The Sun.
London, England, 1823-02-24 00:00:00

ROYAL ACADEMY OF MUSIC.

A great diversity of opinion prevails as to the utility of acade-
mical establishments in promoting the fine arts. While one
party confidently predicts that such institutions will ultimately
advance them to the same excellence that they attained in
ancient Greece, another datea their declension from the moment
when they were no longer left to work their way by their own
energies, but were crippled by systems, and encouraged to
loiter on the road by unearned largesses. The truth seems, in
this dispute, es in most others, to rest between the extremes.
Academes; which dignify an art by exaltinkits professors,
which teach by philosophical lectures, and by the exhibition of
the most perfect models, and that make known to the world the
works of its ingenious students, must, be beneficial, because,
among many other reasons, they induce yootlixof talents, edu-
cation, and respectable connexions, to embark in studies which,
without the prospect of honorary distinction, as well as pecu-
niary reward, would be thought beneath the itinbition of per-
sons so favourably circumstanced. Sttch is the Royal Academy
at Somerset-house, founded by the late King, which has raised
the arts of design to an eminence they never before reached, and
enabled our artists to surpass all fbreign rivals, in the seine de
gree that the latter once excelled the former. But it offers no
,premium to mendicants ; its royal founder, and his adviser,
knew too well the impor4nce and difficulty of art, to draw into
its ranks, by a lure of meat, drink, and shelter, those who
could do the state much more service with a spade in the hand,
or a tnusket at the shoulder.

Conservatorios, or, in fact, musical Fotindling Hospitals, in
which children not only were instructed, but boarded and
lodged gratuitously, existed upwards of two centuries in Italy.
They were generally crowded with pupils, who, in most cases,
were not selected on account of any great premise of musical
ability, but according to the interest' eMployedin getting them
admitted. Of those received, a . very small Proportion,inani-
fested any proof of genius, and an immense majority of theta
never arrived at mediocrity: Thus- numbers were annually
thrown on the world, with minds raised above handicraft occu.
nations, who struggled hard to preserve a.decent appearance ;
but who, being devoid. of the means; •of obtaining an income
equal to that of a conunihily 'skilful artizan, were condemned
to undergo all the pains of disappoinnnetit, and to fall victims
to. misguided charity.. An eff?rt was made about fifty years
ago, by Dr. Burney, Signor Giardini, and the celebrated Jonas
Hanwa, to convert our ,Foundling Hospital into a Conserva.
torio ; but this absurd attempt, though countenanced by many
good-natured unreflecting people, was immediately discovered
to be the job of a designing foreigner : and; assailed by reason
and by ridicule, was soon abandoiled; and is now almost utterly
forgotten. In the early part of the French revolution a cower.
' vatoire de ntosigue was established in Perla, which still continues
open.
The essential differenee, then, hi the,priuciple upon which
these two species.of academical. institutions are founded, may
be thus stated : the one, knowing that real genius must very
soon dispel the obscurity in which it is shrouded, and force its
way into.notice, waits till it is developed; and then, with a pro.
tecting brand, leads it into the true path: Of improvement;
watching and directing its.progress towards iti object, which,
if pursued with zeal and perseverance, it. cannot fail to
attain. The other, by holding-out tlie teniptatiose of bed and
board for a term of years, prompts' many who have a genuine
and undoubted tasie for wholesome food and a warm house.
to fancy that" nature has .also Addy endowed tlietii with an
appetite for art, and straightway .they find some-patron of the'
establishment who, being perhaps a rich, but Incognito, re-
lation, or probably a kind master, quickly discovers that his
'supplicant has a remarkably correct-eye, or a wonderfully fine
ear, and therefore is the 'properest person in . the .world to be
nominated as a student.
Let us now inquire what the academies of music upon the
conservatorio plan have produced. have all the great core.
posers and performers, or the larger portion' of them, issued
from under these roofs ? We admit that formerly Italy was
supplied by many distinguished musicians from those of Naples
and Venice • that Scarlatti, Pergolesi, Durante, Puesiello,
Cimarosa, and others, were brought up in one of these schools ;
but conservatories, or academies formed upon their principle,
have now done their utmost ; they are gone by, and, like the
monastic institutions of the dark ages, though once useful, are
become pernicious. The c'anservatoirc de Paris, which has
been in full action for thirty years, and has sent into the world
nearly three thousand dere:, most of whom are in very tie.
