The Sun.
London, England, 1846-02-25 00:00:00

No. 16,672. LONDON, WEDNESDAY E _
N,
G

OYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION,
Jue., Lectures on CHEMISTRY, with Brilliant Experiments,
by Dr. Ryan, daily at Half-past Three, and on the Evenings ot
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, at Nine o'Clock. During
Lent a series of LECTURES on ASTRONOMY, by Dr. Bachhoflner
on the Mornings and Evenings of Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fri-
days, illustrated by a beautiful DISSOLVING ORRERY. A daily
LECTURE on the ATMOSPHERIC RAILWAY, illustrated by a
Working Model carrying Visitors. A New and Powerful Working
Model ut COLEMAN'S PATENT LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE, lehich
ascends and descends Inclined Planes with one or more passengers.
The PHYSIOSCOPE, OPAQUE MICROSCOPE, DISSOLVING
VIEWS, CHROM k TROPE, &c. Experiments with the DIVING
BELL and DIVER. Open from Eleven to Half-past Five, and
rom Seven to Half-put Ten in the Evening,
Admittance, One Stalling. Schools, Half-price.

OR rEI WALES RAILWAY.
GENERAL MEETING.
Notice is hereby given, that the Ordinary or Half-yearly GENE-
RAL MEETING of the SWAREHOLDERS of the North Wales
Railway Company will be held at the LONDON TAVERN, Bishops-
gate-street, in the City of London, on THURSDAY, the 26th day of
Februttry next, at One o'clock in the afternoon precisely, for the
teausection of the ordinary business of the Company, in pursuance of
the North Wales Railway Act, 1845, and of the other general Aels of
Parliament relating to railways.
And notice is hereby further given, that the Books for the Regis-
tration of Transfers will be closed on and after the 16th day of
February next, until such half-yearly general meeting shall have
been held.

By order of the Board,
JOEIN 2, Guildhall Chambers, Basinghall-street ARItINBR, Secretary.
eet,M Jan. 29, 1845.

UNIVERSAL GAS-LIGHT COMPANY.
At a meeting of the' Provisional Committee, held at the
othees, 159, Drury-lane, London, on Saturday, the 21st February,
1846,

JOHN RYAN, Esq., M.D., LL.D., in the chair,
It was 'resolved —That the allotment of shares in the above
Company shall take place on MONDAY, the 16th day of March next
ensuing.

Applications for shares to be made to the Secretary, Mr. William
Nicholson, to whoM all letters must he addressed, prepaid.

CIGAR and CHEROOT WAREHOUSES-,
21, BUDGE-ROW, WATLING-STREET, CHEAPSIDE,
LONDON. One of the largest stocks in the kingdom, warranted
first quality, at CHARLES TOSSWILL and CO.'s, Commission
Merchants, Importers' and Manufacturers. Foreign Cigars, 18s.,
205., and 21s. p. r lb. ; Colorados, a new Cigar, 21s. per lb. British,
manufactured from ie Sliest Tobaccos imported. Cheroots, 6s. ;
Ambrosial, 75. ; Mexican, 7s. Cigars—Cuba, 75.; Harannah, 7s. Gil. ;
Silva.% Bs. Gd. ; Begs Has, Bs. 6d.; Cabanas, Bs. Gd. ; Lopez, 9s. 6d. ;
P. hielpes, 9s. Gd. per lb. ; and every other kind.

