The Sun.
London, England, 1856-05-16 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MAY l6, 1856.

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THE RUGELEY POISONINGS

TRIAL OF WILLIAM PALMER.

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT (THIS DAY).

THIRD DAY.

The interest in this case was not in tie least abated,
and this day there was a greater crowd outside the court
than hitherto, whilst the interior was extremely full.
The Ear's Derby and Grey were in Court long before
the Judges took their seats.

Precisely at 10 o'clock the jurymen answered to their
names. The prisoner entered the dock, and, as before,
bowed slightly to their lordships, and then leant over
the front of the dock, and had a few minutes converse
with his solicitor, before the proceedings commenced.
He was somewhat pale, and a nervous action of the
mouth, and a continual tapping of his lips with his
fingers, bespoke that he was nervous, aliihough he strove
hard to appear otherwise.

The first witness called was Charles James Roberts,
examined by Mr. Edwin James, and having been sworn
paid—l am apprentice to Mr. Tlawkins, of Rugeley,
druggist, and was so in November last.

Mr. Edwin James—Do you know Palmer do.
Mr. Edwin James—Do you remember the 20th of
November last !—Yeq.

Mr. E twin James—Did you see him at that time ?
Yes.

Mr. Elwin James—Where ?—He came into our shop.
Mr. Edwin James—About what time ?—Between
twelve and one.

Mr. Edwin James—Did he a4k for anything ?—Yes ;
he asked first for some ?romsic acid.
Mr. Edwin James—Did ho bring anything with
him ?—A bottle to put it in.

Mr. Edwin James—Yon know Newton ?—I do.
Mr. Edwin James—Whilst you were putting it up
did Newton come into the shop ?—Yes ; he did.
Mr. Edwin James—Did Palmer speak to him ?
Yes.

Mr. Edwin James—What did he say I—Palmer said
he wanted to speak to him.

Mr. Edwin James—Did he go up and speak to him ?
—Yes ; and Palmer and Newton went out of the shop
together.

Mr. Edwin Jamea—Da you know Bressington, a
cooper ?—I do.

Mr. Edwin James—Did you see him at that time ?
Yes ; when Palmer and Newton were outside the shop,
he came up, and Palmer got into conversation with him.
Mr. Edwin James—Can you see from your shop into
the street ?—I can. Palmer then came back into the
shop.

Lord Campbell—What were you doing —I was
putting up the prussic acid.

Mr. Edwin James—Did Palmer ask for anything
else ?—Yes, he asked for six grains of strychnine.
Mr. Elwin James—Anything else ?—Yes ; two
drachms of a compound called Batley's sedative.
Lerd Campbell—What did you do with the prussic
acid ?—Put it upon the counter.

Mr. Edwin James—Whilst you were putting these
things up, was Palmer in the shop I—Yes ; but he
moved from the counter to the shop door, and stood
there. He stood looking out into the street. He had
his back to the inside of the shop, and stood in the door
way.

Mr. Edwin James—How long did it take you to make
up the preparations f—A bout four minutes.
Mr. Edwin James—Did he remain standing in the
doorway the whole time until you were ready to give
him the things f—Yes.

Mr. Edwin James—How was the strychnine de-
livered ?—ln paper.

Mr. Edwin James—And the opiate in a bottle?—Yes.
Mr. Edwin .Tames--Did Palmer take them away ?
He did.

Mr. Edwin James—And pay for them ?—Yes.
Mr. Ed win James—Whilst the preparations were
being made up was any one else in the shop?—No one.
Mr. Edwin James—After Palmer had gone did New-
ton come ?--He did.

Mr. Edwin James—Now, you must tell us what
was said. Was there some remark made l—There

Mr. Edwin James—You said you had known Palmer
some time. How long ?—Since I hale been in my pre-
sent situation.
Mr. Edwin James—How long is that ?—Six years.
Mr. Elwin James—How long before the present time
bad prisoner bought drugs at your shop ?—Not for two
years. I know Thurlby, his assistant. He has opened
Palmer's shop for the sale of drugs about two years.
Mr. Edwin James—Has Palmer bought any drugs
at your shop since that time ?—No, that is, not to my
kr owledge.
Mr. Edwin James—Has Palmer practised since
Thurlby opened the business as druggist ?—Yes, he has.
Sergeant Shee—Did you make any entry of the sale
of these things ?—I did not.
By Lord Campbell—lt is not our custom.
William Burnby Stephen, examined by the Attorney-
General—l am a merchant, and was stepfather tG the
deceased, Mr. Cook. I married his father's widow 18
years ago. I have known him intimately ever since his
mother died, shortly after our marriage. We were
always upon most friendly terms, and most intimate. I
had the constant care of him. His fortune, altogether,
was about 12,0001., as near as I can at present say. He
was articled to a solicitor, but did not follow it. He
had taken to turf pursuits recently. I think about
three or four years. I set my face entirely against it,
and do not know the exact period he took to them. I
did all I could to draw him away from them.
Lord Campbell—You were upon friendly terms with

