The Sun.
London, England, 1848-12-18 00:00:00

MON DA EVENING, DECEMBER lB, 1848.

ties, before their discharge, were cautioned to find the
necessary sureties, and go with them before a local ma-
gistrate within a week.
The trial of the eight who are selected for trial for
felony, under the late Act, was fixed by Mr. Baron Al-
derson for to-day (Monday).
It is understood that a like selection amongst the 46
Chartist prisoners from Manchester will be made.
Shortly after six o'clock the Court adjourned till ten
this (Monday) morning.

ALLEGED PLUNDER OF THE
CHATEAU DE NEUILLY.

A large concourse, principally of foreigners, visited
Marlborough-street Police-court on Saturday, for the
purpose of ascertaining the result of an investigation
into a charge made against three individuals, alleged to
be of rank, of having unlawful possession of property
valued at 12,0001. or 14,000/., belonging to King Louis
Philippe and the members of his family, assumed to
have been abstracted from the royal palaces of the
Tuileries and the Chateau de Neuilly at the commence-
meat of the recent revolution in France. At two
o'clock, the hour appointed to resume the inquiry, Mr.
Bodkin, Mr. Wontner, and Mr. Humphreys entered the
court. The accused, Marie Doralice and Eugene
Soulier, took their positions before the bar. The lady is
understood to be the daughter of Baron de Bassagnes,
the other party included in .the proceedings, who was
too much indisposed to appear personally. The de-
fendant Soulier is a man of respectable appearance, said
to have assumed the title of "Baron," but reported to
fill the part of secretary to the Baron do Bassagnes.
After some conversation between Mr. Bodkin and Mr.
Wontner,
Mr. Bodkin rose, and addressing Mr. Hardwick, said
—Sir, the parties before you having agreed when last
here to appear again on their own recognisances, I am
glad to have an opportunity of mentioning some circum-
stances which have occurred since last week. It will be
recollected that on the informatio❑ of Mr. Grelliere, a
warrant was obtained from this court and executed, and
under that warrant possession was taken of a variety of
property, supposed to belong to King Louis Philippe
and the members of his family. Among other things
were some articles of jewellery, which were produced
here on the last occasion. These articles of jewellery
were show❑ to a member of the royal suite, General
de Chabannes, who, on examining the property, stated
that he confidently believed the articles to be the pro-
perty of the royal family. It was desirable, as I
then intimated to you, that the articles should be sub-
mitted to the distinguished claimants or others whom
would be VI" most competent to speak decisively on the
question, because General de Chabannes could only
speak as to his belief, judging from the general appear-
ance of the property. In consequence of this determi-
nation it was considered that the most satisfactory and
conclusive mode of obtaining this testimony would be to
send to Paris for M. Bapst, an eminent jeweller, who, in
the capacity of jeweller, was acquainted with the jewels
of the royal family. It was supposed that M. Bapst was
the person who could speak with the most confidence as
to the ownership of the jewels, and accordingly a com-
munication was made to M. Bapst, who, on learning its
nature, immediately came over here. The articles were
submitted to the inspection of M. Bapst, and M. Bapst,
after examining them, stated that although there was
a close resemblance between the articles produced and
articles of the ssme kind belonging to the royal family,
yet they were not jewellery belonging to the royal
family, though the articles had evidently been made
in imitation of the royal jewels, and bore so close a
resemblance to them that they might be properly de-
scribed as Jac similes, and nobody but a jeweller could
distinguish them from similar articles belonging to the
royal family. I cannot help saying, considering that
those articles present all the appearance of similar arti-
cles belonging to the royal family, and that they are
found in the possession of parties who have also posses-
sion of a picture about which there is no question of
ownership, that here one of those strange and unaccount-
able coincidences in the course of human affairs has
arisen which is useful so far as enabling us to render
credence to works of fiction, to which such matters are
principally confined. But as in M. Bapst's opinion—the
individual most competent to give an opinion on the
question—the property only resembled the royal jewels,
and reference having been made to the royal family on
the subject, it was at once decided that all claim on
the part of the royal family should be with-
drawn. In adopting this course I am acting
in pursuance to instructions from my royal clients, it
being proper that individuals in their distinguished
station of life should at once withdraw their claim
of ownership where a shadow of doubt arises. With
respect to the other articles, the same forbearance in
not claiming the property as belonging to the royal
family will be exercised, and the same course taken as
in the case of the more valuable articles. So far, then,
Sir, as your jurisdiction is concerned, this matter will be
withdrawn from your notice, and I shall not trouble you
to make any adjudication under the Act upon which the
proceedings have been founded.
Mr. HARDWICK—Do I understand that this withdrawal
applies to the picture.
Mr. Bodkin—l withdraw all claim to the property
under this Act, and I withdraw all appeal to your juris-
diction, for if you were to order the picture to be re-
stored, it would not confer a title to the property, and it
would only be in the nature of a guarantee for its de-
tention. The Act does not bar our civil claim, and as
the claim to the articles of greater value is withdrawn
under existing circumstances, so I ask to withdraw all
claim to the smaller articles. But I must say the cir-
cumstances themselves abundantly justify the course
that has been adopted. General Chabannes, when he
saw the articles, declared his belief that they were the
property of the royal family, and M. Bapst himself,
speaking of the same articles, says they can only be dis
tinguished from the royal jewels by a je yeller, so nice is
the distinction.