DIRECT LONDON ANI) EXETER
RAILWAY.
A special general meeting of the proprietors of this Company was
h eld at one o'clock on Monday, at the London Tavern, for the purpose
of receiving from the committee appointed at the last meeting, a
statement of their affairs, and to take steps accordingly. Sir J. B.
Chichester, occupied the chair, and a considerable number of share-
holders were present,
The CHAIRMAN called attention to the resolution passed on the
15;h of December last, in which the shareholders stated they had
every confidence in. the directors, and empowered them to issue
shares and to return the deposits to the shareholders in the event of
the necessary Capital not being subscribed, and that a statement of
accounts be prepared to be submitted at a subsequent meeting. At
that meeting they awarded a vote of thanks to him for which he
felt extremely grateful, but the compliment was not without its alloy,
inasmuch as charges were made against himself and the other direc-
tors. lie then entered into the proceedings of the last meeting, and
contended that it was contrary to the spirit of the deed to discharge
the old committee and to appoint another.
The SECRETARY then read the report of the committee, which stated
that at the last meeting the balance in hand was 192/., but they expected
that in a short time they would be able to show a larger balance in
favour of the Company. They had applied to the members of the
provisional committee who had not paid their deposits to do so, but
they had in every ease refitted. They had, however, taken the
opinion of counsel, who were of opinion that they could be com-
pelled to do so, and they had instructed their solicitor to take steps
to recover them; thus several thousands would be added to the assets
of the Company. They had experienced great difficulty in inquiring
into the state of their finances on account of Dr. Mandel,
who had taken a number of papers, which he refused to give up in
consequence of a claim which he had made for services rendered in
his capacity or honorary secretary. The liabilities of the Company
had been greatly underrated at the last meeting. Mr. Columbine
had claimed 8121., but on investigation they found that he had re-
ceived various sums of money, but for what purposes did not appear;
they had called on him to send in a full statement of his claim, but
he had not yet done so. Ills claim, they understood, arose
out of an agreement entered Into with the old committee
on the 16th of Septenmer, by which he was to receive
1,800 shares, on which 11. 7s. 6d. should be considered as paid, in con-
sideration of his having been the pare-toter of the line, and, in addi-
tion, that he should be retained as its solicitor. They had sought the
opinion of counsel on this point, and the opinion they had received
was to the effect that it was objectionable and illegal. Mr. Colum-
bine had printed a statement, which had thrown much obloquy on
the directors ; but as the statements contained in it were untrue,
they could afford to despise them. Mr. A.nerum had behaved in a
different manner, as Ile had consented to receive a entail sum in
discharge of his claim, with this prevision, that if the line was ulti-
mately carried out, his claim might not he prejudiced. Claims,
amounting to upwards of 6,9541.,' had been reduced to about 3,0001.
Two actions had been brought against them by Mr. Braithwaite,
the engineer, for 5,5331. Gs. sd. In addition to 8,0001. he had received,
and the other action was for 9,000/. by one of the surveyors, which
the committee held was part of the amount included in the claim
made for that portion of their undertaking. They were of opinion
that Mr. Braithwaite's claim could not be maintained, and in addition
that they could compel him to refund the money he had received, as
his plans and sections, were most defective, which were delivered at
the last moment, and would have caused the line to be thrown out
in standing orders. They intended, by permission of the share-
holders, to appoint an eminent engineer to go over that gentleman's
plans. The opinions of counsel had been obtained at the expense of
the directors.
A SHAREHOLDER said it was a mistake to say that they constituted
a committee, inasmuch as the directors had tailed to form one ; the
necessary capital of 3,000,0001. had not been obtained, and the de-
posits received were simply a pledge that the remainder would be
paid when required. They had no right to spend a shilling belong-
ing to the shareholders—in fact they might be taken before the Lord
Mayor for doing so.—(Laughter.)
The CHAIRMAN having moved the adoption of the report.
Mr. VALLANCE said he had no doubt their directors were all
honourable men, but they had shown most lamentable incapacity in
the management of the affairs of the Company. He was, however,
prepared to prove that at the very time the Chairman stated at the
last meeting that there was only a balance of 4121. in hand, he had
