The Sun.
London, England, 1853-09-26 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAN EVENING 9 SEPTP,MBER 26, 1853.

he had in view. It shows, too, that the last

faint hope that might be founded on the well- I
meant suggestion of Lord STRATFORD—ViZ., " that
the Representatives of the Great Powers of Con-
stantinople should declare that the Note of Vienna
does not involve for the Sovereignty of the SULTAN
the dangers which the Porte appears to see in it,"
is as public as any of those which preceded it.
The tone and spirit of that document most clearly
show that the CZAR is resolved to push his preten-
sions to the utmost. It affords, indeed, the
best evidence of the sagacity of REDSCHID
PACHA and his colleagues, and the impera-
tive necessity for the modifications intro-
duced on the part of the Divan, and proves that
NICHOLAS and NESSELRODE interpreted the origi-
nal Note in the same sense as ABD-UL-MEDJID and
REDSCHID PACHA.
The comments on the two first modifications
referred to are conceived in such a quibbling and
special pleading tone—more becoming
an Old
Bailey Advocate than the Minister of a great
nation—and the mere verbal context is in itself
of such trivial importance, that, but for the dis-
play of an insolent and domineering spirit, an
anxiety to browbeat and outrage all who may
have the misfortune to be brought in any way in
contact with the Northern bully, we might pass
them with comparatively little notice, and merely
allude to the third and substantial cause of differ-
ence. The language in which the former observations
are couched—the deliberate humiliation inflicted
not only on Turkey, but on France—the bandy-
ing of the lie direct, as well as the arrogance of
the phases respecting the " condescension" of the
CZAR, and the " ill-disposed intention " of the
Ministers of the Porte, render it but too pal-
pable that an unflinching resolution has been
formed to carry matters with the high hand,
leaving no loophole by which the devoted victim
may be enabled to escape. The third objection,
however, opens up the whole question, and places
the object of the EMPEROR in the clearest light.
The nature of the demand was, that Turkey would
afford to its Greek-Christian subjects all the privi-
leges and immunities accorded to other religious
communities. This the Porte was perfectly wil-
ling to sanction, with the condition annexed, "be-
ing Ottoman subjects"—and the reason of the pro-
viso was obvious. A small body of Christians of
other denominations, not owing allegiance to the
Porte, might possibly have some special concessions
which it would be impossible to allow to many
millions of Turkish subjects without the practical
abdication of all authority on the part of the
governing Power. A small congregation at-
tached to an embassy might, for instance, have
sundry exemptions, which could not be extended
to others even of the same denomination through-
out the country. Russia, however, attempts to
create a divided allegiance, to constitute an
imperium in imperio, by which the authority of
the SULTAN might be impugned and disregarded
by every professing member of the Greek Church.
It is easy to conceive the lengths to which an
ambitious and unscrupulous Power would push the
claim thus wrung by threats and menaces—or
what might be the result if the sharp end of the
wedge were once introduced. There would indeed
be an end to the independence, we might say the
separate existence of Turkey, which would be-
come the humble hanger-on and dependent of
Russia.

The mask being thus removed—the point in
dispute being so clear and unequivocal—the mat-
ter must be referred to the only remaining arbi-
trament---that of the strong arm. When "right"
is so totally disregarded by one of the disputants,
" might" must decide the question ; and, as we
have already repeatedly stated, the odds may not
be so very great against the Osmanlis as NICHOLAS
supposes, even if they were left to fight it out
themselves, without aid or assistance from any
side. During the former contest, the then recent
destruction of the Janissaries, by order of MAH-
MOUD, and of the Turkish fleet at Navarino, para-
lysed the Moslem power. No efficient resistance
was, or could be, offered ; and the Russians
had it entirely their own way. Now, however,
matters are very different. The Turkish troops
are numerous and well organised, and, beyond
all, are animated by a zealous and ardent spirit,
that affords the most auspicious auguries of ulti-
mate success. They are determined to resist the
invaders to the last—to proclaim, if necessary, a
war to the knife, and to die one and all in defence
of their fatherland. Religious fanaticism lends
its aid to patriotism ; and never, perhaps, since
MAHOMET unfolded the sacred green banner was
there more intense enthusiasm manifested by his
followers. They are prepared to render it em-
phatically a holy war ; and Russia, with all its
semi-barbarian cohorts, may well feel doubtful as
to the conclusion of its ill-advised and nefarious
proceedings.

