The Express.
London, England, 1850-01-23 00:00:00

NAVAL '

ADMIRALTY, JAN. Arethusa
Surgeon ; C. D. Steel. Mate: A. R. Owen. Assis.ant.
surgeons. B. J. Walsh and J. Cotton. Midshipman: S. W.
Strong. Naval cadet: J. M. Judd. PHOMOTION.—To be
acting gunner : N. J. Potter.
PORTSMOUTH, JAN. 22.—The Comet, MT. it-Y., is
ordered to be paid off at this port. —The Myrtle st.-v. i.e
making good a few defects, preparatory for leaving this port
for Sheerness to be paid off.

(From last night's Odzelle.)
PRIZE MONET.—THE CONTEST.—Notie• is given to the
officen and crew of her Majesty'. ship C intest, Archibald
McMurdo, Esq., commander, that an account of the sale
proc:eda and bounty mosey on the tonnage, and also on
slaves captured in the Temerario Brazilian schooner on the
Sib May, 1848, and for bounty money on the tonnage of the
Santa Cruz Brazilian slave brigantine, captured on 14:11
May, 1848, will be deposited in the registry of the High
Court of Admiralty on or before the 18th February next,
agreeable to act of parliament. —W. and E. Chard, agents.
THE CYONET.—Notioe is hereby given to the officers and
company et her Majesty's sloop Cygnet, George Kenyon,
Etti., commander, that they will be paid, on Tuesday, the
6th of February, at No. 22, Arundel street, Strand, their re-
spective proportions of tonnaf • bounties for the Brazilian
slave schooner Matte Mao, seized on the let of May, 1848,
and that the lists will be recalled, at the tame place, on
Wednesdays and Thursdays, for the three following months :
—Flag, 271. 19.. 10d. ; commander, 1371. 10s. ; 3rd class,
181. 80. Bd. ; 4th, 91. 31. 441. ; 6th, 81. se. ; 6th, 61. 10s. ;
7th, 41. Ils. Bd.; Bth, 31. 13s. 4d. ; 9th, 21. 15s. ; 10th,
11. 18e. Bd. i 11th, 11. 7.. ed. ; 12th, 181. 4d. ; 13th, 13s. 9d.
—J. G.aad T. STILWELL, agents.

DEATH OF MADAME GILASSINI.—We find in the
Gaztlle Musicale an announcement of the coatis of this cele-
brated lady a few days ago, at Milan, in her 77th year.
Half a century ago she was the great star of the opera stage,
being unsurpassed by any singer of her day, and as a tra-
gedian without a rival. She appeared in Lwdon in 1804,
one of the most splendid seasons in our opera annals; when
Grassini, Billington, and Braham were performing together,
and Winter was composing his finest operas, " Zaire"
" Proserpina," and " Castors a Politica," expressly for the
theatre and for them. Her voice was a contralto of small
compass, but exquisite quality ; Winter's beouuful songs,
written for her, scarcely exceed the bounds of an octave.
For many years she has lived in retirement in her native
Lombardy. She was the aunt of our Treat prima donna
Giulietta Oral, and of Carlotta Grist, the most charming
dormouse of the day. _

PURCILAS6 Or PRIOR-PARC—Many rumours
haying for some time put been current M Bath with respect
to the Roman Catholic College of Prior-park, the question
is now said to b- decided, inasmuch as Alexander Raphael,
Esq., of Turbiton- plass, M.P. for St. Alban's, has per•
chased the property, with all its appurtenances, for
30,0001., and has given an weeded lease of it to the
writtlifenethesereeentest due
same parties at a rental of N. per rivet. per annum. Re-
port says the property wilt be reeonveysd vim them on their
wtp:mideeepat:en.stit ordßfett.htietnassabefieesepoumemai
thtonegueetttheieit,
rand
in
the
tam,
their right to t►e rowel's's of the property will be
forfeited.
Romaircs or REAL Lrra.—ln the year 1779 there
lived in Wrexham Capt. Jones, an elderly gentleman, and a
young doctor, named Manning. They were friends until
from some muse they quarrelled. We believe that Capt.
Jeaes's daughter was the subject of dispute. A duel was
fought, Dept. ROM was killed, and Dr. Manning bemire
deranged. He resided in Wrexham a tew years atterwarda,
and was then sent to Kirkdale Lunatic Asylum. After •
amilthement of nearly ally years, he died last week, and his
belly was beatnik% to Wrexham for interment. His property
is said to have aessumilatad to about 70,0001., which will be
divided among his relatives. Daring the last week this in-
cident has bean the subject of much fireside conversation
among the old people of Wrexham, =say of whom re-
member the circumstance of the duel—Chester Chronicle.

