The Express.
London, England, 1868-03-13 00:00:00

OUR PARIS LETTER.

LENT PREACHERS IN PARIS.
(nom ova owar coaaasrosozra.)
PARIS, THURSDAY ERRING.

Some importance is attached to a telegram
ceived from the Italian correspondent of the Arenir
National announcing that, in conformity with a
fresh arrangement, the French troops are soon to
leave Rome. It I. remarkable that the only sec-
tion of the Paris press which has not noticed this
piece of news is the clerical.
The Lent preachers make few allusions to
politics, so that one may conclude they are not
dissatisfied with the peripatetic, of the Roman
question, so far as they have gone. Their
eloquence hitherto has been directed chiefly
against the Morale itidependante and its suppor-
ters ; and Paul Forestier, M. Emile Augier's new
play. The former subject was treated of on Sun-
day
by Father Felix. It was also discussed a year
ago by Father Hyacinth, who, this season, holds
forth at the church of St. Louis des Francais, in
Rome. The admirers of the eloquent Carmelite
accuse Father Felix of being animated rather by a
desire to lead hie hearers into drawing comparisons,
invidious to the former, between their sermons
on morals, as independent of the catholic
dogma. Monsignor Bailer, the Proionotaire
Apodolique, rn whose eyes M. Emile Angier does
not find the favour accorded him at court, seems
in a fair way to eclipse the crack orators of the ,
Jesuits and Carmelites. He is an especial favou-
rite of the Empress ; and his faith is held by the
(Teak and Gaulle de France to be up to the ortho-
dox standard. Her Imperial Majesty "sat under
him " in the advent of 1867 ; and it was through
her influence that a pulpit in the Madeleine
has been placed at his disposal. He was
brought up in the Israelitiah faith ; and in
his sermon. displays the fervour, bordering
on intolerance, of a convert of recent
date. He preaches twice a week at the Made-
leine, on Thursday, at an early hour in the after-
noon, and on Sunday at the close of vespers. His
course of religious lectures, or sermons, does not
therefore interfere with the ride to the Bois de
Boulogne, which on opening days is a distraction
no woman of fashion can give up. You ass among
his numerous hearers all those celebrities whose
daily doings used to be recorded in that column
of the Liberte headed monde Parisien, which was
suppressed by M. Emile de Girardin on the
day that the Chamber decided that la vie
privet deaf etre merit. The heraldic paintings on
the panels of carriages waiting outside show that
Monsignor Batter is alike patronised by the
Tuileries, the Faubourg St. Germain, and the
wives of Roman catholic ambassadors. An elegant
kind of half mourning is donned by the fair and
noble penitents, and indeed by the vivacious pro-
prietors of some basket phaetons at the church
door, on whose seat figure pugs and poodles of rare
silkiness.

This preacher is the most sensational I remember
to have heard in Paris. He is cried up as a second
Lacordaire, to whom 1 can, however, discover in
him so resemblance. The natural vehemence and
nervous irritability of that celebrated Dominican,
ware tempered and controlled by the scholarly
tastes and culture, and the exquisite breeding of a
man of fine grain, who had peened the greater part
of his life in the best French and Italian society.
The bodily feebleness of Laeordaire enhanced his
oratorical powers in the pulpit. Mons. Batter,
who vainly affects court varnish, has no such in-
teresting defect. He is more like a Portuguese than
• German Jew, and of a mu sculaithough somewhat
emaciated frame, indicative of energy and en-
durance. I doubt if Lsoordaire would be able to
carry away from Batter the suffrages of a fashion-
able Paris congregation at the present time. The
rude liebraisms of the latter excite and keep alive
the attention of people who have few serious occu-
pations, and in the whirl of frivolity no time for
the cultivation of taste. We cannot tell with what
feelings the Roman governors of Syria would
have listened to Cicero ; but we know that
they were stirred by the lass polished elo-
quence of Paul of Tarsus ; and so, those
who were unmoved by Laeordaire may,
like Felix and Agrippa, be touched, if not °cu-
retted, by Batter. The race of which this preacher
oases is at onoe diseernaide in his features. His
fervid seal is united to singular coolness. This
combination forms a salient trait in his style.
Shakespeare gives it as • distinctive one in Sky-
lock, who in all the rage of disappointed vengeance,
matting under the irony of Portia, tarns quietly
round and asks what about his principal. Mon-
signor Batter doss not shrink from calling
a spade a spade. He is familiar with
Gavarni's vosshulary, and fond of drawing
on it. He explains himself with an originality
akin to youseases, bat in a fine, clear, vibrating
voice directed by a just ear. His picturesque pone 4

are said to be studied by petits trivia deu• Of
gaining laurels in tab/coax v.'wwits. Ihe in
text French preachers begin with is departed from
and the subject matter of the dila:arse gone into
without a prefatory sentence. On two occasions
this Lain, the preesher at the Madaeine plungea
into waters deeper than it is then to raa.,,
tc
fathom. He attempted to trr oe to its origin Evil,
to explain why its existe, snd to demonstrate ita
neoemity. In treating this vast subject he ma a
vivid sketch of Parisian society. But I think by
hearers would have been better pleased had he
been more pessimist, and not transmuted their im-
morality into a kind of moral guano, which will at
some future period help to strengthen s nobler and
more Christian civilisation.

