The Sun.
London, England, 1852-04-20 00:00:00

mitted by the President of the Board of Control
to the attention of the House of Commons,
as may be
at once perceived by reference to the ye 'y interesting
debate of yesterday. The business of .he session
could not have been more admirably resumed after
the close of the Easter recess than by
the speech in
which Mr. HERRIES last evening called for the ap-
pointment of a Select Committee to inquire into the
operation of the Act 34 and 4th William IV., c. 85,
with a view to suggest some beter
system for the administration of the affairs
of Hindostao. As the Right Hon. Gentleman
very judiciously observed—after the well remembered
manner of the late Sir ROBERT PEEL—the Legis-
lature had, in regard to this subject, three courses
open to its acceptance—to allow the Act to expire, to
renew it as it was without further inquiry, or to
propose an investigation by means of a Select Com-
mittee of both Houses as a preparatory step to legis-
lation. Whatever might be ultimately the decision
arrived at by the Imperial Parliament in reference
to the renewal of the Act, which must in the ordi-
nary lapse of time expire in 1854, the
last mentioned suggestion was obviously from
the outset the most rational under all circumstances,
the least calculated to lead to a precipitate settlement
of the matter, and most certain to conduce to a sound
and dispassionate revisal of the Indian Government.
The motion was consequently agreed to without a
division, and the country may therefore anticipate
with confidence a result satisfactory in the end, not
simply to the interest of India, but one beneficial
likewise, and, in a peculiar degree, to the power of
the whole empire, and to the welfare of its entire
population.
From the preliminary glance taken by the Presi-
dent of the Board of Control at the effects already
produced by the operation of the Act passed in 1833,
it must be sufficiently apparent that with all its un-
questionable blemishes that Act has hitherto proved
in no way disastrous. During the last twenty years
it must be acknowledged, for example, that
the revenues derived from our oriental pos-
sessions have very considerably increased, that
our territories there have been enormously
extended, that our wars have conducted us only
through a series of victories, sanguinary it is:true at
times, but invariably overwhelming, and that beyond
all thiy, the people of Hindostan have so far benefited
that they have been saved iron the tyranny of petty
local despots, their laws being administered with
something more . than Asiatic justice, and their
children being afforded to a considerable
extent the inestimable advantages of education.
Since 1834, for instance, the revenues of India
have been augmented by about 6,000,0001. sterling,
increasing wradually, that is to say from 18,407.0001.
to 24,379,0091. During the same period the imports
are found to have been actually doubled, increasing
from 6,154,000 to 12,544 000, while the exports have
considerably more than doubled, having advanced
from 8,000 000 to 18,000,000—the inward tonnage
being augmented from 108,873 to 252,153, and the
outward tonnage from 83,776 to 180,8001 Mean-
while the territories have been extended by no less
than 165,000 square miles, increasing by 9,000,000
the sum total of the population. Notwithstanding
these successes, however, it is not less obvious to the
more observant student of Indian history, that
in the approaching expiration of the existing powers
the Legislature of England possesses an opportunity
of inestimable importance, and the neglect of which
might be productive of incalculable mischief. It
is from our conviction in this particular that
we look forward with eager curiosity to
the result of the inquiry about to be ad-
ventured upon by the Select Committee of 11. th
Houses—believing that from that inquiry enormous
advantages may result in the well-deliberated re-
organization of the whole system of our Indian
Government. _

The Court of Exchequer has at length pronounced
judgment in the important case of MILLER v. SALO..
MONS. We regret to find that the decision is not
-uch as we bad anticipated, and which would have
obviated the necessity for any legislation on the sub-
ject. It is not, however, final and conclusive.
The defendant is still entitled to appeal to the Exche-
quer Chamber, and should the judgment there be
unfavourable, to the House of Lords, and we know
►ittle of Alderman SALOMONS if he is the man to
permit any expense, annoyance, or inconvenience, to
deter him from contesting a loutrance the cause in
which be has so boldly stepped forward as the
vigorous and unflinching champion. He has unques-
tionably sustained a temporary defeat, but it will
only elicit more energetic efforts on his part on be-
half of his co-religionists. 'We do not suppose that
he will interpose any technical difficulties in the way
of an early settlement of the question. He might
retard and procrastinate the proceedings, but such
is not his object; and the question may be argued
before the Exchequer Chamber even during the
ensuing, or, at farthest, Michaelmas Term, and
it could then be disposed of in the House
of Lords early in 1853, so that no delay should occur
if legislation be really required.

