The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-31 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING„ DECEMBER 31, 1855.

THE SCA NDINAVLAN

A. Norwegian, writing to a contemporary, says :
" Recent events in the North have shown that the ab-
sorbing interest which has hitherto been concentrated
on the transactions of the South, has not rendered the
Western Powers unmindful of the imp.)rtance or inte-
rests of Scandinavia. Much, nevertheless, remains to be
done, and I am willing to believe that correct informa-
tion regarding these northern lands will not be a matter
of indifference io the English people. It is therefore
that, with your kind indulgence, I now propose to ad-
vert to some of those points that strike me as most af-
fecting the present juncture of affairs.

6' In your remarks on the Northern alliance you have,
with the greatest impartiality, shown that if such States
as Norway and Sweden are drawn into the war, and to
be erected into a barrier against the future aggressions of
Russia, they from that moment become entitled to re-
ceive such an accession of strength, or other such gua-
rantees, as may enable them to anticipate the revenge of
their powerful neighbour without alarm.
"As a means of giving these kingdoms additional
strength, much stress has been laid upon the restoration
of Finland to Sweden. It has been urged that thus
many thousand square miles would be interposed between
her and the aggressor, and a millinn and a half of inhabi-
tants added to her population, while the Autocrat would
lose the only part of his empire that can supply him
with sailors for his fleet, and would be deprived in the
Finnish fortresses of a means of offence he has long been
preparing at a Vast expense. But, weighty as these con-
siderations are, their true value must always depend upon
the degree of sympathy still retained by the Finlanders
for their old sovereignty. Now, the accounts derived
from those who have bad the best opportunities of
making themselves acquainted with the feelings of the
Fins tend unquestionably to prove that they are gene-
rally opposed to return to aoy incorporation with
Sweden.

" But the political combinations of the North also ad-
mit of another arrangement for imparting additional
strength to what may be not inaptly termed the barrier
kingdoms. These means exist in the invitation to Den-
mark to take her place with Norway and Sweden in the
Scandinavian Union. While this would add unques-
tionable strength to the alliance, it would be one of the
heaviest blows that could be inflicted upon Russia,—
greater, possibly, than the loss of Finland. It would
collect under one head three nations, whose historical
traditions and internal constitutions and civilisation
equally proclaim resistance to the encroachments of Rue-
sia,—three nations, separately weak, but if united by
their geographical position forming a natural cordon on
the North that Russia would be unable to break through.
This idea is by no means novel. For a considerable period
it has been mooted by the politicians of the three king-
doms. It was first developed by the students of the Uni-
versities of Christiania, Upsala Lund, and Copenhagen,
and early taken up and eagerly discussed by the profes-
sional politicians of the three countries, while many of
their deepest thinkers have declared their opinion that in
the realisation of this idea exists the only guarantee of
the independance of the North, and its safeguard from
dismemberment, already commenced by Russia on the
side of Sweden, and attempted by Germany on that of
Denmark. These arguments have continued to gain
ground ; and, although they still have their oppo-
nents, no political idea is more popular in the three
countries. But, however desirable the proposed con-
federation might be to the balance of power in Europe,
it may be objected that it would be opposed by Den-
mark, from whom sacrifices inconsistent with the pre-
sent order of things would be required. This is, how-
ever, an erroneous conclusion. It is in Denmark that
the union was first suggested • there it has found its
warmest supporters, and obtained popularity greater even
than in either Norway and Swedau. The most distin-
guished politicians of Denmark have belonged to the
party, which consider " Scandinaviastn" a part of their
political creed, and there are at present in the Danish
Ministry men who cherish the same faith. In such an
union it must always bo borne in mind that it is not in.
tended that any of these nations should lose its politi-
cal independence, but that their mutual relations should
be based on the same freedom as that of Norway and
Sweden at the present time. It is precisely one of the
advantages of such an union that the admission of Den-
mark can now become a practical idea. The theory of
"Scandinavianium" is an alliance offensive and defensire
against all outward foes, or, as it has been felicitously
expressed, "three people in peace but one in war."
" I have hitherto considered only the increase of power
of these kingdoms, and through it the security given to
the maiutenanca of the European system. But there is
another circumstance that it behoves European states-
men to take into their most earnest consideration. In
the treaty that was concluded in 1852, under the aus-
pices of England, France, and Russia, a relation of the
Czar was made successor to the throne of Denmark, and
thus the Russian Emperor has not only paved the way
for exercising a powerful influence in the Government of
Denmark, but may, by no impossible concurrence of
events, become himself the heir to a portion of its terri-
tory. This treaty, which was the last but the most
dangerous in which the Western stateernen allowed
themselves to be circumvented by Russian diplomacy,
has already been deeply deplored, and not least by its
originators. The Danish people received it with dis-
gust, and it was only acknowledged by the Diet
because they did not feel themselves strong enough
to oppose the determination of Europe. Let Europe
now avail herself of the opportunity that offers
of correcting an error into which it was led by
Russian cunning, by a free union of the three kingdoms
of Sweden, Norway, and Denmark under the flourishing
dynasty of Bernadotte. With the possession of the•
sound and the Belts thus secured the work will be com-
plete. On the decase of King Frederick VII. and his
awed uncle Prince Ferdinand the male line of the Royal
House of Denmark will be extinct. It has been rumoured
that the King once offered his crown for the welfare of
his people, and it is not impossible or inconsistent with
the character of this noble and patriotic Prince to anti-
cipate that if he believed that the fitting time had ar-
rived he would now carry his resolution into effect.
Such a step is, however, by no means necessary to the
object proposed. _

