The Sun.
London, England, 1847-06-02 00:00:00

J UNE 2, 1847.

MONEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS.
CITY, QUARTER TO THREE.
The Cotton market at Liverpool yesterday was firm.
Sales, 5,000 bales, of which 1,500 were on speculation and
for export. Railway Shares were not quite so good. There
was a greater disposition to sell on the part of recent pur-
chasers, who could realise a profit.
The Share Market was hardly so brisk yesterday; but at
the sale of Railway Shares, by Messrs. Lamond and Co.,
prices were steady. The following are a few of the principal
sales :

Manchester and Southampton 5.0 11 0
Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston 1 10 6
Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham
North Staffordshire
Sambre and Meuse
Windsor, Staines, and South-Western 2 17 0
Great Northern ••
South Yorkshire, Doncaster, and Goole 1 7 0
London and Manchester (Remington's) 0 5 0
Reading, Guildford, and Reigate 5 2 6
Eastern Counties
Eastern Counties, York Extension......... 6 11 0
South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4 5 2 0
South Staffordshire
Louvain ala Sambre 1 0 0
Accounts have come to hand to-day from Australia, but
they are not of later date.
From the manufacturing districts we have store favour-
able accounts to-day, and we have every hope that a con-
tinuance of the present fine weather will inspire such con-
fidence as to induce a material extension of business. It
is rather important to bear in mind also that the late ac-
counts sent out to the United States would convey intelligence
of the general inclination of our manufacturers to work " short
time," and that this would have the effect, probably, of in-
creasing the desire of the Americans—who must be certain of
an extensive demand for fabrics while their trade in grain
continued so flourishing—to make immediate purchases of
our textile products, even at advanced rates. The effect of
this, with an easier state of the Money Market in England,
must be to revive confidence and impart activity.
The English Stock Market has been again rather fluc-
tuating to-day, and will not probably become steadier until
after the Exchequer-bills have been sent in, and some of the
pressure of railway calls is abated, although we hear of seve-
ral companies having materially abridged the extent of the
works lately progressing. Consols have been marked 88 to
884 for present transfer, and 88% 3/4 for Account. Exche-
quer-bills have not been higher than Is. to 3s. premium. The
New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. have been 88% ;
and the Three per Cents. 86% to 871/s. Bank Stock has
been 195 to 196.

Enclish • • ..
Irish. ••
Fureign .. • • • •

There is scarcely any business doing in the Foreign
Market. Spanish Three per Cents. have been 34, and
Mexican Five per Cents. 20%; Russian Stock has been
at 109'4.
For Railway Shares the demand is not so good.
BitITISII FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(From the Official List.)

Bank Stock • . • • • • • • .• .. 195 196
Three per Cent. Reduced Annuities .. 87% 86% Si!l,
Three per Cent. Consols Annuities • • .. 88% % 88 88 14
New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cent. Alms. 88% A.
Long Annuities, Expire Jan. 5, 1860 .. 91-16 8 15-16 9 1-16
Ditto, 30 years, Jan. 5, 1860 .. 91. E %
Consols for Opening, July 16 .• •. .• 88% %
Exchequer Bills. d. 2d.
1,000/. .. .... 31 p
500/. .. • . 51 6 p
Ditto, Small . • • • .... 75 p
Ditto, Advertised .. .. • • par 2p 2 dis
PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Mexican, 1846, 5 per Cent • • • •
Ditto, for the Account .. 20%
Russian Bonds, 5 per Cent • • .. 1091,6
Spanish Bonds, 5 per Cent. • • • •
Ditto, Three per Cent .. ..
Ditto, for the Account .. .. 34
Venezuela Bonds, 2 per Cent • . .. 39
Dividends on the above payable in London.

Pttiur

MARKET NEWS.-(THIS DAY.)
CORN EXCHANGE-WEDNESDAY
An extremely small supply of English Wheat has arrived
hither for sale this week; and the show of samples was trifl-
ing. Although the accounts relative to the growing crops
are very favourable, rather more firmness was manifested on.
the part of the holders of Wheat of home produce, the prices
of which were steadily supported. In Foreign Wheat com-
paratively little business was doing; yet we can notice n
alteration in value. The sale for Barley was heavy, at
Monday's figures. Malt, Oats, Beau, Peas, Indian Corn, and
Flour were exceedingly dull, at unalttered currencies.

