The Sun.
London, England, 1864-03-09 00:00:00

The Loss of the Mail Steamer Bohemian.

Very scanty details have come to hand of the loss
of the mail steamship Bohemian near Portland, on
the 22d ult. A letter from Portland, of the 23d,
says:—

The steamship Bohemian, Captain Borland, from
Liverpool, struck on Alden's Rock, four miles out-
side Cape Elizabeth, about nine o'clock last even-
ing, beat over, turned head towards the shore, and
sunk in about an hour and a half, about two miles
from the shore, outside of Richmond's Island, having
stove a hole in her engine compartment. Part of
the steerage passengers are supposed lost. Her
bridge is covered at high water, and the seas are
breaking over her. The night was clear, and the
Caps light in full view. The Bohemian had 19
cabin passengers, all of whom are supposed to be
saved, and 199 steerage passengers. It cannot yet
be ascertained how many of the latter are lost. Boat
No. 2 was swamped alongside, owing to people
crowding into ir, and came ashore on the Cape
with a men and child in it, both dead. The people
at the Ocean Thuse and in the fishing house on
the Cape sent teams to the sufferers. The Bohemian
had a cargo of si(ks arid other goods, mostly on the
Canadian and provincial accounts, valued at one
million of dollars. The ship was going at half
speed.
Another letter, of the same date says:—

The Bohemian's papers were saved. All the
cabin passengers escaped. Captain Borland ar-
rived by a tug boat at ten o'clock, and reports the
ship to be in four fathoms of water, off Broad Cove,
slightly heeled cif. The main deck at low water
is two feet under o❑ one side, and at high water is
seven feet under. He thinks she will hold to-
gether if the weather is fair. The only way to
get the cargo out is by divers, and taking her into
shallow water by lifting her. Three mail bags
were saved. It is thought but few passengers are
lost except those in the swamped boat. Some of
the firemen probably perished. From the state-
ment of a passenger who came up in boat No. 5, I
iearn that he was standing on the deck at the
time of the accident. The steamer passed the buoy,
and the passengers thought it was the pilot boat.
Immediately after the steamer struck, the boats
were got oat safely, with the exception of No. 2,
which swamped. No. 5 took aboard all she could
hold, including several who jumped into the
water to them. Being unable to find a land-
ing place, she was rowed up the harbour.
She contained mostly cabin passengers, and
some steerage passengers whose names I do
not learn, with the exception of a Mr. Brown. The
mails saved were from Glasgow to New York, from
Glasgow to California, and one bag of papers for
Boston. From James Scott, the second officer, I
learn that all the officers were on deck when the
steamer struck. It was five minutes past eight
o'clock, and the watch was being changed. The
ship struck on a rock and went over. Orders were
immediately given to clear away the boats, and soo❑
the ship was headed for shore, bat shortly after-
wards she sunk in four fathoms of water. Boat
No. 1, under the boatswain's mate, made two trips
to the shore, saving in the first trip about 80, and
in the second trip about 70. Boat N 0.2 swamped.
Boat No. 3, under charge of Mr. Scott, the second
officer, landed about 94 in Broad Cove. Boat No. 4,
under charge of the first and third officers, landed 25
on the beach. Boat No. 5, in charge of the fourth
officer, brought 29 into Portland harbour. These
numbers include the officers and crew of the 80.
herniae. The whole number of passengers on
board was 218, and the number of the crew sup-
posed to be 99. It is estimated that the number of
saved in all the boats is 293, leaving 19 to be ac-
counted for. The crew were nearly all saved, The
lamp-trimmer, Peter Hart, and the engineers' store-
keeper, name unkno mu, are supposed to be drowned.
All the remaining officers and crew are safe. Capt.
Borland supposed himself four miles further off
than his real position. The Laza probably misled
him as to the true position of the lights. He had
been looking for a pilot, and throwing up rockets
and blue lights for half an hour, and was going at
the rate of a mile and a half an hour when the
vessel struck. Half an hour before he got sound-
ings in 40 fathoms of water, with a soft bottom.
The following additional particulars are given
in a Portland letter, dated the evening of the 23d
From reports of passeogersl gather the following

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE ;OF COMMONS--This Day,
The Speaker took the chair at twelve o'clock.
DISPUTED ELECTIONS.

