The Sun.
London, England, 1864-04-02 00:00:00

dogs Tear'em. It is not alone even that the old
proverbial test, noscitur a sociis, is being applied
by the Opposition, very inconveniently indeed, to a
subordinate member_of the Government, it is true,
but one who happens to be brought very unplea-
santly into prominence before the House
of Commons by the circumstance of his
being an intimate personal friend of M.
MAZZINI, and yet, though notoriously, this intimate
personal friend of M. MAZZINI) night after night, in
the House of Commons, on the front Treasury Bench,
cheek-by-jowl with the Premier, Lord PALMER-
STON. It is not, in a word, a question that is asked,
assertion that isthrown out, or a covert indict-
ion of doubt, by any individual Englishman, as to
Mr. STANSFELD'S doings or sayings, as the friend of
tho arch conspirator, MAZZINI—that Mazzim, who
is known for certain to have given 1,000 francs and
a lapis lazuli dagger to the assassin GALLENGA, in
order that the latter might murder the late Xing,
CHARLES ALBERT of Sardinia! It is—that direct,
explicit, categorical statements are put forth by
two successive Procureurs Imperial against this
Mr. %TAMES STANSFELD, brewer, of London, now
M.P., for Halifax, and Junior Lord of the Admi-
ralty.
So far as the statements made by the late Pro-
cureur Imperial have been examined into, it has
been made quite plain to the comprehension of
every one that that functionary was simply
recounting actual (and now fully admitted) facts
when he spoke of letters being sent through the post
office to M. MAzzor under the name of Fiore, or
Fleur, or Flower, just as the preconcerted pseudonym
happens to be expressed in English, French, or
Italian—sent under cover of this nom—we can't say
de guerre, but we may at any rate say de conspiration
—whither ? To Mr. JAMES STANSFELD'S private ad-
dress, to wit, to No. 35, Thtirloe-square, Brompton,
S.W. So much for the late Procureur Imperial's
statement, a statement that has so far been clearly
made good. Now for the new statements just very
recently put forth by that functionary's successor,
the present Procureur Imperial—statements also
directed against that Mr. JAMES STANSFELD who is
at once the intimate friend of M. MAzzINI and the
cordially championed colleague of Lord PALMER-
STON. The Procureur-General of to-day then be
it remarked, refers distinctly and in detail to Mr.
STANSFELVS connection with M. MAZZINI not in
reference to any proceedings connected with the
inquiry into the GRECO conspiracy of assassination,
but in connection with the -inquiries formerly set
afoot into the earlier TIBALDI conspiracy of assa-
sination. What says now the present Procureur•
Imperial in regard to that matter " When" says
this responsible functionary in his speech in one
of his country's courts of law a very few days back
at Paris—

_
" When, in 1857, TIBALDI and several other Italians
appeared before this Court of Assizes, accused of a plot
against the life of the EMPEROR, they had MAZZINI for
their accomplice ; a complete investigation had clearly
demonstrated that TIBALDI, the organiser at Paris of the
plot formed abroad, and the possessor of arms prepared
for the execution of the crime, was himself merely the
instrument of MAZZINI. To the circumstantial details
given on that head by the prisoners GRILLI and BAR-
TOLOTTI, was added the still more decisive proof derived
from the correspondence se:Zed. Several documents
written by 11.azzrxr, which have been already read in this
court, and which we reproduce now, contained, under
date of 10th June, instructions at once precise and. cau-
tiously drawn up, given to MA.SSA.RENTI and CAMPANELLA
by the real chief of the conspiracy. MAZZINI INDICATED TO
TILE CONSPIRATORS THE TWO PRINCIPAL CENTRES OF

ACTION : AT PARIS, THE RESIDENCE OF TIBALDI; AT
LONDON, TUE MusD OF JAMES STANSFELD AND HIS

WIFE, wa om HE DESIGNATED AS 6 JAMES, THE FRIEND
AT THE BREWERY,' AND 6 CAROLINE,' It eXpreSfEly re-
sulted from these papers that the two men most recently
admitted into the plot would find the requisite funds at
STANSFELD'S, and directions and arms at TIBALDI'S, At
the same time two letters, also seized daring the investiga-
tion, ADDRESSED TO MAZZINI, SIGNED CAROLINE (THE
BAPTISMAL NAME OF MRS. STANSFELD), AND BEARING

