Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1859-01-01 00:00:00

THE NORTHERN TIMES, SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1859

divided or indifferent four-and-twenty." The
writer of the letter we refer to is evidently one
who knows what he is writing about ; and his
cautions are both forcible and timely. " Re-
member," he says, " one or two facts, which are
not lost sight of here (in London,) thoughexcusably
less visible in Liverpool. 1. The nominees of the
Government need no qualification. Should ade-
quate motive arise, they may be sent from desks
in Whitehall as easily as from your Exchange
flags. 2. Every Government is greedy of patro-
nage, as every healthy stomach craves food. It is
the nature of the beast : not at all blame-worthy,
though much note-worthy. 3. So large a pro-
perty as the Mersey Docks has never yet been
successfully managed by local and unsalaried
authority. Nor is the atmosphere of Downing-
street favourable, as you know, to any arguments
tending to prove that it might be. Hence I infer,
that when your infant Board gets into trouble, it
will not find its nurse here." No—we must
depend upon ourselves.: we must have self-reliance,
and then we may deserve to be entrusted with
self-government—in our Docks and Harbour, as
in every other concern of our own.
The jealousy of Government influence and
interference, is a wholesome jealousy ; and it is,
above all things, to be guarded against in the
management of our port ; that we may do nothing
• to throw it into the Government's handS. As our
well-informed and far-seeing London monitor has
again truly observed, "Liverpool, with largest
customs establishment in the kingdom, with other
considerable Government establishments, and with
the Docks all filled, from the highest places to the
lowest, with nominees of the Government for the
time being, would rapidly rise, by unalterable laws
of political gravitation, to the rack of Devonport.
The Government of the day would nominate your
members, and relieve your commerce of the
occasional disturbance of a popular election." . All
this is not only possible, but probable—if we don't
mind what we are about ; it would be but the
natural operation of cause and effect.

Hence, therefore, the importance of having, in
such a Board, our own Liverpool men— men of
character, of intelligence, and of independence—
men practically acquainted with the great interests
that are at stake—men who not only know what
is right, but dare to do and to maintain it. Of
such men should that portion of the Board be
composed which will have to constitute, as it were,
a sort of moral breakwater against the encroach-
ments of that Government influence which, through
the Government's nominees in the Board, there
will be a constant struggle to exert. Let the
Dock Ratepayers, then, be true to themselves on
this important occasion : let them look with a
single eye to the one great object, of having the
twenty-four members of the Board whom they are
to elect, able, experienced, and independent-
minded men one and all of them, without
exception if possible, " the right man in the right
pl ace."

THERE is an old apothegm which says, that " it
and the principle is an important one, since he
who notices the mistakes of another, may thence
gain a lesson of great practical advantage. When,
however, we allude to the United States of
America as the source whence we are to derive
instruction—from whose mistakes we are to gain
a lesson of advantage—we do not mean to consider
them in the light of an enemy exactly, but only as
possessing political institutions at variance in their
principles with our own. Those institutions were
conceived in a spirit of opposition, if not of hosti-
lity to ours ; and their whole character is theoreti-
cally inimical to them. Yet, we repeat, is it quite
fair to derive instruction from them, as they pre-
sent us, in their practical working, with the
opportunity of doing so.
And it was impossible, we think, to read in our
American correspondence, on Tuesday, the account
that was given of the recent elections to the
various .public offices in the city of New York,
without gaining an important lesson as respects
the constitution and character of our own system,
whether with reference to municipal or national
affairs.

In city affairs, as in those of the States them-
selves—and as in those also of the Federal Union
itself—the principle in operation is that of a
thorough democracy. In them the sovereign
power resides in the collective body of the people ;
but in practice, and very naturally, it is mono-
polised by that majority of the body politic which
consists, as popular majorities generally do, of
the least virtuous, and the least trustworthy-the
most selfish and the most venal, of the whole. The
minority embraces the great proportion of the
wealth, and character, and respectability of the
body politic ; which all goes for nothing in the
universal suffrage that is called into action. The
democratic element is predominant, and carries all
before it. Honesty and virtue, public principle
and patriotism, political reputation and personal
merit—all this has no weight, and is of no account
whatever, for its own sake, but is utterly set
at nought wherever it is not ranged on the
side of the more popular party and purpose of the