PARLIAMENTARY AND FINANCIAL
REFORM.
MEETING AT LYNN.
A meeting was held on Monday evening at the
Temperance Hall, Lynn, to discuss the principles and objects
of the National Reform Association. The chair was taken
by Mr. Micas, who called on the meeting to give atrention
to the observations that would be addressed to them on a
subjecplet involving in • deep degree the welfare of the
peo.
Mr. WENTEER explained the principles of the Na.
tional Reform Association, and on reteriing to the abuses
which their labours contemplated removing rose the statute
book of England, said, look to our court, supported in pro.
fuse and grotesque extravagance, not to sustain the true dig-
nity of the sovereign, but to afford places to the aristoeraey.
Look to the oat of our executive, amounting to 1,686,7364,
and compare it with the cost of the American executive,
which it 16,8861., and say if the superiority of our system
of government is proportionate to the difference of cost.
Look to our colonies in a state of universal and just dis-
content; k•pt in that state, at an enormous expense to
this country, that Downing-street may furnish aristocratic
governors to people who would gladly pay all expenses of
self-government, if permitted to die so. Look at our fight-
ing establishments, that linos 1815 cost the estuary nearly
600,000,0001. ; and that since 1688 have caused Great
Britain an expenditure in taxes and loans of two thou-
sand millions, which, according to the income tax
estimate of the value of landed and other pro-
perty, would pay a twenty-five years' purchase tee
the whole island of Great Britaia. Look to oar
church establi4inient costing ten millions annually, not in-
cluding the Irish Crturch, while the coat of all the Chris-
tian churches of all denominations throughout the world
amounts to only 9,949,000. In reference to the cry for pro-
tection, he said, the protectionists say they and the farmers
are in the same boat. True ; but the farmers do all the
work to keep the craft afloat, while the landlords get all the
rations and pocket all the pay. Let the farmers get a free
trade in land, to which they are fully entitled, as well as a
free trade in corn, and then, and not till then, will they get
a fair chance by being put on • fair footing with the other
interests in the country. As for the cry of restoring protec-
tion, they might SS well invite last Christmas to spend a plea-
sant' week with next as to ask the legislature of this country
again to impose a tax on the food of the people.
Arraneetnents were entered into for establishing a Finan-
cial and Parliamentary Reform Association in Lyon.

Kal33 Intelligence.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.-YESTERDAY.

RI.;81NE813 or THE COVET.
The days on which the Court would lit in banco after term
were intimated yesterday, but at the sitting of the Court this
morning
Mr Justice Patties= said that, in cons.quence of the days
which had been fixed for the sittings in error in the Exche-
quer Chamber, the Court were obliged to alter the days on
which they would sit in bane* after term. They would now
be the 14, 4th, 6th and 6th of February; then from the 11th
to the Ibth, both inclusive ; and on the 26th to deliver judg-
ments. On the Ist and 4th they would proceed with the
country new trials; on the 6th, 6th, 11th, 12th and 13th
with the special paper; and on the 14th, 16th and 16th with
the crown paper.
In the cAaset of the cay Mr. Justice Patteson intimated
that the caws in the new trial paper tried before Lwd Den-
man would be taken to-morrow (this thy).
The Court was occupied the whole day with two cues
from the new trial paper, of no public interest.
BAIL COURT.—YESTERDAY.
Strome Me. JUNTICI I,IIIIIIIIAN.
THE QUEEN V. ItIX AND HNIOII —INBEZZLEXENT LY

BANYERS. CLERKS.
in this ca. s rr I bins of indictment had been found before
the Court of Quarter Sessions against the prisoners for em-
bezzlement and conspiracy, by which Messrs. Taylor and
Dyson, banker', of Norwich, were defrauded of between
10,00 W. and 12.0001. The indictments had been removed
into this court by certiorari, and the prisoners having rehired
to plead by attorney, they were brought up to-day in custedy,
and pleaded in person to the indictments.
Mr. Couch, on the part of Itiz, moved that in the indict-
ments for conspiracy the prosecutors should furnish the pri-
soners with the particular, of the charge against them in
writing.
Mr. Palmer, for the prosecutor, sai I that the only parti-
culars they could give were that they had made false entries
in the bcn.ks on certain days. The prosecutors were not
bound to give these particulars, and there ought to be a
summons at Chambers ; still they would give the best parti-
culars they could.
Mr. Justice Wightman said that in general where an in-
dictment set out overt awe, the court would not allow parti-
culars to be given, but they would do so when the counts
were so general as they were here, and he thought the pro-
mentors should give the best particulate •hey could.
Mr. Couch moved that particulars should be given on the
counts for embezzlement.
Mr. Justice Wightman—They are given in any cases but
conspiracy or nuisance.
Mr. Couch cited two cases, in which it had been done in
embezzlement, and said he would move on gating the
proper affidavits, wLier. he had not yet got ; and be applied
.hat the prisoner, should be granted time before being sent
back to custody, to prepare the affidavits.
Mr. Palmer then moved that the prisoners be remanded
to their former custody ; which was granted.