ARRIVALS.

Wheat.
1,130 qrs.

Barley. Oatg 1 Flour.
100 qrs. 50 qrs. I 1,691 sk
8,220 I --

2,340

kali., 2.28 0 Qrs.
We had a very dull trade here, and prices were not sup
ported. Beet,from 3s 4d to 4s 6d • Mutton, 3s lOd to 5s 61
Lamb, 6s to 6s lOd; Veal, 4s 4{.1 to 5s 4:1; and Pork, 4
to 5s 2d per Blbs. by the carcase.

CHANCERY.-(THIS DAY.)
The Lord Chancellor sat in his Court at Westminster t, -
day.

PERRY v. MEDDOWCROFL,

The arguments in this case, which were commenced on
Saturday, were resumed this morning. The case came before
his Lordship upon appeal from the judgment of the Master
of the Rolls, disallowing certain exceptions to the report of
the Master. The cause came before the. Master of the Rolls
in November last, upon exceptions to the Master's report,
who, upon a reference directed to him, received in evidence
a decree pronounced in the Ecclesiastical Court on
the 12th of July, 1816, declaring a marriage between
William Meddowcroft and Mary Gregory null and void on
account of the minority of the fornier, and because the latter
had caused the banns to • be published in the name of
"Widowcroft ;" and upon that the Master had found that
there was no linealiglescendent of William and Edmund
Meddowcroft. This was now objected to ; and it was said,
in addition, that he should have found William Meddowcroft,
the son of Vary Gregory, to be his lineal descendant. James
Meddowcroft, the testator in this cause, was a solicitor car-
rying on business in Gray's Inn ; and by his will he directed
his trustees to invest the income arising from his property in
the purchase of real estates, and accumulate the income for
twenty-one years. He then gave the estates to the male
lineal descendant of William Meddowcroft, the younger,
deceased, and, in case there should be none, then
he gave the estates to the male lineal descendant
of Edmund Meddowcroft, and in case there should
be none, then •he directed his estates to be sold.
The testator died on the 7th of July, 1821, and the periodof
accumulation expired oa the 7th of July, 1842. On the 30th
of January, 1843, a reference was directed to the Master to
ascertain whether there was any male lineal descendant of
William Meddowcroft and Edmund Meddowcroft. Two
states of facts were taken, in the one by William Meddow-
croft, the son of Mary Gregory, and the other by Mrs.
Huguenin, showing the state of the testator's family at the
time of the expiration of the period of accumulation ; and
upon this inquiry, the Master received the decree of the
Ecclesiastical Court in evidence, and reported against the
claim of William Meddowcroft, the son of Mary Gregory,
and certified that there was no male lineal descendant of
William Meddowcroft, the younger, living at the expira-
tion of the period of accumulation. In 1813, William
Meddowcroft, the younger, came to London as a clerk in
the office of his uncle, James Meddowcroft. He was about
the age of eighteen, and resided in a boarding-house,
kept by Miss Lewis, at No. 13, Devonshire-street, Queen-
square. He there became acquainted with Mary Gre-
gory, the widow of a lieutenant in the navy. She was
about the age of thirty years, and had an annuity
of 601. a year from Government. It was said that acquaint-
ance ripened into attachment, and that in 1814, William
Meddowcroft, who represented that he had no father or
mother living, made a proposal of marriage. Mr. James
Meddowcroft, the uncle, was apprised of this, and he ex-
pressed his determination of breaking it off. He removed
his nephew from the boarding-house. Mrs. Gregory also re-
moved, and went to reside at Craven-street, in the Strand ;
but notwithstanding this separation a correspondence was
kept up between them, and it was alleged that Mrs. Gre-
gory's friends were made acquainted with all that took
place. In 1815 the parties resolved to be married unknown
to the uncle. Mrs. Gregory gave instructions in writing to
Elizabeth Bradley, at whose house she resided, for putting
up the banns. Mrs. Bradley, without reading it, took the
slip of paper to the house of a person named Peery, the