THE POST MAIM OF WALHAM • GREEN, THE QUARTER

WHERE STANSrF,LD. S BREWERY IS SITUATED, con-
tained, along with private matters which left to doubt as
to the origin of the letters, the following passages; the
first, on the 16th of June, said :—' I have received your
dear and anxious note by Mr. NATHAN, who brought it
himself ? The second, of the 19th June, began with these
words I HAVE RECEIVED THE MONEY, AND JAMES

WILL, OF COURSE, CARRY OUT YOUR INSTRUCTIONS

MRS. STANSFELD WROTE THUS IN REPLY TO A LETTER
FROM MAZZINI, dated 11th, containing a remittance, the
forwarding of which was announced by a letter from the
same, dated the 10th, which was also seized, and ii included
among the written evidence. Lastly, IN T IBALD S ros -
SESSION 'WAS FOUND A MEMORANDUM BOOR CONTAINING

THE ADDRESS OP THE BREWER, JAMES STANSFELD, AND

HE CONFESSED THAT WHEN IN LONDON B HAD BEEN

IN COMMUNICATION VIVI THAT INTIMATE FRIEND OF
MAZZINI. Your high jurisdiction regarded Mazzuvr's
guilt as judicially Proved, and the sentence of transporta-
tion was pronounced against him by default."

• Again—
"ln December, 1353, a man named DONATI was arrested
at Paris on a charge of plotting against the EMPEROR'S life.
Overwhelmed by the evidence against him, he confessed his
criminal design, and after having attempted to maintain
that he had not received instructions from any one, he was
obliged to acknowledge whose instigation he had obeyed.
IN THE COURSE OF MAY MAZZINI HAD GIVEN HIM A

RENDEZVOUS AT STAisTSFELD'S BREWERY, AND A CON V:

SATION THERE TOOX PLACE ON THE PROJECTED ATTEMPT,

AND ON THE TIME AND PLACE WHERE THE CRIME MIGHT

BE MOST EASILY CONSUMMATED. A FEW DAYS LATER, AT

THE SAME PLAGE, THE PLOT RECEIVED ITS DEFINITIVE
ORGANISATION. DoNATI committed suicide in prison in
January, 1859, thus giving a sad guarantee of the sincerity
of his revelations."

And, to conclude, or as the Proenrenr-Imperial him-
self expressed it a fa; hours ego in one of the im-
perial courts of law at Paris—
" Lastly, in the late trial, M. MAzzim again appeared,
choosing among his confederates the conspirator whom he
considered possessed of most energy, giving him in Muy,
1363, instructions to address his letters for London to
ROSSELLY, 53, Myddelton-square, the residence of the
banker NATRAN, drawing up with his own hand a detailed
note, which was, as it were, the vocabulary of the plot ' •
then, in September, 1863, resuming the enterprise after a
momentary suspension, giving again, in his own hand, the
new address, FLOWER, 35, Thurloe-square, which is the
residence of STANSFELD, directing the choice of the inti-
mates whom GRECO was to accept as accomplices; sending
arms, and lastly, procuring, through the medium of
NATHAN whom you already know, the money which was
to facilitate the flight of the assassins after the attempt.
Such are the facts which it is important that you and the
world should know." •
put very All these statements are ver plainly indeed ,
are pat pointblank, without the smallest attempt
at insinuation merely, or circumlocution. It is
due to the House of Commons, it is due to the honour
of her MAJESTY'S Government, it is due to the
Nation and to the Sovereign, that they should be
at once disproved— that they should be at once
demonstrated to be untrue—Or—Mr. JAMES STAN&
?Eli) ought at once, before the meeting of Parlia.
ment, to send in his resignation.

