The Sun.
London, England, 1846-12-07 00:00:00

Sir James Hamilton was the chairman.
Some of the minutes of the last meeting having been
confirmed, when that relative to the communication from
the Poor-law Commissioners, was read for confirmation,
a discussion ensued relative to it.
Mr. Mscns asked what was to be done with that com-
munication. He apprehended that it should be an-
swered in the way that all such communications to that
board from the Poor-law Commissioners had hitherto
been answered—in a way to show them that no direct
interference on their part in the affairs of that parish
would he sanctioned by that board. The Commissioners
asked to be furnished, amongst other information, with
the books, registers, diaries, and dccuments used by that
board, which was a stretch of authority he would not
yield to. He had no objection for the Commissioners to
see such books as would enable them to judge of the
general management of the parish; but he would not
accede to their request to be furnished with what they
had no right to ask for.
The CHAIRMAN—That is something like throwing de-
fiance at the Commissioners.
Mr. MECHI—Just so. I, for one, as a guardian of this
parish, will never consent to be governed by the Poor-
law Commissioners, and if they should ever attain the
power in this parish at which they are aiming, I shall
cease to be a guardian or director.
Mr. POTTER said that he hoped the Commissioners
would be now met with the same spirit that had been
hitherto opposed to them. He begged to move, there-
fore, that the letter in question be referred to a com.
mittee, and they be requested to prepare an answer to it.
Mr. MEcni seconded the resolution, which was car-
ried unanimously.
A committee was then appointetiosensisting of the
following gentlemen BtiPlingr, Mt. Ander-
son, Mr. Mechi, Mr. Perry, and Mr. Potter.
After the transaction of much local business the board
separated.

MEETING OF MIDDLESEX
M A GISTRATES.-FRID AY.

The report of the visiting justices of the Westminster
Bridewell was read. It appeared that in the cases of cer-
tain juvenile criminals who were too young, or in other
respects unfitted for Parkhurst, a sentence of imprisonment
had been substituted for a sentence of transportation. A
warrant had been transmitted from the Home-office for
their reception into this prison, which it was intimated
in the communication from the Home-office would not
cause any augmentation in the county-rate, as the addi-
tional expenditure occasioned by their maintenance
would be defrayed by Government out of a sum voted
by Parliament last session for such purposes. If this
system is acted upon it will virtually put a stop to the
transportation of certain classes of young offenders.
The report gave some detail of the increased duties
devolving upon the officers of this establishment, and
especially upon the governor, since the demolition of the
new prison, which gave rise to the necessity ad interim
of constituting it a reception prison ; and concluded by
stating that the Governor (Lieutenant Tracy) had dis-
charged his arduous superintendence of the two depart-
ments of the prison in a manner which entitled him to
augmented confidence and the highest commendation.
The visiting justices had spontaneously, in the Gover-
nor's absence, deemed it their duty to record this fact,
and to recommend the court to present him with the sum
of 1001.
Mr. WlLas then moved that the court concur with
the visiting justices of the Westminster Bridewell, in
the expressions of approval of the manner in which
Lientenant Tracy, the governor, had superintended that
prison during the past year, and ably and discreetly met
the extraordinary duties imposed oh him, in consequence
of the vast number of 6,300 prisoners, who would have
gone to the new prison, having been committed to that
gaol, and under circumstances that required special vi-
gilance and prudence in him, and that as a proof of the
particular approval of the court he be presented with a
gratuity of 1001.
The motion was seconded and agreed to.
A vote of 1001., under similar circnmstances, was
carried to John Levis, Esq., the surgeon; of 501. to
the chief warder, Mr. Cree; and of 201. each to the gate
porters.
Tt e salary of Mr. George Hoare, the chief warder
of the Middlesex House of Correction, was augmented
from 2001. to. 250/. per annum, after some debate.
There were nearly 60 magistrates present, and only
three dissentients.

