble. G. Ma
John Campbell, C. Johnstone, C. Melly, G. H. }lowlier,
R. H. Hamilton, T. H. Dudley (Fnitedi States eAlsii%
J. Patterson, H. A. Bright, George Holt, J. Hubbset,L
Baily, Henry Duckworth, Thomas Gair, A. Holt. 11-
Hyslop, R. Gaskell, H. Eccles, M. Williams, the Boa
Henry Romilly, &et.
At the Rochfort petty sessions, on WednesdaY,
the Rev. Mr. Warner, incumbent of the parish of Ca.*
east, county Westmeath, was summoned by Lord Kd-
mains, a resident of the same parish, for has nig, es the
night of the 2nd of December, been detected in the act of
wantonly levelling a portion of a wall adjoining the pub•
lie road, the wall being a part of that enclosing his
ship's demesne. The only witness who gave evidence for
the prosecution was a constable of police named Mitchell,
who was, it appeared, watching this portion of the wall.
which bad on former occasions been levelled. A lie"'
of W. and meta was indicted on the rev. gentleman. The
excitement throughout the neighbourhood was Audi as had
never, perhaps, been witnessed on any former occadon
There were eight magistrates on the bench. Mr. t;• (;"2*
ning appeared for the plaintiff, and Ceunsellor Moe"
gomery, instructed by Mr. W. Mooney, fur the defeielat.
The Irish Times states that it ham been deter
mined to provide • residence for biz Royal II ig100..., file
Prince of Wales in Ireland, where the prince sillt
future, spend some portion of every year.
The Sunday Gazette states that the honour ..f
baronetcy is about to be conferred on Sir James Eme""°
Tennent, and adds its belief that it is the first occasion
which an Irishman has received the dignity as a cowl
meat to literature. . . _

Mr. F. P. Onalow, banister, of Linco
bas been appointed secretary to the Neutrality c."''w
sion, which will meet on an early day after the ele...e.G.r
ment of the session of parliament.
It is stated that a measure will be hroii t f'f
ward by the government terly in the ete•it:mg
order to place not only the existing gas and water come.
nies, but all new companies, on certain conditioni,
the authority of the Board of Works.
Sir Robert Peel, Bart., 31. P., has issued a cil."
cular inviting his constituents and friends to tacit I! I'M
rt
7 o'clock next Thlrmlay evening, at the Town-ball. 1.'2;
worth, to hear from him an address on " The ehereh.*
established by law; its rates, fees, and mansgra..ent ,
charities in relation to the public, and more Psrticuill
to the working classes and their institutions, with as it
sight into the management of savings banks."

I.AW INTELLIGENCE.
(THIS DAY.)

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.

• 0 iu Banco.—(Before Justices Blackburn, Mellor,
mid Lush.)
L.rl Chief Justice WAY uu.ivoilsbly absent from

~. •`.

• Tiir I "Rl' VIVO): %NO t ottI'ORATION Or
I,IIENT.

,t•ls•lit Natlburn delivered the judgment in this
...Mai was argued a few days since. The plaintiff,
I I ,1 tenant from year to year of certain
: for the Holborn Valley Viaduct. The
: claimed to hays his interest assessed by a
rule
by two justices. AIM he had obtained a for a

• to elimpel the Lord Mayor. Ac. to issue his
l pt for the summoning of the jury. The question,
• w.,s whether the 121st section of the Lands
• '..l,ulikl.4tion Act waa incorporated in the Holborn
,';. v t lailtict Act, making two justices of the peace the
—ers of competi.ation in C3Ses of tenants front year to
It was urged that if so the corporation would be
:r •tin a•.essois,
. . .

T,., ~,art held that the section was so incorporated, and
~..,t thcii Judgment w. ,s for the defendants.

BI',,INE,S OF THE COI:HT.

IThis being the tli st of the List four days of term, Mr.
in intl., ited tied A list of eases to by ills.
1..,,.1 of span rule been made out to be disposed of in
: 1:Ail Court. and said that as some of the judges of this
t woul.lll,ie to attend the t 1,1 Bailey, the cases in
D.l:, Kill Court would be taken peremptorily to-morrow,
ead ~truck out if so one appeared when they werecalled on.
nide worth: LoAN t V. THE oVER-