The Financial Reform Association is a very ex-
cellent institution, and its annual meeting, which
was held in Liverpool last Wednesday, suggests
soma topics for reflection and comment. The
report of the Secretary declared that "very little
legislative progress had been made towards the
accomplishment of any one of its three objects—
economical government, just taxation, and real
freedom of trade." It is certainly not because these
things are not needed, that they are not effected,
for a survey, however simple, of the aspect of our
public and political affairs will conv,nce the ob-
server how much there is that ought to be done in
the way of retrenchment and drawin4 in. Needless
expenses are incurred, immense sums are wasted,

and yet notwithstanding all this out!ay really
necessary things are neglected and passed by, and
the plea that they cannot be afforded a more careful
revision and a more cautions disbursement of the
public funds would be of inestimable value, and
confer an important service on the community at
large. Just taxation, one of the main objects of
this Association, is especially demanded. Chan-
cellors of the Exchequer think only of increasing
the revenue to meet the demands of their extrava-
gance, or to enable them to gratify their own par-
ticular fancies in taking off certain taxes; and the
equalisation of the burden, so that it may not press
too heavily on any portion of the community, is
never attempted. When some far-sighted or well.
meaning individual, endeavours to adjust this
difficulty and do away with this anomaly, they are
met with grave reproof from the officials, and told
that they do not understand the case at all. It
will not do to have a sentimental legislation and
all that kind of thing. It is not to be wondered at
that after a while the efforts of these praiseworthy
individuals grow fainter, and their attempts
become few and far between, for nothing discou-
rages the ardour of a social reformer more than
the faint praise which he meets with from his
friends. It is, then, an acknowledged fact that
an assoeiatioa like this referred to is a great boon
to the country. It keeps up the recollection of the
grievance, it assigns it a place, and the affair passes
from the position of a trivial effort and a tranaitory
excitement to assume a recognised place among the
debateable questions of the age we live in. Con-
sidering the desirable objects which are proposed
by this Reform Association, it is to be regretted
that a more hearty support is not vouchsafed to it,
and that so disheartening a record should be given
of its resources. Surely there ought to be found
plenty willing and able to come forward who might
promote its objects and farther its attempts. It is
a very wise and encouraging principle which is
enunciated in the course of the summary of the
state of the institution. Referring to the general
remark that has been made by many eminent men
regarding the desirability of the proposition put
forth by the members, but yet their utter impossibi-
lity of attainment, it is thus urged—" We cannot
admit the objection ; we have an abiding faith that
what is just and true, and admittedly beneficial to
all, is likewise practicable." Has not the firm
assurance of eventual success urged on thousands
in the road of reform, and when the timid wavered
and the captious sneered, sustained and cheered
them, till at last the goal was won and the success
so long sought for crowned their efforts. An asso-
ciation like this must keep the subject in a vital
form before the attention of the public. It assumes
a dignity and importance which established forms
and recognised rights can alone impart. It is satis-
factory to hear that, wherever the objects of the
association have been broached, they have been
well received, and even the opposition that has
been encountered has been chiefly directed against
the feasibility of the proposals, and not agaiNst
their suitableness. The lectures that have been
given in various parts of the country have
also been well attended. A certain proof
of their popularity is afforded by the fact that
the number of members has augmented greatly.
There is no better way of propagating opinions than
by disseminating views through the medium of
lectures about the country. It is a sure and certain
manner of spreading information, and it necessarily
increases the number of those who understand the
rights of the question. Great stress was laid on the
need that existed for a further reduction in the
duties on tea and sugar. There is truth in the
arguments put forth for this claim, that it affects
greatly the comfort of the poor, and concerns some
momentous questions relating to the "promotion of
the health, comfort, and morals of the people." Also
it is said that the duty on coffee might be altogether
abolished, since it only yields about two hundred
and fifty thousand pounds. Of course these aro
matters of opinion, and one side is good until an-
other is heard; but if one class or section of the
community is to be considered before the other, it
ought certainly to be the poor who has the prefer-
ence. Unfortunately it is but lost labour to attempt
to impress upon Mr. GLADSTONE the claims of the
poor or the lower middle classes. He has shown
himself in this respect callous, indifferent, and even
supercilious. No man can be called a successful
statesman who acts like this, and neglects alto-
gether the vast claims upon his regard and atten-
tion. At any rate, the Financial Reform Associa-
tion are doing their best, and it behoves the com•
patent to give a hearty support, and to encourage
their earnest and energetic efforts to the fullest
extent. There is no better check to the arrogance

of consequential statesmen ; no more powerful in-
centive to quicken the intelligence of unwilling
Ministers, than the perception that the people are
beginning to see and judge for themselves, and not
to trust any more to the second-hand information of
prejudiced partisanship. An association like this
ought to be regarded in the light of a great national
undertaking, and supported and encouraged in a
manner worthy of its mission.

