The Sun.
London, England, 1849-12-07 00:00:00

CALEDONIAN ASYLUM.

The quarterly general court of the guardians was
held yesterday in the hall of the Scottish Hospital,
Crane. court, Fleet-street ; J. A. Sympson, Esq., in
the chair.

Mr. RENTON, the superintendent and secretary,
read the minutes of the list Court, as well as of the
monthly meetings of the directors.
A fter a discussion with respect to the time of calling
the meeting, the hour appointed being eleven instead
of the ordinary hour of twelve,
Mr. CAMPEELL said he never in his own country
or in this saw accounts so much mystified as those
that had been presented to the Court. They ought
on no consideration to be received until they were
audited. Besides, notwithstanding, they paid their '
superintendent and secretary a liberal salary, an
accountant, it appeared, had been called to assist him.
How could the Governors coming there for an hour
investigate satisfactorily such accounts?
The CHAIRMAN said the secretary had not been
long in their service, and he had had great difficulty
in making them out.
Mr. CAMPBELL saw no reason why, if they
employed a superintendent, he should not make out
the accounts without additional expense to the insti-
tution. The funds with which they had to deal ,
amounted to only 4,0001. If they amounted to
millions there might be some excuse ; but, in his
case, there was none.

Mr. SUNDERLAND, one of the auditors, said the
accounts were so left by the late secretary that the
services of an accountant were necessary. The de-
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duly audited should be presented.
Captain Lastaioxis justified the employment of an
auditor, and said it was done on his recommendation.
Mr. HAMILTON said, in allusion to the deficiences
in the accounts of the late secretary, that the corn-
ntittee which was appointed to investigate the affairs
of the society had recommended his dismissal, but
the directors threw this recommendation overboard,
and continued him in office, and the sad conse-
quences were now well known. He felt that this
committee had been unkindly and unfairly treated,
for they sat no less than 'fourteen days, and devoted
a great deal of labour to the investigation, and
the plan which they suggested for governing
the institution was calculated to bring about
unity and harmony among all connected with it, and
put an end to all those unhappy dissensions which
had so long existed, and driven away many valuable
patrons and Subscribers. A kind of agrarian spirit
had crept into the society, and disputes had risen up
with respect to the removal of children from one
place of worship to another, and as to the infliction
of corporal punishment upon some of the girls, and
thus alienated the affections of their most valuable
supporters. Their income was now 1,8001. or 1,900/.
below their expenditure, and unless some remedy
was immediately adopted inevitable destruction
would come upon the institution. They
would either have to alter their system
altogether or diminish the number of the children ;
one of these courses was absolutely necessary. It
had been stated in the newspapers that the matron
was to be removed on the ground of her having in-
duced the parents of the children to get Up a state

msnt against the superintendent. This lady had as-
sured him, on her word of honour, that this was not
the fact; and from havingknown her for many years,
he was bound to say, there was not a more honour-
able, faithful, or upright person, and he consilered
her incapable of telling an untruth. He believed
she was a safeguard to the institution, and if they had
removed her on the ground of economy, as had been
alleged, he thought they had begun to economise
at the wrong end.—(Hear, hear.) He believed the
band had been a most unfortunate affair in connse-
tion with the charity; for a great deal of money had
been expended upon it, and nothing but mischief had
resulted. The school was not founded to make the
children pipers and fiddlers—(Laughter)—but to give
them a solid, substantial, and scriptural education,
such as would prepare them for becoming useful
and honourable members of society.—(Hear,
hear.) Sending children to evening parties,
to public dinners, and keeping them out till
twelve or one o'clock, was certainly not a proper way
of bringing them up. They all knew how some
public dinners were conducted, and these children
received impressions which would do them a great
deal of injury, and their attention was entirely taken
up with music, instead of something more solid and
useful. He understood that the last examination of
the children before the Government inspector was
discreditable to the institution, particularly with re-
gard to scriptural knowledge, and was very different
to what had been seen at former inspections.
He did not know whether the information he had
received upon the subject was correct, but perhaps the
chairman could lay before the meeting the report of
the inspector. In conclusion, he begged to say that
if no one took up the matter with respect to the band,
he should move, before the close of the proceedings,
that it form no longer an integral part of the in-
stitution.—(Hear.)
The CHAIRMAN said he felt bound, in reply to the
Hon Gentleman's observations respecting the examina-
tion of the children, to read a letter which had been
' received from the Rev. Mr. Cook, the Government
inspector. It was as follows :
"51, Torrington square, Dec. 5, 1849.
"My dear Sir,—l cannot send a formal report of the
last examination of the Caledonian Asylum.
" It was conducted in the presence of a large number
of persons, and as I then informed those members who
were present, I could not prepare a written report under
such circumstances.