It is with the greatest diffidence that we ever ven-
ture to differ from any one of our learned judges—
from men of profound learning, vast experience, and
great acuteness. However strong might be our own
impressions and feelings, we should distrust them if
in orposition to the views of any one of those who have
sustained the character of the judicial bench at as
high an elevation as it ever previously attained,
even in other times, when " there were
giants in the land." But, fortunately for the
cause for which we have felt intense anxiety, there
was not perfect unanimity in the Court of Ex-
ehtquer. The Junior Baron (MARTIN) in the eliebos
rate and able julgment which he pronouced, adduced
reasons which certainly appeared conclusive, and
which not even the arguments of his distinguished
brethren could in any degree shake or overturn. It
will long remain a monument of legal acumen en-
titling titling the Learned Judge to a high and prominent
position among the most eminent jurists of any age.
There is, therefore, high authority to sustain and
console the defendant under the adverse decision, and
to induce him to proceed to the utmost in order to
obtain the judgment of the ultimate tribunal.
Four points had been raised in the course of the
argument, but three of them were of comparatively
trivial importance. The broad substantial question
was, whether the words "on the true faith of a Chris-
dap," were intended to create a "religious test" to
exclude persons not members of any Christian sect,
or for the purpose of giving additional solemnity to the
obligation, of creating the greatest sanction to the
oath. If the latter, it would of course fall within the
rule laid down in " OaticnuND v. BARKER," and
the defendant, having sworn to tin whole of the sub-
stantial part of the asseveration in the form most
binding on his conscience, should of course be deemed
to have complied with the requirements of the still
existing penal code.

Now, from the clear and lucid historical account
of the various legislative
Acts detailed by Baron
MARTIN, it appears
beenbnt that, on the
cpornotrvin" of
any
manifest that
not have the Jews could
against what ary, they were
of the statutes,
directed solely
were-then_ termed " Pa-
pist recusants," and (as shown by Baron AL
for the purpose of preventing any equivocationDlßSON)
re-
servation in the minds of those asainst or
was framed, which it was uncharitably
supposed they might otherwise have ran'
~
ua
tised. IC was immediately after the G 'POwder
Plot that the words were first introduced, and the
were probably introduced in consequence of
the ail
covery of a book denominated "A Treatise on
Equivocation," discovered in the possession of FRANcis
TRESHAIII, one of the conspirators. The Jews were
never thought of, and as Baron MARTIN shrewdly
remarked, "the Llislature, in all probability, never
contemplated that there were any subjects in
the kingdom who were not Christians." This
did not then apply to Members of Parliament,
but it was shortly afterwards extended, the object
and meaning being the same. The same might be
observed of every subsequent statute. The words
were inserted, partly in consequence of the absurd
calumnies that prevailed against our Roman Catholic
brethren, and partly because they were already in
the oath. There was nothing whatsoever relating
to the Jews, and it was the letter and not the spirit
of the law that imposed the disability, perhaps the
last existing one of a penal character that
"aligns a blot o the national itstuteabook. The

THE SUN,

tution.