him !—Yes.
The Attorney-General—When was the last time pre-
viously to his death that you saw him alive ?--About
two o'clock upon the afternoon of the 15th of Novem-
ber ; it was at the Euston.square Station, as he was
going into the country.
The witness, in answer to further questions, said—l
think Cook told me he was going to Rugeley, and he
looked better than I had seen him for a very long time.
I was so gratified that I said to him, " My boy, you
don't look anything of an invalid now." I don't recollect
the answer he made. He struck himself hard on the
chest and said, "I am all right," and. I think he added
ho was quite happy. In point of appearance he was
not a robust man ; he had a pale complexion. I knew
or some months before I saw him he had been labouring
under a sore throat. I think he told me he was going
abroad. I first heard of his death on Wednesday the
21st. Mr. Jones told me, and I went down to Lutter-
worth to search for his will and any papers he might
have left. I found his will, and the next morning
I went to Rugeley. I got to Rugeley between
12 and 1. As soon as I arrived at the inn I asked
to see the body. Palmer was there. I met him in
the passage of the men. Mr. Jones introduced Palmer
to me in the inn, and then Palm,sr followed me up
stairs. Palmer removed the sheet from the body down
to about the waist. I think the shins were partly
exposed. I was struck with the appearance of the
body. The first thing I noticed was a tightness of
the muscles across the face. It was the tightness of
the muscles that principally struck me. There did
not appear to be any emaciation from disease.. After
I had looked at the body, Jones, Palmer, and myself
went down stairs. After Borne time Cook's affairs
were spoken about. I said to Palmer " I he: it from
Mr. Jones that you know something of m y son's
affairs ; can you tell me anything about tl] em ?"
Palmer replied "Yes ; but there are 4,0100/. of
bills out of his, and I am sorry to say my .name
is to them. I have got a paper drawn up' by a
lawyer signed by Cook, to show that I have never had
any benefit or any of the money." I don't recollec t the
word. I expressed great surprise, and said " I Is ar I
wont have 4,000 shillings to pay them. I said " ha d he
no horses or other property." Palmer said he had hi o-ses
but they were mortgaged. I said had he no sp outing
bets owing to him, or anything of that sort. 1 'aluur
mentioned one bet of 3001. which was owing t o him.
The person is dying. No spsrtiug bets have bee) I paid.
I believe this 3001. was a private debt. Palmer E aid he
did not know of any other. I said I thong bt his
sporting friends would hove to pay their bets, I Ls I
should pay nothing. I then turned round and a aid,
whether he has left or not, poor fellow, he must be
buried. Palmer then said " Oh, I'll bury him mys elf,
if that's all." I said certainly I cannot allow you tc , do
that. At that time deceased's brother-in-law assri, Jed,
and he immediately expressed a great wish to bury 'lslip,
and I said no, as I was his (deceased's) executor I s bould
see all about that. I sail I cou'd not have the f aneral
take place immediately, became I intended to bur y him
in London in his mother's grave. I was very so rry to
inconvenience the people at the inn, but I would get it
dose as soon as possible. Palmer said " that's of no
consequence, but the body ought to be fasten rd up
at once," and then he again repeated the wort. 1 so
lone; as the body is fastened up that is of no cc use-
quence for a day or two. While I was talkite tc• de-
ceased's brother-in-law Palmer and Jones left the
room and returned in about half an hour. L: pon the. it
return I expressed a wish io know from - Palmer the

name of some responsib!e undertaker in Ilugeley, in
order that I might at once order a c)ffin and give direc-
tions. Palmer said " Oh, I have done that. I have

)rdsred a shell and a strong oak coffin." He did not
.ay of whom he had done so. I said I gave you no
authority to do so, at the same time expressing surprise.
I said but I must see the undertaker to give directions

about the funeral. I think he told me the name of the

undertaker. I then ordered dinner for myself, my son-
in-law, and Mr. Junes, and asked Paliuer to join us.