parish clerk of St. James, Clerkenwell, and gave it to his
daughter Elizabeth, who, from this slip of paper, entered the
names in the clerk's book as William Widowcroft," bache-
lor, to Mary Gregory, widow. This entry was copied into
the banns-book, and in those names they were published on
the 12th, 19th, and 26th of February, 1815. On the 28th
February, 1815, the parties attended to be married, the banns-
book was laid upon the table. William Meddowcroft looked
at it, and disclaimed the name of " Widowcroft."
It wits alleged that Mrs. Gregory then refused to proceed
with the ceremony, but this reluctance was removed upon
the name being altered in the banns -book ; and upon the
assurance of both clergyman and clerk that the marriage
would be good, and that there was ncthing to fear, the
marriage was then solemnized. It, however, proved un-
happy, and within a year Mrs. Gregory went to reside in
Devonshire; she subsequently returned, but in consequence
of her continued unhappiness, which resulted in a miscar-
riage, she resolved to acquaint James Meddowcroft, the unck.
She accordingly went to him in January, 1816; he at first
treated her with apparent kindness, but upon being
made acquainted with all the facts relating to the marriage
his manner changed, and he declared his resolution to have
it set aside, cost what it would. She was shortly afterwards
served with a citation from the Ecclesiastical Court, at
the suit of the father, and then for the first time, as alleged,
she became aware that William Meddowcrott the younger
had a father whose name was also William. Upon being
served with the citation, Mrs. Gregory went to Mewl,.
Nicholls and Bishop, the King's proctors, fcr advice; but
they, after listening to her statement, required her to write
her further instructions upon paper. She then wrote that
the suit was instituted to set aside the marriage between
William Meddowcrott and Mary Gregory, the banns having
been published in the name of Widowcroft, but altered pre-
vious to the marriage. She also is alleged to have expressed
her determination to defend the suit at all events, though
her pension as a naval officer's widow was insufficient. It was
alleged that she told her proceedings to William Meddow-
croft, and that he told them to his uncle. During the
whole of those proceedings William Meddowcroft lived
with Mary Gregory, and on the 6th of June, 1816, she
wrote to Messrs. Nicholls and Bishop, stating that there
was a prospect of her becoming a mother, and that she
trusted a provision would be made for her child.
During the whole of this time William Meddowcroft was in
the office of his uncle, who expressed his resolution to have
the marriage annulled, but his nephew told Mrs. Gregory
that he would marry her again, and under that promise it
was alleged that she neglected actively to defend the suit.
It appears, however, that Dr. Jenner and Dr. Dobson ap •
peered on her behalf, but in the result Sir William Scott de-
cided that the marriage was fraudulently effected, and for a
fraudulent purpose. It was said that reflections had been
made upon her character, and that she desired to go into
evidence upon that, but none was gone into, and the only
evidence produced was to show that fraud had been com-
mitted. The marriage was accordingly set aside, and
William Meddowcrott subsequently married Miss Davis,
but died without leaving any issue, and this widow has since
married Mr. Huguenin. Upon the decease of William
itteddewcroft, the present exceptant disputed the right of
his wife to take out letters of administration to her husband.
In this, however, he was defeated, and again in the Privy
Council. It was insisted, before the Master of the Rolls, on
behalf of William Meddowcroft, the son of Mary Gregory,
that the decree had been obtained by collusion, and it was
said that it was competent for this Court to entertain the
question ; it was also insisted that the ecclesiastical courts
had no authority to set aside a decree obtained by fraud, and
that the evidence now brought forward gave a new aspect to
the case.