- -
GRAND JURIES.
The ASSISTANT-JUDGE moved, pursuant to notice
that several presentments of the grand juries with re•
spect to their duties be referred to a committee to report
upon to the court. He briefly referred to some facts
which had come under his notice while presiding in
that court to show that grand juries were often
a mode by which villains escaped. A short time
ago he had impounded a document, which was a
written agreement between certain parties that a sum
of money should be paid to a witness, in the
event of his varying his evidence before the grand jury,
so as to obtain the acquittal of the accused. In another
case there was a notorious offender, a woman who had
been five times indicted before the grand jury, and every
time the bill had been ignored. This was certainly un-
accountable, and it was equally strange that in other
cases they not unfrequently found a true bill when there
was no evidence at all.—(Hear, hear.) After animad-
verting upon some of the City authorities, to whom he
had written upon the subject, and who had not had the
courtesy to answer his communication, be moved the
appointment of a committee, and expressed a hope that
the legal members of the bench would afford their
assistance.
Mr. LAURIE threw out some practical suggestions on
the subject. He had made a motion in that Court some
years ago, that a clerk should attend the grand juries,
which had been carried, but it was singular that it had
never been acted upon. Since that course had been
adopted at the Central Criminal Court the number of
bills thrown out had decreased from twelve per cent. to
five per cent.
The ASSISTANT-JUDGE feared that that plan would
not be of the same value in the small cases tried in that
court as it was in the cases of greater magnitude tried
at the Old Bailey.
The motion was agreed to nem. con., and a committee
nominated.—Adjourned.

BENTLEY'S MISCELLANY FOR DECEMI3ER.--1 He
power which a really accomplished writer exercises
over his readers is strikingly exemplified in Fenimore
Cooper's new romance, " Captain Spike; or, the
the Gulf." In the portion which be has yet given to the
Islet of
public, through the medium of this Magazine, no extra-
ordinary incident is narrated, no monstrous character is
introduced, no trick is played off to electrify or galvanise
the spectator. A rakish, suspicious looking craft, com-
manded by a regular sea-dog of a captain, is highly de-
scribed working out to sea in a manner to keep. clear of
an impertinent revenue steamer; and yet such is the art
with which the manoeuvres on board are related, that
even the most determined landsman is excited, despite
of himself, and feels an unaccountable interest in the fate
of the impudent Molly Swarth, her Captain, and her
crew. Maxwell's story of " Brian O'Linn," is as rollick-
ing a picture of life ashore as Cooper's romance is of
life at sea. " Long Jim" is an amusing sketch of that
most despised and terribly hunted biped, a Tipperary
process-server. This number of Bentley has also con-
tributions from Lord and Lady Nugent, Albert Smith,
William Jerdan, Miss Costello, and other literary cele-
brities.—Morning Yost.
His Royal Highness the Conde de Montemolin
(de jure King of Spain) has signified his wish to witness
the performance of a pure English drama, and with this
view his Royal Highness, it is understood, has intimated
his intention of honouring the performance at the Hay-
market Theatre on Wednesday next. We understand
his Royal Highness, who is well acquainted with Eng-
lish literature, has expressed a desire that the per-
formances should include the School for Scandal.
tTheie notice
of Southamptonan application Rtao Parliament
Railway
en-
large their proposed terminus in the York-road, near
Waterloo-bridge, and to extend the same into the
Waterloo- bridge-road. This extension will be a great
accommodation to
.the public, as it will open a direct
line of communication over Waterloo-bridge with the
Strand, the Birmingham Railway, and all the northern
parts of the metropolis.
THE SOUTH-WESTERN RAlLWAY.—Although the
South-Western Railway will ultimately extend to London-
bridge, the principal terminus will be at Hungerford-
bridge. It is intended that a terminus shall be built
there to surpass in magnificence anything of the kind
that has been built. It is considered highly probable
that the companywill, at no distant day, purchase the
present Suspension-bridge, build another on the site, and
convey passengers over the Thames into the heart of
London.—Hanipshir e Guardian.
NENY POSTAL ORDER.—On Saturday the new
postal order, requiring
.letters for the first delivery to be
left at the London receiving, houses before a quarter to
eight, instead of eight o clock, took effect. The collec-
tions will in future be made at forty-five minutes past
seven o'clock, in order to dispatch all letters and Lis .vs-
papers by the morning mails.
MaNcitesTen, DEC. 4.—Last night a gang of
well experienced burglars, by
means of the use of the
~ jemn3y, " forced an entrance through the front door of
Mr James Boon's house, Wilcombe-street, Hulme, and
by means of false keys succeeded in opening several of
the drawers, from which they stole jewellery to the
value of 701., and 291. in gold. Nothing has yet been
heard of the thieves.
FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE ICE.—On Friday lir
Baker held an inquest at the Fountain, Clapton, on the
body of Alfred J. Cook, aged 12 years, lately living at
No. 7, Exmouth-street, Hackney-road. It appeared
that on Wednesday morning the deceased, who is sup-
posed to have gone on the
ice at Clapton pond, was
seen in the water dog female of the name ofßing, and
near him was his She gave an alarm, but it was
several minutes before he was got out, as there were no
drags. The body, on being extricated, was taken to
the Fountain, where the usual means were resorted to,
to restore animation, but without effect.—Verdict,
“ Accidental death."