LITERARY AND SCIENTIFIC MEETINGS FOR THE
ENSUING WEElL—Monday—Entomoligica!, at 8--
Architects, at B—Royal Institution, at 2, general monthly
meeting. Tuesday—Anthropological, at 3, " Universality
of Belief in a God,"—" Hybridity," Rev. F. W. Farrar—
"Skulls from Annabom," Captain Burton and Mr. Blake
—Photographic, at B—Engineers, at 8, "Resistances to
Bodies passing through Water," Mr. Phipps—Royal In-
stitution, at 3, " Natural Low of Conservation of Energy,"
Professor Helmholtz. Wednesday—Society of Arts, at 8,
" Principles of Imitation as applied to the Decorative
Arts," Mr. Purdie. Thursday—Antiquaries, at B—Lin•
nean, at 8, " The Garcinia yielding Gamboge in Siam,"
Mr. Hanbury—Royal, at "Functions of Cerebellum,"
Dr. Dickinson—" Train of 11 Sulphide-of •Carbon Prisms
for Spectrum Analysis," Mr. Gassiot. Friday—Royal
Institution, at 8, "Recent Improvements in Iron and
Steel," Dr. Percy. Saturday—Royal Institution, at 3--
"Metallic Elements," Professor Frankland.
NEWS OF Bit. LIVINGSTONE.—Mr. Thompson,
of 150, Leadenhall-street, writes :—" By the mail
from Cape Town received here on the 25th of February,
bringing news from the colony to the 21st of the previous
month, a report reached this country that Dr. Livingstone
had met with an untimely end on his expedition up the
Zambesi. As this created great uneasiness among all those
interested in the welfare of that great philanthropist and
his expedition, it will, no doubt, be a satisfaction to the
public to learn that I have this, morning received by the
Murray, one of the Orient line of packets from Adelaide, a
letter from my son, now resident in Cape Town, dated the
29th of January, in which he says that news had been re-
ceived by her Majesty's ship Rapid that Ar, Livingstone
was all well.'"
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINS IN MIDDLESEX
GAoLs.—Mr. Laurie has intimated that at the April meet-
ing of the Middlesex magistrates he will bring the provi-
sions of the Prison Ministers Bill before them with a view
to move that Roman Catholic chaplains be appointed to all
the prisons subject to the jurisdiction of the Middlesex
magistrates.
DIMPLES.—What does the phlegmatic German
call the dimple? Why, das grubchen —the little
pit, or hole, or ditch. What, dots the gallant Frenchmen
call it ? Why, /a fossete, the little ditch. Some people
will have it that /a ride would do as well; tut /a ride means
the wrinkle. While the French call the dimple a little
ditch, the Italians do very much the same thing : they say
pozzetta, which I take it is much the same word as fossette.
Now it is not pleasant to think that she whom you worship
has little ditches in her cheeks, or her chin, or elsewhere.
So for that, if for no other reason, I should prefer the Eng-
lish word, of which I do not know the derivation, and
which certainly does not convey to my mind the idea of
a ditch. It is not easy to find out what the elegant Greeks
and practical Romans of old called a dimple ; but so far
as ono can learn, the Greeks connected the word solely
with smiles or laughter ; and the Romans, who, if they
had been left to themselves, would, I fancy, have taken an
agricultural view of it, and called it etiletato (a little furrow).
—Court Ciironick,

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AMERICA.
(Per the Nova Scotia; via Greencastle.)
NEW YORK, MARCH 19 (Afternoon).
(By Telegraph to Portland.)
It is reported that General Lee has broken up his
encampment on the Rapidan, and is moving in the
direction of the Shenandoah Valley.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. -
Money easy. Gold 62 per cent. premium. Ex-
change on London bankers' bills, 177. Stocks
large; speculative sales. New York Centrals, 139,4 ;
Illinois Shares, 1381 ; Erie, 126 ; 6 per Cents.
United States 13 onds,ll2, Cotton quiet. Middling
Upland, 73c. Flour quiet and unchanged. Wheat
corn and provisions dull. Coffee quiet. Sugar
very firm. Molasses steady. Petroleum quiet and

unchanged.
(Per the Australian via Roche's Point.)
NEW YORK, MARCH 22 (Evening).