---
Mr.- Bethel!, Mr. Walpole, Dr. Phillimore, and Mr. Daniel,
were in support of the appeal, and Mr. Hodgson and Mr.
Cole appeared as counsel to support the decision of the Court
below.
Mr. BETRELL resumed his arguments on behalf of the ap-
pellant this morning, and was proceeding with his address to
the Court, when
The LORD CHANCELLOR stated he was clearly of opini, n
that he could not decide the case satisfactorily without the
intervention of a jury.
After some short discussion the case was directed to
stand over fin- a week, in order to afford the parties an op-
portunity of considering whether, for the purpose of having
the necessary documents (all the witnesses being dead) be-
fore a Jury, they should tile a bill for discovery only, or a
bill for discovery and relief.

BAIL COURT.—(THIS DAY.)
(Before Mr. Justice WIGHTMAN.)
THE NEW COUNTY COURTS—BOROUGH OF ST. ALBANS.
Sir F. THESIGER said he had been instructed to apply for
a rule calling upon Mr. Edward Gibson, of St. Alban's, to
show cause why a criminal information should not issue,
calling upon him to show by what authority he held the office
of clerk to the new County Court of St. Alban's. The ques-
tion, he said, turned upon the construction to be put on the
Act recently passed for abolishing Courts of Request, and the
establisbment of County Courts in their stead. There had
been a Court of Requests at Nutford, a short distance from
St. Albans, and another in St. Alban's. Mr. Ablet, the person
on whose behalf he applied to the Court, had held the office of
clerk to the St. Albans Court for a period of five-and-twenty
years. The new Act abolised both these courts, and the
material question was, whether Mr. Ablet was or was not the
person entitled to be appointed to the clerkship of the St.
Alban's County Court, which comprised within its limits
Watford. It was the intention of the House of Commons
that the old clerks should be appointed to the new courts.
The old courts were abolished two days before the period
when the new Act came into operation, so that it might be
thatco t ebned ehde
dt that
no
rtehael
col office
toof tbheeepapppoiloictaendttwo'atsbeexnteiwnccot, and
When he applied he was told by the judge that he had ap-
pointed Mr. Gibson to the office.
Mr. Justice WIGHTMAN inquired if the appointment was
in the gift of the judge?
Sir FREDERICK THESIGER said the judges were appointed
by the Lord Chancellor, and that the clerks were appointed
by the judge, subject to the approval of the Lord Chancellor.
It' the same system was to be pursued, the greatest hardship
would be inflicted upon persons who, like the applicant, had
properly discharged their duties for many years ; he hoped,
therefore, that the Court would grant the rule, in order that
the matter might be argued, and a decision
r
calling come
upon Mr.
e to, as to
whether his view of the law was correct or incorrect.
Mr. Justice WIGHTM u
AN granted a le, •
Gibson to show caurse.

COMMON PLE.,is.IIIS DAY.)
No case of any importance occurred in this Court to-day.
EXCHEQUER—GI:HIS DAY.)
(Sittinp in Banco.)
The Court took the special paper to-day, and no case 01
any importance occurred.

KRUPTC Y.—(THISBAN DAY.)
(Before Mr. Commi,sioner Gouu3unN.)
IN RE MATTHKWMAN.
This morning the Governor of Whitecross-street _Prison,
and the solicitor to this bankrupt, made au
yesterday for his
tWgular mature. The insolvent applied application of a

A V pr
(
, • • . _, ..
"\--1-
discharge:from custody, having filed his petition. The ap• - . .
plication was not opposed, and his Honour granted the pre.' 1
tection, which was produced to the turnkey *hp bad .the , - -
...;
insolvent in custody, but he refused to set hitivit liberty.r j -
until a search had been made as to whether theAkwers'_,soY ' ~-,L.s.'
other omits in the hands of the Sheriff. It appeated. tilt" `--,"
writ had been issued in 1842, but no detainer had bead •;,11,1:4j1i,
lodged at the prison gates,-
aid the question now was.
whether the insolvent was not again in custody under
this
writ. An order setting forth the facts, and peremptorilY
directing the discharge, was submitted for his Honour's sig-
nature.

His lioxouresaid that some doubts existed even amongst
the Learned Judges as to the extent of protection, and seems
Mr. Lawrence present, he would be glad to hear his opinion as
to theoperation of detainers.
Mr. LAWRENCE said, that in the Queen's Bench the War-
den took no notice of any thing but warrants lodged at tile
gates; but the Sheriffs considered that if a cischarge Nega
sent for one writ, yet, if they held another, they must de.
tain on that or be liable to an action for an a escape ;" the
keeper, therefore, would not discharge a prisoner if other
writs than those mentioned in the discharge were in the
hands of the Sheriffs.

His Llostoim said there could be no doubt that a detainer
ought to have been lodged. The question, however, now was,
whether a persOn being detained in custo( y under a writ
could be eaimed as in execution. It w'us impossible to try
the question aa the gate; a,.d, therefore, he thought as the
debt was set forth•in the schedule, the insolvent was entitled
to his discharge, but the orde was informal by want of the
plaintiff's Christian name; on that being amended he would
sign the order.