Week
ending

Nov.

Dec. 1
Nov. 2?

THE ROYAL VISIT TO ARUNDEL
CASTLE.
ARUNDEL, FRIDAY.—The Queen has expressed her-
self highly pleased with the visit to Petworth House
yesterday, and his Royal Highness the Prince Consort
was equally gratified in viewing the rare assemblage of
works of art brought together in that splendid seat.
Colonel and Mrs. Wyndham received the illustrious
party, which comprised, in addition to the Queen and
Prince Albert, the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk, the
Duchess of Sutherland and Lady Caroline Laveson
Gower, the Duchess of Bedford, the Marchioness of
Douro, Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston, Viscount
Morpeth, and the Hon. Miss Napier. Her Majesty and
the Royal Prince were conducted over the principal
suite of rooms by the Gallant Colonel and Mrs.
Wyndham.
After the planting cf the trees yesterday afternoon,
the Queen and Prince were conducted to the orangery,
by the Duke of Norfolk, from whence her Majesty and
party proceeded to the ancient church, and inspected
what remains of its former splendour and architectural
magnificence. Most of the interior of the building is in
a state of decay, originating in rough treatment by the
soldiers of Oliver Cromwell, who deprived the splendid
tombs of all their enrichments, and converted the edifice
into a stable. It was nearly five o'clock before the royal
party left the church, on return to the Castle.
The Duke of Wellington, when out riding yesterday,
proceeded as far as Littlehampton, and visited the bat-
tery at the mouth of the river Arun His Grace, who
was accompanied by the Countess of Ellesmere, was
received by Lieutenant A. Wall, of the Coast Guard,
of whom the Noble and Gallant Duke made numerous
inquiries.
The Earl and Countess of March, the high sheriff of
the county, Mr. W. T. Mitford, the Rev. G. A. F. Hart,
and the Rev. M. A. Tierney, had the honour to join the
dinner circle last evening. The party at the banquet was
in other respects precisely the same as on the previous
evening.
The Queen retired shortly before ten o'clock to the
state saloon, where her Majesty and the ladies were
subsequently joined by Prince Albert and the remaining
guests.
The Distin Family, the well-known performers on the
Sax horns, had the honour to play a selection of their
favourite pieces to the royal circle. Miss Loder also
performed on the pianoforte in the presence of the
Queen.
At the conclusion of the first part of the programme
the Distins retired for a brief interval.
Her Majesty and the illustrious party then joined in a
"carpet dance," the Queen and the Earl of Arundel and
Surrey opening the quadrille with Prince Albert and
Lady Adeliza Howard, vis d vis. The military band was
stationed in the corridor.
The royal party again commanded the attendance of
the Distin Family, when the remaining portion of the
programme was concluded.
A country dance then took place in the library ; the
dance comprising eleven couple. Her Majesty gave her
hand to the Duke of Norfolk, and Prince Albert danced
with Lady Mary Howard.
After partaking of refreshments in the corridor at
twelve o'clock, the festivities terminated by the retire-
ment of her Majesty and the Prince Consort to their
private apartments.
This morning the Duke of Wellington took his de-
parture for town shortly after nine o'clock, the Noble
and Gallant Duke proceeding on horseback to the rail-
way station at Littlehampton.
Lord and Lady John Russell left for the metropolis
previous to the departure of her Majesty, and Viscount
and Viscountess Palmerston closed their visit this after-
noon.
At half-past nine all was in preparation for the Queen
and Prince Albert departing for Osborne House. A
troop of the Arundel and Bramber Yeomanry Cavalry,
commanded by Captain Sir Dent Goring, Bart , with the
full band of the corps, mounted, entered the quadrangle,
and took up a position directly in front of the porch
which forms the principal entrance to the castle. Captain
John Abel Smith, M.P., Captain Evans. Lieutenant M.
T. Smith, Mr. Montefiore, Mr. Grey, Mr. Gratwicke,
and other officers of the regiment, were also present in

