The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-11 00:00:00

TEE VOLUNTEER MOVEMENT.

A rifle shooting match between the Civil Service
and the 9th Surrey (Richmond) Rifle Volunteers
was shot at the range of the latter corps on Sheen-
common on Saturday, and termindted in favour of
the 9th Surrey, who obtained four points more than
their opponents, six of the members of the Richmond
also firing only four rounds at the last range in
consequence of the lateness of the hour. The ranges
shot were 200, 300, 500, and 600 yards, five rounds
being fired at each, and the following was the ag-
gregate number of points :-9th. Surrey, 109 ; Civil
Service, 105. The highest scotes were made by
Sergeant Plasket, 25, and Sergeant Mills, 19, of
the Civil Service ; and Private Humphreys, 23,
and Colour-Sergeant Betty, 20, of the 9th Surrey.
The Civil Service sent one member from each
company of the battalion. The return match will
shortly be shot at the Civil Service range, on Wim-
bledon-common.

At the usual weekly battalion drill of the 4th
Middlesex Rifles, at Islington, on Saturday last,
the new Government Adjutant of the corps, Captain
Carrington Jones, late of the Ist Regiment of
Royal Staffordshire Militia, was introduced to the
men by their major, Lord Truro, and was received
by them with three cheers. His Lordship observed
that the corps was renowned for being in a high
state of discipline, that a very good feeling pre-
vailed among the members, and that he had great
pleasure in handing over the men in such excellent
order to their new adjutant, whose testimonials
were of the highest possible character, and who
had passed through severe and trying examinations
before his appointment to the post. A remarkably
handsome silver bugle, subscribed for by the ladies
of Islington, will shortly be presented to the corps.
The Volunteer Guards (32d Middlesex), have the
opportunity to enrol a considerable number of new
members for the ensuing year, numerous applica-
tion to join having been received, in consequence
of a resolution that one company of 5 feet 11 inches,
to under 6 feet and one companp of 5 feet 10 inches
to under 5 feet 11 inches, shall be formed forthwith.
The friends of the 6th North York (Scarborough)
Volunteers continue to manifest their interest in
the welfare of the corps, especially with reference
to the coming rifle contest. In addition to the
prizes already presented, as recorded in The Sun,
Mr. Jefferson, of Scarborough,lhas presented a rifle,
and Lord Londesborough has increased his £lO
prize to a donation of £25, to be applied to the
purposes of the contest as the committee may see fit.
Yesterday afternoon the various corps constitut-
ing the 3d Battalion, Surrey Volunteer Rifles, were
inspected in Richmond-park by • Colonel Luard,
Government Inspecting officer. Between 300 and
400 men assembled, consisting of members of the
Kingston corps,:commanded by Captain Cochrane;
the Richmond corps, under the command of Captain
Yateman ; the Wimbledon corps, commanded by
Lieutenant Richardson ; the Esher corps, under
the command of Lieut. Heginbotham ; the Chertsey
corps, commanded by Captain Murray; and the
Egham corps (sub-division), under the command of
Lieut. Booth. A large number of persons assem-
bled to witness the proceedings.

COURT OF INQUIRs' ON A VOLUNTEER

OFFICER

WESTON-SUPER-MARE, MONDAY.