plorable circumstances, can show scarcely one celebrated mu.
sician, who was reared within its walls. We do not assert that
it has produced none ; but our recollection does not at the mo-
ment supply us with .a single name of consequence. We will,
however, appeal to memory fora list of those who have not
been indebted to academical tuition for a knowledge of their
art, and from a crowd of names that rush in upon us, we select
those of Handel, the Bachs Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven ;
ofLully, Purcell, Gluck, Boyce, and Gretrey ; ofSalicri, Mayer,
Winter, Weigl, and Rossini; of Mara, Billington, Banti,
Catalan', Colbran, Fodor, Camporesc, and Salmon; of Mar-
click Viganoni, Crivelli, Garcia, Harrison B m artlean, and
Braliatn ; of Clemen ti , Dussek, Woelfl, and Cr'amer ; of G iartlini,
the elder Cramer, Salomon, and Viotti ; oferosdill, Lindley, and
Dragonetti ; and we could cite dozens of others as witnesses on
the same side ; but these which we have brought forward
have strength enough to bear dOwn any opposing evidence.
The Royal Academy of Music, the subject of' this article, is
stated to be founded upon principles similar to those of that
most excellent establishtnent the British Institution, in Pall-
mall; but after a patient comparison of' the plan and laws of
both, we can trace no analogy, except in the arrangements
concerning the subscribers, and 'a few other very trifling points.
It is in truth modelled after the French Conservatoire, the laws
and regulaions of which have been imitated, not to say copied,
hi the formation of this British School of Music.
The following is a brief'sketch of the " Rules and Regula-
tions," published and distributed by the Committee :---
The King is the Patron, and the Duke of York is the
Vice-patron.
Its object is to promote the cultivation ofmusic amongst the
natives of this country, and to afibrd the IIIeVIS of studying the
art to forty males and forty females.
The funds for the support of the institution arc derivable
from the following sources :—There will be four classes of con-
tributors or subscribers; Ist, to the amount of a hundred enn.
neas in one payment, or fifty. and an annual subscription of five
guineas ; 2d, fifty-tive guineas at once, or ten and an ftnnual.
allowance of five; 3d, thirty.five at once, or five and an an-
nuitseof three; Ith, twelve in the first instance, or a yearly,
grant of three. The subscribers of the first class may not only
be present et all the rehearsals and concerts, and all the public
examinations of the pupils, but may introduce two friends on
those occasions ; and each will have three votes at the election
' of the students. The members of the second class are to have
the same privileges as those of the first, except that they will
have two votes only at the elections, and may introduce one
person only to the concerts, rehearsal*, and examinations.. The
subscribers of the third class are to have only one vote at the
elections, and a free admission for themselves only to the above.
mentioned performances ;• and those of the fourth will be en-
titled to a free admission to the public examinations of the
pupils only.
The following is a list of the Directors:.-..
The. Duke of Devonshire, President,
The Archbishop of York,
The Marquis of Aylesbury,
Vl't e
The Earl of' Forteseae, ' -Presidents. .
The Earl of Darnley,
The Duke of Wellington The Earl of Morley
The Marquis of CI olmondeley ,ord Rovenswarth
Tlie.Earl of Lonsdale , The Vice-Chantiellor
The Earl of Wilton Sir George Warrender, Dart.
The Earl of,Belniore Sir James Longliarn, Bart.
The Earl of Scarborough The lion. John Villiers
The But of Fife O. Watson Taylor, Esq. 3LP.
The.. Earl of proterilow Curtis, Esq.
The Earl of M ou n t Edgeeumbe Francis Freeling, Esq.
The Earl of Blessington : spigeestein, Esq.'
The general direction, as well as the financial management,
will be vested in a sub.cOmmittee of nine subscribers (chosen

by the Directors), who are to have the "'entire superintendence
of the Academy and students, and the appointment and con-
troul of all the professors and masters." Lord Burghersh hai
tie= named Chairman of this Committee, and Sir Gore Ouse-
ley and Count St. Antonio are among his associates. The mu-
sical education will be directed by a person of character and
repute, styled . the " Principal of the Establishment," or by a
Board, consisting► of three professors ; and in the house
will reside a master of the male school, and a mistress
of the female school, to whom will " bekng the duty of
attending to the discipline .and conduct of the students."—
The firsi object in the education of the pupils will consist
in a strict attention to their religious and Moral -instrue
tion ; the ..next. will be the study of their own and the Ita-
lian language, writing, and aritiTletic, and their general in
struction in the various branches of music, particularly in the
art of singing, and in the study of the phincqorte and organ,
of harmony, And of composition. No student shall be admitted
at an earlier age than 10 or later than 15 years. They. shal
have received such previous instruction, as to be able to read
and write with tolerable proficiency. They shall have shown
some decided aptitude or disposition for music, to be nscertain.