We all dined together at the inn. I was going back to

London that evening. Before I left I desired Mr.
Jones to be so good as go up stairs and
get me his betting book or pocket-book, or
any books he might find. I had seen Cook
with a betting-hook, but I could not describe it. It
had a clasp. Jones left the room, and Palmer followed
in ten minutes. Jones was very sorry to say he could
not find any book or papers, Palmer was present. I
said, "No betting-book, Mr. Jones ? " -and, turning to-
wards Palmer, I said, " how is this ?" Palmer said,
"It is no manner of use if you find it." I said, "No
use, sir? I am the best judge of that ;" and he again
said, "It is of no manner of ule." I again said, "I am
the best judge of that. It is of use. I understand my
son won a great deal of money at Shrewsbury, and I
ought to know something about it." Palmer said, "It
is of no use, I assure you. When a man dies his bets
are done with. Besides," he said, " Cook received
a great quantity of his money on the course
at Shrewsbury." I said, " Very well, sir, the book
~ught to be found, and should be found." Palmer said,
"Oh it could be found, no doubt." I again said, " Sir,
it shall be found," and I then went to the door of the
sitting-room, and calling to the housekeeper, I desired
that everything in the bed-room might be locked up,

that nothing might be touched until I return° l, or sent
same one to take care of the property, awl authority to
take possession. After that, prior to leaving, I went to take
a last look at the deceased, and I saw some servants in
the room turning up the bed clothes to see if anything
was there. The undertaker was there. I had previously
given the undertaker instructions to send the body to
London, and I had also told him to put the body in the
coffin. The undertaker had just placed the body

in the shell. I went to the side of the shell, the
body was uncovered, and I knelt down by the
aide of the shell and taking the right hand of the corpse.
I found it firmly clenched. I looked across the body
and observed the left hand was likewise clenched. I
did not observe anything else. I returned to London
and communicated with the uncle of the deceased, and
he gave me a letter to Mr. Gardner, of Rugeley. I re-
turned to Rugeley next day (Saturday) ab tut 8 in the
evening. On my arrival at the platform at Euston•sgoare,
I saw Palmer as I was leaving London, and he toll me
he had received a telegraphic message to came to Lon•
don after I had left Rugeley which brought him to
London. I think I asked him where Mr. Cook's horses
were kept, and he replied at Exford. When I got to
Wolverton I again saw Palmer in the refreshment room.
I said, Mr. Palmer, this is a very melancholy thing,
the death of my poor soon, and dying so suddenly.
I think, for the sake of his brother and sister,
it might be desirable to know what his complaints were.
I think it might be desirable that the medical attendant
should know something of it, and I should like his body
opened. Palmer replied " Oh, that can be easily done."
Nothing more passed, and we then went to our seats.
He did not travel in the same carriage. When we
teached Rugby I saw him in the refreshment room.
Ele came to my side. I cannot swear whether it was
there or at Rugaley I said to him —" I think I had
better have a solicitor to look altar my interests."
Palmer said "Oh, yes, you can do that—do you kno
any one at Rugeley ?" The bell then rang, and I ran
to get some refreshment. When I came back ti the
carriage I found Palmer sitting there, but nothing
further took place until we got to Rugeley. There was
a lady and gentleman in the same carriage with us.
Soon after we reached Rugeley Palmer again asked if I
knew a solicitor in Rugeley. 'We came near the om-
nibus. I said— " No, you know lam a perfect
stranger." He said, "I know them all ; I'll introduce
you to one. I'll go home and get a cup of coffee and
then come over and tell you all about it." I again said
I would not trouble him. He only wanted a cup of
coffee ;he would then accompany me. He said we
should not find one. I then said to him, changing my
voice, "Mr. Palmer, if I call in a solicitor I suppose you
will have no objection to answer him any question." I
altered my voice purposely. He replied, with a spas-
modic movement in the throat which was perfectly evi.
dent, "06, no ; certainly not." When I mentioned the
post mortem examination Palmer was calm. After the
conversation about a solicitor there was a pause of three
or four minutes. He then proposed to come to me after
he had had his coffee assd tell me of a solicitor, but I
begged him not to trouble himself. In the course of the
evening he came to the hotel and saw rne. It
was after I had seen Mr. Gardner. He said,
"It is a very unpleasant affair for me these
bills." I said, "It is right I should tell you, Mr.
Palmer, since I saw you I have heard rather a
different account of Mr. Cook's affair." He replied,
"Oh, indeed—l hope it will be settled pleasantly."
I said, "It can only be settled, sir, in the Court of
Chancery." I think lee said, "Oh, indeed." I think,
after a short pause, he said, " What friends had Mr.
Cook to visit, or who he visited, in the neighbourhood of
London ?" I replied, "Several." "Oh, but I mean,"
he said, " who does he stay with when he goes there ?"
Lord Campbell intimated that that need not be gone
into.