1,000/. belonging to the Company in his pocket, which he intended to
devote to stock jobbing transactions.— (Cries of " No, no," and
" Hear, hear.") And that he had since devoted 5601. of the Com-
pany's money to the same purpose. The balance now appeared to be
7,0001., which he called upon the directops to divide among the
shareholders. Subsequent decisions in the law courts showed that
they might recover all the money which their directors had mis-
appropriated.
Mr. COLUMBINE said he was also prepared to show that on the
26th of November the Chairman issued cheques to pay for stock-
jobbing.
The CHAIRMAN said if this was so, he must have been cognizant of
the fact, as he was his professional adviser at that period.—(Cheers.)
Mr, VALLANCE then proceeded amidst great noise and confusion to
repeat his statements, and concluded by proposing an amendment
calling on Sir Bruce Chicester, Dr. Phillimore,'and Mr. Chambers
immediately to dissolve the Company, and to divide the balance
amongst the shareholders, without prejudicing their right to claim the
deficiency, if any, which may be due to them cn their deposits.
Mr. COLUMBINE then proceeded to address the meeting, and en-
tered into a statement of his connexion with the Company, and of
his withdrawal from it. The cheques for the stock-jobbing transac-
tions were issued by the present Board, and not by the former one.
Mr. Chambers was present on the occasion.
Mr. CHAMBERS denied that he was present.
Mr. COLUMBINE inquired if the cheques for the 1,5001. were drawn
uuder his advice?
The CHAIRMAN said he (Mr. Columbine) advised him to make the
best arrangement he could.
The CHAIRMAN then proceeded to address the meeting, and trusted
that whilst he did so he should not be interrupted, as the thread of
his address would be thereby broken. On the 20th of October Ire
came into the Company, when he found Mr. Columbine at " daggers
drawn" with the then committee ; but he was never excluded from any
meeting whilst he (the Chairman) was present. He at length ascer-
tained what was the nature of the differences between the committee
and that gentleman, and they were to this effect—that he was a
money-lender, an usurer, and charged seventy per cent. for the
money he lent—that he was mixed up in Lord Huntingtower's affairs,
and that he was secretary to the "Flying-Kite Machine."—Cries of
(" Question.")
A SHAREIIOLDER rose to order. He considered that these allu-
sions had no relation to the affairs of that Company.
Dr. PHILLIMORE said Mr. Columbine had made grave and un-
founded charges against Sir It. Chicester; they had heard one side,
and were in duty bound to hear tire other.
The CHAIRMAN proceeded, after some interruption, to read a letter
he had received from Mr. Columbine, referring to several members
of the provisional committee, as a proof of his respectability and
talent. Ile laid this letter before the committee, and they imme-
diately dismissed him from the office he held. (Sir Bruce was about
to refer toe pamphlet published by Mr. Columbine and to ether mat-
ters, but he 'rave way to repeated calls of " Question, question.") With
respect' to the charges about the cheques, he read the following
statement :—"Dec. 8, received from Currie and Co., balance of cash,
1,1351. 9s. 10d.; Dec. 10, paid into Strahan and Co., 1,1351. 9s. 10d.,
on account of the Company ; Exchequer-bills, same date, 11,6001."
Was this putting their money into his pocket ?—(Loud cheers.) He
did it under the advice of Mr. Columbine, in order to forward the in-
terests of the Company.—(Loud cheers) Then with respect to the
purchase of shares, he admitted he did it, but it was a common
practice by stock-brokers, and he was ready to bear his share in the
responsibity.
Mr. COHEN said he had been connected with the Stock Exchange
all his lifetime, and it was a most improper practice, and one which
the authorities of the Stock Exchange would not countenance.
The CHAIRMAN said the shares were purchased with a view to
compensate Mr. Columbine's bill.—(Hear.)
Mr. COHEN wished to know why they bought 1,000 shares, when
they had 62,000 now on hand? Who were the brokers that bought
them ?
The CHAIRMAN said, because they did not wish to pay Mr. Colum-
bine themselves. Who was to pay the 1/. 7s. 6d. per share if they
had not done this ?
Mr. COHEN said Dr. Blundell had told him that he had received
5121. 10s. from the finance committee, of which Sir H. Pym, Mr.
Healy, Mr. Evans, Mr. Spicer, and Mr. Sharp, were members, to
purchase shares with, and that they were purchased at the Hall of
Commerce. From this it appeared that the finance committee had
jobbed in the shares of the Company with their money. Then he
wished to know by whose authority Lord Mexborough was placed
on the provisional committee?
Mr. ANCRUM stated that Mr. Clark supplied Mr. Columbine with
the names of several parties, on the understanding that if they were
placed on the provisional conunittee 250 shares should be allotted to
each.