As to the part to be taken by other Powers,
we shall • not experience any disappointment if
Austria should throw its weight into the
ranks of the assailants. But if so, far
better, as we have repeatedly asserted, that
we should have to encounter an open enemy
than be countermined by her insidious
and her treacherous pretended friendship. From
the first we doubted her professions, and if our
diplomatists had acted for themselves, without
waiting for her unwilling co-operation, matters
would long since have been satisfactorily arranged.
Now, however, she stands revealed in her true
colours ; and whether she stands merely neutral,
or joins her forces to Russia, placing all the
minions of despotism on one side, is a matter of
perfect indifference. We await, then, without
apprehension, the results of the Imperial meeting
at Ohniitz. We care not as to what may be the
course adopted by FRANCIS JOSEPH and his
advisers. We are prepared for any alternative
that may arise. The English and French—aye,
and we may add the Americans—(for in such
a cause our Anglo-Saxon brethren, at the
other side of the Atlantic, would participate
in the conflict)—would blockade their ports,
and destroy
their commerce. And what could they
do ? Nothing—literally nothing. They could not
overcome the geographical difficulties that would
obstruct their progress towards the English or
French dornin• ions. They would be compelled to
sue humbly for peace, to submit to humiliations
such as we should never think of imposing on a
high-minded
but which the unblushing arro-
g enefarious-use made of its power,
ae o
us s foea, th ;
would render not merely justifiable, but neces-
sary, and which would bitterly expiate their pre-
sent offences.

There is no question of deeper importance,
of
more heartfelt interest, to many families of f
reli-
gious principles, and strictly moral habits, than
that which was so unaccountably shelved during
the past session, which was not mentioned in
either House of Parliament, although it had on
many occasions been carried by decisive majorities
through the popular branch of the Legislature,
and had many able and energetic advocates among
the hereditary law-givers. We can conceive rea-
sons for the virulent and unreasoning opposition
offered to the " Marriages Affinity Bill," for, un-
fortunately, religious bigotry and vulgar preju-
dices still prevail among men of all classes ; but
it is more difficult to understand the strange
apathy that has been ramnifested by Noble Lords