Yesterday a Court of Inquiry was held at the
Town Hall, Weston-super-Mare, before Colonel Sir
William Miles, of the North Somerset Yeomanry
Cavalry, of Leigh Court, near Bristol ; Col. Lut-
trell, of a battalion of the Rifles, of Badgworth
Court, near Weston-super-Mare ; and Col. Graham,
of volunteers, residing near Bridgwater, to inquire
into allegations against Lieutenant John Hugh
Wadham Pigott Smyth Pigott, that he had been
guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gen-
tleman. Mr. Pigott is a magistrate and deputy-
lieutenant of the county and lord of the manor of
Weston-super-Mare. He was formerly the captain
of a corps of the North Somerset Yeomanry
Cavalry.
It may be as well here to narrate a few particu-
lars concerning Mr. Pigott's connexion with the
corps. Some ten or twelve months since he made
himself very active in raising the volunteer artil-
lery corps for the town and neighbourhood of Wes-
ton, and, owing in great measure to his perseve-
rance, a good corps, consisting of two companies,
was enrolled, the understanding being that he was
to be a captain in the corps, and it was the wish of
the members that he should be so, but the lord-
lieutenant of the county (Lord Portman) merely
appointed him lieutenant. The members there-
upon assembled and on two occasions expressed their
wish that Mr. Pigott should be made a captain, and
it was understood by the deputation who waited
upon Lord Portman with a memorial from the mem-
bers on that behalf in August that his lordship in-
timated that, provided Mr. Pigott would accept the
commission of lieutenant, he would be within a few
days gazetted as captain of one of the companies.
He did so accept, but was not so gazetted, and, as
the result, much disappointment has been experi-
enced by members. Many of them have resigned,
while others have abstained from attending drill.
In short, matters are in an unsatisfactory state. So
recently as last week two of the privates were tried
by court-martial for having, at an inn in the town,
used unbecoming language towards the assistant
surgeon. The result of that investigation is not yet
known, but as they did not deem it worth their
while to make any defence, or even to put in an
appearance, it is more than probable that it will be
held that the charge made against them has been
proved, and that they will be dismissed the corps.
It is due to the officers, however, to state that they
have made strenuous efforts to keep the corps toge-
ther. Mr. Pigott had been requested to resign
altogether by Mr. Lovell, the Secretary to the Lord-
Lieutenant in these matters; but Mr. Pigott
peremptorily refused. The present was an inquiry
with reference to what took place four months
since at drill.

The corps was paraded under arms and in full
dress attended by the band, in front of the Town
Hall, to receive the respective colonels, upon whose
arrival, arms were presented, the band giving the
National Anthem. Much interest was evinced in
the proceedings, and a large number of the public
had congregated on the spot. None, however,
were admitted into the room in which the inquiry
was to take place except the respective colonels who
were to preside over it, the officers of the corps,
and the numerous witnesses who attended by sum-
mons, &c.
Upon the opening of the court, Sir Wm. Miles,
the chairman, said that the present was a prelimi-
nary inquiry, and that all parties, excepting the
prosecutor and the defendant, would have to retire.
Mr. Stone, barrister-at-law, of the Western Cir-
cuit, instructed by Mr. T. Smith, then applied that
lie might be heard on the part of Mr. Pigott, and
that the inquiry might be conducted in open court.
The Chairman intimated that there was an objec-
tion to such a course. It was not allo wed in volun-
teer inquiries for the defendant to be represented
by a professional man.
A conversation then took place in a low tone
between the Chairman and Mr. Stone. The con-
versation was almost inaudible, but it was whispered
in court that Sir William was recommending Mr.
Stone to advise his client to resign. Mr. Stone
then held a conference with Mr. Pigott, and Mr.
Jones (Mr. Pigott's steward), and subsequently
Mr. Stone announced that his client would not
resign, but would have the case investigated.
The Court was then cleared of all except General
Cox, the pro for prosecutor, and the Captain
Commandant, and Mr. Pigott, the defendant. Even
the advocate, who was retained by the officers of
the corps (Mr. J. H. Clifton, of Bristol) left the
court. The first witness examined was the hon.
surgeon (Mr. Stringfield) to whom the objection-
able remarks were alleged to have been used.
The depositions were taken by Mr. E. Lovell,
assisted by Mr. William Smith, solicitor, of Weston,
and the chairman stated that they would be returned
to the convening officer—the lord-lieutenant who,
if necessary, would direct a more important inquiry.
There were four allegations against the defen-
dant, to the following effect:—First, that he called
the corps generidly, " A lot of rogues and
swindlers." Second, that he said he would tear
back. tear up
Lord Portman's commission, and send hi
the fragments. Third, that he would t
_ Lord
g
e
Portman out of his office of Lord-Lieutenant. And
the fourth, the general charge, that he had been

guilty of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gen-
tleman.

Several witnesses wee examined for the prose•
cution, but the commissioners declined to hear any
for the defence. The proceedings lasted several
hours.

/A IV INTELLIGENCE—Dec. 10.