occasion.
Our correspondent on American Affairs does not
content himself with giving only his own
testimony. He quotes that of one of the more
influential of the native journals also, which
declares with respect to the elections in question,
that, in the first place, "the various political
parties selected,for candidates, the very worst men
they could pick out, and the respectable portion of
the community, with a few exceptions, abstained
from voting altogether. It was a contest
between a set of corrupt office seekers for the
spoils of the treasury." Thus they who are the
lowest in social rank,---and, as the proceedings
showed, the lowest in public principle, and, it may
be fairly inferred, in private character also,—have
it all their own way; and that a very bad way-indeed.
But what else is to be expected than what is bad,
in " a contest between a set of corrupt office-
seekers for the spoils of the treasury ?" They
succeeded in the election. As the journalist quoted
goes on to remark, " a set of men, many of whom •
no stake or interest
bays no occupation, no Home,

whatever in the well-being of the city, have been
elected to the highest and most responsible offices
in its government." Here is a practical issue of
the democratic element, when it is permitted to
predominate. And not unreasonably, therefore, is it
bewailed, that " there is now no visible hope or
expectation of any amelioration in the city
government." The immediate and most serious
consequence, in a practical point of view, is thus
stated,—" The expenses for the municipal govern-
ment for this year will be nearly nine millions of
dollars, a third part of which, at least, will be
plundered or wasted ; and with the prospect now
in view, it is impossible to tell to what amount
they may be swelled next year—probably thirteen
or fourteen millions,"—while, it is added, there is
no doubt " that New York will be then, as it is
now, the worst governed city in the world."
Now here, we say, is a most instructive lesson
to England—at a time, more especially, when so
desperate an effort is • being made, in radical
quarters, to convert it more and more into
republican England. One must be stupid, or one
must be perverse, indeed, not to gain a lesson of
advantage from 'such a state of things as that
referred to. Let Englishmen, therefore, beware
how they give any countenance to those plausible
pretexts that are addressed to the popular mind,
for what has been not inaptly called'Americanizing
their institutions, which, were even the necessity
for some organic change apparent, would evidently
be but, as the vulgar adage has it, "to get out of
the frying-pan into the fire."

EXECUTION OF REID, THIS DAY.—This day, at noon,
Reid, who murdered his wife, will be executed before
Kirkdale jail. We shall publish full particulars in our
extra edition.