"The advantages of the proposed junction of Denmark
in the Scandinavian union for limiting the ambition of
Russia are, indeed, so great that the plan would almost
seem to take precedence of every other ; first, because
this union would at once give the Northern States the
strength they need, and do away with the pretence for
future Russian interference in their affairs ; secondly,
the scheme is the easier to realise as it suggests terri-
torial alterations that would not require the deadly
struggle that must precede the erection of such a bar-
rier State by conquests made from Russia ; and, thirdly,
its adoption emanating from no Cabinet intrigues, but
from the people themselves, well weighed by them, and
according with their own feelings and associations, it
would be held with a stronger faith and sincerity than
any union established by the sword."

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE SCOTCH
IRON TRADE.

(Prom the Circular of Mr. Thomas Thorburn).

81, ST. VINCENT STREET, GLASGOW, 31st December,
1855.—The year about to close, though a year of oscil-
lations, adds another epoch of prosperity to the iron
trade. Under the agency and stimulus of war, com-
bined with the extension •f railways, gas, and water-
works abroad, the exports and home consumption of
pig iron amount to the large quantity of 847,008 tons—
exceeding the production by fully 20,000 tone--and are
almost equal to the highest of any preceding year. The
stocks have consequently undergone a further reduction,
and are only 93,080 tons against 450,000 tons three
years ago.
Extensive transactions were made during the year in
Pig Iron, at from 555. to 82s. 6 I. ; in rails, 71.1 Oi. to
8/. 15s. ; in bars, 71. 15s. to DI. 10s. ; in cast iron pipes,
Si. to Cl. 15s ; railway chairs, 4/. 15s. to 51. 7.. 6d. per
ton. And the fonndries and malleable iron works con-
tinue still generally active and well employed.
Although the prices and requirements have been Built
as to stimulate the production, it is only 15,000 tone
greater than in 1854, and the scarcity of the raw mate-
rial will prevent many of the 34 furnaces at present out
of blast from being put in operation is 1856.
Owing to the peculiaradaptation of Scotch pig iron for
foundry and forge purposes, the sphere of its consump-
tion is rapidly extending, and it is penetrating quarters
never reached before. Whilst the beneficial consequences
which ultimately accrue to the iron trade from the recent
modification of the French import duties, and from the
liberal movement of the Spanish Government, in regard
to the importation Qf British iron into that country,
have not as yet been experienced.
Viewing the position of this important branch of our
local and national industry in all its bearings—while the
great alternative of peace or war continues to trem•
ble in tke balance—the prospects of the ensuing year are
of a very cheering description.