LONDON,'

determination of Alderman SliomoNs will now
render legislation necessary. Whatever may be the
opinion respecting the admissibility of Jews
to Parliament, there is no nobleman or gentleman
who could desire to impose such fearful penalties on
the chivalrous defender of his right', who merely
raised an important legal question. The topic is not
I one merely relating to the Jews, but one in which
every friend of civil and religious liberty is interested,
and to the expenses of which all should contribute.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT TO MRS. COL'►NEL WYLDE.—
The lady of Lieut. nant-Colouel Wylde, R.H.A.; one of the
Grooms of the Bedchamber to his Royal Highness Prince
Albert, is at present confined to her room from the effects of
a severe accident she suffered whilst out walking one day in
the latter part of the week. From what can be ascertained
it appears that she was leaving the shop of a tradesman at
the west end of the town, and when just on the door-step
turned suddenly round to recognise an acquaintance, who
was passing down the street at the time, when something
twisted in the leg, which rendering her incapable of walk-
ing, she was obliged to be brought home to her residence,
in Eaton-place South, in a conveyance, and on meaical
attendance arriving it was found that several of the larger
tendons were violently strained, which will oblige her to re-
main at home for a short time, but she is progressing fa-
vourably under the circumstances.
THE TEMPLE, APRIL 17.—The aftermentioned
members of the Hon. Society of the Middle Temple were
called to the degree of Barristers at-Law this evening :
Edmund Burke Wood, Esq., Richard Denny Urling, Esq.,
and Arthur 'Thomas Godfrey, E.N.
FATAL OMNIBUS ACClDENT.—Yesterday after-
noon. Mrs. Mary Prior. widow, aged 72 years, who resided
at No. 19, Greville-street, Hatton-garden, expired in the
accident ward of King's College Hospital, trim injuries re-
ceived under the tolliiwing circumstances:—lt appears the
deceased was crossing the road opposite Gray's Inn-lane,
when the driver of an omnibus called out to her, but as she

continued her course, it is supposed that the deceased did
not hear him, the consequence being, that before he had
time to pull up, the horses knocked her down, and the wheels
of the omnibus passid over her. She was intently picked
up, and conveyed to the above hospital, where Mr. E Law-
son, the house-surgeon, was promptly in attendance, and
rendered every assistance till death terminated her sufferings,
SHOCKING ACCIDENT AT PENNING'S WHARF.—
Last evening, shortly before seven o'clock, an accident
attended with serious consequences happened to a man
named William Murphy, aged 32 years, while at work g
Penning's-wharf, Tooley-street, Southwark. It appears
that the unfortunate man was walking across one of the
upper floors of the warehouse, when he by some means tell
down an opening on to the stone pavement below, by which
means he sustained very extensive injury to the head, of
such a fearful character that no hopes are given of his re-
covery. He was taken to St. Thomas's Hospital, where
Mr. P. W. Tabois, the principal dresser, rendered every
assistance, but last night, at nine o'clock, the poor man was
totally insensible, and sinking fast from effusion of blood to
the head, and concussion of the brain. Mr. Tabois was in
constant attendance upon the injured man, who has also been
seen by Mr. M'Murdo, one of the senior officers of the insti-