ed by the professors and masters in council ; and as the object
of the institution is to bring up persons who may in after-life
devote themselves to the profession of music, so where no suf.
ficient aptitude in the student is shown, as it would not he of
advantage to him to be brought up in a line of life in which he
would not be likely to succeed, an examination as to the pro-
gress and attainments of each pupil, shall take place by the prin-
cipal and the professors, after twelve months from their en-
trance, and the continuance or disinis.sion of the Student will be
decided by this inquiry.

• As the students will be gratified with board and lodging,
each will be required to pay fifteetiguineas on admission, and
subsequently ten guineas per annum.; and it is expected that
all should be properly- attired.' If any sliduld offer them-
selves in addition to the eighty original pupils, they must pay
twenty guineas annually, beside eighteen for board ; and from
those supernumeraries who merely receive instruction, twenty-
guineas a year will be demanded; but it must be observed,
that, in each of these three classes, the children of regular pro.
fessors of music will be favoured by a reduction of the annual
payment to eight, thirty-three, and fifteen guineas ; and if any
person, of verreonspicuous mtisical talents,' should apply to
the society for farther education; without haVing the means of
defraying the charges, the Subcommittee may order them to be
received and gratuitously instructed.
There will be one or more►:public concerts in each year, at
which such of the students as arc sufficiently advanced Abell
be produced ;. the profits of this concert' will go to the benefit of
the establishment, except when any of the students are retiring•
in that year from the Academy? when so much of the profits,
as the Sub-committee shall direct, will be divided amongst
them, as a portion which may assist their comferfable.establitlh.
ment in the world. Previous to each concert,. there will he a
rehearsal, at which all the students will appear ; and, with re-
gard to the public examinations, the Sub-cominittee will fix. the
day when thcyare to take place, and will distribute medals and
rewards among the more deserving pupils. .
- - - -

The high character of the accomplished and amiable Noble-
man to whom this Academy is indebted for its origin, is an
ample guaranty. uf the pure and excellent ;natives which'sug..
gested its formation • but the various published documents
whence this abstract has been drawn, show that.his other two..
cations, particularly his important public employment, have
not allowed him to devote much of his time tirthe development
of his plan,•whicli has fallen, we '..are extremely sorry to per.'
ceive, into infinitely less able hands. If what we have advanc-
ed relative to conservatories be allowed to have any weight, our
remarks must bear rather heavily upon the Royal Academy
of AI usiC, which is altogether borrowed from those foreign,
turd, with a solitary exception, exploded Institutions. Music,
as an art., is susceptible of very considerable amelioration, much
more so than is commonly supposed ; and its improvement is
to be sought in the enlarged intelleetor its professors, who have
seldom been enabled to bring sufficient. mental • strength, or
collateral knowledge, to its aid.
Hence the puerile conceits in
which it so frequently abounds; hence the contemptible poetry
which is often selected for setting to music.; hence the eternal
repetition of a.few unmeaning words in a hint, air; .and hence
that neglect of sense and of prom* which renders so many
learned andliterary people indifferent, if not inimical, to music.
'These arc amongst the-things that require a remedy; and can
it be said, that in the whole Constitution of•this acidenty, any
thing like a cure is offered for such evils ? In the scanty coarse
of education proposed, does there appear to be tiny adequate
attempt made to cultivate and strengthen the minds of those
who are destined hereafter to appeal u our passions through a
mediuM of their own Creating ?- Is any provision ;Mule for en-
larging the understandings of our future organists, in just pro-
portion to the importance of their duties, as coadjutors in the
sacred service of the church ? Ibis any care been taken. to re.
fine the manners apd purify the morals of those who are, ut
Paine, not very distant; period, to be introduced into our families
as instructors, and under cover orthe most insinuating.of all
the arts ? To this last interrogatory, and to this only, an affir-
mative answer can be given; and it is comprised in the follow-
ing highly laudable regulations.
