The Sun.
London, England, 1846-10-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, .LONDON, V-RI. MORN OCTO;IER, 30, 184 g.

about because I did not wish it to be thought that I had
assumed a position which I did not wish to occupy—
that of having much to do with Ml-,
But about two months since
that he had heard from Mr. Bernal tisat he meant to
z.
to Rochester, and he wrote to me to this efftxt: " I have
not forgotten your letter of last December, and now re-
eunte the subject. You will have scan by the papers
that Mr.Bernai'sokl constituents at Rochester are getting
up a requisition to him, and I have very little doubt that
he will accept it. When he has done this the difficulty
which I told you in December stood in the way of my
declaring myself disappears, and I can stand without
opposing Mr. Bernal or Mr. Gordon ; I should propose
them as soon as Mr. Bernal has settled to issue some
such address as the enclosed, but before taking any
step, the least I can do after your previous kindness,
is to consult you. Tell me what you think about it,
and do me the further favour of consulting those other
friends whose opinions you communicated to me
in December, and who will not now, I am sure, take it
amiss that I ask you to communicate with them for me.
I will only add that I shall be entirely in the hands of
my friends at Weymouth as to coming there this autumn.
Hitherto I have of course felt it a point of honour to-
wards Mr. Bernal not to move without him." I wrote
back to tell him that he had mistaken the influence
which I had in Weymouth, and therefore recommended
him to write to Mr. Dodson, and hear what he had to
say. Ia return to that he said, " You go to Mr. Dod-
son—he is all right;" and I went to Mr. Dodson. I call
Mr. Dodson to witness that never since Mr. Christie has
represented this borough have I ever said I was dissatis-
fied. I have never said there was a more influential or
more substantial man necessary to represent this bo-
rough. (Mr. Dodson—" Certainly not.") Very well.
I went to him, thinking, he was as hearty
in the cause as I was. I forgot to mention that before
be told me "heis my pet man.' I shall support him
whenever he comes." Well, as soon as I went to Mr.
Dodson and showed him the letter, he showed me a note
which he had received, asking him what he thought of
Mr. Christie. He immediately suggested that a man
of greater influence should be had. Well, I said if you
are not sincere in your attachment to Mr. Christie, don't
bring him down here, for if he comes, here and can-
vasses there will be a split, for you'll get no one else to
represent you (turning to. Mr. Dodson)—Did I say so
or not? (Mr. Dodson—" I've no recollection.")—(Oh,
oh.) Well, then, solemnly as I stand before you and
my God, I used those words.—(Loud cheers.) When
I got home I called to mind all that had passed
and I felt in a very painful situation ; I thought Mr.
Christie has reposed confidence in me, and I see where
Ins has placed confidence he has not got it returned ; I
assure you I felt pain, but I felt also a strong sense of
duty, and I wrote to Mr. Christie, and told him there
was not such confidence to be placed as he thought for.
—(Loud cheers.) So fully was Mr. Dodson in his con-
fidence, that that letter was returned into his hands ;
and I will ask him whether in that letter, and in all my
correspondence with him, I have not said that Mr. Gor-
don and Mr. Christie were two fit men, and the men
whom I should vote for. I mention this because it has
been rumoured that I have done all I can to injure Mr.
Gordon. I challenge any one to say that I ever acted
thus or ever said anythingcalculated to we and his feelings ;
I did say this to Mr. Dodson—lf Mr. Gordon comes I'll
support him ; but if he comes with a nominee, whoever
raises the standard of revolt, I'll stand under it. Well,
I wrote to Mr. Christie again, and I tell you why I did
so. If it had been an affair between prrivate individuals
nothing should have induced me to have divulged what
I did ; but I looked upon Mr. Christie as a young man
starting into business, with bright prospects before him
—with the hopes of his constituency upon him—he him-
self looking for that period when he should acquire
well-earned honours as a statesman, and I thought it
would be most painful if he came here at the eleventh
hour with all these bright prospects before him, and
found them all illusions.—(Cheers.) That was the sole
and only reason which induced me to act as I did. Mr.
Christie replied:—
" When .1 find Dodson to be a traitor, I will give up
the world, and go into a convent. Rest assured that
your suspicions are unfounded. I have heard from him
to-day. He proposes having a meeting of the Liberal
party in a day or two, and reading them my letter."
I wrote back to Mr., Christie ; I begged him to sus-
pend his judgment, promising to suspend mine. I spoke
to one and the other of the leading Liberals of Wey-
mouth. 'requested Mr. Christie not to correspond with
me, but with those individuals. I spoke to two of them,
and found that' the same impressions that, were endea-
voured to be fixed in my mind were endeavoured to be
conveyed to theirs. What was Itodo ? As an honest
man, I told of it. I said " I really cannot understand it,
but suspend your judgment ; wait till you come amongst
us." I saw Mr. Christie at Dorchester, and there de-
sired him to act just as if he had heard nothing of what
Mr. Dodson had done—to leave it all to time, and to
see what the result would be. I'm not afraid to say that
I had strong suspicions, from what I had heard, that
Mr. Christie was sought to bo got rid of. He told me
to go to Mr. Dodson and tell him that he should be at
Weymouth on Monday, and that, according to his sug-
gestion, he should bring Mr. Christie with him. I met
Mr. Dodson and told him this ; he demurred at first,
but said, " If I had told him not to come he would
not have come." Now, it has been said that lam the
party who brought Mr. Christie here. I say that Mr.
Dodson told me, in his office, that he would write and
bring him down, and afterwards that he would be down
in a few days. This is all I have to say. Whatever I
have done has been done with the purest and sincerest
intentions. I have acted as before my God—l have
acted with a clear conscience, and whether your verdict
be one of acquittal or one of condemnation, it will matter
very little to me. I wish to retain the good opinions of
my fellow-townsmen. I desire to be in the estimation