Sir W. MILES brought up the names of the gentlemen
appointed to try the validity of the Berwick•upon-Tweed
and Lisburn elections, stating that the general committee
will, on Monday next, strike the committee to try the
validity of the Barnstaple election.
PENAL SERVITUDE BILL.

Mr. NEILL gave notice that in the Penal Servitude Bill
he wouid move an omission in clause 2.
TRESPASS (IRELAND) BILL.

Mr. ORMSI3Y GORE moved the second reading of the
bill, the of of which was to assimilate the law of Ireland
to the law of England as established by the Act of 1831,
which had worked extremely well.
Sir It. PEEL said he would offer no objection to the
second reading of the bill. He thought certain modifica-
tions would have to be made in committee in certain provi-
sions of the bill, especially those relating to the pursuit of

game.
The bill was read a second time, and ordered to be com-
mitted after Easter.

WATCHING OF TOWNS (IRELAND} BILL.

Sir H. BRUCE moved the second reading of this bill,
which had been rendered necessary owing to the failure of
the police to execute their duty in Ireland. It was not that
that force generally was wanting in ability, but in conse-
quence of their bAng appointed to perform duties for which
they had not been organised. The cost of the police in
Ireland amounted in round numbers to three-quarters
of a million, yet little good was efficted, and, speak-
ing generally, the country was most badly watched.
The object of his measure was to empower the Lord Lieu-
tenant to appoint watchmen in addition to the police force,
as it might be asked for by the inhabitants of certain towns
and boroughs for night duty, and in the event of his Excel-
lency not attending to the representations within the space
of three months, then the towns commissioners of those
places requiring additional force might secure and pay them
themselves.
Sir R. PEEL objected to the bill. The effect of it would
be to create a number of watchmen or " Charley' "
(laughter)—in addition to the police. The result would be
that the two sections would come into collision, and instead
of protecting the public peace it would be more likely to
endanger it. Such places as Cork and Galway did not ask
for such a measure, and he could but regret that Coleraine
should be so unruly as to require additional watchmen.
The bill had been most carelessly draw up, and under these
circumstances he hoped it would not be pressed forward. It
he could point out any defects in the present police force, or it
he could show him how he could add to its present efficiency
he should be most happy to carry his suggestions into
effect.
Lord NAAS supported the bill. He thought it was one
that would do a great deal of good, and not at all likely to
lead to the consequences anticipated by the right hon.
beronet who had just sat down.
Mr. H. lIERt3ERT defended the Irish judges from a
charge of having neglected their duty in the suppression
of crime.
Sir It. PEEL disclaimed any intention to speak disre-
spectfully of any of the Irish judges.
Sir F. HEYGATE did not think the intention of the
bill was to take the appointment out of the hands of the
Government. Ho thought it would be advisable to allow
the bill to be read a second time, and thus its defects could
be amended iu committee.

Mr. GEORGE also defended the Irish judges.
Col. DUNNE testified to the efficiency of the Irish con-
stabulary, but denied their efficiency as a protective force.
Mr. BRADY objected to the bill, and moved that it be
read a second time this day six. months.
After a few words from several hon. members the bill
was withdrawn.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES (METRIC SYSTEM)