Chap. v. Art. Ist. The first object in the education of th•
students will consist in a strict attention to their religious and
moral instruction. •
Art. 2d. A tit arrangement shall be made at the opening of
the 'Leadenly for the performance at' divine worship, and for the
proper attendance thereon of the !Lonna,'
We will not quote Seneca to prove the superiority of example
Over precept, but we shall take the libCrty to ask-the Commit-
tee, whether or not a lemon. has been nominated to an influent.
big situation in the academy, the example of whose Ufa is—if
he be countenancedsuflictent to render nugatory the most
pious and enlOtened precepts that may be delit ered to the !
pupils ? •
Here we must pause; and shall conclude our remarks by
addressing outselves to the bosoms of those illustrious and dis-
tinguished personages whose names appear vs patrons, direc-
tors, and visitors of alis estahlishment ;,-to these.Gentlemert of
the Conimittee, whose diameters stand so unspotted, so high in
soda y ;—to all, indeed, who - love virtue and hate vice ; and,
with die utmost deference and respect, we ask them, whetherthe
appointment to an important arid responsible office in the esta-
blishment of a man, who has absconded from his native land
to escape the disgraceful sentence which offended laws and
the Judges of his country pronounced upan,lllth--ivhather the
admission of such a man within the walls of a house devoted to.
the education of youth-of. both sexes, would not strangle the
infant institution in itsbirth, expose the Whole numagetuent to
general arid merited reprobation, arid disgrace a country which
bolds so exalted a rank, in the opinion ot. surrounding nations,
for ha support of' all that is honourable, and for its detestation
of whatever is flagitious ?

"1„• Our Readers will remember that soon after the plan for
constituting a RoYAL ACADEMY ot' Alusto WAS first an-
nounced, we entered into an ocamination of its nature and ten.
deney, and endeavoured to prove that it was likely to over-
stock the musical profession, and eventually to Involve most
of the Pain's in
.poverty, unless they possessed extraOrdinitry
talents. We then observed that there was no wont of mu-
sicians, or of students who devoted themselves to the art.
We received the thanks. of many humane and intelligent char..
Wets; but the plan has proceeded, though it it utterly destitute
of all solid grounds :of .support, aril, nn the Contrary, will
doubtless be attended with tire evils which we predicted. Ob-
serving the foregoing article on this subject in the first number
of The Lady's Migozint., new series, we take the liberty of in..
setting it in our Paper, zind at the Magt.t.:ine is amusing and
Instructive, we hope •to be excused by, the Proprietor if we
should again avail ourselves of the same elegant miscellany.for
the gratification of our Readers.

I.OltD PORTSMOUTH'S CASE.

EXAMINATION under the KING'S CO fl lISSXOi~'.

FREEIIASOIWIIALt, SrA URDAiiiFEA.22,-TWELFIR DAL
The Court opened at ten o'clock this morning,
and immediately proceeded to business.
The 'cross-examination of Mr. Twinam eontinued.Lord,
Portsmouth at different times purchased of me hay, strew, and
oats. His Lordship knew the market price as well as I. I do
not recollect receiving any notice not to attend to any orders of
Lerd'Portsmouth. 1 knew a man of the name of Powelle he
he was bailiff to Lord P., and occasionally gate me orders ;
his Lordship was always desirous of having his bill tolook over
it, and was always very accurate. Lord P. was fond of amus-
ing himself with taming. I never saw him in a smock frock;
I have seen him in a fustian jacket, :Tali as I have frequently
seen gentlemen wear. I never saw Lord P. shooting. I have
seen hint driving with a miter's whip, and drive very well. I
never sew him drive ill. Lord P. would not let his horses be
treated ill. He has-often come to me and said I worked my
horses too bard. I have never seen Min maltreat his horses;
the impression on my mind was, that he was remarkably care-
ful; I do not recollect having seen Lord P. attend a funeral ;
I have never seen his Lordship ring the bells ; his Lordship
endeireeured to outwit me about some water, but I got the best
of it. I have frequently seen Lord P. at turnpike meetings;
I might have said that I considered Lord P. a man of weak
mind; I do not recollect that I ever called Lord P. a fool;
swear that I do not believe that I ever made such an obser-
ration.
Re-examined—My dealings with Lord P. were continued
down to 1817 and 1318. Lord P. perfectly understood what
he was about. I made my bargains with Lord P. fairly, and
not with a view of indulging a weak mind.
Examined by the Jury--I do not consider Lord P. a fool.