Cross-examination continued—On Sunday evening,
betwee❑ five and six o'clock, I saw hun again at the
Talbot Arms. He said, " If I were you I would not take
my solicitor to Helsford." I said, " Why not, Mr.
Palmer ?" He said, " I should recommend or advise
you not to." I said, " I should use my own discretion
about that." He said, " Oh, of course, you will." After
this Palmer came into the room where I was
writing, and approached me with a piece of paper
in his hand as if he would give it me. I did
not take any notice of it, and I said, " Pray, Mr. Palmer,
who is Mr. Smith, of this place?" He said, " Mr.
Smith" two or three times, as if he did not know such
a person. I said, "The Mr. Smith who slept or sat up
with my son on Saturday." He replied, " Oh, he is a
solicitor of this town." I said, " I ask you a question,
sir, because, as a betting-book is lost, I should like to
know who sat up with my son." After a short pause I
said, "Pray, Mr. Palmer, did you attend my poor son
in a medical capacity?" He said, "Oh dear, no." I
said, "I ask you the question, because I am determined
to have his body examined ; and if you had attended
him medically, I suppose the gentlemen I shall call i❑
would think it proper you should be present." He then
said, "Can you tell me who is to make the post martens
examinatio❑ ?" I said, " I can't, for I shall not know
myself until the morning. I think it right to tell you of it.
I shall have it done to my satithaction ; and whether you
are present or not is a matter of indifference to me."
Palmer said, "So it is to me." I saw nothing in the
appearance of the body to require its speedy burial.
Cross-examined by Mr. Sergeant Shoe—Deceased re•
sided with me about a month in the beginning of 1855.
He had then a slight sore throat. There appeared to be
no difficulty in his swallowing. I did not notice any
ulcer about his face then. I saw him twice or three times
in the summer, and in the month of October, previous to

his death. He ►ooked much as usual, and not like an
invalid. He had been poorly in the early part of the year,
and said his medical man had advised him, if he did not
get better, to go to a warmer climate. His brother and
sister were rather delicate. His father, I believe, died at
the age of 30 or 31, from rupturing a blood-vessel. I
don't know if Cook had attempted to insure his life and
failed. I was much di,,satisfied that his betting-book
could not be found, and therefore I desired his room at
Rugeley might be locked up. I saw Mr. Gardner the
following morning after my sec3nd arrival at Rugeley.
I was once in communication with Inspector Field. It
was a fortnight or three ; weeks after my son's burial.
Field called on me, but for what cause I don't know. I
never applied to him.
Mary Keeling, examined by Mr. Welsby—l am a
widow living at Rugeley. On Wednesday morning, 21st
November last, I laid out the deceased's body, in com-
pany with my sister-in-law. I got to the Talbot Arms
about 10 o'clock in the morning. The body was warm,
but the hands and arms were cold. The body was lying
on the back with the arms crossed upon the chest. I
did not observe anything particular about the body ;
it was very stiff indeed. I have laid out many
corpses, bnt I never saw one so stiff before. We
had great difficulty in straightening the deceased's
arms, and I had to draw a piece of tape from the
wrists under his back with which I fastened them
down. His right foot was turned on one side, outwards,
and we were obliged to tie the two feet together to keep
them in place. The eyes were open, and we were a con-
,iderable time before we could close them ; the eyelids
were very stiff. The bands were also very stiff, and
clenched. Mr. Palmer went upstairs with us, and held
a light to her whilst she took two rings off the finger on
Cook's hand. I had great difficulty in doing it, from
his hand being so very stiff. The band then closed
again. I did not see any hook in the room.
Cross-examined by Mr. Grove—lt was not a usual
thing to tie the arms down in putting a body
_ straight. I never used tape before in laying out a

dead body. I have used it to tie the feet
together and also for the toes. I have never seen it
used for the arms, but it is usual for those who are pre-
sent to tie the arms by the side so soon as a person dies.
The arms remain in their position and stiff if that is not
done. Then there is frequently a difficulty in keeping
the eyelids of a corpse closed if they are not closed im-
mediately after death. The jaws are usually tied after
death.

By the Attorney-General—l have laid out a great
many bodies of all ages. I was called up at half-past
12, and was with the body until half-past 1. I have
found it necessary to use tape for the feet about half t.n
hour after death.