Mr. Wontner said, as the professional adviser of the
Baron de Bassagnes, who was not present, he should feel
that lie neglected his client,
einterest if he allowed the
proceedings to terminate without some further explana-
tion. The Baron had been held as an impostor. lie
was stated to be no Baron, but something else. He
was desirous, therefore, that the public mind should be
disabused on this and some other points. The Baron
wes a native of the Isle of Bourbon. In early lite he
rendered important services to his country by establish-
ing-sugar plantations in the colony, and by introducing
British machinery for the purpose of extracting the
sugar with greater facility. So eminent were his ser-
vices that Louis XVIII. of France made him a Baron
of the realm. The Baron de Bassagnes naturally felt
annoyed that it had gone forth to the world that he was
a somebody with an alias, and he complained generally
of the treatment he had received.
Mr. HARDWICK said, so far as his recollection served
him of what passed in court at the last examination, he
was not aware that any reflection whatever had been cast
on the character of Baron de Bassagnes, or that any
doubt had been cast on his title.
Mr. Wontner said he had seen the Baron described
with an alias. This was wrong, and he felt it was tie;
cessary to explain that the Baron was entitled to the
rank he claimed. The Baron came over to this country
with articles of jewellery in his possession to dispose of.
He had been compelled to do this because, as one of the
first acts of the Republic was to abolish slavery, he had
b-en deprived of his property in 500 slaves, and having
received no remittances from his estate, he had been
obliged to dispose of some of the costly articles which he
had brought over to this country for the purpose of sale.
The Baron had bought some of those very articles from
the jeweller of King Louis Philippe—the police came to
his room and took possession of his property on a ground-
less suspicion. The Baron felt that he had been
grievously treated, and that not the slightest
pretence existed for assailing his character or taking
possession of his property. The Baron had sent
to M. Bapst, and to other jewellers from whom he
had made purchases, and he was ready to show how
he became possessed of the articles found in his
keeping. But he would not go into that matter, as the
charge had been withdrawn. He would content himself
with saying that his respectable client was ready to
show that he was the lawful owner of the jewellery.
With respect to the picture, that was not in Baron de
Bassagnes' possession, and he need not enter into that
question. The picture was not part of the Baron's pro-
perty, but had been committed to the care of his secre-
tary, Eugene de Soulier.
Mr. Bodkin said his observations at the last hearing
were expressly limited to the two individuals present,
who had assumed the title of Baron and Baroness. He
had not thrown any doubt on the title of the Baron de
Bassagnes.
Mr. HARDWICK said it was an extraordinary circum-
stance to fiad a portion of the property known to have
been left in one of the royal palaces in France in the
hands of parties who had also to dispose of property of
their own bearing the strongest possible resemblance to
other royal property. This naturally threw a suspicion
on the parties, and led to inquiry, and the circumstances
which have been stated justified that inquiry. The pro-'I
ceedings, however, had been immediately withdrawn
when a competent witness, M. Bapst, came forward and
stated that the articles were only similar in manufacture
to the royal jewels.
The defendants were about to be discharged, when a
Custom-house officer came forward, and claimed to seize
the whole of the property, on the ground that the articles
consisted of foreign goods which had come into this
country without paying duty. He wished to impound
the goods, and to have the goods taken for safe custody
to the Custom-house, until the owner could prove that
the duty had been regularly paid.
Mr. Wontner said all the articles had come over with
the baggage of the owners. They had been exhibited at
the Custom-house, either at Dover or Folkstone, and
had passed as passengers' baggage.
Mr. HARDWICK asked if it could be shown that the
duty had been paid en the articles? The Custom-house
officer said if the articles had passed in the regular way
the parties could produce the necessary proofs.
Mr. HARDWICK said his duty was at an end. If the
Custom-house officer chose to seize the property he must
do so on his own responsibility. The Custom-house
officer said he would seize the property on the part of
the Crown.