and Hon. Gentlemen, who formerly gained well-
merited praise for their laudable exertions for the
removal of the last and most intolerable restric-
tion on civil and religious liberty. That the one
party should still try to fetter the freedom of
opinion--should endeavour to compel others to
coincide with their own peculiar views—is by no
means surprising ; but that the other should
acquiesce and suddenly relinquish their efforts—.
that they should by their silence sanction the re-
tention of the foul blot on the national escutcheon
—is indeed passing strange, and requires us to
look somewhat beyond the surface for the causes
of this extraordinary want of energy—this unac-
countable apathy.
The manner in which the restriction was im-
posed, the way in which the assent of Parliament
was obtained to the enactment which rendered
marriages void ab initio, and rendered the issue ille-
gitimate, thus inflicting not merely a stain upon
the fair fame of the parents, but inflicting the
most serious injury on the innocent offspring,
must be familiar to the great body of our readers.
We may, however, briefly refer to the facts,
although it be but the repetition of a " twice-told
tale." Previously to 1835 such marriages were not
absolutely void, but merely voidable. Proceed-
ings should be adopted during the lifetime of the
parties, for the purpose of annulling the connec-
tion. These were taken in the Ecclesiastical
Courts for the "souls' health" of the married
couple ; and as that could not be promoted if
husband or wife died before the final decree, the
suit became abated, and all proceedings termi-
nated on the death of either, and the children
retained their birthrights unimpeachable. Such
suits were, however, seldom instituted—never,
we believe, in the case of Dissenters, who did not
recognise the authority of these tribunals, or re-
quire such paternal care for their spiritual wel-
fare. The law, though obnoxious, was practically
inoperative, being so seldom enforced, and was,
therefore, more repugnant to the feelings than
injurious to the interests of the great body of
those who might be brought within its provisions.
Among those who felt that there was no divine
law forbidding such unions, and that he was at
liberty to exercise the most sacred privilege be-
longing to mankind, in the manner most conducive
to his happiness, was a Noble Lord, the represen-
tative of on e of our most distinguish ed families, which
had reached thehighest rank in the Peerage. When
a widower he had married the half sister of his
former wife, the niece of one of the most illus-
trious and influential members of his order ; and
the legitimacy of the heir to his ancient titles and
wide-spread domains depended on the caprice of
any person who might think proper to separate
those whom GOD had joined together, to take
care of their spiritual welfare at the expense of the
temporal misery of their graces. The matter
came home to the hereditary legislators. It was
desirable to provide against any contingency, and
a bill was introduced to render all such marriages
that had been solemnised up to that time valid
and unimpeachable. The measure was made ge-
neral in its application, although really meant for
a single case. It would not do to specify the par-
ties by name. In the Lords, a clause was pro-
posed to the effect that all future nuptials,
within what was termed " the forbidden de-
grees," should be absolutely null and void, ab
initio, and was carried by those who were
afraid of endangering the object they had in
view. It was, in fact, a compromise entered
into in order to insure the success of the pro-
position at the moment before the House, and
was hastily and, we cannot help adding, improvi-
dently carried, the parties believing that the re-
peal of the obnoxious law could be easily carried
on some future occasion. That anticipation has,
however, as yet been unfulfilled, and the enact-
ments thus passed have for eighteen years re-
ceived the reproach of the British nation—the
blemish on the National Statute-book.

After some time a Royal Commission was ap-
pointed, on an address from Parliament, to in-
quire into the subject, and a very able and lucid
report was presented condemnatory of the law,
and showing that it was (as it ought to be)
habitually disregarded. A bill was subsequently
introduced, which repeatedly received the assent
of the House of Commons, but was as often re-
jected by the Lords, who, on this point, hesi-
tated not to come into collision with the co-
ordinate branch of the Legislature. Subsequently,
in 1852, the measure was brought forward in the
Upper House, but again contumaciously thrown
out ; while, in 1853, the parties, who had pre-
viously taken an active part in the discussions,
permitted the matter to rest without action or
even notice, the reason assigned being " that
Scotland was opposed to the change," and, there-
fore, that the Right Honourable Gentleman, who
had previously assumed the management of the
bill, felt that, as a Scotch member, he could not
take any further step in the matter.
On this point, as to the state of public feeling
on the other side of the Tweed, we would refer
to an able letter from a respected correspondent,
which appears in another part of this day's im-
pression, and which places the matter in a very
clear light. We agree with Sconrs that it is a
mistake that the people of Scotland are com-
paratively indifferent on the subject, in which
they are not so much interested as their English
brethren. But even were it otherwise, we are at
a loss to understand why the prejudices of any
portion of the community should bind others who
do not participate in their views or feelings. There
is nothing in the proposed measure to render such
marriages compulsory. No one to whose con-
victions they are opposed can be affected by their
legality. It may still, if desirable, be maintained
as a matter of Church discipline—if, indeed, op-
posed to the canons or doctrines of any Church.
But why should Dissenters and Non-Conformists,
men who think and judge for themselves, and will
not surrender their right of private judgment to
Bishop or Presbytery, be bound thereby ? Why
should they be made amenable to sacerdotal
tyranny, whether proceeding from the Church of
England or of Scotland ? They have the power
to make themselves heard. Why should they not
do so ? They have already emancipated them-
selves from other restrictions and disabilities not
less galling or untenable. Why should they sub-
mit to this, which is no less insulting than it is in-
jurious and unwarranted ? If they are only in ear-
nest, they will speedily compel attention to their
just demands. Let them only call upon their
several representatives, and let it be thoroughly
understood that they will never support a candi-
date who will not only vote for, but use the most
energetic exertions to insure its speedy and com-
plete success. If they do so, their hopes will not
be much longer frustrated. We tendered this ad-
vice before the last general election—we now em-
phatically repeat it. The victory is in their own
hands, if they do not neglect the means necessary
for its achievement.