COURT OF EXCREQUER.-YESTERDAY.
Sarrume DI BANco.
IIIOGINNOTTOII O. WATERS—ALLEOZD MISCONDUCT OP

A JURY.
This case came before the court upon a motion for a new
tdel. The affidavits stated that the action between the par-
ties was tried before Mr. Justice Wightman at the last
assizes of Liverpool, when • verdict was returned for the
plaintiff, with 1501. damages. After the evidence on both
sides had closed, and the learned Judge had summed up, the
jury retired to consider their verdict. They remained in
consultation for upwards of four hours, fluting which they
were supplied, without the knowledge of the court, with re-
freshments, consisting of brandy and water, sandwiches, and
cigars. These articles were obtained from a public-house in the
vicinity of the court-house, and pulled up by cords to the
windows of the jury-room, which opened into the street.
Same of the affidavits stated that the refreshments were
supplied by the plaintiff's son, for the purpose of inducing
the jury to find a verdict for him, but this fact was contra-
dicted. Ater several hours' consultation the jury repaired
to the lodgings of the learned judge, and stated their readi-
ness to find a verdict for the plaintiff, subject to such de-
ductions en his lordship should direct. Mr. Justice Wight-
man refused to receive such a verdict, and they were sent
back to reconsider the case. However, a negotiation took
place between some of the jurymen and the plaintiff's son.
who promised that the plaintiff would consent to allow a
deduction of 401., in order to facilitate the fi ding of a ver-
dict. It was accordingly returned, under those circum-
stances, but no representation of the facto was made to the
learned judge. appeared one of the jurors addressed the
plaintiff's son openly in court, after the verdict was entered,
and said, " Now, if you are an honest man, you will allow
Waters the 401." Young Higginbottom asserted that no
arraniement to that effect had been since made. The rule
nisi to set aside the verdict was obtained upon affidavits dis-
closing those facts.
Mr. Watson, Q.C., and Mr. Atherton, new appeared to
show cause against the rule. Their affidavits positively de-
eded that the plaintiff's son had supplied any refreshments to
the jury. There was no pretence for saying tkat they
were intoxicated or incapable of discharging their duties.
The fact of their having got refreshments while considering
heir verdict would not vitiate it, unless it appeared clearly
that they had been supplied with them by or on behalf of
the party in whose favour they had found. Then, as to the
negotiation which had taken place. It was submitted it was
the duty of the defendant, whe wiz present at it, to inform
the learned judge of what had passed. Instead of doing so,
he consented to the verdict for toe full amount. The plain-
tiff was, however, now willing to allow the deduction, but
thiacffer was not acceded to.

The Court said the question was whether the jury had
pronounced a fair opinion, or had given their verdict upon
the understanding that 401. would be deducted from the
amount for which they found for the plaintiff. The ver-
dict was most unsatistactory. There must therefore be a
new trial.

The rule was made absolute accordingly.
EXCHEQUER CHAMBER.—YzeTERDAY.
BITTING IN 1111.1011,

Bayou LOKI) Nur Jorrics %iLDEaro nrrJrnors or Tne Cotneox
Ft►Y Amp Coral' or Ficuuat;sa, nom TON Qrxwer
BILNCK.

°ORLIN° V. VELIT.—THE BRAINTREE CHVECIARATI
CARE.—VALIDITY OF • BEURCII-LATE MADE BY TUE
CHVRCHWARDENS AND • MINORITY OF THE PA-
RISHIONERS IN OPPOSITION TO TUE B.LiOLVTION Or TEE
MAIORITY.—JUDOXIINT.
This was a judgment in an error from the Court of
Queen's Bench on a writ of prohibition. The case has been
for several years before the ecclesiastical and common law
courts, and has excited much public interim as " The
Braintree Church-rate Case." It involves the important
question—whether the churchwardens and &minority of the
parishioners can make a valid church-rate. The following
brief sketch of the history of the case may serve to explain
the origin of the proceedings and the point at issue. In the
month of July, 1841, • vestry meeting haling been called
for the purpose of voting a rate for the repairs et the parish
church of Braintree, and a motion made for a rate of 2a. in
the pound, and the same duly seconded, an amendment was
moved, and carried by an immense majority, denouncing
all connexion between church and state in general,
and denouncing church rates in perticular,_ but not
in specific, terms negativing the motion. Afar this
amendment had been thus carried the great majority of the
parishioners left, and then, as stated in the pleadings, " the
churchwardens and others of the ratepayers earned the
original resolution without opposition."
When the inhabitants heard of this result they reached to
oppose the tate, and the churchwardses having commence
Proceedings in the Ecclesiastical Courts against the plaintiff
in error, the latter moved the Court of Queen's Bomb for A
writ of prohibition. The writ wu granted, and on the return
to it being argued the Court gave judgment, appre-vmgg of the
prootedings of the churchwardens, thereby afrtrming the
validity of the rate declared by the minority.
From that decision the cam was brought into the Exche-
quer Chamber, co a writ of error and at the sitting after
Trinity Term, 1848, Mr. D. Hill was heard at great
length in support of the erne of the dissenting parishioners,
, _
and in the faUwing iliehaalmas Term he concluded his ar-
guments. Sir F. Thesiger. was heard at great length on the
other aide, at the saw stungs of the Court.
The Court now gave judgment.
Mr. Baron Platt said this was a writ of error on a judg-
ment of tho Court of Queen's Bona ea • writ of prohibi-