TIM LIVERPOOL E3IIGIRATION
,TRADE. -EXTRAORDI-
NARY DECLINE DURING THE TEAR 1858.-The returns
of emigrants sailing from the Mersey, for Colonial and
Foreign ports, exhibit a decline of nearly fifty per cent,
when compared with the returns for the year 1857. In the
month of January, the decrease on the general emigra-
tion of Liverpool, when compared with the corresponding
period of 1857, was 1,988 ; in February, 6,536 ; in
March, 6,352; in April, 15,585; in May, 12,112 ; in
June, '9,886 ; in July, 6,027 ; in August, 5,497; in
September, 4,019 ; in October, 5,229 ;. in November,
496 ; and in December, 1,884 ; making a total falling off
of 74,330 ; the aggregate numbers being in 1858,
80,722, against 155,652 in 1857. The diminution was
most apparent in the second quarter, duringwhich a
decrease of 37,789 occurred, although the gross number
sailing from the port during the quarter only amounted
to 30,345. The falling off has been chiefly observable in
the emigration to the United States and Canada, arising,
no doubt, from the great commercial depression of
the past year, and the fact that, in many instances,
the passenger ships, on their return voyages
from the States, actually brought back to this
country more passengers than they carried out,
landing them in a state of the greatest destitution,
and many appeals having to be made to the benevolent,
for the purpose of assisting the poor creatures to their
respective homes. The opening up of the Galway route
has also, to some extent, influenced the emigration
trade, as far as the United States and Canada are
concerned. The Cape of Good Hope has been supplied
with upwards of 2,000 etnigiuuts during the year, at the
expense of the colonial government. It is believed that,
„,„
„,f a
will not be resumed, the results not being considered
satisfactory. To the Australian colonies, the flow of
emigration (although greatly decreased when compared
with 1857) has been on a relatively larger scale than to
the United States, and being composed, as it were, of the
middle class of society, is entitled to more than a merely
casual glance. Up to the close of December, the num-
ber of vessels despatched from the Mersey for AustraliZ
ports was 118, of a tonnage in the aggregate of
130,361 tons, against 149 vessels and 169,515 tons in
1857. In January there sailed to the Australian colonies
1,800 persons; in February, 1,015; in March, 2,258;
in April, 1,573 ; in May, 1,199 ; in June, 2,895 ; in
July, 1,785 ; in August, 1,429 ; in September, 2,587 ;
in Octobei, 2,091; in November, 1,604 ; and in Decem-
ber, 936. One-half of the emigrants belonged to Eng-
land. The Colonial Land and Emigration Commissioners
despatched 25 vessels to Australia during the year, which
conveyed 9,718 emigrants. The second and third
qua.rters were the most active of the year, and the ships
sailing during those periods were well filled-for instance,
the White Star had on board 570 souls, the Red Jacket
454, and the Donald M`Kay 436 passengers on
board-the largest numbers carried out during the year.
The first quarter of 1858 gives a total of 5,137 emigrants
to Australia (including 2,905 government), being a
decrease of 1,904 in the private, lnd 1,254 in the govern-
ment emigration. The second quarter 5,199, including
2,116 government, being a decrease 6f 4,916 in the
private, and 2,312 in the government emigration. In the
third quarter the emigrants numbered 6,368, inclusive o
2,744 government-being a decrease of 3,254 in the
private, and an increase of 463 in the government ' , emi-
gration, and the last quarter of the year shows that
2,525 private, and 1,943 government passengers sailed-
being a comparative decrease of 1,624 in the private,
and 417 in the government emigration. These
merely embrace the steerage emigrants, the first
cabin not being " under the Act," and the
official returns (from which the foregoing were compiled)
only guarantee the accuracy of the steerage passengers.
The number of first-cabin passengers reached over 700
souls during the year. Inclusive of all classed "colder the
Act," the White Star line carried out 6,724 passengers ;
the Black Ball line, 6,388 ; the Mersey line, 3,006 ; the
the Eagle line, 2,276 ; and Mr. J. M. Walthew, 512.
There was no " bounty" emigration to Tasmania during
the year, nor did any private ship sail from the Mersey
with passengers for New Zealand. The only casualty of
consequence connected with the Australian trade during
the year, was the burning of the Eastern City, on which
occasion the entire passengers and crew, with one excep-
tion, were saved, and finally sent from the Cape of Good
Hope to their destination.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE. '":4

THE AMPIIITHEATRE.—TD.O English Opera Company
at this Theatre have given a very satisfactory and
creditable performance of " Fra Diavalo " every night
during the week. There have, however, been some
complaints, not unreasonably, made by the public, that
the same Opera should have been repeated every night,
although neither its novelty, nor the demands, appeared
to call for such a repetition, we are therefore glad to
see that there will be several changes during the
ensuing week.
PLEASING INCIDENT.—In consequence of the reduction
in the staff of Wharfingers, at the Albert Dock, Captain
Geor.%) Atkinson was called upon last evening, by the
working men, to receive a testimonial of respect from
them. The testimonial (a pair of gold-mounted
spectacles) was presented by Mr. Thomas, foreman ship-
worker, who begged Captain Atkinson to accept it as a
token from the men who, with just cause, esteethed him.
Captain Atkinson was very much affected, and could only
reply by taking his hat off to the men, who gave him a
hearty cheer. Long may the old gentleman live to wear
the spectacles, and enjoy the evening of his days in peace
And happiness.
RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS. —A meeting of the London
and North-Western Company was held on Thursday, at
which .it was resolved to sanction an arrangement by
which the Company is to purchase and undertake the
:management of the Chester and. Holyhead Company's
line. .4.t.prewait the former Company holds about one-

half of the share capital of the latter, and it was felt to
be desirable to have the arrangements for both lines
wider the control of one board. The Chester and
Holyhead Company also met, and resolved to sanction
the sale.