The gaming•houees of Aix•les-Baines, in Sa. vey (says
the Union), have just been suppressed. It isin conse-
quence of an order of the day motive of the council gene-
ral of the provincial division that the Ministry has put
an end to this source of immorality, and this cause of
ruin to so many families.
THE NEW CREDIT BANE AT VIENNA.—A letter
from Vienna states that the directors of the new Credit
Bank have at length come to a resolution as to the man•
ner in which the shares subscribed, which greatly exceed
the number to be awarded, shall be divided ; and that it
is to the effect that persons who have subscribed for
fewer than 25 shares shall receive half a share, that those
who have subscribed for 25 to 50 shall receive a whole
one, that those who have subscribed for 50 to 100 shall
have two, and so on.
TREDEGAR CATTLII Snow.—The annual agricultural
gathering at Tredegar, Monmouthshire, under the foster-
ing care of Sir Charles Morgan, Bart., was this year
even more attractive than ever. The number of silver
cups and pieces of plate awarded at this show was no
less than 55, of which number 11 were given by Sir
Charles Morgan, and the rest by the local M.P.'s and
private gentlemen. Money prizes were also awarded.
ITHE IitriGELET MURIEL—The following insurance/
were effected on the life of the late Walter Palmer, of
Rugeley : Athenaeum, 10,2001. ; British Equitable,
5001. ; Brunswick, 5001. ; Caxton, 5001. ; Era, 2,500/. ;
Falcon, 5001. ; Magnet, 2,5001. ; Prince of Wales,
5,0001. ; Saxon, 2501. ; Security, 5001. ; and office not
named, 5001. ; total, 23,4501. The deceased was bro-
ther to Wni. Palmer, accused of the murder of Cooke.
A copy of this list was furnished so early as September
last to the different insurance offices of London. Propo-
sals were, it is said, also made to the Gresham and other
offices, which, however, were not accepted. The medical
examiners employed by the insurance offices could find
no trace of organic disease in the deceased Walter Pal-
mer, but some of them observed a stupor for which
there was no means of accounting by any statements '
which they could procure. a 1

THE (,HARGE OF MURDER AGAINST

AN INIVKEEPAR.