"You are, however, perfectly right in supposing that
I could not have expressed an unfavourable opinion of
the state of instruction. On every occasion I have re-
peated the opinion which I expressed in my printed
report, that the instruction is good in quality and
sufficiently extensive in the boys' school. .1 also con-
sider that th© girls' school is in a very satisfactory
condition.

" I fully authorise you to contradict the statement
which, as I learn from you for the first time, has been
inserted in a public journal.
" I am, yours faithfully,
" J. C. COOK."

Mr. HAMILTON said he was :very glad that the
Chairman had read the letter, because it corrected an
erroneous impression which had got abroad, but at
the same time he must state that the information he
received came from a gentleman who was present at
the meeting.
The Rev. Dr. CUMMING said the observations of
Mr. Hamilton were certainly calculated to send forth
impressions to the public mind most prejudicial to the
interests of the charity, and would, although, no
doubt, made with the best intention in the worl t, make
many parties lose confidence in its management.
If he (Mr. Hamilton) had at heart the substantial
welfare and growing prosperity of the institution, he
must deny himself the gratification of coming there
and raki❑g up past quarrels and disputes.—(hear.)
The charity was conducted now exactly on the same
principles as those on which it was managed when
Mr. Hamilton first joined it—belonging to the same
religious connexion, and inculcating the same reli-
gious principles—and there was no reason why sub-
scribers should not give as munificently to the
institution in 1849 as they did in 1842.—(Hear.)
If Mr. Hamilton, or any other gentleman, acknow-
ledged a grand change in his religious or Christian
convictions, however good or erroneous they might
be, ha was not entitled to derange the institution to
suit any change in his opinions, instead of allowing
it to remain, as it always had been, a❑d he trusted
would continue to be, in connexion with the Estab-
lished Church of Scotland. Every man's dogma
could not be gratified, and if they wire to attempt to
please all connected with the institution, their
affairs would soon come to a stand-still. It
reminded him of a story about a husband who had
the misfortune to be troubled with two wives; one-
hated grey hairs and the other white hairs ; to please
them both he agreed to allow them to pick out what
they disliked, and the consequence was that the poor
man's head was soon made bald.—(Laughter.)
Mr. HAMILTON denied that he had changed his
religion.

The Rev. Dr. CUMMING said he did not accuse
him of haviog done so. He spoke generally of those
that had.

Mr. HAMILTON expressed his belief that Dr. Cum-
ming was vastly clever at insinuations; but as a
minister of the Gospel he ought to exercise more
charity with respect to the opinions of others.
He could not forget that Dr. Cumming was but a
friend ofyesterday, and bearing this in mind it did not
become him to set himself up as a reprover and teacher
of others, who having been connected like himself with
the institution for 27 years, were better able to judge
of it than the Rev. Gentleman. A more injudicious
or more offensive act eould not have been committed
than the removal of the children to another place of
worship.
The Rev. Dr. CUMMING said he was not the origi-
nator of the removal of the children, though he fully
and entirely concurred in the course that had been
adopted with respect to them. The doctrine, how-
ever, inculcated had not been altered one iota.
Mr. HAMILTON went on to urge that great injury
had been done to the institution by the removal of
the children from the face of a large congregation like
that in the Regent's Park to the nook at Holloway,
the congregation of which was not more than one
hundred. If the governors thought with Dr. Cum-
ming, that he and his friends injured the institution
by their presence, they would never appear at the
meeting again.
The CHAIRMAN—I hope you will do nothing of
the kind.

Mr. HAMILTON said if they could not do good they
would do no harm; though the more the institution
increased in prosperity the more should they rejoice
—to promote which end they should leave nothing
undone; but if they did not appear there again
it would be in accordance with the feeling and
out of respect to the governors, and not in consequence
of any course Dr. Cumming had thought right to
pursue.—(Hear.)
The Rev. Dr. CuMMING explained that the children
hail now to go to attend Divine service but a quarter
of a mile, instead of travelling a mile and a half
through the mud and mire.