ers of P

Ir. Carts

iament

ilifonaled me

of the wise and gcod ; but these things will be lightly
held by me, compared with the satisfaction I feel in my
own conscience that I have done nothing as a man—and
as a Christian man—inconsistent with my duty. (On
retiring, Mr. Robens was honoured with three rounds of
cheers.)
Mr. CHRlSTlE—Gentlemen, you have heard from Mr.
Robens, and doubtless observed, as I did, that Mr. Dod-
son took care not to name the parties with whom he
conversed on the subject, and whom he represents to
have come to him and suggested that I should be got rid
of. I hope Mr. Dodson, before he goes further, will
name those parties.
Mr. DoosoN—l can tell Mr. Christie this—(" Name,
name")--ethat, whatever opinion he may have of a con-
fidential communication, whatever is given me in con-
fidence I keep so.
Mr. CHRISTIE—Mr. Dodson refuses to name the par-
ties. I know well the sanctity of a confidential commu-
nication, but I cannot understand a person beirg at the
same time in the confidence of two different parties,
getting each to intrigue against the other.—(Applause.)
And if Mr. Dodson tells me here that it is out of regard
to a confidential communication that he refuses to de-
clare the name of the parties, I tell him openly, and to
Lis face, that his conduct has been such that I regard
that merely as an excuse. I trust that Mr. Tasker and
Mr.: Raggeett will tell this meeting of the conversation
which they have had.—(Loud cries of " B avo.")
Mr. TASKER, having ascended the platform during
much cheering, said that he met Mr. Dodson in St. Mary-
street, and he thought he asked his opinion whether or
not they had not, better have two influential men. He
believed be was a little in fault himself, for he replied
that he thought it quite as desirable that they should
have, but at that time he certainly was not aware that
Mr. Dodson had hell out any hopes to Mr. Christie of
being returned for Weymouth, neither could he himself
suppose it from Mr. Dodson's, asking him in-the matter.
As he was called on, he thought it best to state the facts.
Mr. Raegett was called for by the meeting, but he de-
clined to give information, unless Mr. Dodson desired it,
and Ifr.Dodlon replying " Oh, no," Mr. Raggett de-
clined to come forward.
Mr. CHRlSTlE—Gentlemen, I commenced by stating
that it had not been my intention to bring these matters
before a public meeting, but I was forced into the course
by the-handbills which Mr. Dodson and Mr. Gordon
have issued. I stated, also, that the subject was to me
a most painful one. I hope my friend Mr. Tasker will
believe me, when I assur.! him that I take-no offence at
any part of the statements which he has so candidly
made.
Mr. TASRER said, he should wish to add to what he
had said, this—he believed Mr. Christie did not hear
through' him the conversation with Mr. Dodson ; he
believed the Hon. Member heard that from another
pasty. •
Mr. CHRISTIE replied in the affirmative, and pro-
ceeded—Gentlemen, you have heard Mr. Dodson's and
Mr. Gordon's speeches; you will do me the justice to
remember that I stated at first that any difference be-
tween Mr. Gordon and me caused me great pain—that
there were peculiar circumstances between us which
caused peculiar pain to me; and that I sincerely hoped
that to-night's proceeding would pave the way to a
better feeling between us. Mr. Gordon's speech made
po allusion to me. -
Mr. GORDON—Certainly not, I never alluded to you.
I dont wish to bother myself with this controversy.
Gentlemen, I want to retire, I want to go home and go
to bea,--(10ud laughter.)
Mr. CHRISM say.that Mr. Gordon's speech con-
tained no reference to mine, but Mr. Dodson's pretended
to be an answer. Now, Mr. Dodson his given you a
partial, and even as far as it goes, not correct account of
conversation which took place between him and e
imsnediately after my arrival in Weymouth._ I don't
complain of his choosing to divulge that conversation—
I only remark that that conversation was quite as confi-
dential as those communications will offer ehich he has
taken care not to diiciose.—(Cheers and hear, hear.)
And now, gentlemen, L will tell you all that hes since
passed between Mr. Dodson and me with regard to the
future- representation of Weymouth. In the course of
last December—at the time to which Mr. Robens has
allucled÷-4 received a letter from Mr. Dodson a day, or
two before I heard from Mr. Robens. Sir Robert Peel
had then resigned—Lord John Russell was supposed to
be forming an Administration—a dissolution was ex-
pected. Mr. Dodson told me that Mr. Gordon had been
with him, and he had gone up to town for the express
purpose of telling an individual—one who occupies a dis-
tinguished political position—a friend of mire, and a
friend of Mr. Gordon, that if I came again to Wey.' mouth
lie (Mr. Gordon) would turn me out.
Mr. GORDON—I deny it, gentlemen ; I deny it ; I
never said any such thing.
Mr. CHRISTIE—Let me be understood ; I am not now
charging Mr. Gordon with having said it, but Mr Dod-
son wrote it to me—(Loud cries of" Hear, hear ")—that
Mr. Gordon had gone up to town for the purpose 'of tell-
ing an influential political person, that if I came down
ere again
Mr. Gordon would turn me out; andullr. Dod-
son proceeded to state to me in his letter that his answer
was, i‘ You can't turn him out, and you shati't,turn him
out, and you can't have yoar seat unless Mr. Christie
has the other. —(Loud laughter and cheering.) I sent
that letter to the individual named in it ; he has lately
told me that he has destroyed it, but I will tell Mr. Gor-
don p rivately the name of the person, and he can go to
him AT information about it.-7-(Much cheering.) About