PEopLE's CONCERTS.—Notwithstanding the
miserably wet weather, and the festive attractions of New
Year's Eve, Mr. Hime gave a concert for those who
might be able to spare an hour out of the wet. He gives
another to-day at half-past two, when Madlle. E. Garcia
will appear with the Brousil family, and Mr. Best will
play. on the organ. In the evening, another concert will
be given, when Miss • Dyer' Miss Fanny Huddart, Mr. H.
Haigh, and Mr. Rosenthal, will sing some selections from
" Martha," and other music, and the Brousil family will
exhibit their delightful instrumental performances.
THE GALWAY LINE.—We learn that a very important
deputation has waited upon the Lord-Lieutenant of Ire-
land, urging upon him the propriety of using his influence
to obtain Government support in establishing the Galway
communication with America. The deputation do not
appear to be agreed as to the specific kind of assistance to
be sought from the State. Mr. Grattan told the Lord-
Lieutenant that they only required a share of public
money for service performed ; but the Lord-Lieutenant
seemed to understand, from other statements made, that
something more was asked for. Accordingly, he reminded
the deputation that the House of Commons would have
to be consulted. At the same time, he pledged himself to
press the question upon the attention of the Government.
SOIREE TO THE REV. JAMES MARTINEAU.—A soiree
was given last night, by the members of the Hope-street
Unitarian congregation, to, welcome the Rev. James
Martineau, formerly minister of that church, and who is
at present on a visit in Liverpool. The soiree took place
in the Hope-street Schools, which were crowded to
excess. The chair was taken by Mr. J. B. Cooke. Mr.
Thomas Bolton moved a resolution embodying the feelings
of the meeting towards Mr. Martineau, which was
seconded by the Rev. W. H. Channing, supported by
Rev. J. H. Thom, and carried by acclamation. Mr.
Martineau replied in a speech: of great eloquence, in
.which he touched upon several topics of the greatest
interest to the Unitarian body, and to the religious world
in general. We shall publish a full report of the pro-
ceedings in our paper of Monday.
THEATRE ROYAL.—We s m add nothing to the notices
we have already written of the Pantomime at the Theatre
Royal, except to say that the machinery improves by use,
and that the occasional impediments and stoppages which
appeared on the first and second nights are disappearing.
The introduction of, the " Aunt Sally" incident, and the
"row" following it, are received with great laughter
eveij, night. Some of the incidents, such as the " Rarey
horse," or, rather, " donkey taming," are now some-
what used up ; but as the system became famous during
the interval between this pantomime and the last, we
suppose the author is as well entitled to make use of a
feature which other artists have.produced in all varieties
of forms, as the editor of a weekly newspaper to bring out
with a flourish on the Saturday some piece of news
which his daily contemporaries have given to the public
in every manner of version all the previous week. The
attendance at the Theatre Royal has been very numerous
during the evenings of the Pantomime.