Ile has a weak mind, and particularly to strangers ; to those he
has known for many years, he has not. / remember Lord P.
detecting little, errors In my account. I have never heard Lord
P. complain of Lady P. I mean that Lord P. had not the
power to discharge his servants without the consent of. Lady
Portsmouth. I so collected from Lord P. himself. 1 think a
man of sound mind would not have parted with the power of
discharging his servants voluntarily. When I made an affida-
vit in 1815, I was applfid to by Lord P.'s agents. I understood
my affidavit WAS to be used in resisting the application for a
commission of lunacy.
Rev, Dr. !lesion, examined by Mr. Wzr.T.IAMS—I nm
Rector of Mary-lesbone. I knew Lord P. many years
ten or more—of lite I have not seen hint. From the year 1814
to 1817 I knew him ; at that time he attended my parish church.
Ile sat in the eame pew with me; we generally conversed before
the service began. His Lordship's conduct was perketfy pro.
per in every respect, and he prayed with due devotion. I have
been at Lord P.'s house with parties once or twice in the 140
Lady P.'s time, but not since. The conduct, of Lord Ports.
mouth on those occasions wee that of other Gentlemen.' j saw
nothing in which his conduct could be impeached. As far ns
had an opportimity of seeing, Lord Portsmouth conducted him.
self as a.pqrson of soundmind.
lExamined by
the Juryfdo not know whether Lord Ports.
mouth ever received the sacrament. I saw nothing to impeach
themsro.uZirlegte..._ollLOreradoPeortsiamatlatip'ssinilrinc.o. r
am
Mairistrate,
anti one of the visiting Magistrates of the Lunatic Asy
um. I
am acquainted With Lord Portsmouth—between 15 and 16
years. I was introduced to him by the late Dean of Exeter. I
have met him at the houses of different gentlemen in the county
at large parties. His Lerdship conducted himself in' the same
way as any other gentleman. Hie remarks were as apposite as
that of others. I have been at Ilursthorne. and Lord and Lady
Pertimunith have been army house. I had conversations with
Lord Portsmouth. His Lordship's renisrks were trite and cor-
rect. Ile conducted himself as other gentlemen do. The con-
vereation was common:place. I have seen Lord P. at the As.
sizes, at the oratorios, and the races. I have seen him at Ses-
sions, and I have met hint at Judges' table and at the Sheriffs'.
His conduct was as other gentlemen conducted themselves.
The Rev. Dr. Goddard—l reside partly at Andover, and
partly in Lrindon I.- for many yeare I wax master at Winchestee
College; I have known Lord P. rather more than 20 years ;
have been frequently at parties with his Lordship; on these occa.
sions 1 havti had 'opporoutities of conversing with his Lordship;
I have also been in the hebit of calling at his house ; the re-
sult of my opinion is, that I eland& not have observed any
thing if I had not heard df these procetelings; his conduct and
theotemour was perfectly good, and such as that I lind observed
in other Gentlemen..
The Rev. Dr. Newbolt—l have been on speaking terms with
Lord P. for 25 years ; !should WAY he WM nut it nano of strong
mind, but decidedly a weak mind, such as would excite one's
compassion; 1 saw Lord P. play ut Whist he Mellowed snit,
but wars decidedly a very bad player • I wee mew three hours
with Lord P. in the same pew at the commemoration of St.
Paul's Church; I thought his Lordship &inducted himself with
the greatest possible decorum ; since 1814 I have not seen Ilitu ;
I should say he was a weak and illiterate moan ; but still I
should say tie was perfectly 'sound.
Examined by the Jon v—When I saw. Lord P. played at
whist he seemed to moo to knew no more of the game than
simply to follow suit.
The Rev. leuteelles Ironmongereel am one of the Pre-
bendaries of Wincheeter ; I have frequently conversed with
Lord P. on common topics, and he has conducted himself like
other Gentlemen : I consider his Lordship of weak mind, and
so far sound as a person of weak mind can be, not tending to
ally Insanity.
The Rev. Mr. Evtms---/ live near Andover ; I have known
Turd year 17fki ; heave had frequent opportue
oPt;.olbmg)elii rvtinhe
g the scale of hie Lordship's mind ; I looked
moon hiss Lordship as of weak underettinding, but perfect as tar
as it goes
Examined by the Jury.--T have had no transaction with
Lord P. to form it judgment of hitt aptitude for business ; my
opportunities of observation were confined to collusion obserea-
tion.