a month after this I saw Mr. Dodson ; he asked me to
mr.tt him at Southampton ; I gladly agreed to do so ;
we had a very long interview ; in the course of that in-
t iew he told me that he had had another conversation
with Mr. Gordon ; and that he (Mr. Dodson) had pro-
posod to Mr. Gordon that I and he should be the two
candidates in the Liberal interest, and that Mr. Gordon
said he would not hear of a seat on such terms ; that he
would not stand with me.
Mr. GORDON—Certainly- not—to be sure I would'nt ;
I said from the beginning, that when I came forward for
Weymouth, I would not come forward as the represen-
tative of a party—l would come forward as the represen-
tative of the whole. ' I told my Radical friends and I
told my Conservative friends, that if I came forward no
power on earth should induce me to join any man in a
particular interest. Mr. Dodson has told me over and
over again, "If you'll go hand in hand with Mr. Christie,
we're powerful enough to return you both." I said I
would not ; I would not join with any man, and that is
the reason I wont go into Parliament.
Mr. CHRISTIE—I hope that the Liberal electors of
Weymouth understand that statement.
Mr. GORDON—I don't want to go into Parliament ; I
want to be left alone. I wont come in with any nominee.
I will do what I can for Mr. Christie, but I wont have
anything to do with anybody.
Mr. CHRISTIE—I have been making now no charges
against Mr. Gordon ; he need not be so sensitive. To
go on with my story—within the last two months I
had a communication from Mr. Dodson, telling me
that he had strong reasons for believing that Mr.
Gordon had been intriguing against me. (Indications
of surprise.) Not with reference to my interests in
this borough, but injurious to my interests elsewhere ;
and I tell Mr. Gordon, (nct charging him that this
statement is true), but telling him that I had the com-
munication, and that I still have the letter.—(Loud
cheers.) I tell Mr. Gordon that I will show that letter
to him, and that, for the sake of my character as well as
his. there shall be inquiries and explanations elsewhere.
—(Loud cheers.) (A voice—" Where's the letter?") As
soon as I go to London I will send that letter to a friend,
who shall show it to Mr. Gordon.
Mr. Donsoet—Will you allow me to show that letter
from you which called that letter forth?
Mr. CHRlSTlE—Certainly; all my letters. Now, Mr.
Gordon has spoken of his changed position with regard
to the Liberals of Weymouth. lam sorry to say, after
hearing him, that I think there is a change, and that
that change has originated in himself. He has referred
to the dinner at which he presided, to celebrate the re-
turn of Mr. Bernal and myself. Mr. Bernal then ex-
pressed himself in warm terms in proposing Mr. Gordon's
health—as the elder Member it was his right to propose
it; if it had fallen to my lot, I should have proposed it
as warmly as Mr. Bernal did, and I am sure Mr. Gordon
will do me the justice to acknowledge that I have ex •
pressed myself in private as warmly as Mr. Bernal did
in public; and I say, also, that what I told Mr. Robens
—that nothing should induce me to oppose Mr. Gordon
—I
have voluntarily stated to Mr. Gordon himself
twice. I have stated the same to Mr. Dodson, and to
most of my political friends; and it was only when Mr.
Dodson, by his letters and by his conversation, pro
duced in my mind a conviction that Mr. Gordon was
net behaving to me as frankly and honourably as I be-
haved to him, and that my voluntary assurance that I
would not oppose him had found a very ill return in
these intrigues of his of which Mr. Dodson had in-
formed me—it was them' and then only, that any change
in my sentiments towards Mr. Gordon took place; and
it was the belief in what Mr. Dodson told me—for I
never dreamt him to be a traitor—that led me the other
day, when I came here, to abstain from calling on Mr.
Gordon, who, I hear, has made it a subject of great
and general complaint. It was impossible for me, with
my belief of his conduct towards me— it was impossible
for me, as an honest man, to profess friendship and re-
spect when I could not feel them. Now Mr. Dodson
tells you the conversation that took place when I carne
down here. When I met him at Dorchester, he told
me there was no necessity for my visit, that when the
time came my return was a matter of certainty. I
said, " If you had told me that before I came into the
neighbourhood I should have been in a very different
position; you never told me before not to come. lam
now within eight miles of Weymouth, and will not my
conduct be open to remark if now I do not visit it?"
He said, "Well, you'll take your course, and l'll take
mine." Such was my regard for him, that I :Awed to
him, even then, that if my coming here would
be injurious to his private interest, I would riot
think of coming.—(Hear, hear.) We proceeded
to discuss the matter. He talked of the incon-
venience of a demonstration. I said, there need
be none. He suggested that I should come here on a
sort of holiday visit; we parted on the understanding—
(l have said so to him since I came here, and I say it
here—l don't care what he se) s against% it)—we parted
on the understanding that I was to come here on a visit,
but to have no public demonstration or excitement.
Well, I came here, and I immediately went to him, and
now I'll give you the whole of that conversation of which
he has only given you a part. Mr. Dodson has teen
my most confidential friend and agent.—(Mr. Dodson
—" Agent !") Agent between me and my consti-
tuents; yes, all matters relating to the constitio ecy
—all letters I've consulted Mr. Dodson on. I say, then,
he has been my agent. Perhaps he thinks I am his.
—(Great laughter.) (A voice—" But why Mr. Dod-
son ?") Mr. Gordon can best answer that question.
As soon as I was elected he advised me to consult Mr.
Dodson on all matters connected with the borough, and
to be guided by his advice; and Mr. Dodson has told me
since I came here that the Liberal committee, imme-
diately after the return of Mr. Bernal and myself, ap-
pointed him their agent to confer with us. That is the
reason why I have always consulted Mr. Dodson. Well,
he said, you have come here against my strong wish
and advice, and I feel myself now free to take my
own course. I said, you expressed a strong wish
that I should not come here in the first instance, on
account of the excitement it might cause, but we
parted on the understanding that I was to pay a
holiday visit. He said, " No, I wished you not to come
at all. You have run counter to my advice, and Low I
am free to take my own course." I said I cannot under-
stand your conduct; it looks as if you have laid a trap
to quarrel with me. I asked, what is it you mean to do?
and then I added (Mr. Robens has used the expression,
and Mr. Dodson has used it), "Am I still your pet
candidate?'" He said, "No." I said, "Are you
going to support me?" He said, " I may do so, and
I may not ; lam free of you, and you are free
of me. I reserve to myself to do what I like." I
said, "Do you mean you may vote against me?" He
said, " I should be very sorry to vote against you, but
I may do so." I said, " Are you going to vote for Mr.
Gordon and a Tory?" He said, "No, I'm much mote
likely to vote for two Tories."—(Oh, oh.) I said, " I
can't understand what is your object. Do you wish the
borough to be represented by persons of particular poli-
tical opinions?" He said, " No; I never cared for.
politics.'—(Laughter.) I said, "I don't think you be-
have right to me." Gentlemen, I have told you how 1
behaved. I sent the letter of Mr. Robens to him en-
closed in a letter, and if he produces any letters of mine
I hope he'll produce that. (Mr. Dodson—" I don't in-
tend to.") The letter was somewhat to this effect:—
" My dear Dodson,—With some doubt I determined to
send you this letter. It has not given me the
slightest uneasiness—l trust you entirely. My object
in sending this letter is, that I think it most
unfortunate that any Macliave Ilan diplomatic pro-
ceedings of yours should give Mr. Robens the ira
pression which he entertains in his letter, and the.
woeer you remove that impression the better. I have
heard Mr. Dodson's statement, and I now repeat my
belief that he is a traitor.—(Lo:d cheers.) Aye, and I
say this though he has promiscd again to vote for me.
Mr. Gordon says he never intended to mix himself up
with any other candidate ! I see Mr. Gordon sitting
beside him, and it is generally believed here that Mr
D-'dson is Mr. Gordon's confidential friend. I warr
Mr. Gordon that he will, sooner or later, pursue the
same course towards him which he has pursued towards
me ; and, if any belief is to be placed in Mr. Dodson's
statements to me, he has no connexion at all with Mr.
Gordon—no interest whatever for Mr. Gordon. He
always cared, before I came here, more for me than Mr.
Gordon. I was not to come here, because it would in
jure Mr. Dodson's private interest. Since I came here
he has told me that he would vote probably for twi
Tories, but that he would take the course which his owr
interest required.—(Cheers.) I now speak to the Liberal
electors of Weymouth ; I have told you of my feelings
towards Mr. Gordon, and that nothing could have in-
duced me to oppose him ; and I am not opposing him
now: I beg the Liberal electors to be prepared for trea-
son—to w eigh well their force—to measure their strength,
and to measure it in time ; and referring you to my
public conduct, feeling confident that I have done no
discredit to the representation of the town—holding still
the opinions which first obtained me yours and Mr.
Gordon's support, I am ready to stand by you as one
Liberal candidate.—(Loud cheers.) I will stand by you
if you will stand by me ; Mr. Dodson may vote fur me if
he pleases, but I would rather lose my seat than ask him
for his vote.—(lmmense cheering, followed by three dis-
tinct rounds of applause.)
Mr. GORDON—Gentlemen, I have waited here three
hours—three
for
Weymouth,
because Mr.
long hours---sincel statedtha
Christie intimatedtl was not
ta
candidate
that something would come out against me. Now I
want anybody to have the goodness to tell me whether,
in your estimation, Mr. Christie has made out a case
against me.—(Mr. Christie—" Oh, no;" and Voices—
"No, no.") It has been proffered me that if I liked to go
with Mr. Christie I should have my seat and Mr. Chris-
tie's; but I won't. I want to go to bed, gentlemen; I
shall have the gout.—(Roars of laughter.)—So, gentle.
men bid yon all good night.—(Three icers for
Mr;Gordon were called for and given, and the Hon.
Gentleman retired.)
Admiral Fennis then came forward, and said he
had very much pleasure in proposing the following re-
solution, which was completely in accordance with his
feelings :
" That we, the electors and non-electors of Wey-
mouth and Melcombe Regis, having watched the pro-
gress and conduct of our respected representative, W. D.
Christie, Esq , from the first moment of his entering
Parliament until the present time, have felt, and continue
to feel, the utmost confidence in him; and request that
he will now accept our cordial thetas" for his votes upon
all the important measures that have received the sanc-
tion of the House of Commons."
The Rev. J. URQUHART seconded the resolution in a
speech replete with genuine humour and kindly feeling.
Re thought that from the eloquent remarks that they
had heard from their noble, fearless, and most inde-
pendent Member, and from the manly explanation of
Mr. P,obens, they might come to this conclusion, that
Messrs. Robens and Christie were likely to shine in the
political world quite as much as Mr. Robins in the
auetioneering world—(Loud laughter and hearty cheer-
ing)—for Loth of them could use the hammer, and knew
how to give a knock-down blow. He was very sorry
that they allowed their great benefactor, Mr. Gordon,
to leave the rosm until the close of the proceedings.
Mr. Dodson had said it was desirable to have a big man,