Dr. Harland, of Stafford, examined by Mr. Bodkin—
lam a physician. On the 26th November I made :I
post mortern, examination of the deceased's body at
Rugeley. I called on Mr. Bamford there, and on in)
way I was joined by Palmer in the street. He said, " I
am glad you are come to make the post mortene exami-
nation ; some person might have been sent that I did
not know, hut I know you." I said, " What is this
case—l hoar there is a suspicion of poisoning in the
case." He said, "Oh no, I think not ; he had an
epileptic fit on Monday and Tuesday nights, and you'll
find an old disease in the heart and in the head." We
then went on together to Mr. Bamford's, and whilst in
his house, not having brought my instruments with me,
Palmer offered to lend me his. He said there was a
queer old man who seemed to suspect him (Palmer) of
something, and he did not know what he wanted. He
seems to suspect that I have his betting book, but
Cook had no betting book that would be of use
to anybody. Mr. Bamford and I went to Mr.
Frere's, a surgeon, at Rugeley, and from thence
to the Talbot Arms. The post mortem examination
was then proceeded with. Mr. Devonshire operated.
Mr. Bamford, Palmer, and several other persons were
present. I stood near Mr. Devonshire. I noticed the
body was very stiff.
Lord Campbell—More than dead bodies generally are?
Witness—Yes, my lord.

Examination continued—The muscles of the body
were very highly developed by being strongly contracted
and thrown out.

Lord Campbell—By strong spasmodic action ?

Witness—Yes,

Examination continued—l examined the bands and
found them firmly clenched. The abdomal viscera was

first examined.

Dr. Harland was then about to detail the particular
result of the first and second post mortem examination
of the intestines and spit.al cord. Lord Campbell di-
rected that they should be read, which was done. They
were of too km; and technical a nature to report, am
the result arrived at was there was nothing at all un-
natural in the appearances presented.

Examination continued—The viscera was taken out
of the body. The lung.' and liver were healthy. There
was blood in them, but not more than gravitation after
death would cause. I examined the head. The brain
was healthy ; no extravasation, or serum, or any
thing to indicate pressure. The heart was con
tracted and bloodless. It indicated no disease
but spasmodic action. The stunach had nume-
rous yellowish white spots, the size of mustard seeds,
and did not at all acoount for death. They did not it,
my opinion interfere with health. The kidneys were full
of blood from gravitation, and gave no indication of
disease. The blood was in a fluid state. It does occur
in cases of sudden death, but is very rare. I did not
discover any appearanne of organic disease upon
this occasion. The upper part of the sp;nal cord only
was examined, and that appeared perfectly natural.
There was nothing to account for the death of deceased,
and nothing unusual in the appearances. When the in-
testines and stomach were first removed, they were places
in a jar. Mr. Newton and Mr. Devonshire, who ope-
rated, put them in. Palmer was at that time at the
back of Newton, and Palmer gave a push, which threw
him upon Devonshire, and threw part of the con-
tents of the stomach into the intestines. I thought
it was some joke, and said, "Don't do that." After
this, the opening of the stomach proceeded. The eta-
mach contained about three ounces of brownish fluid,
but nothing so unusual. Palmer, who was looking on,
said "They will not hang us yet." The stomach and
its contents were put into the jar. The intestines were
then examined, but nothing material found in them.
They were small and contracted. They were put
into the jar, which was tied over, sealed, and placed
upon the table. Palmer at that time was moving about
the room. In a few minutes I missed the jar. I said,
" Where is it ?" Palmer said "Here," near the door
where be was standing, and he brought the jar, saying
that he thought it would be handier there. That was
not the door I came in at, and I do not know where
it leads to. When Palmer gave me the jar I found
the covering had been cut through, but none of the
contents bad passed through. I asked who bad done it,
but there was no answer. When the jar was about be-
ing taken to Mr. Frere's, prisoner said he would rather
it should go to Stafford. I took it to Mr. Freres house,
and returned to the Talbot Arms. Before Illeft it I re-
arranged the bladders over the jar, so that the cut which
had been made would be obviated. Upon my return
to the Talbot, I saw Palmer, and ho asked me what
would be done with the jar. I told him that it would
go to London that night.
At this point of the evidence the Court adjourned.
Previously to the jury retiring, the Foreman cotn-
plained to his lordship of a serious inconvenience which
they felt from the continuous gusts of cold air which
was kept passing through the court from under their
seats, and which affected them to such an extent that
they feared their health would be injured.
Several of the gentlemen of the bar also complained,
and almost everybody in the Court joined in the general
complaint.