The royal mail steamship Australasian, from New
York on the 23d March, arrived at Qaeenetown on
the 2d April, with 55 passengers and 140,350 dole.
in specie. She landed 104 sacks of mails and 7 pas-
sengers, and proceeded for Liverpool at 4 15 a.m.
All well.
The Confederates have returned Dahlgren's body

to his father.
General Grant has arrived in Washington, and
reported that he will command the army of the
Potomac in person. An early attack by Lee is
apprehended in the Army of the Potomac.
Stuart is reported as concentrating his cavalry at
Fredericksburg and Charlottesville, preparatory to
making a raid.
A heavy snow storm delays military operations

in Virginia.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

Money easy. Gold opened on Monday at 61i,
advancing since under an active demand to 641, and
closing to-day at 636 to 64-1 ; Exchange on London,
176 1781; Exchange on Paris, 3 131 to 3 15. The
speculative inquiry in stocks continues, and large
sales have been made. New York Centrals 139;
Illinois, 1371 ; Erie, 1251 ; 6 per cent. United
States Bonds, 112.
Cotton quiet, Middling Upland, 72 to 73 ;
Flour and wheat slightly firmer ; corn dull ; pro•
visions quiet ; coffee inactive ; sugar and molasses
good inquiry ; petroleum quiet ; crude, 30 to 31 ;
refined, 49 to 51.

NEW YORK, MARCH 23, Noon.

Longstreet's forces are reported to be concen-
trated at Bull's Gap for a raid into Kentucky.
Other accounts represent him moving to join Lee.
The New York Tribune asserts that an attack on
Norfolk by land and with ironclads from Richmond
is expected. _ . _

Porter's fleet and Shermsn's forces have le

Vicksburg for Red River.

The negro colonists who left the United States for
Hayli have returned unfible to form a colony.
The gunboat Styx spoke the brig Howard on the
18th, which reported seeing on the 10th a vessel
resembling the Re Gilantuomo, running south with
her topmast gone, but showing no signals of dis-
tress. It is considered probable that the Re Galan-
tuomo is safe.

The steamer Norman has been destroyed in

Suwannee River.

The decree of the United States District Court in
the case of the Saxon not only orders the ship and
cargo to be restored to the owners, but recommends
that Lieutenant Donovan, who shot Mr. Grey,
should be tried by court-martial for the murder.
The questions of compensation to the widow and to
the owners of the vessel have been reserved.

According to a statement just issued by the
Provost Martial• General at Washington the total
deficiency of troops in all the States under the
several calls of the President is 311,724. Illinois
is the only State which has completed its quota
New York is deficient by 59,230, and Pennsylvania
by 74,127.

COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
Money easy. Gold 65 per cent. premium. Stocks
steady. New York Centrals, 1391. Illinois, 1371,
Erie, 1251.

DISMISSAL OF OFFICIALS IN SCALES WIG,
HAMBURG, APRIL 2.

Acc3rding to news received here the Chief Pre-
sident Roosen and the whole municipality of Fleas-
burehave been dismissed.
An extraordinary war tax has been imposed on
the town of Flensburg, and will most likely also be
levied upon some other places in Schleswig•

CLOSING OF THE NORWEGIAN
STORTHING.
CHRISTIANIA, APIUL 1.
The Storthing has bee❑ closed.
The Kirg in his speech said that Sweden, jointly
with other Powers, would endeavour to obtain
peace ; but that she must at the same time be pre-
pared to render assistance to Denmark against
overpowering force.

ITALY•

TURIN, APRIL 2.

130,000 bonds of the Leghorn Railway have been
delivered to Messrs. I)thschild Landau, Errera
Oppenheim, Reinach, Weillschott, and the Italian
Credit Mobilier.

shows a slight decline. Threes, for the Account,
are now at 66f. 75c. Mobilier have reef &Al 10f.,
being now at 1,042 f. 50c. Railway Shares also
heavy, but up to the present time without any ma-
terial variation in quotations. The market improved
towards the close, and left off as follows :-
4i per Cents .. 93 '5O
Do. end month....
3 per Cents
Do. end month 66 5
Credit Mobilier 1040
Do. end month 1047 50
Bank Shares 3300
Credit k oncier .... 1280
Roman

Italian Loan 6B 80
Do. end month 67 75
New ditto ..
Do. end month....
Russian
Austrian
Spanish Threes..„ —
Rome Debt
Deferred

BALL

,arts.
Cash. Account.
990 .. 990
977 50 .. 982 50

Orleanti
Northern ....

