The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-15 00:00:00

SUN OFFICE, Six o'clock.

SPAIN.

MADRID, Dec. 8.--The state of parties hero
makes it generally believed that Ministerial modi-
fications will shortly take place, but there is no
talk of either Espartero or O'Donnell leaving the
direction of affairs at present.
To-day is the festival of the Conception, and
the first anniversary since the immaculate concep-
tion of the Virgin Mary has been proclaimed as a
dogma of faith by the Pope ; it is always kept as
a close holiday, but is to be celebrated to-day with
more than usual pomp.
The Cortes are occupied with details of the army
estimates. They adjourned last evening till the
10th, not choosing to sit to-day, and to-morrow
being Sunday. There was no Boise, to-day.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE—(This Day,

THAMES.
FIRST AND SECOND COUSINS DIAY LEGALLY MARRY.
—A popular delusion has long prevailed in England that
first cousins may marry, and that second cousins cannot
marry, and an equally absurd idea seems to prevail
amongst the ignorant recently, that second cousins can
marry and that first cousin% cannot do so. The fallacy
of both opinions were decided by Mr. Ingham this
morning.

A respectable woman, the wife of Mr. Slowman, an
outfitter, in Upper East Smithfield, to whom she has
been long married and lived on terms of happiness, en-
tered the witness-box, and was about to address the
magistrate when her agitation and sobs prevented her
doing so. She remained for some time crying, until Mr.
Ingham requested her to compose herself, and not being
able to do so begged of her to wait upon him again when
she was leas agitated. After a pause Mrs. Slowman said,
" pray sir, cau first cousins marry ?"
Mr. Ingham--That is an odd question. I have a no-
tion they can.
Mrs. Slowman said she was married to her first cousin
and her husband's brother:had stepped between them and
happiness, and said the marriage was not legal.
Mr. Ingham—lt is perfectly right and legal, be as-
sured of that.

Mrs. Slowman—My brother-in-law says my husband
is not bound to support me.

Mr. Ingham—A; will find his mistake out if your
husband repudiates you or turns you out of doors. You
are tho lawful wife of your husband, and he is bound to
maintain you.

Mrs. Slowman thanked the magistrate, and left the
court much happier than when she entered it.
A smart and interesting young woman next entered
the witness box, and, holding down her head and blush-
ing, said, "If you please, sir, my young man," and then
stopped.
Mr. Ingham—Well, what of your young man ? He
has not been false to you, I hope ?

Applicant—No, sir; but if you please, sir, we want
tothe married. (Titters from the men, and sly glances
rrotn the women.)
__ _

,
Mr. Ingham—What impediment is there to the mar.
riage ?._ .

Applicant—Please, sir, we aro second cousins ; and
people say it is not right for second cousins to marry,
and that if I marry him it will be unlawful.
Mr. Ingham—A marriage between second cousins of
the opposite sexes is perfectly lawful. You can go and
marry your second cousin as soon as you like.
Applicant—Thank you, sir. lam so glad. (Laughter.)
The anxious fair one then hurriedly left the court,
concealing a very pretty face as she best could with her
handkerchief.