THE TODMORDEN TRAGEDY.-DEATH OF
THE REV. MR. PLOW.

MANCHESTER, THURSDAY Nrcirr.
The Rev. Anthony John Plow, of Todmorden
Panonage, died this evening in great agony, from the iI3JR.
rice received on the night of the murder of kis servant
The infant child also died to-day ;it was born only three
weeks before the murder, and the unavoidable remora(
him the mother atter the murderous attack on her is sup.
posed to be the approximate awn. Lithammation of the
brain was observable in Mr. Plow last night, and before
this morning he had become delirious. Mrs. Plow ing.
Seined the shock better than was expected, but she was
not allowed to be present when her husband died. The
Rev. Dr. Molesworth arrived at Todmorden this evening,
soon after six, but too late to see his eon-in-law alive.

THE TRIAL.-(THIS DAY.)

(DI TELTAIR.I3II.)

The trial for the Todmorden murder is progres3.
ing. The evidence given by Kr. Plow before the magi,
tratea was, in oonsequence of that gentleman'. death,
admitted and read.

The court is densely crowded, and thousands of peo:,!e
bars been unable to obtain admission.

TRIAL OF TRY MERTHYR PENIANS.

Yesterday morning the Merthyr Fenians were
arraigned at Swansea maims. The prisoners (ten in nun.
bed were entered in the calendar as follows : —Patrick
Carey (aged 231, Jolla Mara (RI), Mark Farley (241, Patrick
Ryan (34), Thomas Reardon (22), •'William Holland
(21), Michael Flyn (22), John Whelan (21), Wiliam
Whelan, 20, and Patrick Doran, head centre. They Wffe
all stated to be labourers, and to be imperfectly educate&
They were indicted for " feloniously, and with di,er,
other perms, devising and intending to deprive and
depose our Most gracious lady the Queen from the rule,
honour, and royal name of the Imperial crown of
United Kingdom, by feloniously meeting, conspiring,
agreeing together to drill and practice military more.
mete at Merthyr Tydfil, between the Ist SepternLer ant
the 26th December, 1867." The evidence, which ham
already been published, having been gone through, hit
Lordship summed up, directing the jury that the at.te.
meats et the accomplices were only confirmed so far u
related to Doran and Ryan.—The jury found Donui
Ryan guilty, and the former was sentenced to seven 1111
the l►tter to five years' penal servitude. The other prisoneta
were acquitted.

COVENTRY ELECTION PETITION.-(THIS DAY.)

The committee appointed to try the merits of the
petition against the return of Mr. Jackman met Oil
morning at 11 o'clock, Sir Philip Grey Egerton in the
chair.

---cixinsel for the petitioners—Mr. Cooke, Q.O , and lie.
Sleigh ; for the sitting member—Mr. Serjeant Ballantine,
Mr. Henry James, and the Hon. E. Chacdoe Leigh.
John Les, examined by Mr. Cooke—Was a freeman of
Coventry, and went from Birmingham, along with his
brother Charles, to vote at the last election. Was one
the party who met at the Shakespeare, in Birmingham on
the Saturday and Monday before the polling. Knapp was
present, and it was arranged that they should go te
Coventry on the Tuesday morning, and have 1(h.
each for their loss of time. It was also arrange!
that they should be provided with railway tickets.
These tickets were given to them. On reaching Coventry
witness and the other voters went to the Castle HoteL
After they had voted Knapp gave them half a sovereign
each. They then went and had breakfast at the Lion.

Crons-eximiued by Serjeant Bsßankine—The; ;died,
bread, sad beer for breakfast. Voted for • liberal be.
cease his principle) accorded with his own. (Liughterd
Reexamined—Would vote for you, Mr. Cooke, if )on
INTO a liberal. (Renewed laughter.)
Mr. Oewin (examined by Mr. Sleigh), corroborated the
evidence given by the previous witness, rel.ithe to Ms
proceedings at Birmingham and Coventry.
Mr. Moon, examined by Mr. Cooke—Went from Bir-
mingham toboventry to vote, and was paid ills. by Knapp.
Then went to the Red Lion to breakfast. lint' •Lat us
required and became • "full moon." (Laughter.)
Heap Roe gave similar evidence as to the payment of
the 10s.