NEWCASTLE-ON-TYNE, Dec. 22.—We stated on Wed-
nesday that Mr. Joseph Henry Beardmore, landlord of
the Railway Hotel in Neville-street, in this town, was
in the custody of the police, charged with the wilful
murder of his wife by throwing her out of the window,
and subsequently, upon some exculpatory evidence core-
ing to the knowledge of the magistrates, that he had
been enlarged upon giving 2,0001. bail. We stated that,
in consequence of the various versions of the tragical oc-
currence which were afloat, we purposely abstained from
entering into details until an investigation should be made
and witnesses were examined. The adjourned inquest
was held by Mr. Stoker, the borough coroner, yesterday
afternoon. Mr. B. BlackwaP, barrister, attended on be-
half of Mr. Beardmore, and cross-examined the wit-
neeses.
Robt. Elliott, a police-constable at the Westgate sta-
tion, said—About 4 o'clock on Saturday morning last I
was on duty in Neville-street, and heard a noise as of a
female voice shouting, and apparently in great distress
in the passage way of the Railway Hotel. I also heard a
man's voice shouting " Let the -- lie." I supposed
the voice to be Beardmore's. He shouted these words
once or twice. I knocked at the passage door, and in a
few minutes the door was opened by Joseph H. Beards.
more, the landlord of the public-house, with the key. I
went forward into the passage and saw the deceased,
Mrs. Besrdsmore, lying on her back, about 10 or 12
yards from the door. I shined my light, and saw that
her head was cut in several places. I asked her what
had done that, and she said Beardsmore had pushed her
out of the window. Beardsmore was standing by at the
time and heard the reply she made. He seemed in a
very excited state, and when deceased said this he threw
out his arms and said he was a ruined and persecuted
man. He then ran to the door and into the street, and
shouted, "Policeman, come in and take me, take me."
During this time I was raising deceased from the floor.
A person came off the street when I went into the pas-
sage, and accompanied me to where the deceased lay,
and there was a man, who I thought was a sailor, in the
passage, and only a few yards from the deceased at the
time. The sailor appeared to be tipsy. The sailor and
the other man assisted to lift the deceased from the
ground. Beardsmore also came up. While we were
taking deceased into the house she repeatedly charged
her husband in his presence with having thrown her out
of the window. He replied that he bad caught Barron
and her ow the stairs together. The sailor left her when
we had got inside the door, and said he would appear
against Beardmore. The husband and I and the other
man carried deceased upstairs to her bed-room. As we
were going up the stairs we met the man called Barron,
who is a cabinet-maker in Clayton-street, coming down.
I requested him to go for a doctor, and he did so.
She said she would not have any but her own doctor
—Mr. Clark. Beardsmere seemed to be in quite an
excited state, and he wished to have her laid upon
the floor, but we placed her upon the bed. She re-
fused to allow her husband to touch bee, and called
to me and said she would tell me how it happened.
She said they had had some difference about three
pennyworth of copper, and that he had struck her two
or three times over the bead and face, and that she had
shut herself in two or three of the rooms, whither he had
followed her, and burst the doors open. She said she
had put up a window in the long room, and shouted for
the police, and that he had pushed her out of the win-
dow. Before she told me this she said she should not get
better and that she was dying, and wished to have her
relations telegraphed for. Mr. Clark, the surgeon, then
came and at his request we all retired from the room.
The deceased appeared to be quite sober and talked quite
rationally. Saw the husband downstairs afterwards,
but had no conversation with him. I went into the
long room mentioned by the deceased, and I found the
window open. A few feet below the window is the roof
of the covered glass passage in which I found the de-
ceased. Saw that the glass of the arcade was broken,
as if the deceased had fallen through. She would fall 12
or 15 feet from the window to the ground. I knew the
deceased and Lis wire, but cannot say for myself that
they had ever quarrelled.
By Mr. Jobling--Do not know who went for the
doctor.
By the Coroner—Thereavas a niece of the deceased in
the house, about 17 or 18 years of age, arid I also saw
afterwards two or three female servants.
By a juror—There was a stick lying near the deceased,
but it appeared to belong to the roof of the arcade. She
was too weak to walk. The niece said she saw Beards-
more strike her, but not throw her out of the window.
The niece did not say how the affair happened. From
what I saw of the arcade it would not bear the weight
of a person like the deceased.
Mr. George Noble Clark, surgeon, said—l was sent for
between 4 and 5 o'clock last Saturday morning to attend
Mrs. Beardsmore. Mr. Beardsmore came for me him-
self, and requested me to go to his house to see Mrs.
Beardsmore, who he said bad fallen out of the window. I
went immediately, and on arriving I found the deceased
on a bed in her usual bedroom upstairs. She had all
her clothes on. There were two or more policemen in
the room, and Parker came in afterwards. She com-
plained of pain in her leg and shoulder, and as it was
necessary to strip her I desired them all to leave the
room. I examined her. I saw there was an injury on her
head, but as she complained of her arm and leg I exa-
mined there first, and found no wound of consequence. I
found several scalp wounds on the top of the head. These
were jagged bruised wounds, but were not cut across.
There were a great many of there. I also noticed a large
contusion above the right eye. I picked two or three
pieces of glass out of the scalp. vory ex-
cited state. I should think the excitement was both
from drink and passion. There was no other external in-
jury. I did not consider her in danger. While removing
the hair I desired Parker to go up to Mr. Annandale?.
She complained of her leg and arm, but I could disco-
ver no injuries but slight abrasures. She then said she
had been thrown out of the window. I can't say she said
who did it, but Beardsmore came to the door at the
time, and elle shouted to have that villain taken away,
as she had him now. Mr. Annandale then came, and I
was then probing the wounds, and found the skull bare
to a small extent. I remained about an hour. I desired
her to be quiet and composed, and, in the course of some
remarks, she said she had held on as long as she could,
and then fell. I cannot say what brought that conversa-
tion on. I saw her again at 9 o'clock, and at 12, and ap-
prehended no danger except from her breathing and
cough. Her breathing was very oppressed at that time, but
I apprehended danger, as she had bad frequent attacks of
bronchitis. I saw her frequently, together with Mr. An-
nandale, before her death. She died on Sunday evening
about 2 o'clock. I did not apprehend danger at 7 o'clock
—two hours before her death— that is, immediate danger,
but I knew she was in danger from bronchitis, and from
the additional cold. I atterwards, in company with Mr.
Annandale and Mr. Rayne, made a post mortent, exami•
nation. We began at half-past Never' o'clock on Tues-
day morning. From my examinaton of the body I
should say acute bronchitis and congestion of the lungs
were the immediate cause of death. I examined the body
' externally, and found several scalp wounds on the head,
contusion above the eye, as if from a blow, and the skin
slightly abraded above the wrist. On opening the chest,
on the right side theca was atrong adhesion between the
lungs and the walls of the chest, the result of previous
disease. There was no effusion in either cavity of the
chest. The liver, bowels, and kidney were healthy.
There was no indication of disease in the chest. We
then opened the head, and there was no appearance of
disease sufficient to cause death, except congestion of
( the vessels. We examined the skull, and there was no
fracture. We found the lungs congested. In opening
the chest we discovered a fracture of the first rib on the
left side. It was scarcely possible to discover it during
life. There was no comeponding mark outside, and it
had produced no internal injury whatever. There is very
little movement of the first rib. The lunge were very
much congested, which, with inflammation of the mu-
cous membrane of the bronchial tubes, caused death.
Death was caused by these appearances, and was accele-
, rated by the cold, stimulation, and the fad. The fad
would not produce the symptoms I saw in the lungs and
tubes. I had attended her eight years for bronchitis.
The death of a person labouring under bronchitis would
be accelerated by such a fall as that which the deceased
had received. lam decidedly of opinion that the shock
which deceased received in falling out of the window
accelerated her death. I understand she lay some time
in the yard, and the cold would hasten her death.
Mary Williams deposed—l am 16 years of age, and
am Mr. Beardemore's niece. I have lived with him a
month, at the Railway Arcade Hotel. I went to bed on
Saturday morning about 2 o'clock, but got up immedi-
ately, as I heard a quarrel downstairs. It was not Mr.
and Mrs. Beardsmore who were fighting. I did not
go downstairs, but remained standing on the stairs
for about half an hour, and then returned to my
bedroom. About 4 o'clock the deceased called me into
her bed room and said it was time to open out the bar,
and said I was to go downstairs and try to get my uncle
to go to bed. I went down to the newsroom door and
asked him to go to bed. He was tipsy. He had
been drinking all night, and was in an excited state.
When I asked him to go to bed he said he was going to
let the men out. He went downstairs to let some per-
sons out, and I returned to the deceased's room. My
uncle followed me shortly afterwards, and he asked me
what I wanted with my bonnet on. I said my aunt
had told me to open the bar with her, and he said I
should not, but was. to go to bed. At that moment
neither made use of bad language. She again said I
should, and on that he gave my aunt a slight push. He
took hold of her aria and pushed her away, and said I
should not go. She then went to the window, broke a
square of glass, and called "Police "and "Murder." He
caught hold of her by the arm and gave her a sudden
jerk, and she fell down on the floor. She fell on her
knees. He did not use any threatening language to her.
I don't recollect either of them saying anything. She
was very nearly tipsy and was in an excited state. As
she was getting up he struck her a violent blow on the
mouth with his fist. I don't recollect what ho Paid. She
fell back on me when he struck her. The door came
open and she ran out. I don't remember that she cried
out as she was running. The door had been opened by
some one from the outside before be struck her on the
mouth, and when she was on her knees, and it was
pushed close by the deceased and her husband wrestling
together. After he had struck the deceased the dooragain
opened, and Mary Ann Parker, a niece of Mrs. Beards-
more, camein. At the same time the deceased lan out.
Beardsmore rushed after her, and Mary Ann Parker
caught hold of his collar, and said, "Don't uncle ; stop
here," I don't recollect that Le said why he was rush-
ing after her. He forced himself from her, and said,
"Loose me." He forced himself away from her. I fol-
lowed him out of the room, and on the top of the
stairs. He was downstairs then, but returned in a few
minutes. Mary Ann Parker remained on the top of the
stairs with me. When he returned he was very musts ex-
ciee,i, and said " where is she ?" He had nothing in his
bands, He was in a pazision; he pushed me away from