Mr. CRAIGMYLE then rose to bring before the
attention of the meeting the recent flogging of girls
in the asylum, whereupon much uproar was raised
against him. One or two rose to order; but he said
he WAS determined not to be put down ; and after some
time, but not without much interruption, he proceeded
to say, that he waa altogether opposed to the Austrian
mode of discipline introduced into the asylum, for it
was barbarous in the extreme.

The CIIAIRMAN protested against the use of such a
term.

Mr. CRAIGMYLE would then withdraw it; but he
would take the liberty of retaining the term " Austrian
discipline," At a previous meeting it was said that
the girls who had been flogged were mere children.
This was untrue, since no child was admitted under 7
y ears of age. IV hat were the names and ages of the girls?
Sarah Jane Marr, 12 years, 7 months, and 19 days ;
Margaret Maenzie, 12 years, 7 months, and 6 days ;
Mary Eliza Robertson, 11 years, 6 months, and 1
day ; Ann Young, 11 years, 24 days. Now, he
would ask if it was either Christian or humane that
girls of this age should be disgustingly exposed before
their schoolmates

The CHAIRMIN said the punishment was not in-
flicted in the presence of their schoolmates.
Mr. CaAIGMYLE said, at least, then, there were
parties present. He was satisfied that no father of a
family would permit such a punishment to be in-
flicted upon his daughters of such an age as was
inflicted on these three or four children.

A GOVERNOR said six were whipped.
Mr. CRAIGMYLE—SO much the worse. The ex-
posure which had attended, and would attend such a
course of proceeding, if persevered in, would bring
more degradation than anything he could imagine
upon the Caledonian Asylum. The matter was now
before the public, and it was rung in his ears from
the right and from the left ; and he confessed he was
never ashamed of his country until he found that
girls were flogged in a charitable institution sup-
ported by Scotehmen.---(Hear.) Mr. Hector Rose
said at the last Court that the boys were so disorderly
that it was necessary that corporal punishment should
be inflicted upon them. if that gentleman had
inflicted such a punishment on a child of his in the
asylum, he would not have carried his complaint to
that Court, but to a police magistrate. The punish-
ment was offensive, disgusting, and degrading. The
way to deal with children of such years was to reason
with them. It was, however, a little remarkable that
the system was advocated from the pulpit, the senate,
ar•d the camp, but, like negro slavery, though
public opinion might be disregarded for some
time, it would at last fall. Then they were
spending 1,0001. a year more than they received,
which led him irresistibly to the opinion that the
institution could not last many years unless some
great change took place. He begged to move that
so much of the minutes as related to the approval of
corporal punishment with respect to the girls in the
Caledonian Asylum shall not be confirmed, and that

the punishment from this day be abolished.—(Cheers.)
The Rev. Dr. GUMMING hoped for the sake of
peace and harmony that the motion would be with-
drawn, and that the matter would be referred
to a special committee. lie might not approve
of every tittle of the way in which the chastisement
was inflicted, but he did not think that corporal
punishment could be done away with ; and he
should hold that opinion until a better mode of en-
forcing discipline was introduced. Let them con-
sider well what would be the advantage of its aboli,
tion. It was a very weighty question, and could not
bo disposed of during a twenty minutes' discussion at
a meeting like that. If the motion was not withdrawn
he should move an amendment.
Mr. HAMILTON said though he was an advocate of
corporal punishment, yet he did not approve of the
way in which it had been inflicted in the asylum.
The CHAIRMAN —Do you know how it was
inflicted?
Mr. HAMILTON said, if the governors received a
guarantee that it would not be inflicted in any in-
decent or improper mode, he thought they would
be satisfied.—(Hear, bear.)
The Rev. Dr. CUMMING—That guarantee can be
safely given.
Mr. MACGREGOR then drew attention to the dis
missal of Mrs. Maddocks, the matron, and expressed
his opinion that no real economy would be effected by
her dismissal, and the appointment of Mrs. Renton,
as unpaid matron. Mrs. Maddocks brought them a
character of twenty-eight years, and if they dis-
charged her they would not meet her like.
Upon this much discussion enused, in the course
of which Mr. CAMPBELL demanded if any charge
had been made against Mrs. Haddocks.
The CHAIRMAN replied that the charges were
general, and read a letter from Mrs. Mad-
docks to the band-master, denying that they
had leagued themselves against the superin-
tendent ; also one from Miss Mackenzie, the
schoolmistress, declaring that she was not in the
asylum when the girls were flogged. He wished to state
that the alteration was made on the score of economy.
Mr. CAMPBELL hoped the matron would not be
dismissed until the charges against her had been fully
investigated, and moved that she be continued in her
occupation, which was seconded by Mr. MACGREGOR.
Mr. M'CRAE advocated the reduction of the ex-
penses by limiting the number of children admitted,
in order to bring their expenditure within their in-
come. He perceived, however, by analysis of the ac-
counts of the last few years, that their subscriptions,
or donations, had fallen off. Ever since they had
admitted girls they had exceeded their expenditure.
He moved that the number of children next year be
reduced from sixteen to fire, three boys and two girls.
After much discussion the amendment of Mr.
Craigmyle was put, and lost by ten to six;
that of Mr. Campbell was, carried, twelve voting
for it and nine against, whilst that of Mr. M'Crae
was lost—that gentleman expressing a hope that after
what they had just done, the directors would never
again be accused of extravagance.
A letter was read from Captain Forbes presenting
1001. to the asylum—a munificent gift, which was
much cheered.
The election of children was then proceeded with.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
COURT OF QUEER'S BENCH, Dec. 6.
_ _ _