Dr. Prtmixona said he was one of the three in which they had
placed confidence at the last meeting, and he had suffered much an-
noyance in his anxiety to carry out their wishes. He then detailed
the labours of the committee and drew attention to the fact that
charges had been made amounting to 6,4297., which by their exertions
had been reduced to about 3,000/. When they found Mr. Braith-
waite's plans and sections defective they considered that to serve the
necessary notices at an expense of 2,000/. would be like throwing
money to that amount away.—(Cheers.) They were advised not to
incur any additional expense and to go into Parliament as a project,
but they were not allowed to do so this session in consequence of the
alteration of the standing orders. He received a letter from Mr.
Columbine, raying that he should recommend the provisional com-
mittee not to pay their deposits In order to embarrass the labours of
the committee they had appointed.
Mr. COLUMBINE They were my clients.— (Hisses and great up-
roar) There was a flaw in the letter of allotment.
Dr. PHILLIMORE said that did not come with much delicacy from
him. Then there were enormous bills for advertisements.—("Name
the papers.") They were made out to Mr. Columbine, who when
dismissed offered to give the parties written orders • in the name of
the Company.
Mr. COLUMBINE at first denied this, but afterivards said in one or
two cases he had given orders, because he had previously given
verbal orders. •

Dr. PIIILLIMOZE then proceeded to say that when thwearryerweaierrseieitio-
ruUnfair.
tstops tteod all
eheeei rssaartrya ls
expenses.cy c o shiedye re
had tdheafit
ed they
Mr. ought
Columbine's
o puts
cmheannacccersy oaf.
dresigningt
ds
foyilitchee
man,
bd.
coaf.tch
hr
is nde gm
atnhdesi r
The board had done nothing to bind them' to give 8501. to Mr.
Columbine; the attempt was made, but he and Mr. Chambers resisted
it and succeeded. Sir Bruce Chicester, Mr. Chambers, and himself
having laboured with great assiduity hi their service, with great per-
sonal oblcquy, having been placarded, and had passages reflecting en
their character extracted from newspapers, and letters sent to their
residences, he would ask them if they would pass a vote of censure on
them?—( Loud cheers.)
Sir IL Plat explained that he sanctioned the purchasing of the
shares, but that he did not realise a shilling by the transaction, nor,
on his honour, anything from the funds of the Company, Dr. Blun-
dell had acted in a most extraordinary and improper way whilst he
held the office of Secretary.

Dr. BLUNDELL said, he held the paper referred to under legal ad-
vice. He could not understand why ho was stated to have money
belonging to the Company in his hands.
Mr. NEILD said they ought to pass a resolution empowering the
Directors to take steps to enforce the payment of the deposits by
those to whom shares had been allotted. _ .

Mr. EADY answered, that by putting an end to the Company they
would involve the three Directors, to whom they were much in-
debted, and themselves in innumerable Chancery suits.
There appeared a great difference of opinion whether they should
at once dissolve the Company, or carry it on, in order to obtain the
deposits referred to. Some called "Divide, divide," whilst others
shouted and hissed vociferously at Mr. Columbine, who rose to ad-
dress the meeting. The question was put whether he should be heard
or not, but a decided and boisterous negative was the response.
The following resolution was then adopted, scarcely with a dis-
sentient voice :—" That the report be adopted, and that the com-
mittee be authorised to prosecute with vigour such measures as they
may be advised to take for recovering from the defaulting members
of the provisional committee the deposit and the shares agreed to be
taken by them ; and that this meeting approve of the steps which
havebeen taken in resisting the actions of Mr. Braithwaite and Mr.
Abraham, and to empower the; committee to take such farther
means as shall be necessary Per bringing the differences of these
gentlemen with the Company to a satisfactory conclusion."
Mr. Valance's amendment was of course negatived.
This stormy meeting which lasted nearly four hours and a half,
then separated, after passing a vote of thanks to the directors.

GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY.—The half-
yearly general meeting of this Company was yesterday held at their
office, 69, Lombard-street. The meeting was numerously attended ;
Mr. Wilkin in the chair. The report, which was of a very satisfac-
tory characters was unanimously adopted, and the usual dividend
and bonus declared, after which the meeting separated, highly graa-
fled with the prosperous state of their affairs.
THE SEnclls.—We are reluctantly constrained to
suppose that whilst the rashness of the advance of the Sealis ap-
peared to have placed them in our power, and rendered their destruc-
tion inevitable, they hare in fact withdrawn from their position in
our territorieswith a force which is still sufficient to offer a formidable re-
ststance to our advance over the plains of Lahore. The man to
whom public opinion in this country unhesitatingly points as the
fittest to conduct such an expedition Is Sir Charles Napier; and
whether it be intended or not that the army of Sinde should act
upon the upper branches of the Indus, that intrepid and able officer
must not be absent from the field of danger and of honour. —Times.
®MERCHANT SEAMEN'S ORPHAN ASYLUM.—Yesterday
a general meeting of the governors end subscribers to the above
institution, founded for the board, education, and maintenance of the
children of merchant-seamen deceased, was held at the London
Tavern, for general business, sad the election of six boys and two
girls, by ballot, out of a list of twenty-one candidates ; Captain Henry
Nelson, R.N., in the chair. It appeared, from the last annual re-
port, that there are now ninety-two children in the establishment in
the New-grove, Bow•road, which yesterday's election will increase
to one hundred. The subscriptions and donations amounted to
1,3431. Os. 6d., Including a donation from the Trinity House of 1001. ;
from the East India Company, 50/. ; and from the Building Committee
of the late Royal Exchange, 801.

TAILORS' BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION.—Yesterday
the annual meeting of the subscribers to this institution was held at
the Freemasons' Tavern, Great Queen-street, Mr. Adeney in the
chair. It appeared that since the last meeting the funded capital had
been increased by 9441., the total sum invested amounting now to
12,2491. Including the three pensioners elecled that day, the total
number wholly maintained in the asylum at Haverstock-hill is stt
present fifty-one, snaking, since the establishment of the institution,
sixty-seven. It is in contemplation to build an infirmary, the esti•
mated Lost of which is 1,5001. The receipts during the year amounted
to 2054., and the expenditure left a balance in hand of 894

LA.IV INTELLIGENCE.
COURT OF EXCHEQUER, Feb. 24.
(London Sittings at Nisi Prins, before the LORD CHIEF BAr.ort and

Common Juries.) •
- gieurtoca V. MATTILEWS. •
This was an action brought to recover the stun of MIL 55., being
money lent by plaintiff to defendant. The plaintiff is manager of tho
business of Benjamin and Mark Boyd, stockbrokers, of 4, Bank-
' buildings, and the defendant is Secretary to the London and Man-
chester Railway:Company.
The defendant pleatted that he was not indebted.
The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict for plaintiff.
Mr. Jervis and Mr. Ogle appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr.
Crowder and Mr. Martin for the defendant.
ENTIIOVEN V. TIGERS.
fenda
Mr. A
did not a Atkinson and Mr. Crowder appeared for the plaintiff. De-
nt b counsel.
This was an ac ion two ou two bills of exchange, amounting to 1,5601.
15s. 1041., which were drawn by defendant,. and were not honoured
when they became due.
Evidence of the facts having been adduced, a verdict was given for
tke-