him. He also pushed Mary Ann Parker. I fell down four
stairs in consequence of the push he gave me. He then
went along the passage to No. G bed-room. He did not
say why he was following Mrs. Beardstuore about. When
I spoke to him he wily said, " Don't talk to me," or
"Get away." He then seem©d in a great rage. I did not
hear any doors broken open while he was downstairs.
The door of No. 6 bed-room was unlocked. Ile jest
went in there and then came out. He then went into No.
7. This room door was locked, and he burst it omen by
main force. He ran up against it. He was not shouting
at that time. As he came out of that room we heart a
loud crash proceeding from downstairs. I said, " Oh,
dear!" and he then rushed past me downstairs. I did not
follow him. Mary Ann Parker was with mean this time.
A servant called Jentima Dixon was also on the stairs.
She came upstairs just before he broke the door open.
She had been in bed. She remained with me until my
uncle went downstairs, after we heard the crash. I re-
mained upstairs till I heard from Mr. Lambet, butcher,
that my aunt bad falle❑ out of the window ; that was a
few minutes after I heard the crash. I followed him
downstairs into the passage leading from Neville-street
to Westgate•street, and found my aunt lying there,
having apparently fallen through the glass roof. My
uncle was there, and also a policeman. Since_ I have
have been here my aunt has had a violent cough and cold,
except that she has been going about and in her usual
health. My uncle and aunt had a quarrel about a
month ago. I never saw him strike her. On that morn-
ing both had bad drink. They were on good terms
when I went to bed at 2 o'clock. My uncle was in the
news-room, and my aunt in the bar. I don't know
which room my aunt went to when she ran away. The
window of No. 7 bedroom is above, but not directly
above, the window out of which I suppose my aunt had
fallen.