(Sittings at Nisi Prim, before Mr. Justice COLERIDGE,
and Special Juries.)
WALTON V. GAVIN.

This was an action brought to recover compensation
in thmages for an alleged false imprisonment.
Mr. M. Chambers, Q.C., and Mr. Dasent appeared for
the plaintiff; find the Attorney-General and Mr. D.
Hill, Q C., with Mr. Wclsby, were counsel for the de-

It appeared that the plaintiff had been arrested as
a deserter from the Royal Artillery, when it was alleged
he had been duly and legally enlisted, and that he had
been kept in custody in the guard-house of the Ipswich
barracks, of which Major Gavin, the defendant in the
prescnt action, was the commander.

Thomas Churchyard, examined by Mr. Dasent, said
he was a solicitor at Woodbridge, where petty sessions
were held.

The ATTORNEY GENERAL objected to this evidence,
as not being relevant to the point at issue.
James Angier said he was a surgeon of Ipswich.
Knew a Mr. Pownail, he was a solicitor, and had acted
professionally for him. Saw him in April hastening to
the barracks, and went with him—they heard that
Major Gavin was with his regiment, the 18th Lancers.
They waited until he returned. Mr. Pownall then said
he had come about the illegal enlistment of a person.
The Mutiny Act was referred to. Major Gavin be-
haved very politely to them and said he knew nothing
of the case. Major Gavin had been 18 months in com-
mand of the barracks.

--Franklin, examined by Mr. DASENT, was a law-
stationer at Ipswich. From instructions received by him
from Mr. Pownall he went to the barracks to see Wal-
ton, but was not allowed ; was refused on several similar
applications.

40ross-examined by the ATTORNEY-GENERAL—It was
on the Ist of May he went to the barracks. Made a
memorandum of the circumstance.

Walter Robertson, by Mr. M. CHAMBERS.—He was a
clerk to Mr. Pownell in 1848. Went with a letter,
which he gave to Major Gavin, as it was directed. There
was no answer. Some time after asked if his master
could see the plaintiff, and was told he could not.
The letter in question was here asked for by Mr.
Chambers.

The ATTORNRY-GENERAL contended that such a pro-
ceeding was unnecessary.
hir LORDSHIP rulod in favour of the production.
The letter was read, and explained the illegality before
referred to.

John Shirwood, by Mr. CHAMBERS —IS a corporal in
the lsth Lancers. Was on guard when the plaintiff was
brought to the guard house, and placed there as a de-
serter. He never knew there was a black hole connected
with the barracks. Walton was locked up in the cell
from nine at night until six in the morning. Mounted
guard twice while Walton was there. No one was allowed
to see Walton. The prisoner was not allowed to
have any food that night given hini by friends. Major
Gavin was in command.
Cross-examined by the ATTORNEY-GENERAL—WaI-
ton was treated the some as others in custody.
Charles J. Jones, by Mr. DASENT, said an application
had been made for a habeas corpus ; it was issued, but
no return was made to it.

An argument here ensued as to the right to examine
with regard to charges made in Mr. Pownall's bill.
Examination resumed—The charges in the bill were
proper and fair.
Affidavits made by Major Gavin were here handed in.
Cross-examined by the ATTORNEY- GENER AL—The
charges in the bill for proceedings taken in the matter
of the habeas corpus amounted to about 14/. 75., as Mr.
Pownall had to come to London.