BULLARD V. HUMBER.
Mr. Cowley and Mr. Jervis appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr.
Martin for defendant.
This was an action b:cught by plaintiff, a railway surveyor, to re-
cover a bill of 971. 2s. 836 d., for surveying a portion of the Direct
London and Leeds line of railway, and supplying sections, plans, ele-
vations, &e., thereof.
Defendant paid 301. into Court, which ho considered ample remu-
neration for plaintiff's services.
When the case was part heard, a verdict was taken for the plain-
tiff, subject to a reference.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.
SOUTHWARK.
George Thompson, a young man of respectable appearance, was
placed at the Oar before Mr. Cottingham, charged on the police-sheet
with feloniously urging Bridget Edgar, landlady of the Marquis Corn-
wallis beer-shop in Dyer-street, Gravel-lane, Southwark, to take
poison, of which she died.
Mr:Robinson (solicitor) briefly stated the case, from which it ap-
peared that a woman, named Edgar, a widow, kept a beer-shop in
the above street ; that for some time past she had been cohabiting
with the prisoner, who formed an acquaintance with her from fre-
quenting her house ; and that of late they lived very unhappily, the
prisoner being in the habit of treating her in a ve'y cruel manner.
On Saturday night, the 14th instant, they had a disagreement, the
result of which was that the prisoner turned her out and shut the
door against her. Shortly afterwards a policeman, on finding her in
the street, and she having disclosed to him the conduct of her as-
sailant, insisted on her admission, and she was accordingly permitted
by him to enter the house again. The following day the parties again
had high words, in the midst of which the deceased drew from her
pocket a paper containing a white powder, and emptying it into a tea-
cup, poured water upon it, and exclaimed that she should poison her-
self. Upon hearing the threat the prisoner did not attempt to prevent
the unfortunate woman from carrying it into execution, but gave ut-
terance to words calculated to urge her into the commission of the
act, saying, " Take it, and be —." The moment he used the expres-
sion, she put the cup to her lips and swallowed off the contents. This
was between 2 and 3 o'clock in the afternoon;. and although the
prisoner mast have been aware of the deadly nature of the dose, yet
he made no attempt to counteract its effects, and permitted the un-
fortunate creature to remain writhing in agony until between 5 and 6
o'clock, when a Mrs. Seager entered the house, and found her lying
on her back in one of the rooms, evidently in great pain. The pri-
soner was present at the time, and in reply to the question of Mrs.
Seeger, the deceased said that she had taken arsenic, and calling the
prisoner to her, she held out her hand and ejaculated, "George, I
would not have taken it but for you. You ought to have prevented
me; but I forgive you." On that occasion the prisoner said, I
saw her take a white powder, but I was not aware it was poison."
Now lie (Mr. Robinson) contended that the prisoner must have been
perfectly cognizant that she had taken a powder of a deleterious
nature, for it appeared she had commenced vomiting very
soon afterwards, and also complained of great pain and
heat internally. Soon after Mrs. Seager's visit the de-
ceased was conveyed to the hospital, where she lingered until
Tuesday, and then expired, notwithstanding the antidotes that were
administered to check the effects of the poison she had imbibed. On
the day following an inquest was held on the body, and a verdict of
" Temporary derangement" returned, none of the circumstances
with respect to the conduct of the prisoner in the transaction having
been made known to the coroner or jury. Ile (Mr. Robinson) should
abstain at present from entering into other facts connected with the
case, regarding the property missing belonging to the deceased. As
her friends were anxious, under the circumstances, that an investi-
gation should take place, they had the prisoner taken into custody.
Mr. Games, on behalf of the accused, said that lie was perfectly
ready and willing that the most searching inquiry should be made
into all the circumstances, and although it had been alleged on the
present, as well as on a former occasion, when an ex purse statement
was made there, that the prisoner had urged the deceased to take
the poison, it would be satisfactorily made apparent that he did no-
thing of the kind, and was totally ignorant of the nature and quali-
ties of the powder she had mixed and taken off at a draught, and
which had unfortunately caused her death.
Mr. COTTINGHAM said, he should hear the evidence, if it could be
produced, to show that the prisoner was present and urged her to
take that which he knew was arsenic; and if such testimony could
be adduced, it was clearly as serious a charge as that of a man pre-
senting a pistol at and blowing the brains out of another. On the
contrary, If even the prisoner were present at the moment the de-
ceased swallowed the contents of the teacup, but was not aware of
the nature or properties of the powder she had taken, then the case,
so far as he was concerned, would assume quite a different com-
plexion.
Mr. Robinson said, that it would be remembered the deceased had
threatened to destroy herself before she mixed the poison, and that
the prisoner on observing her did not use the slightest exertion to
prevent her, but, on the contrary, had uttered gross and unfeeling
words of a nature to induce her the more certainly to carry out her
threats of self-destruction.
Mr. CUTTINGItAM said he was ready to hear the evidence.
Mrs. Seager was then called, and she stated that she was ac-
quainted with the deceased landlady of the Marquis Cornwallis, in
Dyer-street, Gravel-lane, Solithwark ; and. that on Saturday, the
14th Instant, she went to her house between five and six o'clock.
She saw the deceased lying on the floor in great agony, and in reply
to a question as to what ailed her, she said she ha 1 taken a dose of
arsenic. The prisoner was present on the occasion, and deceased
put out her hand to him and said, " George, you ought to have pre-
vented me from taking it, but I freely forgive yon." Witness, on
hearing what was said, addressing the prisoner, asked him why he
remained a spectator looking on at a womaa taking poison, and did
not dash it out of her hands ? Ills reply was that he saw her take a
white powder, but did not know it was arsenic.
Mr. Corrtsionsat asked the witness if she knew the deceased was
in the habit of carrying arsenic about, Tier person ? The witness, in
reply, said, some time ago the deceased had informed her that she
had some arsenic, but she did not say where she got it, or for what
purpose it was intended