BILL

Mr. W. EWART moveTitlTe;econd reading of this bill.
The object he had in view in submitting the present mea-
sure was to introduce the metric system of weights and
measures, which had met with the approbation of the great
Continental Powers. He had introduced a bill with the
same object last year, but he had not been successful in
passing it through Parliament. On the present occasion
all ho proposed to do was to introduce a permissive bill.
Committees of the house had reported in favour of the
system. A majority of the house had al:o declared in its
favour, and the congress held at Berlin came to the conclu-
sion that the metric system was the most convenient form
of international weights and measures. At the last meet-
ing of the British Association, held at Newcastle, Sir Wm.
Armstrong strongly urged the introduction of the metric
system into this country. The other day there had been a
meeting of the members of the Chambffs of Commerce, of
the United Kingdom, and they had come to an unanimous
conclusion in favour of the system which he was ad-
vocating. 'rho metric system of weights and measures was
not now legal in this country, and the object of this per-
missive bill was to make it so. If his proposition received
the sanction of Parliament the most beneficial effects
would result to many of the trades in the country,
because then it would be in the power of portions of the
mercantile community to adopt the metric system if they
felt so disposed. When tho novelty of the system had worn
off, he telt there would not be the slightest opposition to the
rendering the bill a compulsory measure.
Mr. LOCKE seconded the motion for the second reading
of the bill, because ho looked upon the present system of
weights and measures in England most defective. If the
motion was agreed to it would enable hon. members to
improve, if it should be thought necessary to do so, certain
portions of the bill, because ho felt certain his noble friend
was only anxious that the system should have a
etrial in
this: country. The hon. gentleman then proceedetd,i!fl
draw a comparison between the system at presemn
and
use in England and the French metric syste
He s
ad
yi d
that notto
t measure was
o
said that beyond all question the latter was the best.
No inconvenience could arise if the proshen
public whether they would use the metric l
agreed to, because it left it entirely to e.nehroeicfeereonfeethe
the present system of weights and
think it was a fair objection to this t.
asked to learn anothe
measures.measuser) 11-
one system they should not be
emits
wow ,
because grown-up persons had become acquainted with
r. He
•retore he hoped
wee certain the moat beneficial reml
tht,id follow the in-
troduction of the metric system, d
the house would give its assent to the bill of his hon.
friend.
but it was one
the unit, find the ques-
Mr. M. GIBSON. sair, the present measure had nothing
ltiesineghenthgee
tcho
tabteaollb
jtoeedtoeWt
withhteelheCiwers
tiou before them was would they;graat a;pernaissive change
in that unit. They had already two standards, viz., the
English yard and the avoirdupAse pound, but if the pre-
sent permissive bill was agreed to, there would then be a
third, namely, the metric, which would not at all add to the
simplification of the subject of weights and measures. On
the former occasion he had stated that he objected to the
compulsory use of the metric system being added to our
present weights end measures ; but as far as regards the
permissive power to usi.ig the metric system in certain con-
tracts if the parties engaged in them preferred it, he had no
objection. He would not therefore oppose the second read-
ing of the bill ; but he wished it to
be clearly understood
that he guarded himself a • gainst assenting to all its clauses.
He declined to say that it would be right to adda new stan-
dard to the sys:
of weights and measures now in legal
use.

Ilr, HENLEY thought the subject of such importance

that alteration ought to be left in the bands of the Govern-
ment. The hon. member for Southwark appeared to be of
opinion that if they succeeded in getting the present bill
ttrough Parliament the compulsory measure would very
shortly follow. He thought he ought t.) rest satisfied with
the acknowledgment of the legality of the metric system in
this country, and as the right hon. gentleman the President
of the Board of Trade had stated he guarded himself against
accepting the whole clauses of the bill, he (Mr. Henley)
should not vote against the second reading.
Mr. ADDERLEY said it was of the greatest importance
to the commerce of the country that there should be an
uniform system of weights and measures, but he could not
estimate the importance that such an uniformity would
confer upon international commerce. There been much
ridicule cast upon the metric system, but it is easy enough
to turn any system into ridicule, and therefore it was not
to be taken as a prof of the correctness of certain deduc-
tions because laughter happened to be occasioned by it.
He looked upon the metric system as one of most marvel-
lous simplicity.
Mr. HANKEY thought the Government ought to Lava
taken the matter in hand after the decision of the house
last year. lie thought the right hon, gentleman the Pre-
sident of the Board of Trade was only wasting the time of
the house by declaring his intention not to oppose the
second reading, white it was well known that he was
opposed to ale its details. lie suggesttal that the bill
should pass the present stage pro forma, that the Go-
vernment should then take the matter into their Lands.
It was quite a farce for the house to go into committee on
en itt
hue'a spkrnego wrenssthoaft tthheerignihetahatoirae.
twhoi sulbdi 1,0 pwpho se
clause. gentleman
cause by