Two other surgeons were examined, who gave similar
testimony as to the cause of death.
....

Mary Ann Parker, a niece of Mrs.Beardsmore, under-
went a long examination. Her evidence was to the same
effect.

Mary Ann Vary, the cook, gave similar evidence with
regard to what she heard and saw before and after her
mistress fell through the window. She said that her mis-
tress was full 20 minutes lying in the passage before they
went to her assistance. They were frightened to go down.
Robert Spence, a policeman, said that upon coming
down stairs after seeing deceased on Saturday morning
he spoke to Beardmore. Witness said it was a pity that
a job like that had happened. Beardsmore replied, "Not
at all ; it would have been a good thing if the - had
knocked her neck out."

No more evidence being forthcoming,
The Coroner said that he would again adjourn to give
the police an opportunity of bringing the sailors, who
had gone to Scotland. ft would be very unsatisfactory to
conclude the inquest then. He could not say that the in-
mates of the house were not speaking the truth; it
might be that the account they had given was a correct
one substantially, but still there were some parts that
were unsatisfactory to him, and it would be desirable to
procure the attendance of the sailors.

LIBERTY OF WORSHIP IN ENGLAND.

At the Dover Quarter Sessions, held on Thursday,
great interest, says the Dover Chronicle, was manifested
by a densely crowded court, in a case wherein James
Brett, grocer, was charged with unlawfully disturbing a
certain meeting and congregation of Protestant Dissen-
ters assembled for religious worship, at Dover, on the
21st November.
The learned Recorder (W. H. Bodkin, Esq.), in hie
charge to the grand jury, had alluded to the case as
follows :—He perceived by the depositions that a ohargo
was likely to be brought before them of an unusual
and extraordinary character, and one which must be
confessed on all hands to embrace a very painfnl sub-
ject. It appeared that an accusation had been made
before the magistrates there against an individual for
disturbing persons assembled for the purpose of reli-
gious worship in that town, and that the party accused
did go to a place of worship there, and did, if
the statements in the depositions were true, disturb
and interrupt the proceedings, there was hardly any
question or denial. On this subject, he (the Recorder)
would observe that men's feelings and opinions were
likely to be very strong ; but he begged the gentlemen
of the jury to lay these aside, whatever they might he.
All might, as individuals, entertain feelings approaching
to detestation of particular doctrines which prevailed in
the world, and extreme pity for the credulity of those
actuated by them ; but, sitting in a court of law, they
must not be led by feelings of that sort, and if the jury
saw there had been in that ease a meeting such as the
Act of Parliament under which the charge was brought
was intended to protect, they would do well, inde•
pendently of all private feeling, to put the matter in
train for further investigation. Very strong opinions
were entertained upon those matters, but it could
not be permitted for any individual to set up his
opinion on religious subjects in opposition to other
opinions upon the same subjects held by different
individuals, and carry out his views by interrupting
the proceedings of others, so long as those proceedings
were peaceably conducted, and not in contravention of
the law of the land. It was necessary, however, for per-
sons, in order to claim the benefit of the Act of Parlia-
ment, to go through a certain form in certifying at Quar-
ter Sessions, with a view to the registration of the place
of worship on the part of the archbishop of the diocese.
lividence of this having been done would perhaps be
brought before the jury by the persons making the com-
plaints in this instance. There were also other restric-
tions, among which was that a body so registering them-
.elv.. .h.,,1d ',ever meet with closed doors, but that their
proceedings should always be open to inspection, so
that± if ever the character of the meetings were blas-
phemous and of an improper kind, the police autho-
rities might have an opportunity of hearing what was
going on, and bringing those engaged in the proceed.
ings to an account, if they were found acting contrary
to law. On the other hand, there was a clause for
preventing the interruption of such proceedings ; and
the act was undoubtedly applicable to all persons who
might be designated Protestant Dissenters. He could
give them no other definition of Protestant Dissenters
than this—that Protestants were persons who protested
against the errors, as they were considered, of the Church
of Rome, and that Dissenters were those disagreeing in
the doctrines of the Church of England. He should
strongly recommend that a court of law should not be
made an arena for entering into theological questions ;
and if the parties themselves professed to be what they
had in the depositions already stated themselves- Pro-
testant D;ssenters—and provided they themselves had
complied with the clause of the act as to the registration
of their place of worship, and conducted their services
with open doors, the case would be made out to such an
extent that they would probably find it right to return
a true bill. There was another point, however, which
should not escape their attention—vii,, that it was
necessary the parties making the complaint should
be engaged in the act of religious worship at the time
of disturbance; and it was suggested by the defendant,
as he observed by the depositions, that this was not the
fact. It appeared that some religious controversies had
been going on in this town, and that observations had
been addressed to the public by those differing in opinion
with the persons assembling in the place of meeting in
question, and in which their doctrine and proceedings
were placed in dispute. This led to a challenge for public
discussion being thrown out by the prosecuting parties ;
and the defendant, it appeared, by his own account, was
one of th..se who accepted the challenge to attend the
place of meeting for the purpose of discussing the ques-
tions raised by the opposition referred to. If this were
,o, and the persons had met on this occasion fur the
purpose of disputation upon their peculiar tenets, they
could not, in compliance with the terms of this act, be
considered as engaged in religious worship at the time.
On the defendant presenting himself, and the learned
Recorder expressing the readiness of the court to proceed
with the case, it appeared that no barrister had been in-
structed to conduct the case on behalf of the prosecuting
parties.
Elder J. M. Browne appeared as the prosecutor, but
he seetned to be totally uuprovided with legal assistance.
In answer to the Recorder he said he had no idea that
he should have found legal assistance requisite, or be
would have provided it. He expressed his willingness,
however, to employ any of the gentlemen of the bar pre-
sent who would undertake the case.
The Recorder—lt is too late now. You must endea-
vour to prove the charge as well as you can ; and, in
order to do so, you had bettor begin by showing that
your place of meeting is properly registered.
Elder Browne--A certificate has been put in at the
Magietratee' Court, where it has been detained. The
paper now produced is the same.
The Recorder intimated that it would be necessary to
prove the handwriting of the pet son who had signed it.
Elder Browne replied that he was unable to prove it ;
nor was there any one in attendance, so far as he was
aware, who could do so.

