The Northern Daily Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-08-20 00:00:00

THE FRENCH FUNDS

PARIS, TUESDAY EVENING.
The Three per Cents closed today, at 77f.

FRANCE.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, MONDAY EVENING.

The Emperor and Empress did not leave this
city last evening for Biarritz as had been expected,
but thoy leave to-morrow.
There is a complete dearth of political news of
interest.

It is worthy of remark that the Constitutionnel
publishes an article, emanating from an official
source, which calls attention to a petition presented
to the English government by the inhabitants of
the Mauritius, who are French, praying that they
may not be compelled to use the English language
in judicial and official affairs. They were, says the
Constiiutionnel, allowed the free use of their lan-
guage up to 184.7, when Sir VV. Gomm, the Gover-
nor, thought fit, with the sanction of the Home
Government, to require them to use English ;
but it is alleged that this change was a
violation of the conditions on which the
island capitulated to the English. The A ssemblee
Nationale, full, as usual, of animosity to
England, has an article on the same subject, in
which our Government is accused of tyranny, and
the colonists are almost recommended to revolt.

The Constantinople journals of the 7th say
that the appearance of Admiral Stewart before
Odessa caused great surprise to the Russians,
and that when he stated the object of his
return to the Black Sea, instructions were de-
manded by telegraph from St. Petersburg, and
they were to the effect that Kars, Ismail, and other
places, should he evacuated within the period, six
months, fixed by the Treaty of Paris.
The Marquis de Turgot. French Ambassador at
Madrid, has arrived in France. Madrid letters
say that he will probably not return, and that
Marshal Canrobert will be nominated his suc-
cessor.

THE INSPIRATIONAL CONTROVERSY

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHERN TIMES

STR,—Your correspondent " Seientia" is probably correct
in assuming that the opinions' advanced by Messrs Mac-
nanght and Lowe, on the subject of inspiration, are irrecon-
cileable with each other. It cannot, however, be assumed,
as a necessary consequence, that an attitude of persmial
hostility Oiould be maintained between the clergymen above
mentioned, or their respective friends. The common obli-
gation 4 of these gentlemen as ministers of the same church,
and as believers in the same infallible truth, however they
may differ in judgment as to the precise ei,cumstantillities
of its communication, ought to have induced a spirit of
mutual forbearance and affection. Under the influence of
such a spirit, a calm aed patient discussion might have
resulted in some valuable acquisitions to the cause of
truth and sacred learning. Unfortunately, it is
easier to rouse the temper of our local controver-
sialists than to enlighten their understandings. Whenever
a difference of opinion arises —principles are lost sight of in
personalities—polemics are degraded into pugilistics. and
each combatant seeks to punch the head rather than clarify
the brain, of his opponent.
In a town which pre-eminently boasts of its Protestant-
ism, it might have been anticipated that the fundamental
principles of Protestantism would have been manifested by
encouraging the free expression of opinion, and impartially
investigating the opinion expressed. I need not ask whether
such has been the course adopted by Mr. Macnaught's
assailants. Their object has been to itifl3 the book, while
they abused its author; and they have actually quarrelled
among themselves as to the degree of publicity that must be
given to his opinions, in order to ensure their condemnation.
There is an institution in this town, known to some of your
readers as the Young Men's Christian Association. Its
objects are nrideLiably excellent; but the tactics of those
who have the management of its affairs, are not
cilculatedto advance its reputation among the thoughtful and
intelli ent classes. As the study of biblical and theological
subjects is one of its primary objects, some of its members
were anxious that Mr. Macnaught's book should be added
to the library. Tn their surprise, they have been curtly
informed by the secretary that the work is too objectionabli
to fill a place upon its shelves. Nevertheless, the book
and its author are unsparingly assailed in lectures and
addresses delivered before the members, who are debarred
from the means of forming their own opinion on the
subject. "The doctrine of Inspiration" is seatenced
without a trial; Mr. Macnaught is condemned, without
being permi ted to speak in his own defence ! The
"Clerical Association," itself, is actually out-Heroded by
these guides of young men ! —Yours respectfully,

A SPECTATOR,

TO THE EDITOR OF THE NORTHER TIMES.

Sir,—As a lover of fair play, I know you will insert a
few lines in reply to that part of the letter, signed by
Scientia," which relates to the effect of Mr. Macnaught's
teaching txpo i some of St. Chrysostom's congregation. I
will not imitate this " scientific" writer (for he would
wish to be thought so, I suppose, from his signature) by
promising only a few lines arid then favouring you with
more than half a column of very questionable matter. I
will simply and briefly say that I am another member of
the same congregation who has been more or less preju-
dicially affected by Mr, Macnaught's heretical teaching,
and I think it a very poor answer to our regrets
on this head to be told that we can go elsewhere. I
have not seen the letter inserted in the Courier from
one of the congregation, and, therefore, do not know
whether " Scientia " has correctly quoted him or not ; but
it matters very little, for, as far as myself is concerned, I
can truthfully say that I yet hold sittings in that church,
although I have not frequented it for some time, except
when the curate has d. ne duty, and that I know many
others similarly situated. This. I trust, is logical enough
even for one so stridtiv logical (?) as your aforesaid friend
and rezdy correspondent. Long before his foolish book (as
the humble cottager appropriately termed it) made its
appearance, my suspicions as to the soundness of Mr.
Macnaught's views were aroused, and they were completely
confirmed by the sermon in which he attempted to prove
that there was remission of sins without shedding of blood,
and which resulted in the withdrawal of the Treasurer of
the Schools.
That his congregation does not diminish, I am not sur-
prised, for we know that the many have "itching ears,"
and will run after novelties.
ANOTHER MEMBER OF ST. CHRYSOSTON'9.