Joseph Edgar stated, that he was deceased's son, and that be-
tween four and five years ago ho accompanied the prisoner to pur-
chase some arsenic to kill rats, that a small portion of the poison was
used at the time, and the remainder was placed in a glass jug which
was kept on the mantel-piece in his mother's room, lie had been
informed that his mother had recently taken the arsenic out of the
glass jug, and wrapping it in paper, deposited it hi her housewife,
which she kept in her pocket. Witness had every reason to believe
that the arsenic in question was that which caused her death.
Mr. Corrneouem inquired if there was any evide nee to prove the
prisoner was aware the deceased was in the habit of carrying
arsenic about her, as that would be important, as tending to show
that he could not have been ignorant of the nature of the powder she
took in his presence ? Mr. Robinson admitted that at present lie was
not prepared with all the evidence ho intended to submit in order to
make out the case, as one material witness was absent.
Mr. COTTINGHAM said that it appeared the parties had been living
together as man and wife, although they were not married, and of
late were in the frequent habit of quarrelling; that upon one of those
occasions the female was represented to have taken a dose of arsenic
in his presence, without his having made any attempt to prevent her.
Now, the question was whether the prisoner was cognizant that it
was poison or not; for if he was, and used the words attributed to
him, he was guilty of a most serious offence, and one which, if
ed would possibly affect his life. The evidence, however, already
apdrodvuceddidnot justify such a belief, for although he admitted hav-
ing seen her take of the powder, lie afterwards said to Mrs. Seager
that he did not know what it was at the time.
Mr. Robinson—lt will be remembered she had often threatened to
poison [herself before; and on the last occasion distinctly told the
pprisoner what she was about to do, and still he never attempted to
revent the occurrence.
. _

Mr. Games contended there was no evidence to show the prisoner
was guilty of any offence. It was true he cohabited with the ~►roman,
and that they had quarrels, but he was wholly innocent of having
had any participation in her death.
Mr. COTTINGIIAM said that the conduct of the prisoner, to say the
least of It, throughout the affair, was of a most extraordinary nature.
The circumstance of his being present when the unfortunate woman
had the folly to swallow the poison, and making no attempt to pre.
vent it, and afterwards allowing her to remain for nearly two hours
writhing in pain, without calling in the aid of a medical man, exem-
plified in an extraordinary degree his utter want of the common
feelings ofhumtnity, and ho (the magistrate) must say, the necessity
of the present Investigation. It was, as he had before said, a most
grave charge, and one, if proved, that would affect the life of the
accused; and in order that a full and fair inquiry should be instituted
into the whole of the circumstances, as well on the part of the de-
ceased's Mena as on behalf of the accused, he should remand him
until Tuesday, but would a ccept of bail, himself in 2001. and two
securities of 100/. each, to appear on that day.
• The prisoner, not being prepared 'With the requisite security, was
committed.

THE NEw PLANET.— The recently-discovered planet,
Astrata, was observed from Morton-place Observatory on two suc-
cessive nights in the beginning of this week. It is at present in the
constellation Taurus, rather below the middle of the line joining
Aldebaran and the Hyades. It is a companion of the four Asteroids
—Vesta, Juno, Ceres, and Pallas, whose orbits are situated between
those of Mars and Jupiter. When examined with the powerful New-
tonian it appears'no larger than one of Jupiter's satellites. Its right
ascension of 64 deg. 56 min., and its declination north 16 deg. 40 min.
—Kilmarnock Journal.
SUMMARY CONVICTIONS.—By a return issued on
Saturday (procured by Captain Pechell), it seems that in the year
ending Michaelmas, 1844, there were 35,749 summary convictions
filed with the c exits of the peace. In the counties of England there
were 21,979, and in the counties of 'Wales 1,459, making 23,438 in
counties. In boroughs in England and Wales the number was
12,311. In Middlesex the number was 220. The largest number
was in Lancaster, where 1,332 summary convictions were filed.
RETURN ()F MURDERS.—A communication has been
directed to all the Coroners throughout England, by the Home Secre-
tary, Sir James Graham, calling upon them to make returns of all
murders that have been committed since the Ist January, 1842, in
England, with a view to an intended legislative enactment on the
subject.