THE GREAT BARON OF BEEF, AT .Monnisif s.—As
we anticipated, this great joint (now "no more")
attracted an unusual amount of attention and admirers
yesterday, at Morrish's Merchants' Dining Rooms,
Tithebarn-street. It was " done to a turn "at one
o'clock, with the same punctuality that characterises the
house, and was laid "smoking hot" on the table to a
minute, and then the real slaughteration commenced.
The ox off which this splendid " Baron" was cut, was
bred and fed by the Marquis of Breadalbane, and was
purchased and slaughtered by Mr. Lowthian, " the King
of St. John's Market." The joint weighed rather less
than 400 lbs.—a pretty fair specimen, yet of the very
finest quality, for every bit was eatable, and tender as a
chicken. About 1,000 persons dined off it yesterday, and
one and all expressed the most unqualified approbation of
the cooking and the quality; and every one wished Mr.
Morrish many happy new years, and every succeeding
year a " Baron of beef"—a wish in which we join, and
ma we be there to see all happy returns.
EDGE HILL WORKING MENS' ASSOCIATION.—Last
Thursday evening, a tea party. in connection with the
above association took place in the boys' school-room,
Wavertree-road. The room was most beautifully deco-
rated for the occasion, groups of flags being most artisti-
cally arranged, the effect being considerably increased
by a choice display of evergreens. A party of gentlemen
volunteered their services, and added much to the enter-
tainment of the company, by the admirable performance
of a choice selection of glees. The chair was talon by
the Rev. J. M. Harke, and on tlic platform were—the
Revs. Thomas Moore, Joseph Bardsley, T. 'Watson, J.
cutlet W. Gregson, Esq., C. Peers, Esq., &c. After a
very doquent and practical address by the chairman, the
secretary (Mr. Peers), was called upon to read the report,
from which we learnt that the society was in a very
flourishing and prosperous position. After addresses by
the Revs. J. Moore and J. Bardsley, the proceedings ter-
minated by singing the Nationel Anthem.
CORONER'S COURT.—Yesterday, the Coroner held the
followinc, inquests: —On the body of John Kincaid, a
sailor, who fell from the yard of a ship in one of the
docks, and was killed. The facts of this case appeared
in our paper of yesterday. The evidence was the same
as that already published, and the jury found a verdict
of " Accidentally killed." On the body of Winifred
Clary, aged four years, who was burnt in a Court off
Saltney-street, and died in consequence. Verdict—
" Accidentally burnt." On the body of Elizabeth Kemp,
who resided at Burlington-street, and who formerly kept
a public house in Commutation Row. She was in the
Old Hay Market, where she met some men belonging to
the war ship Hastings, and asked them if her son-in-law
was on board ? They replied he was, and that he had
given them leave to go on shore. She said, "Oh my
God," and fell down, and died on the spot. Verdict—
" Died of natural causes." [lt appeared that her son-in-
law is an officer on board H.M. ship Hastings, and that
lie had given the men leave to go on shore.] On the
body of John Smith, 26 years of age, who hung himself
in the Workhouse, under the circumstances stated in our
paper of yesterday. The jury found a verdict, " that he
hung himself whilst labouring under temporary insanity."
On the body of William Platt, 42 years of age, who
died in Green-street, in consequence of injuries received
by the kick of a horse. Verdict accordingly.
NEW YEAR FESTIVAL OF SCOTTISH MUSIC. —A series
of entertainments peculiarly appropriate in their cha-
racter to the present month, will open in St. George's
Hall, next Monday evening. When we say that the
entertainment is entitled a National Festival of Scottish
Music, we need hardly. remind our readers that its
peculiar appropriateness just now lies in the fact that this
month will witness the celebration of the Centenary of
Robert Burns. Could circumstances allow of the perfor-
mances we speak of taking place nearer to the celebration
of the centenary, it would have been singularly fortunate,
and we feel no doubt would have been highly gratifying
to the public. As it is, however, the character of the
performances will, we believe, be such as to ensure their
warm reception by the public ; and any period of the
month which is to witness the festival to the memory of
Robert Burns can hardly be unsuited for the production
of a Scottish musical entertainment. The " Festival of
Scottish Music " will be given by the greater number of
the performers who recently exhibited before her
Majesty, at Balmoral Castle, and who received then, we
believe, the most gratifying assurances of royal approba-
tion. The company will consist of about twenty
performers, who arc to appear in the costume of their
several clans, along with the Royal pipers and dancers,
as they performed at Balmoral. Reels, strathspeys,
sword dances, Scottish ballads, Highland fling,
" Tullochgormn," and many other specimens of Caledo-
nian music and dancing, will form the programme of the
entertainments. Such a performance will be an agreeable
novelty in Liverpool, at a time when ordinary concerts
begin, by their pregnancy, somewhat to loose their attrac-
tions for general audiences. The Scottish National
Festival of Music can of course only be prolonged for a
few days in Liverpool, and those who can enjoy such a
performance will do well not to postpone too long taking
advantage of the opportunity thus offered.

Mawdsley's school-boy pocket pericils in great variety,
3d, 6d, and Is. Also, writing-cases and desks, from ss.
4, Castle-street.

HOUSEKEEPERS.—The coffee sold by Thompson
Brothers, 5, Elliot-street, at is 4d,.is better than you pay
Is-8d for at any other establishment.
AN ADOPTED CHILD.—A married couple, named
Graham, residing in the lower part of the city of Lincoln,
who have no family of their own, applied at a meeting of
the guardians of the union, for permission to take a child,
six months' old, out of the house, in order that they may
adopt it. What made the application more singular was
the fact that the child was no relation., but the illigiti-
.
mate offspring of an unfortunate young woman, who
formerly lodged near the applicants, but who died in the
union a short time ago, and whose name neither Graham
nor his wife knew. Several guardians gave Graham an
excellent character for industry and sobriety, and it was
resolved that the application should be granted
the relieving-officer for the home district being requested
to call at Graham's house, now and then, to see how the
child was treated. An amusing scene took place when
the child was given up to the applicants, both husband
and wife desiring to carry it to their home, but ,ultimatelythe wife proved victorious—she having a thick shawl on
with which to protect the infant from the cold,
and carried
it off triumphantly. From the happy and graceful looks o!
the good couple when the application
wasJgrante"' L"
s
but fair to presume that the child will be' treated by them
as if it were their QWII4--Zrotanyham ,R,PieWe

EXECUTION OF REID.
At twelve o'clock to day, the sentence of death passed
upon Henry Reid, who wilfully murdered his wife at
Manchester, on the 23rd Sept. last, will be carried into effect.