Robertson recalled—All the country business charged
for had been done.
Fur the defence the ATTORNEY-GENERAL contended
that Major Gavin had only done his duty according to
the articles of war. When the writ of habeas corpus was
issued he had discharged the plaintiff, which he thought
was a satisfaction of the writ. Although the enlistment
took place on a Sunday, it was a good one. The articles
of war also required that if a person enlisted absconded,
or refused to be attested, he should be imprisoned. The
following evidence was then gone into.
James Backhouee examined by Mr. D. HlLL—Said he
was a gunner in the Royal Artillery. Ile knew Bom
hardier Hutchinson, by whom he was ordered to go to
Sutton. He went to visit his friends, having an order to
enlist any proper person who might present themselves.
He mot the plaintiff at a public house, who requested
that ho might be enlisted. This took place a little after
four o'clock in the afternoon of a Sunday, before the
Church service was over. He refused, but was after-
wards induced to enlist him in the evening ;
the enlistment money, is., was given and received, the
plaintiff agreeing to serve her Majesty Queen Victoria
for twelve years. Had known the plaintiff all his life-
time, and knew he was a labouring man. On the follow-
ing Monday he waited for the plsintiff at a public•house,
where he had appointed to meet him previous to starting
for Ipswich; the plaintiff did not appear; he went then
to the house of the plaintiff's father, when he learned that
the ,plaintiff would not go, but got no reason why he
roftised. Reported this to Bombardier Hutchinson.
Afterwards went with a gunner, named Crow, who took
a paper with him, to find the plaintiff; they saw him
working in a field, when the paper Crow had brought
with him was read over and given to the plaintiff, who
returael with.them to Ipswich, where a billet was given
him.

Cross-examined by Mr. M, CHAMBERS—At that time
had only bpen three weeks in the Artillery service, and
had never been to head-quarters. There was no ribbon
on his hat at the time in question. Walton and he had
been waiting outside the public-house on the Sunday till
the doors should be opened. While in the public-house
they enjoyed themselves as others did. Ho paid for
some drink, bat could not say how much. He was quite
sober all the time. Did not know whether he had 2s. or
20s. about him at the time. Got the shilling which he
gave to Walton from the bombardier. The landlord of
the house saw the shilling given to Walton. They all
walked back from Sutton to Ipswich. He saw Walton
afterwards handcuffed in his house. He was brought
to Ipswich.
Joseph Hutchinson examined by Mr. WELSBY—IS a
bombardier in the Royal Artillery. He gave the direc-
tions as stated by the last witness. As the plaintiff did
not come to him as directed, he filled up a description
paper respecting him, a copy of which was forwarded to
Captain Frieze, by whom he was ordered to go back
to Sutton. Went to arrest Walton on the 27th of
April; took him to Ipswich and lodged him in the
county gaol. Took him before a justice, who re-
fused either to commit or discharge Walton. He
then took him back to gaol. He was asked to take
smart-money, but he could not do so, as Walton was
then a deserter. After four days had expired he took
Walton to the guard-room, where he lodged the charge
of desertion, and signed the paper and gave it to Ad-
jutant Burton. Walton had given as a reason for not
appearing at the appointed time, that his master had
told him that his enlistment was illegal; that Back-
house had teased him for two hours to enlist, He
would rather be a soldier than pay " the smart," but
his friends had got the money.
Cross-examined by Mr. M. CHAMBERS—Had no
allowance unless he enlisted the party himself. The
allowance was his own business, and he declined to say
what it was. _ .

By the ATTORNEY-GENERAL —Twelve shillings and
sixpence was the allowance. Did ript know who bad
charge of the money.

Re-examined—Backbouse had no regimentals on
when they arrested Walton. They put on the hand-
cuffs before they drew their swords, end thou marched
to Ipswich„

Tile evidence of theso witnesses were corroboratel by
Wm. Crow, formerly a gunner in the service.
John Frieze examined—Was a captain in the Artil-
lery. Was in command of the recruiting party. In
consequence of what he heard, he ordered Hatchinsen
to proceed against Walton as a deserter. Major Gavin
was not in the Ipswich barracks on the 7th of April,
1848.

The notice read to the plaintiff was put in evidence.
James Burton, examined by Mr. M. D. HlLL—Re-
membered the plaintiff being brought to the barracks by
llutehinson. He had the usual allowance given to per-
sons in his situation. Was ordered to be detained as a
prisoner.