SECONDARIES.-(THIS DAY.)
(lietore M:. Secowitto Jambs.)

DAVIS V. THOMPSON.

This was an action to recover the sum of 61. 7s. Bd. on It
bill of exchange, of which the defendant was the acceptor.
The defendant had, under a Judge's order, admitted that
he accepted the bill.
Mt. Small, the plaintiff's attorney, said that, notwith-
standing the admission, he should call a witness to
_p_rove
that the bill hid been accepted within the city of West-
minster.
The Learned SECONDARY asked what object there could
be in that. He did not see how that evidence could be ma-
terial, as no issue was raised. 71
Mr. &urn said a question might arise under the Local
Courts Act, and he wished to have the fact on the Learned
Secondary's notes.
Evidence was then adduced to the above effect, and a ver-
dict entered for the plaintiff.
TODD v. POOR&
This was an action to recover for goods sold and delivered.
The defendant had facilitated the proceedings as far as
praiticable by not pleading to the action, and was now pre-
sent, and said that he would save all further trouble by con-
senting to a verdict for the amount.
The Learned SEcoxnAnY—You say you are the de-
fendant, but how do I know that?
Mr. TAyLou, the plaintiff's attorney, said there could not
be a shadow of doubt about it.
The SEcoarnAnr—Perhaps not; but I must see that there
is evidence—proof positive. If you can identify the party as
the defendant, well and good; it not, go on with the case.
Mr. TAYLOR said he was not prepared with the evidence,
considering the defendant's admission would be sufficient.
The SRcozinAßY—There is no proof that this person is
the defendant ; I cannot swear him to the fact. Any person
may come forward to say that to delude the jury. If you
cannot carry the case further you must take a verdict for
nominal damages, as default of plea only admits that some-
thing is due, but not the amount.
The case was then adjourned. Mr. Taylor proceeding for
witnesses—the defendant's desire to save time, trouble, and
expense, being completely frustrated.
INSOLVENT COURT—(THIS DAY)

IN RE THOMAS HLLSON GILES.
This insolvent, who had been an extensive omnibus pro-
prietor, was discharged under the Act in the course of last
year. He had only two creditors in his present schedule,
one the attorney who had conducted his case in this Court on
the former occasion, and the other an attorney, who held a
policy of insurance, the premium on which be bad paid, and
had sued the insolvent for the money, on which he was now
in prison.
The insolvent's attorney said that the insolvent, who had
been in a large way of business, and was now only a driver,
might be sued on the policy, of insurance. and put into prison
every year on the attorney who held the same paying the
yearly sum, and then bringing an action. The insolvent
was liable to imprisonment every year if the holder of the
policy thought proper.
The Court ordered the insolvent to be discharged.

MIDDLESEX SESSIONS.
(THIS DAY.)
Elizabeth Woodstock, a pretty looking girl of 15 years of
age, was indicted for stealing a silver dessert spoon, the pro-
perty of the Dowager Lady Mary Molesworth.
John Boyle stated that he was in the service of Lady
Molesworth, who resided at 'No. 41, Lowndes-street, Bel-
grave-square, and the prisoner was in the habit of bringing
vegetables from the green-grocer's, which she mostly brought
down to the kitchen. She had served the house for nearly
fourteen months, and until the 24th of May not the slightest
suspicion was entertained of her honesty, but on that morn-
ing the spoon was missed, and information having been given
to the police it was instantly traced to the prisoner.
A pawnbroker's clerk proved that the prisoner came to
his master's shop, and showed him a spoon broken in two
parts, wishing to know whether it was silver or not. IVben
questioned as to how she became possessed of it, she said first
that she found it in Brompton-square, andsubsequently that
it had been given to her by a servant.
Several persons Who knew the prisoner from her infancy,
gave her a most excellent character, and one, in whose ser-
vice she had been formerly, said she would again take her
into her service.

