Northern Times.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1857-06-18 00:00:00

when the Legislature seeks to place itself in
antagoilism to the feelings of the populace, it is
his duty to step forward and allay the excited
jealousy of the one by arresting the mischievous
activity of the other. This was King LEOPOLD'S
course. He merely acted under and with the
advice of his Cabinet; he prorogues the
Chambers, stops the angry debates, and thereby
satisfies and quells the infuriated feelings of an
outraged and indignant populace.
This contrasts strongly with what other king-
doms in Europe would have done. Take France,
Austria, or Naples, for instance. The histories
of these countries tell what would have been the
coercion, the imprisonments, and the brutal and
tyrannical treatment which such political
offenders would be subjected to in these lands.
It is, however, gratifying to find that, in Belgium,
a public outcry arifl a solemn and emphatic
protest against ecclesiastical aggression and
Pontifical arrogance is not answered by a
dragonade or carnival of promiscuous butchery.
The ministry refers to the crown ; the crown
consults the people, and the sovereign, abstain-
ing judiciously from either—approving or dis-
approving of the abnoxious Bill—pronounces
that whatever the Ministers originate, or
the Parliament sanction, no principle shall have
encouragement on Belgian soil which is anta-
gonistic to the declared wishes and desires of the
Belgian people. Admitting that it is sometimes
better to compromise than to argue or contend
with an infuriated opponent, his Majesty suggests
that the discussion of a measure repugnant to the
popular intelligence, shall be given over, at least
for a time. Conduct such as this clearly proves
that, in Belgium at least, there is constitu-
tionalism, and that a people so treated will not
fail to rally round a sovereign who guards their
civil and religious liberty with such extreme
jealousy and effect. The King of Belgium did not
hasten the absolute dissolution of the Legislative
Chambers. He was watching the progress of
events, consequent upon the elections in France.
It might be deemed matter of political ridicule
to see so small a nation exercising a free
suffrage, while its neighbour, under the sway of
the Imperial NAPOLEON, was going through a
farce, paying for votes as it would pay taxes or
hordes of salaried officials. LEOPOLD deserves
not only credit, but the thanks of all civilised
Governments for the tact and skill which he
displayed in averting a crisis, which at one time
threatened the stability of his kingdom—for
ousting priestly aggression, and giving to the
people the power of a fair and candid disapproval
of measures of political iniquity.

Da EVIL EFFECTS or STRIBES.—" It is to be regretted
that the stone-cutters employed by Mr. Wallace at St.
John's new Cathedral, and who were in receipt of 245.
weekly wages, have struck work, because of Mr. Wallace
engaging a native chimney-piece maker to execute two
red marble columns, which were to be polished for the
edifice."—We cut the above paragraph from the Limerick
Chronicle. We are sorry to find that workmen generally
are qn qinw in ceninz their nwn intprPqta, and that, after
the many instructive lessons taught them recently in
reference to " strikes," they still persist in such suicidal
folly. The meaning of the extract we have given is
rather ambiguous, but we dare say the " native" referred
to happened not to belong to a society of which the com-
binators were members, and, therefore—although they
have no objection to their wages, and although, doubtless,
they are aware their conduct will seriously inconvenience
the contractor—they have " struck work." No doubt it
is a hard matter to labour during this rather hot weather,
and there is little doubt also but that they expect the
chest of their own and other societies will supply the
needful to maintain them in idleness. This silly affair will
end in this way :—After a few weeks' fruitless talk and
bluster, and, after spending funds which should be devoted
to more useful purposes, the stone-cutters referred to will
again resume their wonted avocations, having gained
nothing, and lost much.

Moamomim.—A Mormon preacher at Southampton said,
in his sermon a Sunday or two ago : •' Shall I tell you,
my brethren, when the comet shall come and strike this
earth ? When Brigham Young chooses to say the word,
then will the comet come and strike the earth."

MR. JOHN BRIGHT.—We have much pleasure in stating
that Mr. John Bright has arrived in London. We are
able to assure our readers of the improvement in Mr.
Bright's health, and of the probability of his return to
active public life at no very distant date.—London Paper.
POOR RATES AND PAUPEKISM.—In the last week of the
quarter, ending Lady-day, 1857, 128,901 in-door, and
763,544 out-door paupers, were relieved in England and
Wales, the entire population being (census 1851)17,666,030
In the corresponding week of the preceding year the number
of paupers relieved was greater by 31,116.
HEALTH OF LONDON.—In the week that ended on Satur-
day, June 13th, the total number of deaths registered in
London was 934, of which 519 were deaths of males, and
415 those of females. Last week the births of 824 b
and 778 girl 4, in all 1,602 children were registered in
London. In the the tea corresponding weeks of the
years 1487-56 the average number was 1,396.
COAL ►STATISTICS.—In the year 1856, the quantity of
coal, cinders, and culm carried coastwise from one British
port to another was 9,110,076 tons, and of patent fuel
86,335. The exports abroad in the same year amounted
to 5,879,779 tons of coal, &c., and 69,462 tons of patent
fuel ; the declared value of all these exports being
£2,869,230. France is the largest cestomer, and after it
Germany, Thnmark, and the Mediterranean States
BRIGANDAGE IN TURKEY.—" Emin Paella." says a letter
from Janina, in the Augsburg Gazette," has arrested more
than 150 bandits. They were divided into three bodies,
commanded by three welt-known brigand chiefs. Their
last exploit was to capture a school and hold the children
of wealthy parents to ransom. Of these bandits thirty-six
have been hanged and the remainder sent to Constanti-
nople, where they will probably be conknned to the
I galleys."
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE IN COURT. —At the Middlesex
Sessions, on Tuesday; Frances Richards, a married woman
was indicted for stealing a purse containing £1 124 6d
from the person of John Sparkes. She was found guilty,
and evidence of former convictions having been given, the
court sentenced her to four years' penal servitude. On

hearing the sentence the prisoner, a determined-looking
woman, fell upon her knees, and in an instant took a silk
handkerchief from her pocket and twi.,ted it round her
neck, pulling the ends with all her strength, apparently
with the object of strangling herself. The officers at once
seized her by the arms, and compelled her to loose her
hold upon the handkerchief ; and, having removed her to
a cell, handcuffs were placed upon her to prevent any
further attempt.
AN URGENT REASON FOR PARLIAItsINTARY ABSENCE.—

At the time of private business in the House of Commons
on Tuesday night, Mr. Alexander moved that leave of
absence should be granted to Mr. Bruen for three weeks
"on urgent business." Mr. Wilson Patten, who is the
faititful guardian of all the privileges of the house in
reference to committees, objected to the motion on the
ground that a large number of committees were to be
struck in a few days, and that no leaves of absence should
be granted to members unless some very strong reasons
were shown for such a course. Mt, Alexander was then
compelled to explain that the " urgent business" on which
Mr. Bruen claimed to be absent was that he was about to
be married. The house, amidst peals of laughter, admitted
that that was a sufficient reason, and granted hiaa leave
of absence aCcvardiugly.