Mr. WALTER looked upon the measure as a revolu-
tionary one, because it proposed to alter the whole system of
weights and measures now in existence. A permissive bill
was altogether out of the question; if the system was
adopted at all it must be compulsory. A great cry at one
time had been made in favour of the florin; it was looked
upon as a great step towards a decirnatisation of the coinage,
but be was certain a more useless and absurd coin had
never been made. (Hear, hear.) There was some sense
in the helf-crown, but the only purpose that had been
served by the coining of the florin was to do some unhappy
schoolboy or servant out of his fee. (Laughter.) He
moved that the bill be read a second time that day six
months.
Mr. J, B. SMITH supportel the bill.
Colonel SYKES said it was a disgrace to this country
to lag behind all other nations in adopting the metric
system. He could only rconeile the objection with which
the measure was met by the supposition that many hon.
members never learned decimals when they were at bch.ol.
(Laughter.)
Mr. BUXTON approved of the principle of the bill.
Col. BARTEL() IT expressed his intention of voting
against the measure.
Mr. BAINE 3 thought the metric system an admirable
one, and he also thought the hon. member who had moved
the rejection of the bill would live to regret his having
the slightest degree ( pposed its introduction.
The house divided, when there appeared—
For the second reading 9O
Against it
Majority

The bill was then read a second time.
CATTLE DISEASES PREVENTION AND IM-
PORTATION BILLS.

Mr. BRUCE in moving the second reading of these two
bills detailed to the house the cruelties perpetrated upon
cattle in their transport from the breeding quarters to the
plac3 of sale, and also the lamentable effects that followed
the consumption of diseased meat, which in many cases is
sold to the poorer classes. Cases of that description had
frequently occurred, and in one which took place in the
city of London within the last two years nearly 50 persons
were seriously affected through partaking of diseased meat,
which had been sold to them in the shape of sausages.
Then, again, there was another system of "polishing" up
diseased meat, which was effected by killing a good, sound
fat ex at the Fame time as the diseased cattle, and then
smearing or rubbing the hot tat of the good animal over tho
dead carcase of the latter. It was of the utmost importance
that these objectionable practices should be discontinued, and
the most effectual way to accomplish that was to establish
a rigid inspection over all animals before they were exposed
for sale in the public markets. The object of the bill was
to prevent cattle from being turned out in any field in a
diseased state ; from being exposed for sale or being
driven along the highways in a similar state ; tho
penalty for doing either of which was not to exceed
£2O. Another provision wcis, that it was imperative on all
railway and canal companies to thoroughly cleanse the
trucks and boats used for the conveyance of cattle, and that
the animals should be watered once in every 12 hours. In-
spectors would be appointed under the bill who would, in a
great measure, prevent the importation of diseased meat
from foreign parts. He proposed that after the bils had been
react a second time they should be referred to a select com-
mittee, with a view of consolidating the other acts now in
existence on the same subject.
After a few words from Mr. Packe, Mr. Caird, Mr. New-
degate, Mr. Holland, and Alderman Solomana.
The bills wars read a second time and ordered to be re-
ferred to a select committee.

LAND DRAINAGE (PROVISIONAL ORDERS)

BILL.

This bill was read a third time and passed.
The other orders of the day having been disposed of, the
house adjourned.

The Pope and his Visitors,

Sir George Bowyer, iu the following letter to our
chief contemporary, contradicts the absurd and
ridiculous paragraph which has been going the
round of the papers, and which was given as a
curiosity in The San of yesterday. The hon.
baronet writes :•

Sir,—Under this heading I see in the Times of this day
an extract from a French paper conreining some gross mis-
takes. The Pope presents not his slipper, but his hand, to
be kissed at audience. in every case. The ceremony of
kissing the foot (derived from the ceremonial of the ancient
Imperial Court) is only performed on certain occasions. At
audiences you kneel, or rather genuflect on one knee, but
you do not remain kneeling until the Pope motions you to
rise. His Holiness never keeps any one kneeling, and I
believe no nun ever knelt before her confessor except in the
confessional. Ladies, both Protestants and Catholics, aro
received at audiences by the Pope as well as women of
humble condition, it is not true that " everything is pre-
pared to astonish and disconcert the visitor." On the con-
trary, everything is plain and unpretending. There are
the half dozen Swiss guard and footmen in the hall, the
chamberlain in waiting, and one of the noble guard in the
antechamber, and the Popo receives visitors without any
attendant, as the chamberlain retires after announcing the
visitor or visitors. In fact, the Holy Father gives audiences
more like a bishop than like a sovereign, and no sovereign
gives so many audiences to persona of all classes, from the
highest to the lowest, as the Pope. It is absurd to suppose
that M. J. Merode always speaks to the Pope kneeling. His
Holiness often gives audiences in his private room, sitting
at his writing table. I shall be much obliged if you will
publish this letter.—Your obedient servant,

GEORGE BONER,

THE COUNTY FRANCHISE.