and Mr. Gort!oa would answer to that description, and
then they would have a big man and (patting Mr.
Christie on the back) a little mug—little in everything
but talent, honesty, and eloquence.—(Great cheering.)
Mr. Dodson had said he had had opportunities of selling
Mr. Christie. Now lie thought Mr. Christie had shown
that it was not very easy to sell him, and that it was
impossible to Lay him. Mr. Robens had shown
" measure for mca,ure;' he begged them not to let
it be " love's labour lost ;" and he sincerely
hoped it would not be "much ado about no-
thing." (Much cheering.) Let them look back
to their Member's conduct—to the untiring bold-
ness and energy with which he beardd the
tyranny of the Poor-law Commission. Watch also
(what, if it were not a very dangerous ground for a
clergyman to venture on, he would descant upon,) his
efforts to open the universities. As one who had been
for many years a fellow of one of them, he would say
(without for a moment identifying his entire sentiments
with Mr. Christie's) that for many past years his mind
had been deeply hoping that the time might arrive when
the power of expanding the universities might be put
on a solid basis of satisfaction to all denominations.—
(Hear, hear.) They had a Noble Member—let them
keep him ; " let bygones be bygones." Let them
endeavour to promote the interest of the town in every
respect. It was time that Weymouth should be known
in other parts of England for other things than its dis.
cord.—(Great cheering.)
The resolution was then put, for and against, and
declared carried unanimously.
Mr. CHRISTIE briefly acknowledgee it, and moved the
thanks of the meeting to the Chairman, which had just
been carried, when
Mr. PENNY stepped forward, and :aid it was very de-
sirable that Mr. Gordon should be obtained as one of
their representatives, otherwise he might alcept a pro-
posal from another constituency. He therefore would
propose that a committee be appointed for the purpose of
waiting on him.
Mr. RODENS begged them to recollect that the inde-
pendence of the town was at stake, and ho hoped they
would not sacrifice it to a paltry advantage. He was not
one who for a moment would oppose a requisition to Mr.
Gordon, under proper circumstances. lie did not be-
lieve Mr. Gordon capable of acting dishonourably in this
matter with them, hut he thought it not unlikely that
false friends might place him in a false position. Let
them secure Mr. Gordon, but while they did that, let
nothing be done that could interfere with the interests
of Mr. Christie. _ _