The Recorder—We are stopped at the first stage of
the inquiry—(a laugh)—therefore, gentlemen of the jury,
there is an end of the case. (Loud laughter.)
The learned Recorder having rebuked the merriment
evinced in the court, continued—lt is very much to be
regretted that a case requiring the attention of a court
of justice should, at the first step, fail on a point of law.
However, the prosecutor does not prove that the place
in which the assembly in question took place is regis-
tered, and without it the case could not be proceeded
with. It will be your duty, therefore, gentlemen, to say
that the defendant ip not guilty.
The jury accordingly returned a verdict to this effect,
and the defendant was dismissed.
The learned Recorder observed to the defendant, how-
ever, that although the prosecution had failed upon this
technicality, the conduct of which he was accused was
not a course of proceeding that could be tolerated iie a
civilised community, whatever might be the errors or de-
lusions under whick a portion of the people might, be
labouring. Others might pity them while they differed
from them, but they were not on that account to sit in
judgment in the vsay be (the defendant) had thought fit
to do—going to a place were parties were conducting
themselves peaceably, and interrupting, by violent and
abusive language, what was going on. Those persons
were hound by the law to have their place of meeting
publicly open, and if they violated the law by their acts
or speech the law would take cognisance of it ; but it
could not be permitted for individuals who differed in
opinion to take a course involving violence and inter-
ruption of those proceedings, and to those who seemed
prone to take this course ho would say that it was their
duty to oppose the errors of others with reason and argu-
ment, and to endeavour by the spread of education
among the people to arm them against the insidiousin-
fluence of doctrines of.this description.

MONSTER PROJECTILE.—An immense gun is in cone: e
of construction at the Mersey Steel and Ironworks,
Liverpool ; when finished, im expected to weigh. 24 tons,
will be 15 feet long, 13. inch bore, and will project gi ball
of upward of :3001b. a distance of five mil",