Seals were placed on the property, in order that the
articles might be subjected to Custom-house scrutiny.
'rho defendants were then liberated.

SAM SLICK'S NEW WORK, " TUE OLD JUDGE."—
The numer, Is readers of " Sam Slick, the Clockmaker,"
will be gratified to learn that this very popular author
is again about to come before them with a new work,
possessing, we hear, equal, if not stronger claims, to
public favour. It is to be published under the title of
" Tho Old Judge; or, Life in a Colony." It is said to
be peculiarly rich in illustrations of life end manners in
two of the most important of our colonial pthises,ions,
and to cranprise some very striking stories and adven-
tures told in the clockmaker'a unapproachatle style of
humour, and will prove, no doubt, one of the most enter-
taining books for Christmas reading.

ROBBING LIBRARIES at OXFORD.
On Tuesday, Mr. Andrew Belany, described as an
undergraduate of St. Peter's College, Cambridge, under-
went an examination at the city gaol, Oxford, on a
charge of having stolen fifty-nine volumes of various
books from the University Union Reading Rooms, to
which he had access, through the recommendation of a
friend. The prisoner had been fully committed on a
previous charge of stealing books from the shop of Mr.
Slatter, bookseller, of the High-street, Oxford. The
latter case was gone into with greut care and minute-
ness, and from the evidence adduced it appeared that the
prisoner arrived in Oxford on the 28th ult., and stayed
at the Star Hotel till the 30th, when he took lodgings at
Mr. Boddington's, in Oriel-street. On Friday, the Ist
inst., the prisoner went to the shop of Mr. Slatter, and
remained an hour and a half looking over his valuable
and rare collection of old books, when he left without
making any purchase. Shortly after Mr. Rose, nephew to
Mr. Shatter, missed a rare and valuable volume, entitled
"Roman Martyrologie," which was sold next day to Mr.
Laycock, the book auctioneer. On Mr. Slatter calling
on the latter gentleman to apprise him of his loss, he
was shown the hook in question, as well as two others,
also his property, which had been sold by a person an-
swering the description of the prisoner. Mr. Slatter ap-
prised Lucas, the superintendent of police, and having
found out the prisoner's lodgings proceeded there, but
did not find him at home. On returning they met him
coming from Christ Church, where he had been to call
on Dr. Pusey, who had given him the following letter
of introduction to Dr. Bandinall, the librarian of the
Bcdleian Library.—
" My dear Bandinall,—The bearer, :Mr. Belany, of
Cambridge, but not a graduate, wishes to look at some
book in the Bodleian; I suppose it is not out of order
for you to admit him recommended as a stranger.—
Yours, most faithfully, " E. B. PUSEY."