Mr. Canis= said that nothing could give him
greater pleasure than to appear for that borough
in conjunction with Mr. Gordon, on terms satisfactory
to all the Liberal electors, and he pledged himself that
everything he could do should be done after that
meeting for the purpose of securing that result. He
begged ,the Liberal electors, however, to be on their
guard, and to meet in private and determine the course
they would pursue. Mr. Gordon said that he would
stand irrespective of party. With all due respect to
him, he could not understand why, to a man who had
always mixed himself up with a great party in the state.
and who bad given so strong a support to Mr. Bernal
and himself when first he came there, such " a change
had come o'er the spirit of his dream." Mr. Gordon
was associated with an individual who had misled him,
and might mislead him still, and who, after that meeting
had pledged themselves to support Mr. Gordon, irre-
spective of party, might take steps to bring some person
there to prevent his (Mr. Christie's) return with Mr.
Gordon. Under these circumstances, he trusted Mr.
Penny would withdraw his motion.
Mr. PENNY itid so with great pleasure, and the pro-
ceedings termicated.—Sherbourne Journal.
Mr. Gordon, on the 24th inst., issued a circular to the
electors of Weymouth, in which he states:—" I did not
address the meeting on Wednesday evening without due
consideration ; I felt then, and I still feel, that my own
comfort and the tranquillity of Weymouth require that I
should withdraw all claim to the honour of representing
you in Parliament ; it is impossible therefore that I can
accede to the desire of many kind friends, that I should
reconsider this determination."

RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS.

BILISTOL, OCTOBER 2t.

STocx ExcaArtox.—The sale; are—Bristol and Exeter, New, 9%
—Caledonian, 22% —Dit to, New, 11. 16s. 3d.—Midland, New, 35
North British, 35 —Ditto, Extension, 15s. p.—North Staffordshire,
2J—Taff Vale, Quarters, 28%.
MANCHESTER, OCTOBER 28.

STOLE EXCHANGE.—The sales are—Ambergate, Nottingham, and
Boston, % p—llirkenhead, Lancashire, an I Cheshire Junction, %
c. p.—Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 5% p.—Blackburn Dar-
wen, and Bolton, 1% dis.—Cambridge and Oxford, % p. —Eastern
Counties, York EXtension, I 4 p.—East Lancashire, 4% p.—Edin-
burgh and Glasgow, 8% p.—FleetwOod, Preston, and West Riding,
% dis.—Goole, Doncaster, Sheffield, &c., 1A dis.--Iludderstield and
Manchester Railway and Canal, 24 p.—Ditto, Extension, 11-16
p.—Lancashire and North Yorkshire, 1 dis -Leeds and Thirsk, 5
dis.—Leeds, Dewsbury, and Manchester, 3 5-16 p.—Liverpool, Orms-
kirk, and Preston, 3% p.—London and York, % dis. s.—Manchester
and Leads, Extension, 1 p.—Manchester, Sheffield, and Midland, 2%
dis.—Manchester and Southampton, 15-16 dis.—Oldham, Birken-
head, &c., 15-16 dis.—Preston and Wyre, Halves (A), p.—
Ditto, ditto (B), % p.—Royston and Mellen, % p.—Sheffield and
Lincoln, 1% dis.—Shropshire Union Railway and Canal, dis.--
South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4, 14 p. —West Riding Union, l sjs p.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.
•
SHERIFFS' COURT, October 29.
(Before Mr. Under-Sheriff BUIICHELL.)
The Court sat at ten o'clock, and there were five cases
set down for hearing, but in:none of the cases were the
prattles present, and the jury were kept in waitin,,
nearly half an hour. The following case occupied the
whole of the morning.

WARD V. ABIOS.

The plaintiff in this action is a zinc worker in High-
street. Cesaden•town, and the defendant is a builder.
The action was brought to recover the sum of Si. 10s.
6d., for materials and work done.

On the part of the plaintiff evidence was adduced to
show that zinc gutters were laid down on five houses
built by the defendant, and the work was done under the
direction and inspection of the defendant. The work
was done in April, 1844, but during the heavy storm on
the Ist of August last, the rain penetrated through the
roof.

It was contended, on behalf of the defendant, that this
arose in consequence of the lino not being of sufficient
substance, and that the joints had not been properly
soldered.