Joseph Peer, examined byMr.Sleigh—Was a voter at tor,?
last election. On the Thursday before the election here
ceived a note from Catsup, which be took to Mr. Jones.
who took him to Mr. PaniHmith. (Laughter.) Smith pia
he was to "goon " the next day. Did not say what be
was to have, but that he should be well paid
Smith told him to put his name down, and that be
would pt about • sovereign. Did not do anything on the
Friday or Saturday. On the morning of the nominatics
he went to • private house at Radford and had breakfast.
Jones was there. Promised Jones that he would vote for
Mr. Jackson. Jones told him that he should be paid.
Voted for Mr. Jackson. On the Thursday after the ekc-
Mon maw Smith, who gave him 13a. Smith did not sly
sa
xamined by Mr. flerjeant Ballantine—Knew
Mill and Needham, who, some time after the eleetioe.
took him to the Hen and Chickens, where he had
something to drink. Was then taken to the office of Mr.
Delves. Was not very drunk. Had been wore drunk
before. Mr. Dewes asked • number of questions
and wrote something down. Needham afterwards pre
him half-a-crown. Did not know what it was for. Be
hewed it might be for his valuable signature to a paper.
(Laughter.) Had not received any half-crowns since.
Re-examined—Told Mr. Dewes what he had stated now.
It wee true.

[Lilt sitting.]

Mr. E. A. Leathern yesterday issued his address
to the " electon and non.elentors" of Huddersfield, is
ceding to the invitation to offer himself again as a madi•
date. Mr. Wright Mellor has also hued his address
The new writ was ordered last night is the House of Con•
mons, and the election will, therefore, probably take place
about the middle of nut week.

A correspondent of the Manchester Guardia,'
writes :—" The rumour is, I belisve,perfectly well founded
that a munificent friend to popular improvement bas
offered to give a stun of 100,000/. to be devoted to the
purpose of promoting technical education. For the per
seat the donor refuses to have any announcement made of
his same ; but he has taken oounael of some of the per
sons best quailed to advise him as to the most useful mode
of allocating his splendid gift among the communities
that me, by their numbers and activity, most likely to turn
it to good account. Owens College, it is probable, will come
In for its share; a portion will be, I ant told, set apart for
invention Birmingham,miziniromaid.0the
this
and dw
onanrkingewothbenera for Glasgow. ginwthe.puLfindlzi
andnboet
f
endowments of scholarships and exhibitions than sinking
his mosey in stone and mortar."
The question of the Opera is said to be at length
settled ; sad Mr. Maples= expects to be able to open
Drury Lane on the 38th inst. He Du been fortunate
enough to secure for a portion of the season ildile.
Masa, whose meows in ()phone, in M. Thomas's nee
opera of " Hamlet,* is the theme of the hour in Paris
Theßristom.avesims
AOliwuracAF PaoforMA2:B6BCiamATHiOutLlC.Cpredim.g..;
states that the gamed College when ascapkte, comb
of six cardinal-bishops, Mijaudiaal-prieds. and ,illees
cardinal-deacons At this moment there are ti bats vomit,
and two have already been esshered is Pia° by
Out of tho 49 existing prisms of the shun* 12 received
the PV.1.44:07my XVL, sad the others from
_
the vie has seen 84 suromb4"
▪ "18 OsYgs from this world since
ken
areamisa. Me_ will he the youngest eardiaL
s▪ —s.... The ski" is of Xeslodei, born tit Md. The
0111 SO gniltHos) has went the hat 38 year!. In •1••
eathells 'Wel then are IS pahrbrehOL
es epierepal ritual seee. and 129 is lassiovi-_ • "I.
tries stiasthe bisearekr le. evert
fee.. 1.91 rietneek 4=olo,7,7nZga.P"iepaacitrail
al"Livnigasimahmeeoteme, sad supplies nose! tice*°'"
44:1111111it ci the Tillage of Wembdr,
nom waa burned down It ref
days

SECOND EDITION.

i -am--
LAW INTELLIGENCK-(THIS DAY.)