COURT OF COMMON PLEAS,

(Before Mr. Justice Willes and a Middlesex Com-
mon Jury.)
SALMONS V TYLER.

This was an action to recover damages for slander.
The plaintiff, who was formerly the landlady of a
public-house in the city of Westminster, alleged in
the declaration, that observations had been made
by the defendant to third parties imputing to her
house the character of a brothel ; that in consequence
of the statements made the renewal of the licence
had been refused by the justices, and that she had
suffered considerable damage. Witnesses residing
or employed in the neighbourhood were called to
prove the good character of the house, and the re-
spectability of the plaintiff and her customers, but
only one witness who resided in the house was called
for the same purpose, andthis witness was a young
woman who acted in the capacity of barmaid, and
whose age was about 19 years, and who Underwent
a strict and painful cross-examination as to the
character of the house and as to her own chastity,
but nothing was elicited to show that the house was
not properly conducted, or that she herself had
conducted herself immorally. At the conclusion of
her cross-examination,

Mr. Sergeant Thomas (with him Mr. 0
Griffiths), said that he had no more witnesses to
call.

Mr. Justice Willes expressed some surprise that
in a case of this kind the plaintiff herself was not
called to prove what damage she had sustained by
the alleged slander.
Mr. Sergeant Thomas said the plaintiff was not in
a fit state of health to appear in court, and, conse-
quently she could not be examined.
Mr. Sergeant Ballantine (with him Mr. Luxton),
for the defendant, said in that case he should not
call any witnesses on his behalf. The defendant
and his wife and other persons had come prepared
to support the pleas on the record, but as the alle-
gations had not been proved he should not call
them.

Mr. Sergeant Thomas then addressed the jury,
and in doing so stated that the plaintiff and defen-
dant in an action might, until a recent act of Par-
liament, be called or not, as it might be considered
advisable. In this case he had proved the allega-
tions in the declaration by the evidence of inde-
pendent persons, and what he had omitted to do
could have been supplied by the defendant and his
witnesses, if it had been thought prudent to put
them into the witness box. The learned sergeant
concluded by condemning in severe terms the
course which had been pursued in the cross-exami-
nation of the barmaid.

Mr. Sergeant Ballantine then addressed the jury
for the defendant, and said it was evident that this
was a case got up for the purpose of obtaining
damages for injury to the character of the plaintiff,
and it had not been proved that the alleged slander
had inflicted any injury to her reputation.
Mr. Justice Willes summed up the evidbnce in
favour of the defendant, and in doing so stated that
all cases of slander and libel were peculiarly within
the province of juries, and if the case was proved
to their satisfaction they must consider what
damages ought to be awarded. He confessed he
felt greatly surprised the plaintiff herself had not
been placed before then. Where was she ? If too un-
well to attend the court the trial of her cause might
on a proper application being made, have been post-
poned to a more fitting period. If in prison for
debt, then the mere signature of any judge of the
superior courts at the foot of a printed paper called
a writ of habeas corpus would have produced her
to the jury. He certainly thought the plaintiff
ought to have appeared and submitted to a cross-
examination as to her conduct in the management
of the publichouse and as to her antecedents.
The jury, after a short consultation, said they
had agreed to find a verdict for the plaintiff, with
one farthing damages.
The learned judge then said this case was the
last on the list for trial at these sitting, and in dis-
charging the jury he begged to thank them for the
manner in which they had so ably and cheerfully
performed their duties to the country.

COURT OF PROBATE AND DIVORCE.
(Before Sir C. Cresswell and a Common Jury.)
WHITTALL V. WHITTALL AND HUNT.