ARRIVAL OF His EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR OF CUBA
AT THE ADELFHI HOTEL, LIVERPOOL —His VISIF TO ST.
GEORGE'S HALL.—Amongst the passengers by the Per-ia,
from New York, was his Excellency D m Jose Di,z, the
Governor of Cuba, who has come to England on a visit for
several months. His Excellency stopped at the Adelphi
Hotel ; and, on Monday, accompanied by M. Tomas°, the
Spani-h interpreter, of this town, visitid St. George's Hall
and the Assize Courts, with which he expressed himself
highly pleased. His Excellency left Liverpool on Monday
evening for Birmingham, where he will remain a few days,
and thence proceed to London. Before his return to Cuba
he will visit Manchester, Paris, &c.

DREADFUL CASE OF SEDUCTION

DAMAGES FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS

At the Court of Exchequer yesterday (Tuesday), an
action was brought against the defendant, under the fol.
lowing circumstances, for the seduction of Miss Agnes
Shepherd:—The defendant allowed judgment by default,
and the Master now sat to hear the evidence, and assess
the damages. Mr. W. F. Howe appeared for the
plaintiff, and Mr. James Watson for the defendant. Mr.
Howe said the defendant had, by not pleading, confessed
the seduction of Miss Shepherd. It was, therefore, his
(Mr Howe's) duty to lay before the Master, the circum-
stances under which the seduction was effected, and
which, he should submit, would entitle the plaintiff to
substantial damages. Miss Shepherd was a very pretty
and accomplished young lady, aged 17, en i resided with
her father, a gentleman of fortune, at Hanover House,
Dalston. The defendant is a surveyor, of good practice,
also residing at Dalston, and is about 30 years of age,
and was in the habit of visiting at the house of the
plaintiff almost daily, as the recognised lover of Miss
Shepherd. Presuming on this character, the defendant
repeatedly escorted the young lady in "lover's walks,"
and at last succeeded in effecting her ruin and degreda
tion, by seducing her at a house of ill-fame, to which, in
'entire ignorance of its character, Miss Shepherd was
decoyed by the defendant. From the manner in which
the defendant accomplished his purpose, the case almost
assumed a criminal aspect ; but, at the earnest entreaty
of the young lady, who, doubtless, possessed an
ardent love and affection for the defendant, Mr.
Shepherd abstained from a prosecution, and insti-
tuted the present proceedings The young lady
herself would prove the facts. Mr. Howe then call-d
Miss Agnes Shepherd, who seemed greatly agitated
Having been sworn, she said,—l am only seventeen
years of age. I have known the defendant ever since 1
was a child. From the beginning of May, 18.55, the
defendant was my accepted lover, although mamma
much objected to the dispari'y or our agar. No positive
arrangement as to our marriage was made, but it was
understood we were to be manied. I have frequently
walked out with defendant. On the 8:h of October, last
year, the defendant solicited me to accompany him to
the theatre. Having obtained papa's permission, I went.
I think it was called the Adelphi Theatre. We had
champagne at the theatre. We had a private box, The
defendant, in the course of the performance, left me for
half an hour. On his return we had the wine. The
defendant poured it out, and I remarked that it did net
taste like papa's champagne. I became very " drowsy"
after partaking of it. We did not stay to witness the
last piece. The defendant called a cab, and directed the
man to drive to some street, but I do not
recollect the name of it. It was not far from the
theatre. When we got to the door, I asked the
defendant why he brought me there. He
kissed me, and said, "My darling, it is a friend
of mine, to whom I wish to introduce you." On going
into tl-e house I was much struck with the peculiar cha-
racter of the place ; and my astonishment was great when
I was ushered into a room in which there was a bed. I
had, however, no suspicion of the real character of the
house, but asked the defendant how it was he was shown
into a bedroom. The defendant replied he would inform
me presently. From his manner I then became very
much alarmed, when a female entered, and defendant
whisper-d something to her. She returned shortly with
some wine in a decanter. I at first refused to taste it,
but at the earnest entreaty of defendant I drank some.
I have no recollection of what followed, for I became
senseless. When I recovered I found defendant in bed
with me. I was undressed, and the defendant or some
other person had undressed me. I found I was seduced.
I cried very much, and reproached defendant for his
cruelty. He told me it was all through his intense love
for me. I said I could not face my parents after this
occurrence. The defendant replied he could easily
apiease papa. I went home by myself, and directly I
saw mamma. I made her acquainted with everything that
had happened. She was very indignant, and wanted to
give the defendant into custody, but I would n .t sanc-
tion it. When papa heard of it, he was very much
incensed, and it was only at my earnest entreaty that he
refrained from giving defendant into- custody. The
defendant was forbidden our house the day following.
I have met him since, but have never had connection.
with him since that unhappy night. (Witness here
became very much affected, and sobhed bitterly.) I was
confined on the 6th of June last. The child I have in
my arms is the defendant's child. I dearly love the
defendant, and cannot help feeling that he is sincerely
attached to me. Cross-examined by Mr. Watson: The
defendant has not offered tne marriage since the birth of
my child. Ido not say that defendant " drugged " the
wine ; but it made me insensible. I do not know
how many times defendant had connection wi h me.
It is cruel of you to ask me such questions. It
is not at my request this action is brought,
and I regret that it has been instituted. Thomas
Hawkes, examined by Mr. Lowe : I am a cab-
driver. I live at 2, Weober.street, Blackfriars-road. I
recollect taking the young lady there (Miss Shepherd),
and a "gent" to a brothel, 34, Exeter-streat, Strand, on
the Bth of October, 1855. I was hired by the gentleman
at the door of the theatre. It was the Adelphi Theatre.
Cross-examined: The reason I recollect the young lady,
and the date, is because I had my suspicians, and the
lady looked too respectable to go to a place of that kind ;
and a gentleman who was with her left his riding whip
in my cab, which a:person named Wilkinson, living at
Dalston, claimed -the day. after. I heard of this case
through an advertiSement in the Morning Advertiser. Mr,
Watson, on behalf of the defendant, here said lie should
not require any further evidence, as he thought enough
had been proved of this very painful case to enable the
Master to assess the damages. Mr. Howe said that the
young lady's evidence was of a nature to require very
heavy damages, presenting, as it did, most revolting
details. Miss Shepherd still retained the profoundest
love for her seducer, and, in consequence, her father
had acted with the greatest forbearance towards him ;
but it was a case in which society demanded the defen-
dant should make an ample recompense (if such a tet m
could be applied in a wrong of this description) for the
irreparable injury he had con:unite& The Mas ter, after
carefully considering the case, awarded the plaintiff £5OO
damages.