EQUITY COURT.
(Before Vlos-Chaacellar Sir R. lialins.)
Igg rani MI CHARITY oOMMI33IOIII3II.—THI NOTTOM TO
COYMTT ail MOILIT FM, MIT., N.r.
Mr. Kekewich, who, with Mr. Cotten, opposed the
motion of Mr. Whitbread for the committal of Sir Roben
Peel to Whitecrosmstreet Prison on the ground of dis-
obedience to an order of the commiaanters requiring his
to furnish the accounts of the school at Trunworth, known
as Sir Robert Peel's School, contended that the asomma
'loners had no power under the Charitable Trusts Ask to
interfere with the arrangements of a private charity el
this kind.
The Vioe-Chancellor observed that one of the objections
made to the act,when it was passing through parliament,
was that it would create • Court of Chancery not open to
the public.
Mr. Kekewich submitted that the court had no power
to grant the motion.
Sir. Whitbread then replied, contending that the
Charitable Trusts' Act made no exemption in favour of
membered of parliament with reference to committal'
for contempt of orders made by the charity commissioners.
The Via-Chanoallor, is giving indrawn, said when it
could be shown that Sir Robert Peel was • person from
whom the charity commissioners wen entitled to demand
accounts the court beano jurisdiction, andthatqueetion de-
pended upon two sections of the act of 1853, and the act of
1855. The decision of the ootirt might depend upon whether
the fund founded by the first Sir Robert Peel was absolutely
devoted to the uses of the charity absolutely and WlNO-
trollably within the meaning of the set undo: which the
commissioners obtained their powers. Now, the will at
the founder of the school, the grandfather of the present
Bart, might have given them the jusisdiotion they claimed,
because by its terms there would have been an absolute
devotion of this fund of 6,0001. to the uses of the
school, but between the making of the will and the
addition of the codicil, upon which that question
turned,some doubt must have arisen in the testator's mind
whether be should allow the fund to be absolutely devoted
to the charity, end accordingly he gave to the owner of
Drayton Manor the power of deciding whether the school
should be maintained or the money otherwise applied. The
codicil provided that if the eldest son of the testator
should be dissatisfied with the management or the regula-
tions if the school, or should be of opinion that it walla of
public utility, or should for any reason be desirous I
to alter the arrangements, objects, or purposes of the
aim', he, or the other trustees, should be at liberty to
change the arrangements, regulations, objects, or purposes
of the school, or absolutely discontinue it. To give the
court jurisdiction in the case, the commissioners
must demonstrate that the charity over which
they sought to exercise control was fixed
with a special application or appropriation,
whereas the trustee of this school were clearly at liberty
to dispose of the fund as lie thought fit. His Honour
was of opinion that for the purpose of the present motion
and without deciding a question which would more pro-
perly arise upon an information, the orommiedonen bad
not established that this was • charity of which the funds
had a special application or appropriation. Then as re.
prded the oth section of the act of 1855 it was a fine
interpretation of this endowment, to say as Sir Robert
Peel said, that it was in the nature d •
voluntary donation, and therefore came within the *gump-
tion from the authority of the commissioners provided by
the section. The question wee • fair one for litigation,
and Sir Robert Peel was justified in resisting the
powers sought to be exercised by the commissionrn
In this case. Under these circumstances, the application
of the commissioners was totally miscionoeived, and was
founded upon an entirely mistaken view of their duties.
Sir Robert Peel's affidavit was clear, distinct, and
becoming to him. There was no suggestion by the
commissioners or by any one that the money had
been misappropriated ; the school, it appeared,
had been well and satisfactorily conducted,
and Sir Robert had not only supported it but bad
materially added to its funds. In this sta'e of things
for the Charity Commissioners, whose duty it was to see
. .

that charities under their control were properly adminis-
tered. to come to the court with an application of
this kind, was a misconception of duty on the part
of a body for whom be bed the highest respect, and
another illustration of the extreme danger of giving jails.
diction to any tribunal whatever which was to exsrcise its
powers without admitting the public and without having
the parties before them to be heard whom neeemary.
Persons who possessed such powers should be extremely
cautious how they exercised them ; and the Charity.Com-
miuionere would have done better if, instead of making
an application which involved the personal lil'srty of Sir
Robert l'eel, they had in the latter part of 1867 caused an
information to be filed in order to have it
decided whether the property was or was not
permanently devoted to the purposes of charity. Until
that ,luestion had been decided his Honour was of opinion
that he had no jurisdiction in the matter, and the motion
must be dismissed.

Mr. Kekewieh, as the question was one involving the
liberty of the subject, asked for costa against the plaintiffs.
The Vice-Chancellor had no option but to give the
costs.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Defers Mr. Commissioner Hoiroyd.)
IN ES LENINA! AND MOWS.

The bankrupts were merchants oirrying on business in
Lei e•hine, Aldermanbary. They ben been before the
court since October, 1864, their apphostion for order of
discharge having been opposed throughout on behalf of
creditors. The case has been freqinntly noticed, and the
examination of the bankrupt, Morris, was now resumed by
Mr. Liuklater, but as the hearing is not yet concluded we
defer a report. The liabilities, it may be stated, reach a
quarter of a million sterling, and there are virtually no
assets. _ — .

^M
Mr. M. Abrahams represented the assignee ; Mr. Begley
suppot led the bankrupts.

POLICE COURTS.-(THIS DAY.)