ATTEMPTED MURDER.—BIEMINGHAM,
MONDAY.
Lest evening, about six o'clock, a man named John Mitchell,
a joiner, living at Winson-green, near the new gaol in this
borough, shot his wife. He had been drinking iu art adjoin-
ing public-house, and left to go home. Mitchell had not
been away many minutes when the repot of a gun was
heard, and he presently returned to the public-house, saying
" I have done it." Ou inquiry it was ascertained that some
dispute arose
loossabetween n
andh shot her on one side of the headimself and his wife, whereupon he
took
and face. Surgical assistance was sloe edify obtained, and the
husband, who gave himself up to the police, was conveyed to
the Sandpit station. The woman, who is said to have been
of intemperate habits, is dreadfully injured, and little hope
is entertained of her recovery. Her depositions were taken
before a magistrate this morning, and Mitchell was remanded
to await the fate of his wife.
THE LIGHTSHIP AT SANDY IIOOIE, NEAR NEW
Yoau.—The keeper of the floating light off Sandy Houk
makes the following report of vessels for the first three
months i f 1852 Passed in—steamships, 113; ships, 319;
barques, 491; brigs, 3z9; schooners, 953. Passed out—
steam-ships, 154 ; ships, 311 ; barques, 363; brigs, 432 ;
schooners, 1,131." He says the severity of the weather has
exceeded anything he has experienced for many years.
"During the coldest of the weather there were periods when
scarcely any portion of the exterior of the ship could be dis-
cerned. she being completely covered with ice from her mast-
head to the water's edge; and at one time, although six
miles at sea, we were so completely surrounded and hemmed
in, that the crew were enaided to walk for halt a mile around
the ship on the ice—a circumstance, I believe, unprecedented
at this station. Some of the gales during the winter have,
indeed, been terrific."
Toe accounts of the country trade during the past
week show general steadiness, with a terdency in most
cases to improvement. At Manchester there has been a
satisfactory business, the market having benefited by the
last advices from India and China. At Birmingham, not-
withstanding the interruption caused by the Easter holidays,
there has been continued activity in most branches of ma-
nufacture and it is remarked that the beneficial effects of the
Great Exhibition are still unequivocally manifested in the
orders received. In the iron markets prices are well main-
tained and holders exhibit firmness. From Nottingham the
report states an increase in the home demand and a good
supply of tureign orders. Some recent fires in the United
States have destroyed considerable stocks of hosiery and
lace, which will have to be replaced. In the woollen districts
the reviving :tendency of the last few weeks has been un-
checked. The Irish linen trade is without alteration.
IMPORTATION of WHEAT, SCe.—A. return, ob-
tained by Lord Naas, was yesterday printed, showing, for
the third and fourth quarters of the year 1851, the importa-
tion of wheat, barley, and oats. It appears that in the
third quarter of last year, of wheat there were 1,174,457
quarters impoft-A, and in the last quarter of the year
434,800 quarters. Of wheat flour (actual weight) there
were 1,747,459 quarters in the third quarter, and 868,647
quarters in the fourth. Of wheat flour (reduced to its
equivalent in quarters of wheat) the importations in the
third quarter were 4119,285 quarters, and its the fourth quarter
248,185. The aggregate of wheat and wheat flour in the
third quarter was I,i-73,473 quarters, and in the fourth
quarter of the year 682,985 quarters. The barley imported
in the third quarter numbered 250,095 quarters, and in the
fourth 78,923 ; whilst of oats there were 581,466 quarters
imported in the third quarter, and 126,818 in the fourth
quarter of the year.
SUPPOSED SUlClDE.—Yesterday the dead body of
a man was found in the Thames off East Greenwich. He
was apparently between 50 and 60 years of age, scout build,
and had grey hair. On him were found a black stuff bag, a
tape measure, a pair of steel spectacles, &c. He was dressed
in a blue frock coat, green plaid waistcoat, mixed Tweed
trousers, black hat, and Wellington boots. The body was
removed to the dead-house of Greenwich old church, to
await an inquest, and for identification.
SUDDEN DEATH.—Yesterday afternoon, between
five and six o'clock, a woman named Mary Ann Beale, aged
40, who resided with her husband at No. 33, Charles-street,
Drury-lane, while taking tea, was seized with a fit of in-
voluntary laughter, and immediately expired. She was ap-
parently in robust health for some time previously, but Mr.
W. Bennett, surgeon, expresses an opinion that death must
have been occasioned by disease of the heart.
FRIGHTFUL ACCIDENT AT MILLOM.—An inquest
was held a' Kirksanton, on Monday last, before Mr. J. P.
Myers, deputy coroner, on the body of John Steel, of that
place, labourer. From the evidence produced before the
jury it appeared that deceased and a fellow servant in the
employ of Mr. Benn, of Hestham, were, about 2 o'clock in
the afternoon, harrowing together in a field each with a pair
of horses, when one of the men of a sudden heard a great
noise among the chains of his fell :w labourer's horses, and
on looking round saw them just breaking away from the
harrow, with deceased between them, and going at a
curious rate. The deceased had not run wifh them more
than 10 yards when he was thrown down and dragged by
one of the tracing chains a considerable distance. On seeing'
tne situation in which deceased was placed his companion
stopped the horses as soon as he possibly could, when he
found deceased had been dragged by the thigh with the tracing
chain, which had apparently been suddenly twisted round it
and had penetrated to the bone and made an awful incision.
Deceased, sensible at the time, drew the hook out of his
thigh himself. The wound bled very copiously. Deceased
was immediately removed home, and a surgeon sent for, but
life departed just as the surgeon arrived, the man having
survived the accident only three hours. He was a sober, in-
dustrious man, and has left a widow (who has been nearly in-
sensible ever since), with five chiluren, quite destitute.
Wiritehaven Herald.