The Recorder said it was not an unusual cause of
complaint at these courts. It was the practice when the
court got very hot, to pump in blasts of cold air.
Lord Campbell assured the jury that he would at
once see that the evil complained of was
abated. It was most necessary that everything should
be done in courts of justice so that no inconvenience
should be felt by any one called upon to attend them.
Notwithstanding this remonstrance the nuisance was not
abated, but during the whole day a continuous stream
of very cold air kept passing through the perforated
linings under the seats.
On the re-assembling of the Court the cross-examina-
tion of the witness was proceeded with by Mr. Sergeant
Shee.—l was merely an acquaintance of Palmer's, as a
surgeon practising at Rugeley. lam sure Palmer, ad-
dressing Dr. Bamford, said, " They won't hang us yet."
Afterwards he repeated the same expression to several
persons. I said I had heard there was a suspicion of
poisoning on the first post mortem examination. I drew
up some notes in pencil and wrote that which I have
read. I don't know how Dr. Taylor got the notes. I
sent them to Mr. Stevens the night I drew them up. I
have net seen it since. On the first examination I saw large
mucus policals at the base of the tongue, they appeared
to be of some standing. They were numerous. I have
no doubt they would produce much inconvenience. In
my judgment I doubt whether they would give much
pain in speaking. I will not undertake to say they
were enlarged glands. I adhere to the statement that
the stomach was healthy. The lungs were full of
blood, the heart empty, I examined the white spots
in the stomach, but not with a lens, it was satis.
factory without. The brain was healthy, it was alio
carefully examined and thin slices of it were taken off.
It was slightly sore. There was no open wound, merely
, excoriation.

By Attorney-General—There was nothing more than
mere excoriation, and symptoms of past disease. I
never heard of a certain disease producing tetanus.
About a quarter of a minute, which be thought would
show any disease, if such disease existed. I examined
the spinal cord as far down as far as possible. The
wound of the spinal cord softening would not
have produced death. I examined the throat.
There was a loss of substance in the glands.
The distended tonsils arose from a disordered stomach.
There was nothing in the lungs which would cause
death. The spasmodic symptoms would account for
the state of the heart. I could not trace the empti-
ness of the heart to any other cause. I have read
of cases of poisoning in which the blood was fluid. I
had no difficulty in arriving at an opinion with the use
of a lense. I have never read of a case of tetanus occa-
sioned by a diseased brain. There was no relaxation
of the spinal cord that would occasion death, and if the
part had been examined immediately after death, no
better result could have been arrived at.
Mr. Charles James, Devonshire, examined by Mr.
Huddlestone —Assisted Dr. Raiford in making the
post mortem examination, the body was pale, the fin-
gers were bent, and the thumb of the left hand was
drawn in.
[The witness was under examination when we went to
press.]

THE STOPPAGE OP THE SUNDAY BANDS IN THE
PARE:S.-At a meeting' of the St. rancras Vestr:r held
yesterday, a deputation attended with a requisition,
signed by about 500 ratepayers, requesting the vestry-
hall for a public meeting to elicit the opinion of the in-
hAitAnts with reference 0 the perf rmance of music in
the parks on Sunday afternoon. Tile use of the hall wz,s
immediately granted, and tho meeting is fixed for Mon-
day evening next at eight o'clock.

MANCHESTER RACES.—(This Day

(BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)

Magniaer .

WILTON STAKES.

Three ran.

..

LORD JaIIN RUSSELL AT STROUD.

STROUD, THURSDAY.
Last night Lord John Russell, taking advantage of
the Whitsuntide holidays, delivered his promised lec-
ture to the "Stroud Mutual Improvement Society," on
the Study of History," and the large. Subscription-
room and galleries were crowded to excess by persoos of
all ranks and both sexes. W. H. Stanton, Esq., took
the cha'r. .