Oa searching the prisoner's lodgings a collection of
valuable books was found, including 59 volumes be-
longing to the Union Reading Room, the illegal posses-
sion of which formed the present charge against the pri•
soner. Evidenco was adduced that brought the case
clearly home, but as it is thought there may be other
charges of a similar nature against him, the prisoner
was remanded. It has since transpired that the amount
which Mr. Laycock paid the prisoner for books was 181.,
including 131. ss. for a copy of St. Chrysostom. lie
stated that he bought the work in Paris for 241.
On Friday the prisoner underwent another examina-
tion at the city gaol, which ended in his being fully com-
mitted to sessions on the second charge. It is stated
that, after his committal, the prisoner made a confession
before his solicitor and Alderman Browning of having
stolen the books. In reference to this case the Cambridge
Chronicle says—" There is too much reason to fear that
the prisoner has carried on similar practices i❑ Cam-
bridge. On Wednesday last Mr. Mayor, of St. John's
College, inquired of the librarian to the Union Society
if he had missed' Ward's Ideal of a Christian Church,'
out of the library. Upon receiving a reply in the affir-
mative, Mr. Mayor said he believed he had recognised
the book in the shop of Mr. Johnson, Sidney-street. The
librarian proceeded thither, and discovered amongst the
stock of Mr. Johnson, who afforded every facility to the
inquiry, not only the book in question, but about thirty
others belonging to the Union Society. These books, it
appears, Mr. Johnson purchased of Belany at different
times. The external marks have been carefully erased,
and the labels within removed with so much nicety that
it was difficult to discover that they had ever existed.
We understand that no less than 126 volumes have been
missed from the Union Roma."

REPRESENTATION of LISKEARD.
LISISEARD, DEC. 13.—A. meeting was held in the
Guildhall of this borough, last evening, to hear Mr.
Crowder, Q.C., address the electors.

- -
On th'e motion of Mr. ADAMS, seconded by Mr.
GEAcu, Bernard Ansty, Esq., was called to the chair,
and after a few observations introduced Mr. Crowder to
the meeting.