RETURN OF ROYAL PERSONAGES TO THE CONTINENT.
—On Sunday night the Vivid again left Dover for Tor-
quay, to embark from thence her Imperial Highness the
Grand Duchess Olga of Russia and the Crown Prince
of Wurtemberg, who will proceed direct to Ostend. On
her return from Belgium the Vivid will remain at Dover
to be in readiness to embark her Imperial Highness the
Grand Duchess Marie, eldest daughter of the Emperor
of Russia, who, with her youthful family, will depart on
the 26th instant for Ostend.—Dover paper.
THE MAILS.-SOUTHAMPTON, Saturday, Sept. 24.
The Peninsular and Oriental Steam 'Navigation Com-
pany's chartered steamship City of London, Captain J.
Cargill, sailed this afternoon for Gibraltar, Malta, and
Constantinople. The City of London takes out on
freight specie value 50,0001. sterling and 250 tons of
general cargo. The screw steamer Douro, from the
Levant, will be due at Southampton on or about the
sth proximo. The Peninsular aild Oriental Company's
steamship Madrid is about to be taken off the Penin-
sular mail line in order to be fitted with new boilers.
Her place will be occupied by the Sultan, a steamer of
1,100 tons and 400-horse power. Captain Chapman,
recently commander of the Magdalena, on retiring from
the service of the West India Mail Company has been
presented by the directors with a purse containing 100
guineas, as an appreciation of his character and services
during the 12 years that he has conducted and com-
HhearrEc
eiteociau
eOrFisTsHtit
aEt xric
iHnErozenhEi
nrt .o—a
thl
ee,
wC hh ae
rne-
mand of the several ships of the company.
of Sutherland is entertaining a distinguished
circle of guests. The right hon. gentleman is s
tc
he leTl opt 34u0
kf Cet
so much
improved in health that he is expected to return south
this week, receiving the freedom of Dingwall, with which
town he is connected by family ties, and of Inverness, as
he passes through.

MONEY MARKET

AND

CITY INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotttui at Liverpool on Saturday
were estimated at 4,,000 bales, all to the trade.
The market was vel-y flat, and closed with a down-
ward tendency. In American, sd. to 5d., was
id. below the quotations of Friday. The sales
comprised 3,000 Amen can, 270 Pernam and Maran-
ham at Md. to 7d., 10fil Bahia at 6id., 200 Egyp-
tian at 6d. to 7d.) and 300 Surat at 3d. to 4d. per
lb. In Railway Shares there was a fearful panic,
and the market closed at the worst point of the
day. London stock at a discount, and all the other
leading stocks 2 to 3 per cent. lower.
' Wheat is up 4s. to ss. per quarter to-day com-
pared with last Monday, and other articles in pro-
portion. There is much excitement.

At the approaching meeting of the Staffordshire
ironmasters, it is considered doubtful whether any
change will be made in the current prices, though
the increasing stringency of the money market
points to a decline.
The steamer Europa has 170,000 dole. on board.
The New York advices report a revival of activity
and the Stock Market. During the
week
buoyancyn g in
Sept. 9, the imports amounted to
en 3,590,620 dollars, which, as compared with those
of the preceding week, show a falling off.
The accounts respecting the Cotton crops of New
Orleans are very good, the season haying, it is said,
closed upon one of the largest crops ever produced.
The increased production, however, was met by a
corresponding increase in the demand, and a better
average price had been obtained by the planters
even than last year, when the produce was small.
Californian accounts state that great excitement
prevailed in Sacramento owing to the discoveries
of gold near the Slough. It is stated that multi-
tudes had taken themselves to the spot, and com-
menced operations. The markets at San Francisco
were extremely inactive. The shipments of gold-
dust for the first half-year, as compared with that
of 1852, show a large increase this year.
The ship Medway has arrived from Melbourne,
which port she left June 15, but the amount of
gold on board is not yet ascertained. The Indiana,
which left May 24, is also in. The Hooghly from
Sydney, with dates of May 25, has 7,078 ounces of
gold on board.
The telegraphic accounts from India, in antici-
pation of the Overland Mail, state that no Austra-
lian mail had arrived at Bombay. This, if true,
will prove a disappointment, as one was expected.
The Indian letters will be here about the 29th
inst, Those by the Southampton mail were de-
livered this morning.
The railway meetings announced are the fol-
lowing :

COSIPANY.
Central of Switzerland..