The Learned UNDER.SHERIEP, in summing up, said
that a considerable time had been allowed to elapse b?-
fore any complaint was made, and the material could
not be very accirately spoken of by the witnesses whose
cvldence was very conflictory ; it was sworn the de
fendant gave the orders, and it could not be easily
believed that he was so ignorant as not to know at the
time whether the materials were such as he order.•d,
which was the question in issue.
The Jury gave a verdict for 6t, deducting the differ-
ence, 11s. 6d., for loss by bad workmanship.

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.

OLD COURT.

The Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Erie took
their seats on the bench shortly after ten o'clock.
MANSLAUGHTER. - Three powerful, respectably-
dressed young men, named Richard Haywood, William
Branch, and Henry Roddy, surrendered to take their
trial for the manslaughter of John Harrold Levitt, at
West Ilarn, on the 15th of Sept. last.
Mr. Sergeant Shea and Mr. Huddlestone appeared
fur the prosecution; and Mr. Clarkson and Mr. Bodkin
fur the prisoners.
Mr. Sergeant SHEA proceeded to open the case for the
prosecution. He said on the 15th of September the de-
ceased, who was of a full habit of body, proceeded in his
cart to Barking to visit his sister. After staying a short
time he returned between five and six o'clock, and when
at the four-aud-a-half mile-stone on the Barking-road,
he found that a number of persons had assembled, and
that a foot-race was abut to take place between two
men. The prisoners and about three other persons
were in a phmton, all of whom appeared to take
a deep interest in the race. The deceased being
anxious to get to London with as little delay
as possible, pushed forward, but was prevented by the
prisoners. Haywood drew the phaeton across the road,
and did his best to prevent the deceased from carrying
his intention into effect. After the race he pushed
forward, and both the prisoners and the deceased made
use of their whips against each other. They followed
him about 200 yards, to the 3i mile-stone. Haywood
then urged the horse to a gallop, and struck the de-
ceased a blow with his whip as he passed. ' The de-
ceased returned the blow, the whip fell from his hand,
and he got out to get it. Whilst about to do so Buddy
endeavoured to get into the cart ; the deceased tried to
prevent him, but was unsuccessful, and Boddy pushed
him backwards, and his head hung over the tail- board
of the cart ; whilst in this state Haywood urged Boddy
b inflict serious injuri_s on the deceased. Both Branch
and Haywood also violently assaulted him. He then
dt-scribed the condition of the deceased, and concluded
by characterising the case as one of the most aggravated
nature.