This was a suit instituted by Henry Whittall for
a dissolution of marriage on the ground of his wife's
adultery with the co-respondent James Hunt. The
respondent pleaded a denial of the adultery, and
cruelty and desertion on the part of the petitioner.;
and the co-respondent entered no appearance.
Mr. lluddleston, and Mr. E. Ward were counsel
for the petitioner, and Mr. Whateley, Q C., and
Mr. Macqueen for the respondent.
From the opening statement of counsel it
appeared that the petitioner a cab proprietor, mar-
ried the respondent who was a servant, in 1842, at
Birmingham, where all the parties reside. They
continued to cohabit for some years, during which
period they had three children, two of whom are
dead ; but in consequence of the intemperate habits
of the respondent, which displayed themselves
about 12 months after their marriage, they
separated several times, and finally in 1852, her
conduct then being so bad as to render
further cohabitation impossible. The alleged
adultery took place between 1852 and
1857, and the co-respondent it appeared,
was a baker in a small way of business. Seve-
ral witnesses were called in support of the peti-
tioner's case, who deposed to the respondent and
the co-respondent having lived together as man and
wife subsequent to the separa ion in 1852, and that
they had been desired to quit two lodgings in which
they lived. The petitioner at first allowed his wife
4s. a-week, which was increased to ss. a-week, but
reduced in consequence of her having contracted a
debt which he was paying off. The petitioner was
described as a most industrious man, who com-
menced business with a hired cab, but by steadi-
ness became possessed of houses, horses, and cabs.
It was also deposed that the respondent was so
addicted to intemperance that she used to pledge
even the clothes of the baby to gratify her propen-
sity, and at one time she had as many as 50 pawn
tickets for articles pledged without the privity of
her husband. In cross-examination it was elicited
that the petitioner had been ordered by the magis-
trates to allow his wife ss. a-week, and that on one
occasion her forehead was seen bleeding from the
effects, as she alleged, of a blow inflicted on her by
the petitioner with a stable lantern, which was sub-
sequent to the birth of the last child. For the re-
spondent it was not attempted to be denied that
the alleged adultery had been committed, but it
was contended that she had been driven to this
improper conduct by the brutality of her husband.
In support of this statement evidence was adduced
to show that from 1847 to 1850 he had turned her
out of his house, and it was sworn positively that
he had struck her in the streets in Birmingham,
knocking her down, and kicking her. It was
alleged that a miscarriage which she had resulted
from the violence of the petitioner. It was also
stated that she was frequently heard to scream out
in the house, that she had black eyes, and on one
occasion it was stated that her person was severely,
bruised. Some• of the witnesses for the defence cor-
roborated the petitioner's allegations as to her
asserted habits of intemperance shortly after the
marriage, but others gave evidence the very oppo-
site in reference to this charge.
The jury found a verdict that the respondent was
guilty of adultery, awd that the petitioner had com-
mitted the cruelty pleaded, but that it had been
condoned, and that the plea of desertion had not
been established.
Mr. Huddleston applied to the Court to decree
the dissolution of the marriage.
Sir C. Cresswell said he considered the cruelty
had been caused by the misconduct of the respond-
ent, and therefore that the petitioner was entitled
to the relief for which he prayed.
The foreman of the jury said that was exactly the
view taken by the jury.
Sir C. Cresswell then decreed the dissolution of
the marriage, but refused an application for the
petitioner's costs against the co-respondent, on the
ground of the intemperate habits of the respondent.

A. GOOD WATCH AT A MODERATE PRICE.--" The
stranaer in walking through the City of London must be
astonished to see so many establishments whose windows
are filled
with watches and jewellery of the most costly de-
scription. Among these there is one fast rising into
celebrity for the beauty and excellence of its productions—
we mean the establishment of Mr. J. W. Benson, watch
manufacturer, of 33 and 34, Ludgate-hill. As a good
watch is admitted ~n all sides to be indispensable to the man
of business, we have great pleasure in pointing out a watch
manufactory. where our friends can purchase the article
without
paying an exorbitant pritie."—Daily Telegraph.—
Benson's Illustrated Pamphlet, post free for two stamps,
is descriptive of every construction of watch now made.
Watches safe by post to all parts of the globe.
[ADvEwrisEmENT.]-11olloway's Pills and Ointment.—
Childhood—Old Age.—The reflective student states that
"extremes meet." Most assuredly near the dawn and
close of life similar diseases assail mankind : in infancy
and old age head complaints most frequently close life's
course. Restlessness, startings, oppressed breathing, and
irritability are the forerunners of head attacks ; which
Holloway's remedies, properly applied, rarely fail in divert-
ing. The aged should at 'once take these Pills ; but in
infancy the Ointment should be very well rubbed on the
spine and stomach, to which the little sufferer will unre
piningly submit. Whether the particular case be likely to
assume the acute or chronic form, this treatment will be
found equally effective, and extend its protective shield over
honoured age and hopeful infancy.