Cross-examined—Heard it said to Major Gavin that
Walton should not have been given into custody. He
believed the paper referred to by Hutchinson had been
destroyed.

Mr. CHAMBERS having been heard in reply,
The DArned JUDGE proceeded to the summing up,
stating that the chief point for the consideration of the
jury in deliberating upon their verdict was, whether
Backhouse had been duly attested, and the plaintiff pro-
perly, by that means, enlisted. It was to be presumed
that Backhouse had been attested, although there was
no evidence to show it.

While the jury were absent considering their verdict,
Mr. M. CHAMBERS objected to this direction of his
Lordship. A bill of exceptions was tendered and re-
ceived.

The jury, after an absence of a short period, returned
with a verdict for the defendant.

COURT OF .EXCHEQUER, Dec. 6.

(Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.)

WOOD V. HUTTON AND ANOTHER.

Witnesses were called on the part of the defendants.
Mr. Jones, solicitor to the defendants, deposed
that about the end of the year 1837, he had been con-
sulted with respect to Newman's transactions with
them. On the 13th of January, 1838, wrote a
letter (given in Mr. Martin's address to the
jury) to Mr. Walton, Newman's solicitor, re-
quiring an account of a payment of whatever
might be found due to the Messrs. Hutton. Several
other letters were likewise written to Mr. Walton on
the subject. On the 17th Dec., 1837, caused a search
to be made at the Bank of England for any invest-
ments made by Newman and his wife, and ascertained
that 2,100/. was found invested in the name of "John
Newman and Elizabeth Ann his wife." On Nov.
14, 1835, 7001. was invested, 1,2001. on the 18th
Oct, 1837, and 2001. on the 19th of the same month.
[Here a clerk of the Bank of England was called, and
corroborated the particulars and result of the search-
ing.] Witness continued—Attended at the defen-
dant's office on the 2d January, 1838, and found
the Messrs. Hutton, the deceased, Mr. Newman, and
Mr. Nelson, his stepson. The Messrs. Hutton
expressed their dissatisfaction at Newman having so
long delayed furnishing his books, and complained
that the " piece book " was not among them.
Newman had a red book with him, and replied that
he could make up the " piece book" from it, and that
he would return at two o'clock that day (it was
then about ten o'clock). The meeting then ter-
tninated. Witness went again at two o'clock.
The parties were all there, with the
addition of Mr. Walton. Mr. William Hutton
said that Newman had that day made an
admission to himself and partner, and called upon
Newman to repeat it before the professional gentle.
men. After much hesitation on the part of Newman,
and on being over and over again urged by Mr. W.
Hutton to do so, Newman said, "I owe Messrs.
Hutton 1,0001., and I wish them to place that amount
to my debit." Mr. Walton seemed surprised at this
admission, and said "No, Captain Newman, you
mean no such thing; you mean that Messrs. Hut-
ton owe you 1,0001." Captain Newman replied "No,
I mean no such thing; I owe Messrs. Hutton 1,0001.,
and I desire they will place that amount to my debit."
Mr. William Hutton then pressed Newman to say
how that sum had arisen, and then Newman said that
he had sold some gold dust, doubloons, and foreign
bills to different persons. He was then asked the
quantities, &c., and he furnished the particulars ver-
bally. He mentioned the names of Massey, Simmons,
and Childs. The bills were sold to Simmons.

Mr. Sirrell, a gold refiner in Barbican, deposed
that on the 14th of Octobi,r, 1837, a person who gave
his name as Newman called upon him and sold him a
quantity of gold dust (116 ounces) for which he paid
him 4371. 13s. 61., at the rate of 31. 16s. 3d. per ounce.
Mr. Jones (recalled) said the sale of the 116 ounces
of gold dust was made matter of discussion at the
meeting. Several books were produced by the Messrs.
Hutton relating to their transactions with Newman.
Newman examined them. The Nessrs. Hut-
ton complained that some of Newman's charges
were very heavy, and that some gunpowder
which had been shipped to the Coast had not been
accounted for. The meeting was then adjourned
until Tuesday, the 30i.h, at two o'clock. Saw nothing
in Newman's behaviour ever to make him suppose
that be was not in a state to transact business. On
the 30th instant met again, at the office of the de-
fendants, Newman, Nelson (his step son), Mr. Child
and Mr. Walton being present. After the interview
had lasted half-an-hour witness went away. Pre-
viously to leaving, the accounts had been gone into
and the " piece-book' was examined. The books of
the two last voyages were produced, and all the
books that Newman asked for were furnished.
From all the interviews and transactions that witness
had had with the deceased, Mr. Newman, he never
had any doubt that he was of sound mind.