Lc►rd-JoHx RUSSELL, after some remarks on ancient
history and historians, addressed himself to the history
of modern times. He cited the free states of Italy as the
first which made progress in arts and letters, pointed out
how Rome had decayed through the neglect of religion,
traced the awakening of Christianity through the energy
of Le' her, and the religious controversy which led to
the war of the Reformation, which began in the lGth
century, and could not be said to have been con-
eluded until the end of the seventeenth. The history
of that great epoch bad not been related by historians
wcrthy of the subject. He then came to the study of
modern history, especially in cminection with Spain,
France, and great Britain. Up to the reign of
Philip 11. Spain had flourished, but that monarch had
imbibed the opinion that men were not to be allowed
to hold opinions adverse to those held by the church and
by himself, and this led to the most dreadful WATS and
the separation of the Low Countries. In Spain itself,
by means of the Inquisition, all opposition was success•
fully destroyed. Every dawn of the Reformation was
stifled—first, by the sacrifice of all independence of
mind, all exertion of intellect, all the rewards which
induce men to pursue the paths of history ; and/
secondly, Philip 11. gained it by the loss of his sub-
jects. The histor. of France was different, not so
much in priecipls as in degree. With a mo•
narchy which might be said to be absolute, public
opinion became totally at variance with it, and men of
the greatest eminence in France actually destroyed by
their pens the powerful monarchy which they assailed.
Then followed the French revolution, of the horrors of
which all had read. The noble lecturer then came to the
history of our own country, showing how our liberties
had been established by John Hampden and his com-
panions. On the subject of the American war of inde-
pendence he spoke strongly. Men, he said, of the
greatest political ability had opposed that war, and the
objects for which it had been waged by England.
The Earl of Chatham, Pitt, Burke, Fox, Lord Rock-
ingham, Sir G. Saville—all deacounced the attempts
of this country as iniquitous, alleging that they would
it flct great injury upon this country in the event of
failure, and that if they succeeded they would set an ex-
ample of tyrannical government, and would weaken the
principles of government in this country. The m.nner
of our separation from the United States PM to be re-
zre!ted more than the fact of that separation, for they
were told by travellers in the states of new England
;net the books in which the children and young men
were taught at this day contained accounts of that fatal
contest, describing the successes of the Americans ; how
bravely they had fought, and how they bad achieved
their independence against the attempts of the British
king and the British Parliament. He was looking
the other day, with a very different object to the pre-
sent, at the form of oaths taken by New England
statesmen, and he found that they swore never to
obey any successor of George 111. We might say
that this was unwise on their part, and that the contest
having ceased long ago they ought not to recollect it ;
but he (Lord John) must own that what had been done
was an effect that might have been foreseen of the jujus.
tics of our attempt to enslave those people. That was bad
seed producing bad fruit,.and we might observe that, fol-
lowing the same teaching, whenever there was any trifling
dispute fbetween this country and the united States,
there were not wanting persons who endeavoured to
inflame it, who endeavoured to induce the Americans to
believe that we were always wishing to get an advantage
over them, or to establish an authority which we bad no
business to claim. He was afraid that those harangues
and excitements—so utterly groundless as he believed
they were with respect to the disposition which they im-
puted to this country—were in fact nothing but the conse-
quences which it e are deriving from the sins of ourfathers,
and that the animosity then excited remains to the pre-
sent day to be visited on us. If this were so it showed
how careful people ought to be that they did not encour-
age any contest but that which they felt themselves per-
fectly justified in; and he hoped it would wear itselt sit,
and come to an end ; for of this he was fully per.uaded,
that no nations, by reason of their consanguinity, by
reason of their language, by reason of their
4imilarity of institutions, and the great cause
which all uphold, ought be better friends than
he Monarchy of Great Britain .and the Republic of the
United States. (Loud cheers.) Alluding to the subject
f religions tolerance the noble lord remarked on the dis-
abilities to which the Roman Catholics in this country
cad been so long subject. Our principles of eovernrnent
ied to freedcm, and those princip'es must be made t►ni.
versa% We mu tdo a. the Parliament of Eligiene eia• of
late years done, with but one exception, and give free
scope to religious opinions. In conclusion, his lordship
advised his hearers in the study of history rather to study
the history of some particular period, than to have at
heart the mere dates of the whole history of the world.
It would be a waste of time merely to collect in the mind
a series of dates or an epitome of events. They should
trace events to their causes, and follow them to their
consequences.—His lordship spoke for nearly two hours.

LATER DEPARTURE OF MAILS FOR TIIE MEDITERRA-
NEAN, INDIA, &c.—The overland mails for the Mediter-
ranean, India, &0., via Marseilles, will in future be made

. .
up and despatched from London on the evenings of the
10th and 26th of each mouth, instead of on the mornings

of those. days, as heretofore, except when the 10th or
26th of the month falls on a Sunday, on which occasion
the mails will be despatched from London on the morn-
ing of the following day.---By cammand of the Post.
master-General, Rowland Hill, Secretary.—General