DETECTION OF AN HOTEL SWINDLER

IN LEEDS

A gentlemanly looking young man, who gives himself the
name of William Kaberry, and states that he is the son of a
large linen manufacturer at Pate'ey-bridge, is now in custody
of the Leeds police, charged with swindling various hotel-
keepers in the town and neighbourhood of Leeds. On
Sunday evening week, Kaberry went into the
Briggate, and called for tea. After he had partaken of that
meal, he enjoyed several brandies and cigars, and then
inquired if he could be accommodated with lodgings in the
house. He was informed the house was full ; but a bed was
procured for him at the Rodney-inn, upon its being under•
steed that be should return in the morning to breakfast.
He did come to breakfast at the Whip-inn ; and be after-
wards told the landlord that his father was an extensive
linen manufacturer at Pateley-bridge, and that he had been
sent to Leeds to collect some accounts, at the same time
pulling out a bundle of invoices upon the most respectable
firms in Leeds, and whose liabilities to his father he stated
to be £220. This plausible story deceived Mr. Hemingway,
who allowed Kaberry the run of the house for a couple of
days upon the strength of appearances. Kaberry went out
one morning -to collect accounts, however, and did not
return. The same day he went to the Stamford Arms, in
Stamford-street, Skinner-lane, Leeds, and asked for the
landlord. When Mr. Baliffe came into the room, Kaberry
inquired respecting a shop which he (Hr. Baliffe) had to
let, stating that be was about to commence business in the
drapery line in that neighbourhood, and that he thought
the premises would suit .him- Having thus procured an
introduction, Kaberry remained in the house a couple of
days, and feasted to his heart's content. On Friday morn-
ing he asked Mr. Batiffe for the key of the shop and went
out to look at it; but he did not return. The same after-
noon he was observed in Briggate, by Mr. Hemingway, of
the Whip•lnn, who gave him into custody. Upon him
were found the key of Mr. Baliffe's shop, a number of
printed cards intimating to the public that he was about to
commence business as a linendraper, and soliciting
patronage. It was also found that the prisoner bad be n
swindling Mr. Green, boarding-house keeper, Boar lane ;
Mr. Greaves, linendraper, Meadon-lane (from whom he
obtained a number of shirt fronts, collars, and other articles
under false pretences) ; and other tradespeople in Leeds
and the neighbourhood. Kaherry's representations as to
his parents turn out to be comiAete fabrications, he being the
son of a small farmer residing near Pateley-bridge; and not
of any linen manufacturer of that place.