New ditto — • •
Lyons and Mediterranean 950 .. 943 75
Nev ditto
S)uthern
Western ... •..
Eastern - .. 480
Sardinian 362 50 .. 365
Austrian
Lousbard
North of Spain
Saragossa.. 590 .. 588 75
Ditto to Barcelona

ANNUAL GENERAL SESSIONS,

ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPLAINS FOR THE COUNTY GAOLS

The annual generr...l sessions of the magistrates of this
county was held Et!.., the Court House, Preston, on Thursday
—Lord Stanle:y occupied the chair. A memorial was read
from the Pev. W. Walker, Roman Catholic priest of Pres-
ton, praying the Court to appoint a Roman Catholic
chaplain for the prisoners of that denomination in the
riouse of Correction, at Preston ; such chaplain to devote
the whole of his time and attention to the reformation of
the said prisoners,—Mr. R. Townley Parker moved
" That it is the opinion of this court that the number
of Roman Catholic prisoners confined from time to
time in the House of Correction at Preston, is so great
as to require the ministrations of a minister of their
own Church to attend at the said House of Correction
upon the prisoners of his own persuasion." Mr. Parker,
who supported the resolution at great length, said the
highest number of Roman Catholic prisoners in 1859 in the
gaol was 85 ; the lowest, 40 ; and the average, 58. In 1860,
the highest number was 84; the lowest, 43 ; and the ave •
rage, 61. In 1861, the highest number was 116; the
lo ;rest, 58 ; and the average, 86. In 1862, the highest
number was 116; the lowest, 66; and the average 90.
In 1863, the highest number was 118 ; the lowest 64 ;
and the average 93. The number of such pri-
soners in the gaol between 180 and 1863 was
1,543—0 r on the average 302 a year. In 1863 the
number of Roman 'Catholics in the gaol was about
one third of the 'whole. These figures, he thought,
showed a goon case for the appointment of a Roman
Catholic chaplain, according to the provisions of the Prison
Minitiers Act.—Mr. J. Goodair seconded the motion.—
Mr. Dawson moved as an amendment—" That it be an
instruction to the visiting committees of the several gaols of
the country to admit Roman Catholic clergymen to give
such instructions and to perform such services as the Roman
Catholic clergymen may require." He desired that the
Roman Catholic criminals should have all the spiritual
instruction they needed ; but his objection was to the
country being called upon to pay for the same.—Colonel
Townley—Do you wish to appoint a chaplain ?
Mr. Dawson—l wish to give the Visiting Justices
full power to appoint chaplains without calling upon
the country to pay for them, (Cheers.) Mr. Taylor,
of TodmGrden, seconded the amendment.—Mr. Bourne
thought that Mr. Dawson was not aware that the visiting
justices had already power to call in Roman Catholic chap-
lains to criminals. The object of the new law was to call
them in and pay Them for their services,—Mr. Dawson—l
ought to add to my amendment the words, " and without
ceiling upon the county to pay for those services."—The
Rev. R. Moore said he had long been a visiting jus-
tice in connection with the Preston House of Correc-
tion, and it might seem from what had been said
that day that the Roman Catholic prisoners bad found
a difficulty in obtaining the attendance of clergymen
of their persuasion. He, however, had never heard of
anything of the kind; on the contrary, he had always un-
derstood that if, at any time, there was a Catholic in the
gaol anxious to have a minister of his own denomination,
he could get one. Only on Saturday last there was a pri-
soner in the gaol who wished to see his priest ; and, of
course, his wish was complied with. No cruelty whatever
in this respect had been exercised in the prison. No in-
justice whatever had been shown towards any prisoner of
the Roman Catholic persuasion that he was aware of ; and,
if there had been, he should have been the very first man
to raise his voice against it. But what was now wanted
was not that a priest should go into the prison pri•
vately for the spiritual instruction and comfort of a
prisoner, but that there should be a public ministra-
tion of the word, that the Roman Catholic prisoners
should have a congregational meeting, and that the
priests should be able to speak to them publicly, and
preach to them as the Protestant chaplain did. He th lugat
it their absolute right that they should have these things;
and he should be ashamed of himselt if he did not stand up
in that court and say that it was, in his opinion, the duty
of the gentlemen present to do what they could, in order to
allow the Roman Catholic prisoners to have congregational