AYLESBURY, APRIL 20 —The Conservative meet-
ing which was held at the George Hotel on Friday last, for
the purpose of moving a vote of confidence in her Majesty's
Ministers, was a complete failure. It was very thioly at-
tended, and none of the leading gentlemen of the cou rty
were present. Mr. Bethell, it is understood, will not offer
himself again for the borough of Aylesbury. There are at
present two candidates in the field—Dr. Layard, who offers
himself on Liberal principles, and Captain Tempe West, a
Protectionist. Colonel Harmer is also spoken ot. Although
Dr. Leet has issued an address, offering to come forward tor
the county whenex er a dissolution takes place, it is doubtful
whether the learned civilian will go to the poll.
CONVERSPIN AND RECANTATION OF A ROMAN CA-
THOLIC PRIEST—An interesting ceremony, was witnessed on
the morning of Easter Sunday, in the French Protestant
Church of London, situate in St. Martin's-le-Giand. This
was the public recantation of a French Roman Catholic
priest (the name of the party being, for obvious reasons, sup-
pressed), who, having formally renounced the errors, here-
sies, corruptions, and superstitions of the Church of Rome,
and embraced the pure faith of the Gospel of Christ, was ad-
mitted a member of the French Protestant Church, and af-
terwards partook of the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to-
gether with the rest of the congregation. The ceremony of
admission took place at the close of the morning service, the
Rev. G. G. Daugars officiating on the occasion.
A WONDERFUL MAN.—Richard Arkwright, it
would seem, was not a beautiful man -no romance hero
with haughty eyes, Apollo lip, and gesture like the herald
plain, almost gross, bag-cheeked, pot-bellied
with an air of painful reflection, yet
also of copious free digestion ; a man stationed
Lancashire Mercury ; a
man,
by the community to shave certain dusty beards,
in the northern parts of England, at a halfpenny each. To
such end, we say, by forethought. oversight, accident, and ar-
rangement, bid Richard Arkwright been, by the commu-
nity of England and his own consent, set apart. Neverthe-
leas, in strapping razors. in lathering of dusty beards, and the
contradictions and confusions attendant thereon, the man had
notions in that rough head of his; spindles, shuttles, wheels,
and contrivances plying ideally within the same; rather hol.e-
stick to
less looking, which, however, be did at last bring to 1): sr.
14ut without difficulty. His townsfolk rose in mob round him,
as thou
for. threatening to shorten wages, so that he had to fly, with
0 reader
Dr?ken wa-h-pots, scattered household, and seek refuge else-
where,pot-bellieNay, his wife, too, as I learn, rebelled; burned his
n model of his spinning-wheel, resolute that he should
his razors rather—for which however, he decisively,
wilt rejoice to understand, 'packed her out of doors.
sure, imperial
what a historicalphenomenon that ba -cbeeked
revolutions
pot-bellied-inventliang ha rbegr ! French'
cloth of England;lee. brewing ; to resist the same in any mea-
sure,
Eng-
land the power and it was t his man that
Kaisers were impotent without the cotton
. and
cotton.--Thomas Carlyle. had to give
the African Coast are -•running the
The'line of monthly sreamers for Madeira and
The
eannouneed to commence
Ist of September.
and the ships employedbe tour in number, named
Forerunner; Faith, Hope, and Charity. The first will he
port. of departure will be Plymouth,
of 400 tons burden, the two next of :00, and the last of
1,000. 'They are constructing by Mr. .1,-hn Laird, of
Birkenhead, with eligiues by George Forrester and co., and
Fawcett) riat°2' aalleo-Iq Liverpool.