Sir John Sewell—l first met Lord P. 2-1 years ago ; I was
at Malta in 1811 and 15 ; while there I read an account in the
newspapers Of his Lordship having seen a man coming out of
an area and drop a silver spoon • his Lordship got out of Ids
phaeton, pursued and secured the mean; the man was after-
wards tried and convicted ; I mentioned this fact to Lord P. at
Southend, at the latter end of 1815; I asked him whether that
story wait true ? and he said it was; I have played whist with
Lord P. twice; vie were opposed both time% and I won ; on
the second occasion, which was utter the interval of a year,
Lord P. said, " Sir, you are very lucky, you heat me before ;
this struck Inc as an extraordinary instance of recollection ;
, from the result of my own observations on Lord P. 1 do not
Itha4iii
myself justified in saying his Lurdihip .was either of a
weak or unsound mind. •
1)r. Phillipse-.1 am a pliyeirian ; I reside at Wanchester ; I
resided'at Andover far 11 years ; I first went to Andover in
1811; professionally attended Lord P. and his family from
I had also been frettttently a visitor before I attended as
physician up to the time of his Lordship going to Scotland; I
eleoeeet his Lordship at other gentlemen's buses • I have met
Danner.his Lordship-at the Andover Corporation thus
frequently seen Lord P., the opinion I lied formed of his Lord.
ship's mind was that it was sound ; I think I had oPportunities
to term a correct opinion Of .hie Lordship's mind ; I have seen
th!rsapeLorr;dshi Li:et :ditunen4li
we iiiiihettirgds cocendt:entiwaraen cfro(rrecan
Eat
taur2ll,.l.
burgh •, he was just dm seme as I !led' ever fbund him ; he ex.
bibbed no symptoms of ait ‘stisound mini!:
Examined by the Juut —As a professional man, I tun of
opinion Lord P. is not a man of tutsuond mind ; I have seen
Mr. Comb?* et llurstborne. -When -I was, at Ilurstborne the
servants appeared' to treat Lord P. with proper respect ; his
Lordship was of weak mind ; I do not dunk. Lord P. could
have been of unsound mind without My discovering it.
Questioned by Mr. Ilaertoes—Do you consider a man of
sound mind who would sniffer his servants to beat him in his
own bootie, without insisting on their diScharge ?'
Witness-1 think this is reedier is pouting quteetion.
Mr. Ilaerestseel think so too.
Mr. Serjeant Pt objected re the observation of a Juryman
upon any answer which a wiultse might give upon his oath.
Mr. 3 nownu said, it was time: thIS couversation slinghl be
put en end tot.-- 'he extoilinatien then proetetied
I never saw any thing different in the conduit of Lord P.
from other Gentlemen.; l have hard of Lord P. ringing belle,
but I know nothing ofit of MY own
Mi. Woodhstrii., tetandtied by Mr. Serjeant stn
Clerk elthe Peace fur the county of n:into; I have known Lord

. .
P. for 24 years ; I Lost saw Lord P. in July last, at the
.heater races ; several gentlemen were in his carriage with him;;:
the races lasted three days; Lord Portsmouth was there twice 1
his Lordship seemed• very much pleased to ;be among his
friends ; I hall not seen him for three or four years, before.-
.
when I first saw Lord P. it was during, the life of the. firSt ,
Countess 1 I remember in 1014 soliciting tint . nirkee, of .clerk
and treasurer of a turnpike road ; there were othercandidatea ;
I wrote to Lord P. canvassing him for his vote, and he came
to the meeting of the trustees; 'the pram Earl of Carnarvon
was there ; it was a very large Meeting ;, there were four .o
Qve and twenty persons present; Lord Carnarvon propose.rt •
me, and Lord P. seconded the proposal ; on that occasion Lertl
P. conducted himself very properly, and very Mu& like, a gen-
tlemen. The other candidates withdrew; there was other
business relating to the roads talked over; 'Laid certainly
took part; from anything I saw on that occasion Lord P.'s man-
ner was as aortal as any other gendetium present; there was
Oothingsingtilar in his conduct; from all that I have seen and- •
persomdly known of Lord P. I should say he was of smlnditti nci ;
I have a note written to me bY Lord P. At the races, previous
to this letter being written, I had some Communication with
Lord P. respecting his acting, as a Magistrate te -he direcd
me to sue out his &antis, in 'order that he might beemite
Magistrate: [The note was then produced and read. -it Was'
as follows Lord Portsmouth-presents hii cotripTiMeiits to
31r. Woodham, and 'begs to know whether he has reeeised
the writ from town yet; and if he hits to inform his Lordship
of P. Sept. 27, 1814.1—Directed to Mr. Woodhull,.