DATE. PLACE, &e.
Sept. 29, Basle.
Sept. 27, Gt.Winchester•st
Sept. 28, Paris.
Oct. 7, East Grinstead.
Sept. 29, Paris.
Sept. 29, Glasgow.

Darentli Valley ...

Dijon to Besancon.

East Grinstead

Grand Junction of France..

Glasgow, Barrhead, and

Neilston
Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and

Ardrossan
Great North of Scotland
Irish South Eastern

Sept. 30, Glasgow.
Oct. 7, Aberdeen.
Sept. 29, Dublin.
Sept. 29, 14 Parliament-st.
Sept. 30, Paris.
Sept. 29, Shrewsbury.
Sept. 30, London Tavern.
Sept. 29, Brussels.

North Metropolitan

Rouen and Havre

Shropshire Union
Shrewsbury & Birmingham
Tourn., Jurb., Landon, and
Hasselt

There has not been much money stock brought
to market this morning, but parties now sell for
account who may intend to deliver, and orders to
sell appear to have been received from the coun-
try as the natural result of Saturday's panic.
Consols have been 92k, and 921 for Tranfer, and
since down to 92. The account prices have been
92/ and 93, and since 92i I-. There has been a
bargain in the New 3, per Cents at 99/. Exchequer
Bills have been as low as 125., and 16s. Discount,
a proof that the bankers and others are preparing
to meet any demands upon them. East India
Stock is firm at 240.

A good deal of fluctuation is occurring in the
foreign market. Peruvian have done as low as 694
to 71 ; Mexican are at 23A ; Grenada Deferred at
81 to !I, and Equador at 41, being comparatively
firm. Russian 41 per Cents. have been quoted
and Belgian 97 to 98. Sardinian Stock is at
90 to 91. Spanish 3 per Cents. have been worth
44'1, and the New Deferred 21ii, and since 21±.
The Railway Share Market has shown some im-
provement this morning upon the 'lowest rates of
Saturday. Lancashire and Yorkshire are up about
11., and Caledonian, Midland, and the rest in
nearly the same proportion. French Shares have
been also better, Strasbourg and Northern having
each risen 1/.

The Gold Mine Shares have exhibited greater
firmness, and a slight rise has occurred in Nouveau
Monde and Agua Fria.
The shares of the Australian Banks continue
flat, and the Land Companies are without alte-
ration.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
( Prom the Official List.)

Business done.
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 921 1 2
New 31 per Cent. Annuities 99t
India Stock
Consols for Account
Exchequer Bills, ld.
21000
2500
Ditto Small ................................ 13 10 J 6 12 d
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Equador Bonds
Grenada Bonds, Deferred
Ditto Ez. Dec., 1849, Coupon Bl
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Peruvian Bonds, 41 per Cent. 7O 1
Ditto for the Account.. 69 1
Ditto Deferred, 3 per Cent 5O 1
Portuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent:, Con. 1841
Ditto 4 per Ce A.
Ditto for the Account 42; 2
Russian Bonds, 41 per Cent 961
Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent 9O 1
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 44i
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent 216
Ditto Passive (Converted)
Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun 5/
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Belgian Bonds 4} per Cent. ex. 25 fr 97 8
Dutch Exchange, 21 per Cent. 12 Guil
Dutch 4 per Cent. Certificates
HALF-PAST TWO.
Consols
Ditto October Account 921 1