Mr. CROWDER, on coming forward, was loudly
cheered, and after paying a tribute to the memory of
their late representative, Mr. C. Buller, he proceeded:—
Gentlemen, I appear before you seeking your suffrages
on the same liberal principles of reform which induced
you to give your support to Mr. Buller. I know that
the Liberal constituency of this borough is firm and de-
termined to give that support where they believe it is
due; and although not having before been in Parlia-
ment, from my earliest days I was a lover of reform—
from the earliest period in which I could understand any-
thing of political affairs it appeared to me to be abso-
lutely necessary to do away with that greatest scandal
and disgrace, the rotten borough system, which pre-
vailed prior to 1832.—(Cheers.) In that reform I most
cordially concurred. I am not one of those who thiak
that the parliamentary reform should stop thore—
(Loud cheers)—but, on the contrary, the same grounds
and reasons which induced the passing of that Bill in
1832, ought to induce further progress whenever the
Parliamentary representation can be improved, where-
ever it can be ascertained that the franchise can be
properly given, so as to be exercised fairly and ho-
nestly by those to whom it is given. Some think that
in addition to reform, universal suffrage should prevail.
I am not of that opinion. It appears to me that we
ought to endeavour to improve the representation as far,
as we can, according to the present system ; and I be-
lieve there are many instances in which, if the details
were examined, there might be very wholesome re-
forms, so that those not in the enjoyment of the fran-
chise might be put :in possession of it. I think the
working of the present law might be greatly improved,
and I would most cordially concur in any measure that
might be brought before Parliament for such improve •
ment.—(Cheer;.) Now, there is another measure to
which I would advert. I mean the proposition for secret
voting. Gentlemen, I am, for one, most anxious that a
voter should be protected in the full and free exercise of the
franchise. I would most fully aid and assist in any mea-
sure that could be proposed for that purpose, provided it
could be done without introducing other difficulties and
other mischief—provided it could be done without fear
of bribery and corruption. Gentlemen, I say that in
respect to secret voting—the ballot—that is the name
usually given to it—if any measure should be proposed
in Parliament by which the voter can be protected from
intimidation, or front being subjected to bribery or cor-
ruption of any kind, it shall have my support.—(Loud
applause.) But as to the particular mode in which it
should be carried out, there is a difference of opinion
among the honest Liberals of this borough. I have heard
it said by some—we must have the ballot, theremust be se-
cret voting, or a man cannot exercise his franchise freely.
I have also hard it said by others, we are not for s?crei.
voting, for how should we know our friends? I only say
if any measure of that kind could be proposed, which
would meet the difficulty, it should have my greatest
attention and support. So much for Parliamentary re-
form. But I am for reforms of every description. I am
for reforming all abuses in the law, and that there are
such I must admit. I have practised the profession of
the law, and I believe that the laws of England on the
whole are as well, if not better, administered than in
any other country in Europe. I believe the foundation
of our laws is just, and good, and equitable, but abuses
have crept into the administration of both the criminal
and civil law. I trust and hope that the great experi-
ment so recently made in the establishment of Small
llshts Courts will be found to be an improvement, and
a beneficial reform in the law of this country. Gentle-
men, there is another matter in which I fervently hope
to see a very considerable reform—l advert to the
Ecclesiastical Courts, which have been in many re-
spects a scandal and disgrace to the country.—(Loud
cheers.) It appears to me that there ought to be some
sweeping measure of reform with regard to those
courts. As regards the Church, no doubt there are
various matters requiring the consideration of Parlia-
ment, and, so far as I am concerned, I should go to the
House of Commons with the same determination to re-
form any abuses in the Church as I should have 'to re-
form abuses in the law, or in any other matterd. Gen-
tlemen. I am told that some short time ago Mr. Bick-
ham Escott offered himself to your notice in the position
in which I now stand, and that he stated to you that I
was not not a sufficient Reformer; that he went far be-
yond me; and, as I am informed, the statements that he
made in his speech did show a desire to make sweeping
reforms of every description. He further told you, as I
have been informed, that he had beaten me out of the
field in 1841 at Winchester, and that I was not a fit per-
son to be your representative. I think Mr. Bickham
Escott would have dealt more fairly if he had informed
you how it was ho had beaten me at Winchester,
In 1841 I appeared as a candidate for the represene
tation of Winchester on precisely the same prin.
ciples as those I now profess. Mr. Escott opposed me
on Tory principles—as opposed to all reforms—as op-
posed to every species of progress and improvement, stat-
ing to the constituency of Winchester that reformers were
revolutionists. His success was attributable to this,
that the majority of the constituency were Tories. I
believe that in England it is well known that reform is
not revolution, but, on the contrary, that reform is the
best possible antiiote to revolutionary principles.—
(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I ascribe the extraordinary posi-
tion of our country as compared with other countries—
the order, the tranquillity, the obedience to the laws,
which has prevailed hem, in the most difficult times, in
times of the greatest distress—l ascribe it to the mea-
sures from time to time carried out, showing to the peo-
ple of this country that there has been, and is, a dispo-
sition to remedy abases before they become too hard to
bear.—(Cheers.) I think it is exceedingly wrong to
ascribe to measures of reform the evils under which the
poor of this country now labour. You find that the far-
mer complains that he cannot sell his corn. It is well
known, and the farmer knows that there has been a bad
season—that the produce, which he cannot dis-
pose of, has been deteriorated in price in conse-
quence of the elements, and not in any degree by
reforms, whether of free trade or otherwise.—(Cheers.)
And if those persons would only consider for a moment
the state of others engaged in trade, they would find
that there has been very great distress and great reduc-
tion of labour. Look, for instance, at the copper trade
in this country. You know very well that a consider-
able trade in copper has been carried on, but in conse-
quence of the low price of copper there has been a re-
duction in labour. What is the cause of that? When
you look at the condition of the continent of Europe, it
is not difficult to discover the cause. You find that
France, which used to take, as a customer, very consi-
derable portions of our ore, is unable to buy it. The
French have been reduced to a state of the greatest dis-
tress. The destruction of property in that country has
prevailed so much that there are not the means of mak-
ing those purchases from us that existed hitherto,
and it is to that may be ascribed the present condi-
tion of the copper trade. Gentlemen, there is another
point which appears to me to be of great importance—
I mean the retrenchment of the expenditure of the
Government.—(Cheers _) I do believe that it is abso-
lutely necessary that that matter should be taken into
the anxious -zonial( r: ion oF ti E,;onf)tn
or retrenchment, ought to prevail in every branch to which
it can be applied, and I hope and believe that there is an
intention to do to, Westin commissions of inquiry have