purpoofo f
getting the whole
htohl
the
STRIKE AMONG THE ENGINEERS, MILLWRIGHTS, AND
SM'Tns.—During the last few days the whole of the London mecha-
nics connected with the various extensive engineering establishments
have been bofeetnbehtiraadsetaitieayiofOrsatrtuookmum_oortkio:fio,r consequencethine
masters to sign an agreement to allow them to leave off at four
o'clock on Saturdays, and to be paid their full time,
A LEGAL WITTICISM.—In the course of Sir Thomas
Wilde's. argument en Monday at the bar of the House of Lords, in
Wood's appeal case, the Learned Counsel had occasion to refer to a
case in the books in which a rat Is stated to have mutilated a will.
Lord Brougham—" The rat is a surprising animal ; but I was not
before aware that it ever practised as a conveyame,,
:I knew it to be
fond of shifting uses." " It. is," interposed the Lord Chancellor,
" fonder of corn." " Doubtleso," rejoined Lord Brougham, ~ it is
very fond of corn." . - '
The Hon.
Captain Gordon,ANOTHER RESIGNATION.!—. ura
M.P. for Aberdeenshire, announces to his constituents that he has
seen it his duty, in reference to the present measure of Government,
to take his stand on the side of protection to the native industry of
the country ; and, in order to leave himself free and unfettered on
resigned the subject of the corn-laws, has his seat at the
Admiralty
Board.
DEPARTURE OF THE FOREIGN MAILS.--The following
notice was yesterday affixed at the General
Post-alike, Martin's-
le-Grand:—West s' e, St. s-
le-Grand :—West Indies: For the Coloniesßritish (except Honduras
and :Bermuda), the foreign
• colonies (except Ilavansab), and
includes New Grenada, Venezuela, and Madeira, Will be dispatched
from Southampton, by the Trent, on the 2(1 March. Madeira, Bra-
zils, Buenos Ayres, &c., from Southampton, by her Majesty's brig
Crane, on the 3d March. India: Gibraltar, Greece, lonian
Isles,
Malta, Egypt, Ceylon, India, and China, on the 3d March. Lisbon,
Madeira, Spain, and ,
,Gibralta
• . r on the 27th instant. An • lerica,
Mexico, Honduras, thwannah, by the Hibernia from Liverpool, on
the 3d March. Sydney and New South Wales, by the Agincourt
from Liverpool, on the 28th instant. Holland, by the General Steam
Packet Company's steamer Columbine, this evening (Wednesday,
25th Inst.) Hamburgli, by the General Steam Company's vessel the
Princess Royal, this day.
KING': COLLEGE HOSPITAL.--Yesterday, at three
o'clock, the annual general Court of Governors of King's College Hos-
pital, which was numerously attended, was held in the board room
of the institution, to receive the pact annual report, ending the 31st
of December last ; Mr. G. Thornton in the chair. The report of the
committee allowed that the receipts amounted to 5,44C1. 10s., includ-
ing 3,5331. I is. donations, 1,170/. 3s. annual subscriptions, and 300/.,
a contribution from the Holborn Estate Company, which is to be
annual. The expenses reached 6,250/. 148., leaving a balance of
804/. 2s. against the treasurer. to meet which there were Exchequer-
bills, cash at the bankers, &c., amounting to 1,242/.Bs. 2d., which
would produce a balance in favour of the hospital of 4384 Bs. 2d.
There has been an increase of 3.300 patients In comparison with the
returns of the previous year. The in-patients amounted to 1,160, and
the out-patients (including 382 peor married women, attending at
their confinement), were 15,933, making the total number of appli-
cants 17,093, exclusive of numerous minor casualties, and there were
then 106 patients in the hospital. The report Was received and
adopted, when, thanks having been voted to the eve,-
--..man, the court
broke up.

Nini—atc man who was
_
On Tuesday
afternoon l " itthEeCrEe Nja i CASEns
of
Mr.O Ft !tSoSc,kI.,S
the S INuAnTfolrOt
shot on Monday week by his apprentice, Thomas Wicks, were con-
signed to the grave in the burial-ground of old St. Pancras-road, in
the presence of a vast concourse of persons. The crowd in Drury-
lane was so great as to require the presence of a large body of the
F division of police to keep order,