GOVERNOR OF GREENWICH HOSPITAL.—Sir James A.
Gordon, the present Lieutenant-Governor of Greenwich
Hospital, has been mentioned as the probable successor
of the late lamented Governor, Sir Charles Adam. The
long experience which Sir James Gordon has had of the
administration of the hospital, as well as the character
and brilliancy of his war services, add strength to the
report ; and there is little doubt that his appointment
would give general satisfaction to the navy. His ser-
vices are as follows :—" Midshipman of the Revolution-
naire in Bridport's action ;' of the Namur off Cape St.
Vincent ; and of the Goliath at the Nile. Lieutenant of
the Bordelais at the capture of the Curieux and action
with her consorts, 1801 ; and Senior Lieutenant of the
Racoon at the capture of the Lodi, 1803. Captain of
the Mercury at the capture and destruction of a convoy
off Cadiz ;at Ortona, and on other occasions. Captain
of the Active in the action off Lissa (for which a gold
medal was awarded) ; and at the capture of the French
frigate Pomone, in which he lost a leg, 1811. Captain
of the Seahorse, in 1814, and commanded a small squad-
ron which ascended the Potomac, and obtained posses.
sion of the city of Alexandria. Gazetted 1801, 1803,
1808, 1811 (four times), 1814, 1815."
FALL OF A HOUSE.—On Thursday an accident of a
serious nature, and one which, but for a fortunate cir-
cumstance, might have been attended with fatal re
sults, occurred at Park Villa, Tiverton, Devonshire,
to a house in the occupation of a gentleman named
Hodge. It appeared that the house had lately been
undergoing extensive repairs, and a number of men
had been employed on the premises. About four
o'clock on the afternoon in question Mr. Hodge's
daughter was alarmed by a loud noise, which appear-
ed to proceed from the exterior of the building. She
immediately informed her mother of the circumstance,
who, on stepping on to the lawn, observed the walls
suddenly give way, and the whole of the north wing
of the building fall to the ground with a tremendous
crash. Fortunately, the day was wet, and the men
employed had been prevented from proceeding with
their work in consequence. If they had been engaged
in the repairs, as on the previous day, the conse-
quences would have been fearful ; for the whole of
them must have been killed. The accident is said to
have been occasioned by the building having been
undermined, and the parties having neglected to shore
it up properly. As it is, a considerable loss will be
sustained by Mr. Hodge.
GLASGOW, Sept. 23.—The demand for cotton
this
week has been limited, and prices were barely main-
tained.

TER LATE FATAL ACCIDENT IN THE
STRAND. - ADJOURNED INQUEST. -
(T.HIS DAY.)

This morning the inquiry into the cause of the late
fatal accident, and deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,
George Dunn, and George Rowe, by the falling of the
house in the Strand, was again resumed by Mr. Lang-
ham, the deputy coroner, in the Vestry-room, St.
Clement-danes.

Mr. Angel, district surveyor, stated that on the 19th
of August he went over the premises, and at that time
they were sufficiently shored up for the works then going
on. At that time they had not dug below the founda
Lion.

By the Jury—The party wall was sufficient for Mr.
Thompson's house, but not for the new building.
By Mr. Robinson—The house had stood several
months without shoring. There was no shoring at the
time of the Wellington funeral.

The contracts for the building of the premises of
Messrs. Smith and Co. were put in and read, as were
also the plans and specifications.

Mr. Abrahams-----I am an architect and surveyor. I
was employed by the Messrs. Smith in respect to their
works. I am also employed by the Duke of Norfolk
as special architect to the Arundel estate. On the 3rd
of August I ordered some shores to be placed to the
walls, while the excavations were going on. Mr. Lucas
appointed Mr. Rowe as clerk of the works. After
some discussion had taken place upon the subject, the
first thing Rowe did was to take the best means to
secure the walls during the excavations. He removed
the two shores I had put up without consulting me, but
he put up three others in better positions than where I
had placed them. They were constructed of pieces of tim-
ber 40, 35, and 36 feet in length, and were made of the best
material. I had two other shores placed to the parlour
wall. That was done in a very efficient way. There
were besides six "jack" or short shores put up, partly
by mine and partly by Rowe's directions. They were
made of good sound stuff, which had been upon the pre-
mises before. They were placed between the other
shores to support the basement wall of the next house,
which was a very old one, built in the reign of Henry
VIII. The works were exceedingly sound. The
" jack " shores were placed where it was thought
_ne-
cessary. They were 10 or 12 feet high. The shores in
my opinion were quite ample to secure the building.
By the Jury—What was your general duty ?
Witness—To see that my designs were carried out ;
that the materials used were of the best description ;
and that the works should be conducted in an efficient
manner.