been authorized for the purpose; but it must be done
earnestly, and with the full intention of lopping off all
improper expenditure in the various departments of the
State.—(Cheers.) This leads me to the consideration
of a matter which unquestionably would have a great
effect in producing retrenchment and economy—l mean,
that desire for peace which prevails among many ex
cellent Christians in this country, and which they have
endeavoured to carry out by meetings abroad. Gentle-
men, I should be anxious for peace on almost any terms
short of national disgrace and lois of honour.—(Cheers.)
It is necessary that you should have the means of saving
the country from foreign attacks ; but if all mankind
would agree that there should be no war, it would be a
great day for Christianity. I feel that ignorance is the
cause of the greatest crimes that are committed. I be-
lieve, therefore, that education ought to be increased,
ought to be extended, and I should be most delighted if
any plan could be found that would reconcile the feeling
of all sects respecting the mode in which it should be
extended to all classes of the community.—(Cheers.)
It has been considered by those in power, how far edu-
cation can be carried out, so as not to offend the scruples
of any sect. It is possible that a plan may be discovered
by which those scruples may be considered, and at the
same time education generally promoted, so as to render
it available for the common good of all, and any
such plan should have my support.—(Cheers.)
There is another matter to which I should refer ;
it is as to the supposed intention of endowing the
Roman Catholic priests.—(Hear, hear.) I have
stated, and I here state again, that I am opposed to the
application of the national funds of this country for any
such purpose—for the purpose of any endowment—
. (Cheers)—because I believe that it is contrary, not only
to the feelings of our country, but even to expediency
and policy—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, it is known that Mr.
Kekewich no longer intends to contest the representation
of this borough, and I do not therefore see that there is
any probability of a contest at the present election, for I
cannot discover on what ground another person could
hope to succeed when Mr. Kekewich found it impossible
to do so.—(Cheers.) However, with that I have nothing
to do. I thank you most sincerely for the kind support
which I have received from the Liberal electors of this
borough. The honourable gentleman also expressed his
thanks for the courtesy which he had received from his
political opponents, and concluded amidst loud cheers.
The meeting was then addressed by Mr. J. Sergeant,
Mr. J. Allen, and Mr.Geach, and a resolution to the effect
"that Mr. Crowder was a fit and proper person to re-
present them in Parliament," was carried without op-
position.
The proceedings soon after terminated.

REPRESENTATION OF LEOMINSTER.
LEOMINSTER, SATURDAY.—The two candidates left
in the field by the retirement of Mr. Phillimore—Mr.
Frederick Peel and Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton—are
persevering in their devoirs to the electors, but neither
candidate can boast of remarkable success, and both
complain of the scanty number of actual promises given.
The fact is, that a great number of the burgesses are
holding back their promises, not in the expectation that
any third candidate will offer himself, but for other
motives, which need not be more particularly alluded to.
The recollection •of the " good old time," when votes
were worth 10L a piece, cannot be :banished from their
recollection, and hence the uncertainty complained of
by the candidates. - _ _