The jury returned a verdict of Guilty, with a strong re-
commendation to mercy, and the prisoner was sentenced to
ten days' solitary confinement.
Margaret. Schdlend was indicted for stealing a gold
breast-pin, the property of John Risley, from his person.
The prosecutor gave his evidence first, from which it ap-
peared that he and two other gentlemen were in Goswell-
street when the prisoner accosted them, and after a few mi-
nutes' conversation he missed his pin.
The pawnbroker with whom the pin was pawned by the
prisoner not having answered to his name when called,

The Learned AS;ISTANT, JUDGE said the only course open
to the jury was to acquit the prisoner on the grounds of de-
ficiency of evidence. He at the same time should order the
pawnbroker's recognisances to be estreated, and at the same
time he should take care that the estreat was fully carried
out.

The prosecutor inquired whether he might get back his
pin or not.

The policeman stated that he only held the duplicate;
the pawnbroker had the pin.
The ASSISTANT-JCDGE could render him no assistance.
The prosecutor—My Lord, this has been a most unlucky
case for me. Yesterday, whilst waiting in the court in
expectation of the case being called on, my pocket was
picked of my handkerchief, my pocket-book, and several
papers of consequence to me, and now it seems, owing to
the carelessness of the pawnbroker, I am also likely to lose
my gold pin. I thought at all events that my property
would be safe while I was within the walls of your Lord
ski's court.—(A laugh.)

'the AssisTnicr-Jtinci expressed his regret at the loss of
kr. Risley, but said he could afford him no redress.
The prosecutor then left the court.

THAMES.-(THIS DAY.)
Henry Jones Harrison, a general dealar, residing at Dan-
stan's-place, Stepney, and who, it was stated, was formerly
in the police-force, was charged with having kicked and ill-
used his wife, in so brutal a manner, that she was now dying
from the effects of the injuries received.
Sarah Hicks stated, that on Saturday fortnight she ac-
companied the unfortunate woman home. When they entered,
Mr. Harrison was asleep in a chair. He immediately got up,
and without the slightest provocation, kicked his wife most
brutally in the stomach, and gave her several violent blows,
She fell to the ground, exclaiming, "Oh, my God, Harrison,
you have murdered me." She was immediately conveyed to
bed, and has been under the care of Dr. Cleland since, but
she has gradually sank from the effects of the injuries she
received, and in consequence of Dr. Cleland being of opinion
that it was impossible she could survive, the prisoner was ail.
prehended yesterday evening.
Dr. Cleland confirmed this evidence as to the extent of the
injuries indicted, and added that, in his opinion, it was
utterly impossible she could recover, and he apprehended,
almost immediate dissolution.