MR. LOCKE KING'S BILL.

Tho following is a copy of the bill prepared and brought
in the House of Commons by Mr. Locke King and Mr. R.
Russell, to exten,l the franchise in counties in England and
Wales :

" Whereas it is expedient to extend the elective franchise
to many of her Majesty's subjects who have not heretofore
enjoyed the same. Be it therefore enacted by the Queen's
most excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent
of the Inds spiritual and temporal, and commons, in this
present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the
same, as follows :
"1. From and after the passing of this act, every male
person, of full ago and not subject to legal disability, who
occupies, as owner or tenant, any land or tenement situate
without the limits of any city or borough entitled to return
a burgess or burgesses to Parliament of the clear yearly
value, or for which ha is liable to a clear yearly rent of not
less than ten pounds, and comprising a house of the clear
yearly value of not less than six pounds, shall be entitled
to vote at the election of a knight or knights of the shire to
serve in any future Parliament for the county, riding,
part, or division of the county in which such land' or
tenement' is situate; but no such occupier shall be so
entitled to vote unless he be duly registered as such voter,
nor shall he be entitled to bo so registered in any year un-
less`land' or tenement' of such
he have occupied such
value or at such rent as aforesaid, for six calendar mouths
at least next before the last day of July in such year.
" 2. The act passed in the second year of King William
the Fourth, to amend the representation of the people in
England and Wales, and the act passed in the sixth year
of her present Majesty's reign, to amend the law for the
registration of persons entitled to vote, and to define certain
rights of voting, and to regulate certain proceedings in the
election of members to serve in Parliament for England and.
Wales, and the present act, shall be construed as one act."

the W. Hopkins,
and Miss Hopkins, the wiclJw and Ndrarus:34l‘tie.rAof
NATIONAL LIFEBOAT INSTITUTION.
Otis institution £250 to station a lifeboat of I'ieston, hav presented
atlio
Bleackpool, Lento-
PlkaitnelM r. it.
towered
yrada
inch,for namely,
carmueilts, fsoftr.
Sin,
from
infantryl. has
cash,i in perpetuation of the memory of deceased.
lh ro,
been toe
ea
The standard for the Marines remainsy as a't prtoemsenti' atto 5210 t..
51 in. for lads from 18 to 23, and at sft. iin. for those above
2U years of age.
THE WIGTOWN MARTYRS.—The followinglis a
true copy of the entry in the lately discovered
minute bock of the Wigtown kirk session, in obtaining
which for tho public there have, as our readers are aware,
been some remarkable difficulties :—" At Wigtown, July S.
1704. Post preces. Selt. The miur. all ye Elders and
Deacons this day the tokens were distributed to those in the
congregan, according to the mind of the Session the former
day. This day Bailie M•lieand Elder in Wigtown addressed
this Session for ye privilege of the Sacrament declaring the
grief of his heart yt he should have sittee in ye Siera of ye
women who were sentenced to die in this place in the year
1685, and yet it had frequently been his petition to God for
true repentance and forgiveness for yt sin. He being re-
moved and the Session inquiring into this affsir and the
carriage of the ed. Eaillie since yt time and being satiAlul
with his conversan. and the present dvidences of ro-
pmtance now, they granted him the pric usage, he was called
in admonished and exhorted to deliberation, due tende-rr.l
in each a solemn address unto God. The Sederuut closed
with prayer. Members of Session 13 March Ml—Mr.
Thomas kerr Islinister
John Llfries, Jasu .
Softlay,n JO.
. Elders—Williat Coltrae of
" Drumorral (1):0'),
B.l'lieand, Thomas M'Clure, Thomas M'Clelland. Deacons
sh„nk,s, Jo. Culyie, Jo, Carton;'—AYcotsmatt.