Mr. Peel's party are confident. Sir Edward Bulwer
Lytton has had a grand field-day, when he addressed
the electors at great length on political topics.
Sir EDWARD BIILWER LYTTON, after some introduc-
tory remarks, proceeded to review his past political lite,
reminding the electors that he had supported the Re-
form Bill, the reduction of the newspaper tax, municipal
reform, and the abolition of the slave trade. With re-
gard to the recent abolition of the old corn-laws, at the
time when that measure was proposed he represented
the agricultural constituency of Lincoln. tie was
brought up among agriculture, and perhaps his natural
prejudices were not in accordance with the views enter-
tained by Mr. Villiers and Mr. Cobden. Ha looked
upon the abolition of the corn-laws as a hazardous ex-
periment. The fears which be then entertained, and
still did entertain, were these—the pricipal motive for
which the corn.laws were sought to be abolished was to
give agreater impetus to our manufacturers, and to enable
them to dispose of their goods to foreigners by obtaining
cheap corn in return. He feared it had been shown by
recent experience to be free trade all on one side of the
question. Those who were very ready to sell their
grain were not so willing to open their ports to our mer-
chandise. It was generally found, too, that the rate of
wages was regulated by the price of corn, and wages had
already been reduced as the price of wheat had fallen.
But the question of free trade was now settled; if again
to be opened, it would not be by individuals, but by a
change in public opinion. The Hon. Baronet then en-
tered into an exposition of his opinions upon the pre-
vailing political topics of the day. He advocated a
thorough investigation of our national expenditure, and
a reduction wherever safely practicable. This should
come before constitutional reform. He did not think that
they ought to wait for financial reform until they got
constitutional reform. As to the suffrage, he thought
the elector ought to be protected from all undue
nfluence, and to be permitted to vote consci-
entiously, and therefore he was in favour of the ballot.
There were certain objections to the principle of vote by
ballot, but until they could show him a better mode of
protection, it should continue to receive his support. The
extension of the suffrage was a question which required
some attention. He was not in favour of universal suf-
frage, and he disapproved of household suffrage. There
should be an extension of the franchise, but the question
was to what extent. He was for popular educatiou.
Give him that, and he did not care how far the suffrage
was extended. Whenever he heard a plan of education
proposed which was likely to qualify the people for the
exercise of the suffrage, he should be ready to give it
his warmest support. With reference to the endowment
question, he did not wish to raise the Protestant cry,"
but he thought there was nothing more impolitic, nothing
more improper than the endowment of the Roman Ca-
tholic clergy. What was the pretence for endowing
Roman Catholicism? The reason given by statesmen
was that they could better govern Ireland through her
priestbo id, when by their donations they attached that
priesthood to the State. Now, he did not like governing
a people through a priesthood. He disapproved of the
principle altogether, and would wish to see Ireland go-
verned by the civil law, and not by a priesthood, for the
government of a priesthood was priestcraft. He con-
ceived nothing was so impolitic as to endow a Roman
Catholic clergy, and especially at a time when there
was a cry in the country against endowments at all. The
Hon. Baronet went on to disclaim any party connexion,
and expressed his gratification at the break up of parties
in the State. But though he was not for party be was
for opinion. He was for the principle of progress, be-
cause he believed that it was the safest and the true,Con-
servative principle. It was impossible to say who would
be the favourites a year hence—Tories or Radicals. In
conclusion, he complained that the voters of Leominster
withheld the promise of their votes from both candi-
dates. If they did not make up their minds soon, he
should make up his, and take his departure from the
borough.

RULWAY SHARE MARKETS
BRISTOL, DEC. 16.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The market was firmer to-day, with
an advance in prices. Great Western, 171. Shares, 278 dis.
Buyers of Great Western Quarters at 4% dis. ; holders would
not, however, sell unless at 4% dis.
LI VERPOOI„ DEC. 16.
STOCK EXCHANGE.—The share market has been firm
to• day, and prices have an upward tendency. The sales are
—Birkenhead, Lancashire, and Cheshire ( late C. and B.),
271. lOs. Shares, 5 per cent. for 1847-48, and 6 per cent., 1849,
14—Caledonian, Preference, Is. 3d. p.—Great Northern
(A Shares), Deferred, 4%—Ditto (B Shares), 31. 18s. 9d.
dis.—Lancashire and Yorkshire (late Manchester and Leeds),
Fifths, 41A c. dis.—Ditto, 32/. Shares (late Extension), Bth
dis.—Ditto, Halves (late Liverpool and Bury), 17)-A dis.—
London and North-Western, 401. Shares, 'hi c.
Stock, 81—Ditto, New Halves, Vig c. —North Staffordshire,
6!-;i dis.— Scottish Central, 261A—South-Eaptern and Dover,
No. 4, Thirds, 6X —York, Newcastle, and Berwick (G. N. E.
Purchase), 1 c.
BIRMINGHAM, DEC. 16.

STOCK EXCHANGE. - The sales are —North Staffordshire,
61. 3e. 9d. dis.—Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A), 71. Bs. 9d.
dig.—Ditto (B), 41. Bs. 9d. dis.—Shrewsbury and Birming-
ham, Preference, 7s.