--
Mr. BALLArs-rixx then ordered the prisoner to be locked
up till the result was known, and directed Inspector Horn,
accompanied by Dr. Cleland and two policemen, to go to the
prisoner's residence and take the depositions of the dying
woman, and also cautioned the inspector to be particular in
endeavouring to ascertain what previous cause of quarrel, if
any, existed; and, in short, to make the most minute in-
quiries into the affair, as at present there was no evidence of
any ground for so brutal an assault.
Tha prisoner was then locked up.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT..GARDEN.--On
Tuesday evening her Majesty's box was occupied by the
Countess of Jersey, Lady Clementine Villiers, Lady Rendle-
sham, and the Hun. Miss Thellusson. There were also pre.
sent his Grace the Duke of Devonshire, the Marquis of
Granby, Marquis of Huntley, Marquis of Kildare, Marquis
of Donegal, Marquis de Lisboa, the Count de Jarnac, Count
Louis de N °allies, Earl Bruce, Earl Grosvenor, Earl of
Cadogan and the Ladies Cadogan, Viscount and Viscountess
Castlereagh, Viscount Morpeth, Viscount Templetown, Lord
Brooke, Lord Carington, Lady Camoys, Lord Foley and the
Hon. Miss Foley, Lord Henry Lennox, Mr. and Lady Caro
Caro-
line Masse, C. Townley, Esq., and Lady Caroline Townley,
evners,
Lady John Beresford and Miss Leslie, Lord
_Geos_ge
Hon. Francis
Hon. John Fortescue, Hon. Mrs. Mileni"ne'
Georgeli Byngi ,
Graham, Sir
l Sir E. Codringtorr
Spearman. Admiral Alexander and Lady
Sir Gilley Wakeman, Sir Henry
BStoarononr
parrindavtechieniH, Hon. Misses
and the Misses Codringtoen:
sir
sMeissiliensghSatmonoar.n,
and Lady
Robert Lynch Blosse, Sir
Webb, Sir Thomas .H
Su Augustus, Lady, and Miss Clifford, Sir
Shaw Stewart, _Campbell,
K. .
Sir J. T.S., and Lady Camp.
Colonel George Knox, W. via..
ArJastpheurraAsndtoLna,dy Atkinson,ar Sir Charles Ibboisitsanoounan,
tmSjoirmyMicael
, Sir E. Johnson, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Sir Charles Mar-
Ausg‘bi ,lje.r.
Swart,ea.itTlehl e ,l Mar-
shall,
eE
I, s qyn
Brains, ee. ,rbEak Islt
e.trs.,.
sq.,
v,
E,. and
:spa
nq.. Campbell,A, lAI
itii‘riisrssi i ‘ ,a.Bn'Biydl_rnsrhuaieen:r
e, CaptainMlG.rsowr
argedstaelafirt,elarld,
.Esqancia
MCarrotYn'wle,
Mrs. Coghlan, Mr. and Mrs. Bates, Mrs. Charles Mills, H.
Halsey, Esq., Lady Helton, H. Bailey, Esq.,Smith. Esq., Charles Deane, Esq., Mrs. St. Quintin, A. Rebello, Esq.,
Fitzpatrick Hume, Esq., Mrs. Hope, &c.
GOVERNMENT AND THE HARVEST PROSPRcm.—
Within the last few days it has come to our knowledge that
schedules have been sent to various agriculturists residing in
Ayrshire, requiring answers in reference to the state of the
growing crops in this country—a certain evidence that
Ministers are not indifferent to the condition of the country,
and are preparing, as far as is possible, even for the worststaff
that may befal us, in the event of another failure of the tafr
of life.—Kilmarnock Herald.
DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT PRESTON.—On Saturday
wag
found last the mill belonging to Mr. Bastian, at Preston, NNas
found to be on fire, and notwithstandingall the efforts of the
firemen, who were quickly °
spot, the flames obtained
of the premises that it was ha..
so completely the possession
d the whole mill, which consisted possible to subdue them,
of four stories, was reduced to a mass of blackened ruingIt
.
exertions to a late hour on Sunday morn-.
required the utmost exertions
„ a adjoining property. The factory hadi
• E to preserv- d•
in- king some days previously, and the origin of the
stopped working
cannot be accounted for. The loss was estimated at from
fire
3,000 I• to 5000'4 bat the building was insured.
THESTEAM-SHIP BRITANNIA.—This fine steam.
ship has accomplished an extraordinary run out to Boston.
She was spoken outside the harbour on the 16th inst. by the.
steam-ship Caledonia, and would arrive on the evening of
that day, after a run of twelve days only from this port. She
would leave again on the Ist of June.—Liverpool
.4tWoe.
Mr. Napier had an interview with Earl Grey at -the Coles
nial-oftio yesterday.

RAILWAY COMMITTEES.
HOUSE OF COMMONS.--(YESTERDAY.)

IMPORTANT DECISION.

COLCHESTER., STOVE VALLEY, suDnurr,
AND HALSTEAD (ZXTENSXON PROM
LANT.E.WHAM TO 11112 Y ST. EDMUNDS).

The Committee appointed to inquire into the merits of
this Bill met to-day, at eleven o'clock, in Room D.
After examining a great number of witnesses, the Select
Commitee passed the Bill without any amendment.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.
GROUP 11.
This Committee re-assembled at the usual hour this
morning, in Room 22.
DIRECT LONDON AND PORTSMOUTE (DE-

VIATION LINE).
The Committee were engaged the whole of the day in
hearing evidence in favour of this Bill.
The Committee then adjourned.

GROUP VI.
The Committee met at tue usual hour.
In answer to a question put by the Chairman,
Mr. ALEXANDER said he hoped to be able to bring his
general evidence to a close in the course of a day or two.
The CHAIRMAN stated, that the Committee had now sat for
a considerable time, and lie certainly thought that the en-
gineering evidence ought to be commenced as soon as pos-
sible.
Mr. Justice Coleridge, residing at Ottery St. Mary, Dr.
Kelburn, Mr. Clare, ot Hainton, Sir J. Buller, Bart., and se-
veral other witnesses, gave evidcuce in favour of the Great
Western scheme.
The Committee adjourned till twelve to-morrow.