No doubt it will be fresh in the recollection of our readers

that the trial took place at the last assizes at St. George's
Hall, in this town, on the 14th inst., a full report of
which we gave at the time. From the evidence, it
appeared that the unfortunate man had been leading a
very dissolute life. His wife also had been in the habit
of drinking. On the night in question, when the murder _
was committed, the culprit, together with his wife, had
been drinking at a public-house near to where they
lived. They were both drunk, as was given in evidence
against him, and the culprit was heard to say that "if
his wife did not behave herself, before morning he would
be the death of her." If he had not come out with this
expression, it is quite possible he would have come off
clear. During the trial, the unfortunate fellow stood quite
unmoved until the last moment ; but as soon as the judge r
had pronounced sentence, he dropped on his knees, as if
to beg pardon. He was recommended to mercy on
account of inebriety. The following was given as evi— ,
dente against him :----Joseph Wright said he was a police -
constable, and in consequence of what Mrs. Dickenson
had told him, he went to the prisoner's house at about
twenty-five minutes past three. He saw the deceased ;
she was lying as described, and dead. The body was
warm, but stiff. She was laid at the bottom of the stairs,
with her forehead over the floor. Her arms were bent, as
if she had been endeavouring to raise herself up. Her
face was towards the window, and her head would be
about fourteen inches from the house wall; the feet were ,
on the stairs. The clothes were turned up over the left leg ;
she was in her evening dress ; she had no bonnet on,_
and her hair was very rough. Witness did not see any
blood on the stairs ; but saw a rope round deceased's
neck. There was blood on the floor where she lay, and
the head was lying in it when he got there. The rope
was tight round her neck. He looked at the bannisters.
of the stairs, but there was no remnant of a rope there.
He turned the body over on the middle of the floor on its
back, and took the prisoner into custody. John Birchley,
inspector of police, at Manchester, said he entered the
house of the deceased shortly after ten o'clock, when he
got the body removed to the Infirmary. He did not
meddle with the cord till it had been inspected by the
surgeons. He then searched the house, and found two
pieces of cord, which, however, did not correspond with
that found round the neck of the deceased. He was unable
to find marks of the cord on the stairs and bannisters,
though be had searched for them. The colouring was
much loosened on the kitchen side of the staircase, and
some had fallen off, as if there had been a scuffle there,
and something had been in contact with the staircase.
There was a large clot of thick blood at the bottom of

the stairs, and there was a great quantity of thick blood
in the middle of the floor of the lower room.
The wound was still bleeding freshly. There was
a strong nail in the partition of the staircase, about six
feet from the gronnd. William Meakin, a rope-maker,
proved that the piece of rope found round the neck of
the deceased had been cut with a sharp instrument at
one end ; the other had been broken. The cord would sus-
tain a weight of at least 2001bs. Thomas Parry deposed
to being in company with the prisoner and deceased on
the night before the murder, when he heard the prisoner
say, "If my wife does not conduct herself in a proper
manner, I will be her death before morning." These
were the last words he heard him say; and they were
both the worse for liquor at the time. James Smith, 5
scene-painter at the Theatre Royal, said, he was at the
Windmill public-house on the night of the 22nd of
September, and left there about twenty-five minutes past
eleven. The prisoners were there, and they appeared
quite tipsy. Mr. John Elliott, house-surgeon to the
Manchester Infirmary, said, he remembered the deceased
being brought to the Infirmary on the morning In
question. She had been dead about two hours.
He made a post mortein examination of the bodyr
and found a wound over the right side of the forehead,
by the ear. Blood was still flowing from the wound-
He was of opinion that the wound had been inflicted 199
a knife. The wound penetrated to the skull, but did not
cause the death. The piece of cord produced is the sane
as that which was round the deceased's neck. It was
quite tight. On each side was a mark from two to three
inches in length, in front of the angle of the jaw. Dr'
Frank Reynolds corroborated the statements made hi
the last witness. Mr. Cobbett then addressed the
jury for the defence, urging, at considerable lengtl!,
that this was a case of circumstantial evidence. 11?
Lordship then proceeded to sum up, remarking that thy;
was a most important matter for the jury to decide. it
would be for them to decide, whether the prisoner Was
the cause of the death of his wife, or whether she had
committed suicide by strangling herself. The jury real:cur
and His Lordship received a message from them, asking
if it could not be made out a case of manslaughter. ifra
Lordship ordered the jury to come into court, an
explained the law relating to manslaughter more clearly,
The jury again retired for a short time, and returned
verdict of " Wilful murder," but recommended the
prisoner to mercy on account of inebriety.