REVIVAL MEETING /IT THE SURREY
TILLATEE.

On Sunday evening Messrs. Rt.zinald Radcliffe and
Richard Weaver (the converted collier and prize-fighter),
who held a revival meeting in Exeter Hall on the previous
Sunday evening, conducted a similar service in the Surrey
Theatre. It was intended to hold the second meeting in
Exeter Hall, but in consequence of many injudicious ex-
pressions made use of by Mr. Weaver the managers of the
hall decline to allow him to appear again. The'theatre was
densely packed soon after the doors were opened, and at 7
o'clock Mr. Weaver appeared on the stage, accompanied
by Capt. Fishbourne, R.N., Dr. Forbes Winslow, and the
Rev. Mr. Ray, and some other gentlemen. Printed slips
containing the hymns to be sung were freely distributed,
and the first that was given out, "Come to Jesus, come to
Jesus," was sung with extraordinary vigour to a merry tune.
A vehement prayer was then made, and afterwards Mr.
Weaver proceeded to preach from chapter 5 of St. Mark's
Gospel, v. 34:—" Thy faith hath made thee whole; go in
peace, and be whole of thy plague." He said he wanted
to speak of the thing called faith. It had been said that
some men were not constituted to have faith, but all men
had faith of some kind, either a living or a dead faith. A
good many Christians were rusty and did not know whether
they had faith or not. He advised them, one and all, to put
their gas-pipes right up ince heaven so that they might
draw down an abundance of faith. Many people did not
believe there was such a thing as instantaneous conversion.
He was a livingproof that conversionsmight be instantane-
ous, for he remembered the exact hour when he was con-
verted in a field in Staffordshire. He had frequently heard
before that time that his name, that his godfathers and
godmothers gave him that name on his baptism, whereon
he was made a member of Christ, the child of God, and an
inheritor of the kingdom of heaven. That was a delusion
from hell, for in the first battle he ever fought his godfather
backed him, and held him on his knee. Since that time he
had done many wicked things, things that would make
them shudder if he told them ; but all that was over now,
and God had forgiven him all his sins. If God could save
such an enormous sinner as Richard Weaver he could save
anybody. The preacher alluded to a place in which he was
to have preached, but had been refused, upon which there
was considerable clapping of hands. He said he was not al-
luding to Exeter Hall, but to a chapel in the country, and
begged there might be no clapping of hands, as such conduct
was only fit for a public-house, and if there were such
scenes there the newspapers would say it was all his fault.
More hymns followed to the tune of "The King of the Can-
nibal Islands" and " Happy Land," Mr. Weaver remarking
that he quite agreed with old Rowland Hill, who said that
he thought it a shame that the devil should have all the
best tunes to himself, and he therefore had no compunction
about robbing him. Mr. Weaver, who delivered his address
with wonderful energy, was followed by Mr. Radcliffe, who
related some extraordinary instances of instantaneous con-
version, and said that he believed that a new reformation
would be effected by working mon and women, who would
go forth into all parts of England as Evangelists. They
would not mind the slaughter they made of grammar, so
long as they slaughtered sin and the devil's work. During
the delivery of these addresses, the people indulged in all
sorts of expressions of approval, such as " Ah, ah," "That's
it," and occasionally interspersed with very heavy sighs.
At times the excitement was intense, especially when the
preachers gave the results of their experience in diffe-
rent parts of the country. At the close of the services
a conversation took place in reference to conversion, and
persons who were deeply affected were taken to rooms
in various parts of the theatre, where they were talked
to and encouraged by " Christian brothers and sisters."
Before the doors were opened some hundreds of people
were engaged in singing hymns in the Blackfriars-
road ; and again, on leaving, groups of men, women, and
children paraded the streets singing hymns to the lively
tunes which were employed in the theatre. In consequence
of Exeter Hall being refused to them the managers of these
revival services have engaged the Surrey Theatre for 13
consecutive Sunday evenings.

COUNTRY MABRETS.