Post.office, May 13, 1856.
LATER DEPARTURE OF MAILS FOR THE BRITISH
FORCES IN THE EAST.—The ordinary mails for the Bri-
tish Forces or the Transport Service in Greece, Turkey.
and the Black Sea, or for the British military hospitals,
will in future be made up and despatched from Loudon
ou the mornings of Tuesday and Saturday, instead of on
the evenings of Monday and Friday, and supplementary
mails will be despatched on the evening of Tuesday and
Saturday.—By command of the Postrnaster•Geuaral,
Rowland Hill, Secretary.—General Post•oiice, May 13,
1856. _ _

THE ARCHBISHOP OF YOKE.—In consequence of the
illness of the Archbishop of York, who was suddenly
seized with indisposition at his town residence on the
20th ult., and who has not sufficiently recovered to be
able to resume his episcopal duties, the Right Rev. Dr.
Spencer, late Bishop of Madras, has been appeinted to
officiate at the confirmations and other ecclesiastical
ceremonies in the West Riding of Yorkshire which are
shortly to take place.
IMPERIAL BRAZILIAN MINING ASSOCIATION.—At the
half-yearly meeting of this association, held yesterday,
the reports and accounts were adopted. The excess of
expenditure over receipts for the six months ending the
31st of December was 2,7341., and the assets, including
the reserve invested in the New Three per Cent. Stock,
amount to about 5,0001. The directors have been enabled
to reduce the general outlay, and the saving effected
during the year 1855 as: compared with 1854 has been
upwards of 3,t)001. Oprations at Gongo Soco and the
other works are progressing, the latter reports being in
some respects of a less satisfactory character. The ad-
vices by the mail just duce are awaited with anxiety, as
the future prospects of the undertaking will be much in-
fluenced by them. In answer to questions, it was stated
that the last call of 109. per share had been well paid,
and that if the expected accounts proved unfavourable,
attention would be given to measures necessary for
winding up. The estates of the• company are extensive,
and the introduction of railway fecilities in Brazil may,
it is thought, eventually increase their value.
BURGLARY, WITH VIOLENCE.—A few nights ago an
old gentleman, named Pring, who resides in a lonely
spot, near the villa4e of Awliscombe, Devonshire, hear-
ing a noise in his house, got out of bed and a
wehnatnddokwe.:
stair'. He then encountered a man ant
chief over his eyes, who immediately attacked him with
a pitchfork. Mr. Pring received several wounds in his
forehead and a stab in his side. He became insensible,
and to all appearance dead. When he was' discovered
on the following morning by a neighbour he was found
weltering in his blood. The house had been ransacked,
articles had been broken in pieces, and several things,
among the rest a pistol, were stolen. Two burglaries in
the same distriot occurred soon afterwards, and, miter a
vigilant search, two men, one of whom is believed to be
a ticket-of-leave man, were apprehended and brought
before the magistrates residing in the district. The pis-
tol and other articles were found at a place called the
"Travellers' Rest," where the prisoners had left them.
Mr. Pring was too ill to attend the court, and the ,men
were examined in his bedroom. They were committed
or trial.

The whole of the ambulance waggons, arranged for the
transport of the prepared fireworks, are in readiness for
departure from Woolwich to London, so that it may be'
concluded the arrangements are in a due state of forward-
ness. A mile of electric wire has been drawn from the
depot at the Royal Arsenal, with a view of increasing
the rapidity with which it is necessary that some of the
pieces should be ignited in succession. It is, however,
understood that the attempt did not succeed ; neverthe-
less, judging from the experimental trials which have
taken place in the marsh at Woolwich, there can be no
doubt that the national treat of the 29th will be pro-
nounced one of unparalleled splendour and magnificence.
Independently of the fountains, which are to flow with
streams of fire showered down from three lofty basins,
and many other designs entirely new, numbers of the
rockets being the peculiar invention of Capt. Boxer,
superintendent of the laboratory department, and par
tially prepared by himself, are of a strictly novel and
unique description. The ground will be constantly illu-
minated with the popular red, white, and blue, to be re-
presented by a composition which will be set on fire at
various distances throughout the inclosed space. The
termination of the entertainment will be appropriately
announced by an illuminated device of " God save the
Queen" on a wreath of laurel, surmounting a brilliant
and fixed star framed with olive branches, emblematical
of the occasion, which will be visible for four minutes'
Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel Hainley's Company, No. 6 of
the 12th Battalion Royal Artillery, have received orders
to hold themselvev. in readiness to proceed from Wool-
! with on the 17th inst. for Leith to relieve the 2d Com-
• puny of the 6th Battalion, who are ordered to return to
head quarters to prepare for foreign service.