MILITIA DISTURBANCES AT EDINBURGH. Au out:
break, which at one time threatened to prove seriow,
occurred on Saturday night, in the Canongate, Edir
burgh, about eight o'clock. The occasion of the tits.
turbance was the entrance of some drunken men of the
Sussex Militia into a public-house, where they were
refused drink. The landlord was attacked by them, an(i
the scuffle attracted a large .mob round the house,
Two policemen were sent' for, who apprehended one
of the militiamen, but were attacked by other men fi
p
the same regiment on their way to the police-station, the
militiamen taking off their belts, and using them again:,
the constables, who were compelled to take refuge
a neighbouring shop. This availed them little, for t°
e
shop door was burst open and the officers thrown doiitc;
one of them being nearly garotted, the prisoner escapili:f.,
in consequence. Information having reached the nir
police station, a posse of about twenty men were de'
spatched to the scene of the tumult, who partially site'
ceeded in restoring order. Theyapprehended a militiaman/
who had been active in the riot, but before reaching 61e
office with the second prisoner, an attempt was made at
rescue by a picket of the militia, who, rushing against the
constables and drawing their bayonets took the prisoner
from their charge, threatening violence if the police inter
fered. The picket had marched up the High-street ra
far as Parligmentlquare, when the police, in augment:
numbers, approached them, and demanded that tlieP,
former prisoner, the militiaman, should be given nri
but the men again drew their bayonets, 311
refused to comply with this demand. By this ,
an immense throng of people had gathered together!
who created a great disturbance, and apparently took el
part of the militia, some of whom behaved in the 111°5o
riotous manner, using their belts against any officer w'
came in their way. Eventually, five of the most dist;
dedy were taken into custody, and shortly afterward''
peace was restored. On Sunday several constables went
to the castle, and identified the two men who had been
taken by them into custody.

The Paris Constitutionnel publishes a long serie!
of remarks on the Board of Trade returns, withi
view to prove that the introduction of free trade
has not increased the commercial movement 1'
England. It says :
Free trade, we affirm, has not given a great impsts
to commerce in England. During the eight years, fre
1842 to 184, which preceded the repeal of the Naviej;
tion Laws, the total tonnage of laden vessels whita
entered British ports increased sixty-six per cent. ;
the eight years which followed that repeal, the incro:
has been only forty-four per cent. ; so that the progre,
instead of being accelerated, has slackened. But t°
most interesting fact to be noticed in this case is the Pr ~e;
portion which fell to the share of the British mercantli
shipping in these two periods. In the eight years
preceded the repeal, the tonnage of English ships arsl,';
mg with cargoes had increased 64 per cent ;In t't
eight years which followed it has increased 24 per cell,'
On the other hand, the tonnage of foreign vesso;
which had increased 73 per cent during the forte
period, gained 97 per cent., or nearly doubled, duril
the latter. So that, in fact, the tonnage which Ictly
augmenting in nearly the same degree for b°rat
English and foreign vessels, after the appeal saw the ra
ohncrease decline from 64 to 24 per cent. for Engli6h,
vessels, while it rose from 73 to 97 per cent. for foreig;
Nor is that all. Every one knows how important it j
for England to maintain her maritime preponderance, to
see
yet it is notorious that rival navies are springing all be
endanger its continuance. The effective force of
British mercantile navy has no doubt increased since t':,4
repeal of the Navigation Laws ; but the increase
not been greater than before the repeal ; and 011113 e
especially merits attention is that the force of t
United States' shipping has increased in a far greater
proportion. In 1849, the strength of the British ale:i
cantile vessels was 4,100,000 tons, and it had attain
5,500,000 in 1857---an increase of 33. per cent. since the
repeal of the Navigation Laws. During the same pert.od
what has been the development of the United Staff
navy ? It has risen from 3,300,000 to 5,250,000, being
increase of 60 per cent. Hence it is evident that*tti
American shippinghas increased twice as rapidly as the
English. It will be remarked that the effective
strength of the United States, which was a million t 0!
below the English in 1849, at present almost equals itt
and, if the increase continues at the same rate, will 60"ci I
exceed it."