Cross-examined by Mr. BitOonita sr—l sued out the writ
" but his Lordship did not qualify or act as a Magistrate.
By the 3 ukv —I do not know the date of .Lord Portsmouth
having been appointed a Magistrate ; I judge of Lard ,Ports:
mouth's mind only from what I have seen of him • Lord I'.
either wrote to me, or told inc personally that he would decline
acting as a Mayistrate fox the present.
The Rev. it . Pedticn.--I ant Curate of the pariah of An.
lover; I have been acquainted with Lord P. 25 yeas; I have.
seen his Lordship chiOly at,public meetings ; I have seen him
at the Bailiff's feast, and at the Corporation dinner at Andover;
I have seen him .also at my own house au elsewhere; uni-
formly his Lordship'S conduct has been unobjectionable an't
gentletnanly; his Lordship's conversation was chiefly of a trifl-
ing nature; he conversed on ordinary topics; his Lordship's
conduct in church has been most exemplary; I havedinedwith
Lord P. since his return front Edinburgh ; be was better dress-
ed, and in worse spirits than before from what I know of
Lind P. before I heard what I have heard' in this Court; I should
not haVe hesitated in administering the sacrament to him.—
Adjourned.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF KING'S BENCH', FEB, 22.

TilE XING v. TUE INIIAMITANTS OF TILE COTINTV or
111TDDLEST.X.
This was an indictment against the inhabitants of IlliddleSeic
fur not repairing a public bridge, to which they pleaded not
guilty. No one now appeared on behalf of the County to offer
any defence.
Mr. Gun"( informed the .Jury, that the place to which the
indictment referred was in the road leading from llomerton
to Stratford and Bow, which was intersected by the old branch
of the river lea. elver this stream there hail formerly been
a wooden bridge, which would be shown by a very old
ness to have been used by the public, but which about 10
years ago was' broken down, and had never been replaced.
Since that time, persons who passed the road with horses and
' carriages were obliged to ford the river, which in dry seasons
Might be done without difficulty, but which was often ex-
tremely dangerous. Repeated accidents had occurred at the
spot ; but nu one had, till now, the spirit to indict the pounty,
in order 'to compel them to rebuild the bridge, to which they
were unquestionably liable.
The Learned Counsel called an innkeeper named fibley, who:-
proved that the bridge was broken down 18' years ago, and a wit.
ness of 94 years of age named James Trustum, who recoil: Tied
the bridge for 70 years, and had assisted in : repairing it more
than 00 years since. This witness gave his evidence with a
clearness and promptitude which surprised the Court. This•
roads leading to the bridge were shown to be publiobighwaya
The Lord CHIEF...) tittTICE stated to the Juryl that the
county were primefreie bound to repair all public bridges, ar:d
theretore they must be holden liable Until they could chew 1311
obligation in some other quarter to perform the duty. If, dale,
lore, they were satisfied that the bridge was' public,,_ and that
it was in a dangerous condition, they would find the defendants
guilty. ,
The Jury immediately returned a verdict of eillll.
Titetronn v. TIM rAtl L BTitATIESIORE.
Mr. PULLER stated, that this was an action against this
Hight lion. neorge Bowes, Earl of Stratinnore, on a dishOTlOur.
ed Bill of Exchenge, accepted by the Node defendant, fez.
/150/. 18s. with interest.
Bill put in, made payable it Sinith, Payne, and Co.'s, for',
value received of Mr. John Buchan.
Mr. PLATT took an objection, that thia bill Stated' a special
contract to pay at a certain place; and submitted, the plumtiif
having declared upon a general acceptance, Was at variance
with the record, so that by this action, which should have,been
upon a special contract, the plaintiff could not recover.
Tho,Lo lID Cli F J UST ter- over.ruled the abjection.
Verdict for the plaintiff, with intereste—Damages, 5091. Ids. •
A simple but very important alteration hasbeen introduced
in this Court, by placing the witnesses box on an elevation cleit
to the Jury, on the right hand of the Judge. The great diet.
culty so often felt from the reluctance ar inability of witnesses
to " speak out," will be necessarily removed.