By the Coroner—lf Rowe had neglected his business
could you have discharged him ?
Witness—Yes, there was a clause in the contract
giving me that power. The shoring was sufficient be-
fore the digging commenced. It was intended by myself
originally to take down the external wall, and I caused
the usual notices to be served on Mr. Thompson, who
represented to me that he would be ruined if I turned
him out of his house, and it was agreed to be left to the
fiat of the District Surveyor whether the wall should be
taken down or not. Thompson's house belonged to the
Duke of Norfolk. On the 2d of August Mr. Phillips,
Mr. Thompson, and myself went over the house. I
told Mr. Thompson that the wall ought to be taken
down, and I would not guarantee him anything about
it. He said it had stood 12 months without any shoring,
and begged me not to take it down. It was no interest
to me to take the wall down, but I thought it should
be taken down for safety. The District Surveyor after-
wards examined the premises, and determined that the
wall should be kept up. I think all the shoring had then
been completed. For a day or two before the
accident I had a great deal of unpleasantness with
the excavators, and found they had undermined
a house, No. 4, Arundel-street, had undermined the
shorings of this house, and had gone under Thompson's
parlour. I thought the excavators had gone too
far, and I spoke to Rowe about it. He thought also
that the excavations had been carried to*deep, but said
it should not occur again, and that no harm had yet
been done. On the following day I found that they had
broken through Mr. Thompson's cellar, and I again re-
monstrated with Rowe about it. He said it should not
occur again, and ordered that some cement should be
put in the opening to keep the wet out, and said he had
satisfied Mr. Thompson about it. I said it was a very
improper proceeding, and that it might shake the wall.
I had a ladder brought me, and I found a slight crack.
Rowe said it was nothing, and that it was not a new
crack ; and I said whether it was new or old
the building was not safe, and I begged him
to apprise Mr. Thompson of my opinion. I
told Mr. Thompson I must pull the wall down,
as I considered it dangerous. Mr. Thompson said
" Who's to pay me for it." I said that was all settled,
the district surveyor would award him any compensation
for any loss he might suffer. He replied that would not
do, he wanted a certainty. I asked him how much he
wanted. He said 101. I said—" Don't make a bargain,
that is a very small sum ; you are in the hands of Messrs.
Smith, who will deal liberally with you." Mrs.
Thompson remarked that everybody said they were not
safe, and I said "No one can say you are safe." At
that time the party wall was sound, and I would have
willingly slept in the front part of the house, but not in
the parlour. A complaint was made with respect to the
back part of the house. After I had the conversation
with Thompson, Rowe said it was all safe, and with
the exception of the parlour I think all was safe. Upon
ascertaining the strata orders had been given to excavate
10 feet from the surface. If Rowe had known the ex-
cavations were being carried lower than 10 feet he would
not have allowed it. He asked me to allow the under-
pinning to go on with the old bricks, which were quite
sound. I refused, as there was a clause in the specifica-
tions interdicting the use of old materials.
The jury here adjourned for refreshments ; and it was
understood the proceedings would not be finished to-day.

DREADFUL ACCIDENT IN NORIVICIT.-THREE
LIVES LOST.-DANGER OF NAPHTHA.

[FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]

An accident fatal to three persons occurred on Friday
evening at Norwich, at Mr. Smith's, chemist and drug-
gist, Magdalen-street, from handling naphtha by candle
light. The naphtha and other inflammable substances are
stored in a building separate from the other premises,
and in the farther part of the garden, and it is a standing
and imperative order that the door of the building shall
never be unlocked after dark. On Friday afternoon the
principal warehouseman, Henry Nichols, had an order
to put up, of which naphtha proved a part, and it
is remarkable that Mr. Smith had cautioned him
three times that afternoon not to delay putting up the
naphtha till too late. Nichols was an intelligent and
very careful servant, but unaccountably had attended to
other work till it was dark. He then, while Mr. Smith
and some friends were at tea, took a ship lantern for
safety, and calling a lad and a boy to aid him, as the car-
boys were large, went with them into the naphtha room.
Almost instantly the cry was heard from some persons
in the other parts of the warehouse that the naphtha
room was on fire. All rushed out, and the first
thing seen was Nichols breaking the window for air, en-
veloped in flame, and calling on them to save him. They
could not force the door at first, the lad having so fallen
against it as to wedge it fast. Having at length found
something strong enough to break the window frame,
they drew Nichols out at the window, dreadfully burnt,
and soon after got out the lad, and afterwards found the
boy, who apparently had fallen backward into a crate.
Both these seem to have died instantaneously. A line
was formed to a good pump on the premises, and the fire
extinguished completely in a quarter of an hour ; one ten
gallon carboy of naphtha, though its mouth was open, and
several casks of olive oil, and the turpentine happily had
not ignited. The building itself is comparatively little
injured, and the marvel seems that so small an amount
of damage could have been so dreadfully fatal. While
the fire was being extinguished, Nichols was conveyed to
the hospital in great suffering, where he expired on
Saturday morning. It was a singular and unusual
circumstance, that they closed the doors of the
room which opens directly into the garden while
pouring out the naphtha, otherwise they were so near
the open air that they would probably only have been
burnt severely without fatal consequences. The inquest,
of course, acquitted all survivors of the slightest blame ;
indeed it is evident that the precautions against danger
were all that could be devised. The unfortunate man him-
self who on this occasion, perhaps for the first time in his
life deviated from rule, was plainly the unintentional
cause of the death of two other persons besides himself
He could say but little ; he was able, however, to state.
that nothing had broken,- nor the lantern been opened
at all. It would seem, therefore, that the vapour of the
naphtha, of which a large half-emptied carboy would con-
tain a great deal, had reached the light through the
ventilation of the lantern, burst the lantern, ig
nited
the i nited
the whole. Nichols leaves a widow, whois almost a
helpless cripple, and who had been confined that
illy
with her third child. Ile was a most tender husband
and father, as well as a most valuable and confidential
servant. All he said amidst his excruciating sufferings
was about " his poor wife and babies."

LA FEST FOREIGN
NEWS

FRANCE.

On Saturday the Emperor and the Empress paid
a visit to the hospitals of Lislle, and held a review
of tke troops stationed in that city. They after-
wards inspected the great industrial establishments
at Roubaix and Tourcoing. Their Majesties re-
turned to Lislle at 6 o'clock in the afternoon, and
this morning they continued their journey to St.
Omer.

The Ocean Squadron left Cherbourg on Wed-
nesday f©r a cruise in the Channel. This squadron
has been ordered to coast along the northern de-
partments and the Paris de Calais, and to enter
from tune to time the ports of Dunkirk, Calais, and.
Boulogne, at which latter place the Emperor pro-
poses to review the squadron. It is composed of
the vessels Duguesclin, Jean Bart, and Hercule,
the steam-frigates Pomone and Caffarelli, and the
steam-corvette Roland. The Austerlitz, which
formed part of the squadron, is still at Cherbourg.
The Ottoman Ambassador came to Paris on Sa-
turday from Fontainebleau to have an interview
with the French Minister for Foreign Affairs. A.
courier was soon after dispatched to Constanti-
nople. Veley Pasha returned to Fontainebleau in
the course of the evening.
The Bourse on Saturday wa.§ exceedingly weak
from the very commencement of business, and
prices continued to decline almost without inter-
ruption to the close. The Three per Cents. have
fallen 75c., closing at 75f. 80c. ; but the Four-and-
a-Half per Cents. were firmer, showing a fall of
only 40c., at 101 f. 50c. Bank of France Shares
are sf. lower, and those of the Societe Mobiliere
27f. 50c. lower ; the other bank shares are un-
changed. Roman has fallen and Spanish New
Deferred it. But very little business was trans-
acted in foreign funds. Railway Shares are about
15f.