full uniform.
The royal carriage entered the court-yard a few
minutes before ten, and punctually at that hour the
Queen, attended by the Duke of Norfolk, followed by
Prince Albert and the Duchess of Norfolk, descended
from the staircase, and after taking a final leave of the
Duchess, her Majesty and the Prince Consort entered
the carriage, the band striking up the National Anthem.
A royal salute was fired from the artillery in the park
on the departure of the august visitors, and the royal
standard, which had floated from the keep, was lowered
as the royal carriage passed the precincts of the castle.
In the other royal carriage were the Marchioness of
Douro and the Hon. Miss Napier, lady in waiting and
maid of honour to the Queen, and the equerries in at-
tendance, Lieutenant-Colonel the lion. Charles B. Phipps
and Colonel Bouverie.
The Duke of Norfolk, on his illustrious visitors enter-
ing the royal carriage, mounted his horse to precede the
Queen as far as Chichester, and would afterwards ac-
company her Majesty to Portsmouth.
Tae Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the Duchess of
Sutherland, and Lady Caroline Leveson Gower, the
Marquis of Granby, the Earl and Countess of Elles-
mere, Viscount Morpeth, and Lord Brooke remain at
the Castle until to-morrow, when the party will se-
parate.

RETURN OF THE COURT TO OSBORNE HOUSE.
PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 4.—Her Majesty and Prince Al-
bert, attended by his Grace the Duke of Norfolk, the
Marchioness of Douro, the Hon. Miss Napier, Lieut.-
Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, and others of the royal
suite, and attendants, returned to Portsmouth, from
Arundel, this day at a quarter before one o'clock. The
Royal party travelled in three carriages, and were
escorted into the garrison by a detachment of the 12th
royal Lancers. Lieut.-General the Hon. Sir Hercules
Pakenham, K.C.8., and his aide-de-camp, met her Ma-
jesty about half a mile outside the Portsea fortifications,
and then led the escort into the dockyard. On her Ma-
jesty passing through Lion-gate, the royal standard was
hoisted. Her Majesty and the Prince and suite passed
to the King's stairs in the dockyard by the same route
as on Tuesday. Admiral Sir C. Ogle, Rear-Admiral Par-
ker, the captains and commanders of the ships in the port,
in full uniform; the officers of the Dockyard, the field
officers of the Engineers, Artillery, 2d and 13th Regi-
ments, and Royal Marines, were drawn up in attendance
at the King's stairs to receive her Majesty, and a guard
of honour, furnished by the Royal Marine Artil-
lery companies. The carriage in which her Majesty
and Prince Albert travelled was driven up close to
the passage leading to the stairs, and in two minutes her
Majesty, the Prince (having previously spoken to the
Admiral and General), and suite, were in the royal
barge, and the standard hoisted. The barge was steered
to the Fairy yacht by Captain the Right Hon. Lord A.
Fitzclarence, and the royal party stepped on board
cheered by the crews of the ships, and the numerous
spectators that were assembled in the dockyard. On the
royal standard being displayed, her Majesty's ships St.
Vincent, Victory, and Excellent fired royal salutes; all
the ships in the harbour were dressed with flags. The
Fairy slipped the buoy rope at one o'clock, and in a few
minutes was out of harbour, cheered as she passed the
ships by their crews, who manned yards. At half-past
one o'clock the Fairy yacht was off Osborne Creek, the
tide admitting the royal party to land at that jetty.
The streets of Portsea, through which her Majesty
passed, and the dockyard were crowded with people,
who cordially welcomed her Majesty on her return ;
many houses were decorated with flags and evergreens,
and the approaches to the dockyard gates were kept
clear through the arrangements of the local police.
Her Majesty looked remarkably well. His Grace the
Duke of Norfolk having taken leave of her Majesty and
the Prince on the stepping into the royal barge, returned
immediately to Arund Castle in one of the royal car-
riages, and the detachment of the 12th Lancers will go
back to Hounslow to-morrow.

RAILWAY RETURNS.
Ramwair TRAFFIC.—The following are the Total Receipts of Rail-
ways for the past week—that is to say, up to the date to which the
respective returns are made, together with the receipts of the same
week in the previous year :

Last r,
week. 2
t
0
Q