meetings as the Protestants had. (Hear, hear.). In reply to a
question, Mr. King, the governor of the Preston House of
Correction, said that he had had a few instances wherein
Roman Catholics bad sent for priests; but those who re
quested their attendance had afterwards attended the
ministrations of the Protestant chaplain. Mr. G.
Parker thought that if a prisoner once sent for
a Roman Catholic priest, he was freed from at-
tending the ministrations of the Protestant chaplain;
and that, on the other hand, those who had not
sent for a priest were compelled to attend —Mr. T. B.
Addison—No compulsion is used. Any prisoner who has
a reasonable objection to attending the Protestant service
is not forced to go to it.—The Rev. Dr. Mackreth—No one
is obliged to attend Protestant services.—Mr. E Ashworth
—How many Roman Catholics were last Sunday who did
not go to the Protestant service ?—Mr. King (governor of
the gaol)—Only one. I asked a Roman Catholic prisoner
the ether day it he wished to have a priest. He said "No,"
and that he preferred going to chapel in the gaol,—Mr. E.
Ashworth said he did not wish to trench on the conscience of
sAyone. He however objected to the resolution before the
Court being put in an isolated form, for it pledged them to
a certain extent to the others which were to follow.—Mr.
R, T. Parker—l have framed the resolution on the words
of the Act of Parliament, Mr. Ashworth—Just so. As
they now stood the practice was that if a Roman Catholic.
or a Protestant Dissenter did not choose to attend Protes-
tant services he might remain away. He could send for
his own minister if he liked. In the House of Correction at
Salford there were perhaps a greater number of Catholic
prisoners than at Preston. The exceptions there were about
7 per cent. who would not go to hear the Church cf Eng-
land chaplain, and they were allowed to remain away.
Priests were sent for whenever wanted, and they invarie
ably came. He would just ask the Catholic gentlemen of
Preston, or Salford, or Liverpool, whether the rich church
to which they belonged was not able to pay their own chap-
lains for their services in connection NI ith the prisoners
belonging to their religious denominations ? (Hear, hear.)
Let them bear in mind the solemn declaration of their own
priest,, to visit and minister to those poor people the com-
forts of religion, and let them bear in mind the words of our
Saviour on this subject--" I was sick and ye visited me, I
was in prison and ye came unto me." It the priests did this
he thought they would not require the county of Lancaster
to pay them, as proposed by Mr. Parker, whilst he (Mr,
Ashworth) was most desirous not to limit the spiritual
liberty of any class, he must contend that it was not
the duty of the Court to trench upon the consciences
and pockets of the ratepayers of the county. Had not
the ratepayers conscientious rights as well as those per-
sons in prison ? If they passed the resolution before
the Court—if they decided that a priest was required
for the gaol—they would have to appoint one, and
then pay one, and then to find a separate chapel out of
the ratepayera' money for his ministrations. The principle
was a broad one, and, if admitted, they would never be able
to put a check to it. The next thing would be paid chap-
lains for asylums and workhouses.—The Rev. J. Sperling
thought, as a Protestant, that the magistrates ought to
provide spiritual advisers for Roman Catholic prisoners,
and pay them for their services.—After some further
discussion, the question was put to the vote, and
the original motion was declared carried by a majority
of 41 to 22. The names were afterwards taken with the
following result :—For the motion, 46 ; against it 23.
Mr. R. T. Parker next proposed :—" That after the ap-
pointment of such minister, under the provisions of the
statute 26 and 27 Vic., c. 79, he shall be entitled to receive
and shall receive, a salary at the rate of £l5O annually, as
a recompense for his services performed, such sum to be
deemed a part of the expenses of the aforesaid House of
Correction, and to be paid out of the funds legally applica-
ble to the payment of such expenscs.—Mr. Goodair
seconded the motion, after which the motion was carried
by a majority of 35 to 7.—On the motion of Mr. Myers,
seconded by Mr. J. Catterall, the following, having refer-
ence to the Kirkdale Gaol, was adopted unanimously :
" That a r. om within the precincts of the said House of
Correction be fitted up for the service of the Roman
Catholic Church, and that a sum not exceeding £lOO be
granted for this purpose." The business terminated at five
o'clock,—.2l,lanekester Guardian.