The case was again adjourned at five o'clock unti
to-morrow.

IRELAND.

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.)
DUBLIN, WEDNESDAY EVENING.—The project for
localising the jurisdiction of the superior courts—
especially by dispersing the business at the equity
side of the Exchequer:among the Assistant-Barristers'
Courts—finds much favour in the eyes of the provin-
cial papers which have come to hand to-day. Al-
though the local tribunals of this country possess
a larger jurisdicticn than the English County
Courts, the desire of gain, even at the ex-
pense of a city which has been the capital
of the country for more than a thousand
years, has induced the advocacy of the localizing
principle on the part of the provincial press, whilst
the metropolitan broadsheets, although ever declaim-
ing against the "centralizing system," inveigh against
the project with indignant bitterness. They point to
it as the first step to " vulgarise, scatter, and make
contemptible the intellectual strength of Ireland,"
of which Dublin is the head-quarters, and
finally, when that strength shall have been broken
up, to remove the business of the superior law courts
altogether to Westminster. The appointment of the
Incumbered Estates Commission, too, is indicated as
one phase of the plot ; and most certainly, were that
court established to substitute Chancery, it could not
have been endowed with more potent attributes for
the supersession. In fact, in two years, the said Com-
mission will drain the Chancellor's Court of
all its business. Cui Bono the Chancellor
then ? say the Dublin papers ; and they
aver, at each issue, that in rotation the same question
will be put as to all "national institutions" in
Ireland. For my part, I believe the entire alarm
has been raised by the lawyers themselves, who
notoriously influence almost every paper in Dublin.
It is not easy to see the motive; but as a vast
number of Irish Bills are about coming into
operation, and as they involve a very large amount of
patronage, the profession naturally desire to show that
they are a "power in the state," and are not to be
forgotten in the proximate distribution of Viceregal
favours.

A report just issued by the landlords, guardians,
&c., of the Limerick Union exhibits a lamentable
condition of things in that extensive and hitherto
fertile district. The document is very long, but em-
bodies a host of facts, one of which will strikingly
prove the falling off in production—whether
.the de-
falcation be the result of famine, extermination, de-
spair, or emigration—or, most probably, of all
together
"Tables of the area of cultivation and produce of the
Limerick Unions—Limerick, Rathkeale, Newcastle,
and Kilmallock :—ln 1837, 52,900 acres of wheat,
cultivated, producing 304,000 barrels of twenty
stone each ; 67,500 acres of oats, producing
645,000 barrels of fourteen stone ; 9,000 acres of
barley, producing 80,000 barrels of sixteen stone ;
12,000 acres of potatoes, producing 820,000 barrels of
twenty stone: 16,000 acres turnips. In 1848-32,000
acres of wheat, producing 136,003 barrels; 52,800 acres
of oats, producing 260,000 barrels; 14.900 acres of
barley, producing 121,000 barrels; 38,900 acres of pota-
toes, producing 772,000 barrels; 11,800 acres of turnips.
1849—n0 return."

The Queen's College, Belfast, will be opened on the
20th inst. with great éclat—some of the most distin-
guished names being already mentioned on the roll of
visitors. It is said the Primate will establish a then•
logical professor in the college, in connexion with
the Established Church.

There is nothing worth noting in the city today.
Even the Courts, although in term, present no feature
of interest. By the way, Mr. John O'Connell is
a regular attendant at the Four Courts now, and may
be seen, in wig and gown, traversing the hall, or,
book in hand, pacing the library. The Honour-
able Gentleman, it is understood, intends to follow
the profession henceforth; and, for the purpose of
having time to attend the courts, has further post-
poned the meeting of the Repeal Association to three
o'clock on the Mondays.
The weather is wretched. It threatened snow this
morning, but changed to a perfect deluge of rain and
sleet, which continua until three P.M.
THE FUNDS.—Three per Cent. Consols closed at
941 : Three and-a-Quarter per Cent. Stock, 94i 95 ;
Bank Stock, 1991. Railways----Great Southern and
Western, 31 ; Waterford And Limerick, 8i