Mr. Yeoman, police-sergeant, examined by Mr. HUD-
DLESToNE, stated that he was present at the race be-
tween two men named Brither and Halt, in the Berking-
road, on the 15th of September. Saw the prisoners and
the deceased, who was in a cart drawn by a grey horse.
He knew the deceased. The prisoners, who were in a
pl,mton, used their utmost endeavours to prevent the de-
e, ased proceeding on his journey. Saw them drive the
deceased every time he attempted to pass on the pave-
ment and strike him with a whip. Fearing a disturb-
arce he went for assistance.
Crosg--examinel by Mr. CLaexsoer—The prisoners,
were endeavouring to keep the crowd back. 'I he men
had to run about a mile, which would occupy about five
minutes.
By the CHIEF BARON—The deceased was going in
the direction the men were about to run. The alterca-
tion took place during the time they were running. The
whip of the deceased most likely struck all the prisoners
Mr. Traywick, a fishmonger, was in the Barking-road
on the day in question, and got behind the carriage of
the prisoners. Heard some one in the body of the chaise
say as Mr. Levitt came up, " Here he comes," and as he
passed, he "took a sight" at them. Haywood followed
and struck the deceased, who repeated the blow; several
blows were struck when the deceased dropped his whip and
pulled up to regain it. Haywood pulled up too, and said,
Get out and kill the —, and I will pay the damage."
B iddy got out and put one foot on the wheel and the
ether on the shaft, and whilst in that position Levitt
struck him, but Boddy succeeded in getting into the
cart, and plashed the deceased backwards; he then took
hold of his hair and struck him several times. He was
lying on his back, and could not make much resistance.
Boddy struck the deceased as hard as he could from the
s
position. The deceased managed to get Buddy on the
of the cart, when Haywood came and struck him
once, but not very severely. The prisoners then got
into their vehiole and proceeded to the Abbey Arms.
As they passed the deceased they jeered at him. His
heal was much cut, and there was a great deal of blood.
The deceased hung over the tail-board of the cart when
Haywood struck him.
13y Mr. BoDKIN—The deceased struck Buddy in the
cart. If Haywood had not struck the deceased he
would have thrown Buddy from the cart, because it
made him release him. Haywood did not repeat the
blow.
By Mr. Sergeant SHEA—The blow Haywood struck
was with his clenched hand.
John Pegrow corroborated the preceding evidence.
John Soker, a porter, saw the deceased immediately
after the assault, who said, "Do you call this fair
play?" He was sitting up in the cart, wiping the
b'ood from his face. His eyes were dreadfully con-
tused,
particularly so. Over it there was
a dreadful
a thedfo l
(witness) might put his
finger. lie had other wounds, and he went to a
r rightgash, ey n e
doctor's by his advice.
i which he
Mr. William Colson, surgeon, examined by Mr.
HIIDDLESTONE, said the right side of his face was much
swollen and b'ack. There were two wounds, one on
the right eyebrow and another lower down. There
were no wounds on the left side. As the wounds had
been dressed the preceding evening he did not disturb
the dressings. The deceased was much agitated, and
tremulous. He prescribed what was necessary, and the
next day he found the wounds considerably improved,
but the tremulousness increased until his death, on the
following Monday. On the Friday he had delirium
tremens, and talked incoherently. On Saturday he was
brought to witness in a cab. He was then quite as ill
as on the preceding day. Visited him on Sunday, and
a few hours after he died from exheust,on, caused by
the shocks the nervous system had received. Delirium
itemens was caused from the shock the system had re-
ceived on account of the injuries inflicted upon him.
Performed a post-mortem examination. There was no
fracture, and no rupture or bones broken. The inner
membrane of the brain was inflamed ; the brain itself
was not at all affected. The right lung was congested,
and old adhesions on the right side exhibited
themselves, but were, he thought, in no way
connected with the death. The left lung was also con-
gested, but there was no adhesion. The heart was large
and flabby. His opinion of the cause of death was the
same after the p - modern examination as before. Was
surprised to find that delirium tremens followed blows,
which at first did not appear likely to cause such a result;
but in his experience he had known delirium tremens pro-
ceed from slight blows.
Cross-examined by Mr. CLARESON_Thero was a
great deal of disease. The man's skull was the thinnest
he ever saw. The blows to the skin were not of a very
serious nature. There was no cut over the left eye large
enough to admit a man's finger. Excitement and passion
in a bad patient might cause delirium trent. ns. Two
gentlemen were with him when he performed the post
'sorter* examination. Could not undertake to say that
death would have ensued if the blows had not been given.
He was very strong, and could lift two hundred weight.
Mr. Becquet, surgeon, described the condition of the
deceased when he was brought to him, immediately after
receiving the blows, and agreed with the last witness as
to the cause of death.
Mr. Childs, surgeon, said he was present at the
post mcrlern examination, and deposed to the state
of the deceased's body. Excitement frequently
produced delirium tremens.. There were blood-
stains in the brain, which was frequently the cause of
death, but there were no appearance of inflammation.
The; cause of death was delirium tremens. The liver
was slightly affected, as if from drink, and the brain was
easily broken. The body
wineb ing
air? e
rt the
dinner. h a b t
Neverof s takingaw
he saw it.
Mr. Richard Levitt, the father of the deceased, said
was much decomposed when
he generally enjoyed good health; for the last four years
he had not had an hour's illness; he was very sober, not
s e
alt` T.
atJ J.
tle Clarke,
race. mhiesresotohaino
suchtwo galasstasetes
of
excitement as he was in after receiving the injuries.
He was an ironmonger.
This was the case for the prosecution.
exWamaisneind abyeaMrtr; aCnltlisKa
wSONt—h
elVdeseseapireed-
come up and get on the pavement to make room for him.
He drove between the cart witness was in arid the phaeton.
Some one in the phaeton said something when thedeceased
struck Heywood, who returned the blow. The men were
then running, and if the deceased had been allowed to go
on he would have got amongst the men who were run•
fling. The race would have occupied only five minutes
and a half. Heywood was a fishmonger, and the other
prisoners porters.
CLARKSoN then proceeded to address the jary On
behalf of the prisoners. He contended that as the de-
ceased was the first aggressor, he had brought the re-
taliation of the prisoners upon himself, and that his
death was caused by constitutional causes, which
produced excitement and trepidation, and not from the
injuries he had received at the hands of the prisoners:
The charge against Branch could not be maintained, as
the only participation he had in the affray was picking
up the deceased's whip and lightly striking him with it.
Ou the medical evidence alone, he held they Inuit acquit
the prisoners.
Witnesses were then examined, who gave each of the
prisoners a character for humanity.
The Loan CHIEF BARON summed up the evidence,
and explained the law to the jury. It seemed to him
that greater violence was used than was necessary for
self-defence. He could not believe that the expression

wed by Heywood was uttered with the meaning
which the words would seem to convey ; nor
that the three men inte❑ded deliberately to murder the
unfortunate man. He dwelt upon the fact of his
striking the first blow, and left it to them to say
whether the retaliation was or was not justifiable
in their estimation. The case presented some
peculiarities, as the medical men agreed in the opinion
that the post mortem examination did not exhibit the
causes of death.

The jury, after a short consultation, found the pri-
soners Guilty of an assault. _ _

The prisowners were then put back, and the Court
adjourned fur a quarter of an hour.
The Learned JUDGE sentenced each of the prisoners
to three months' imprisonment in Newgate.