Mr. Garman Reed is about to re-commence the
representations of Mr. Macfarren's charming opera di
camera, "Jessy Lea," which will be given twice a week—
every Tuesday afternoon at 3, and Saturday evening at S.
"Jessy Lea," however, will possess a special attraction in
the fact of the introduction to the public, by Mr. Reed, of
a new soprano, Miss Robertine Henderson, of whom report
speaks in the highest terms. For the first time, the music
of the part of the heroine will be sung as written, the
debutante being quite equal to the florid difficulties of Mr
Macfarren's composition. A new ballad has also been
written for the baritone, so that the operetta bids fair to
enter upon a new career of success.

The following correspondence has been sent to us
publication :

Bathes& on, Bath, March 31.

Sir,—Will you permit me to invite your attention
to the inclosed rules and report of a little society,
the Batheaston and St. Catherine's Independent
Friendly Society, I have established in this village ?
My only object is to ascertain from you how we
should probably be affected should your noble pro-
position be carried into law.
I am utterly at a loss to know whether we should
have to merge, as it were, into a Government society,
or be annihilated by the movement.
I am sure you will forgive my trespass on your
va uable time, appreciating my motive.
I am concerned for my little club, which is a sort
of " hobby" with me, and which is likely to enlarge,
provided no new enactment shake the confidence 01
the young men of the village.
With sentiments of high respect, I am, dear Sir
yours obediently,

THOS. CLARKSON FINCH.
Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P.

11, Carlton-house-terrace, April 1.
Rev. Sir,—ln replying to your letter of yesterday,
I must request you will have the goodness to ob-
serve that the bearing of the Government Annuities
Bill, when it shall have passed into law, upon
friendly societies, is, it many respects, a matter of
opinion, and of such opinion as cannot at present be

effectually illustrated by facts.
In other points of view it is a question on which
much light is thrown by experience; but by expe-

rience of a kind which I do not possess.
Others are far bitter qualified than I am to judge
how far limitation of numbers is a hindrance to the
establishment and maintenance of stable friendly

societies.
But I may state, in the first place, that if it be so
I shall much lamAat it. It is no part of the object
of the Government to displace or injure such so-
cieties. I know of nothing more useful, more laud-
able, more truly English end Christian than a weli
constituted friendly society. What we seek is to
provide for those—and they are many—who are
unable to avail themselves of the benefits of such
institutions. _ _ •

The best practical reply, however, which I can
give to your letter is this,—The greatest difficulty,
essentially inherent in the business of small as-
surances, is the amount of working expenses neces-
sary to be incurred. Now, although the Govern-
ment business can be carried on without thet exor-
bitance of working charges which may be observed
in certain cases, I have never held out the expecta-
tion that we can work very cheaply, since all the
work done will be minute, and must be done under
checks of the strictest kind; some of which might
perhaps be dispensed with in such friendly societies
as really answer to the name. Their machinery,
on the other hand, ought to be, and, in many cases,
I believe as, extremely cheap ; and if they can avoid
other dangers, I think that on this ground, as well
as on the ground of their providing sick pay, which
we cannot do, they will have nothing to fear from
our competition. Among a labouring population of
some 24,000,000 it does not appear that more than
£2,000,000, or one-twelfth, are in friendly societies
of any class or kind. Surely there is here a field
broad enough for diversity of Agencies, and for leav-
ing some liberty of choice to the labouring man,
which he will exercise according to his circum-

stances.
If I am asked what I mean by other dangers

would venture to specify three. Friendly societies I
will be in danger when, with the idea and theory
of self-government, they allow their affairs to be in
the hands of managers at a distance, whom the
members can no more control than the electoral body
of the country could, without the House of 'Com •
mor.s, control the Queen's Government. They will
oe in danger, when their rules and tables have not
been beyond all doubt ascertained by competent and
instructed authority to be, not merely legal, but
wise and prudent. Lastly, I fear they will very
often be in danger when they transact their busi-
ness at the pal-Alehouse.
I have the honour to be, rev, sir, your faithful
servant,

W. E. GLADSTONE.

Rev. Thomas C. Finch.

P.S.—As your question relates to a matter of
general interest, I think it will not be disagreeable
to you that I should give publicity to your letter
and my reply, which can be done mote conveniently
now than when Parliament shall have reassembled.