The Sun.
London, England, 1866-11-22 00:00:00

UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE.

DEATH OF PROFESSOR SHIRLEY.
OXFORD, Nov. 21.
We regret to announce the death of the Rev. Dr.
Shirley, Canon of Christ Church and Regius Pro-
fessor of Ecclesiastical History, which took place
last night at a few minutes after 10. Dr. Shirley
had been seriously unwell during the latter part of
the long vacation and the earlier portion of the pre-
sent Term ; but, appearing to be better, he ven-
tured on Saturday, the 20th of October, to leave bis
house and record his vote on occasion of the contest
for a seat in the Hebdomadal Council between Mr.
Wayte, of Trinity, and Mr. Liddon of Christ Church.
This exertion was followed almost immediately by a
relapse, which forced him to take to his bed, and
from which be never rallied. An abscess formed in
the liver, producing nausea, and rendering the taking
of nourishment exceedingly difficult. The vital
strength was thus greatly reduced, and, when the
abscess finally burst, was insufficient to carry the
patient through the crisis. Dr. Shirley was educated
at Wadham College, where he was the first Scholar
and then Fellow and Tutor. He took the degree
of B.A. in 1851, having obtained a First Class in
Mathematics at the Michaelmas Examination of
that year. In 1856 he was appointed a Master of
the Schools, and in 1857 a Mathematical Moderator.
In 1862 he was nominated to the office of Select
Preacher. In 1864, on the promotion of Dr. Stanley
to the Deanery of Westminster, he was appointed
by Lord Palmerston to the Regius Professorship of
Ecclesiastical History ; an office which he has thus
held a little more than two years. Dr. Shirley was
the son of the Right Reverend W. A. Shirley, D.D.7
Bishop of Sodor and Man, who died in 1847 shortly
after his consecration. He was a good preacher and
lecturer, and his loss will be severely felt in the
University. In politics he was a moderate Liberal.
He took a great interest in all University questions,
and was a frequent speaker in Congregation. A-
large circle of friends and acquaintances mourn his
untimely end. He was, we believe, in his 38th year.

MR. MILNER GIBSON AND THE REFORM BAX"
QuEL—The following letter was received from Mr.
Milner Gibson, explaining his absence from the ReforM
meeting at Manchester:—" Thoberton, near Saxmuudont
Nov. 17, 180 G. Sir,—l regret to say that I shall bo unable
to be present at the reform banquet which is appointed to
take place in the Free-trade Hall, at Manchester, on the
20th. I have been suffering from an attack of bronchitis
which confined me to my room for 10 days ; and although
lam now very much better, it is necessary for me to be
very careful, and I am advised that it would not be pru-
dent for me at this time to undertake the journey to Man"
chester, and to attend the banquet. I need scarcely 531
that my opinions in favour of Parliamentary Reform are,
unchanged. Let us hope that the House of Commons
feel called on at an early day to consider favourably nil
honest amendment of our representative system, suited to
the circumstances of the present day, and which embraces
an extension of the franchise and a more equitable distri-
bution of political power than that Lwhich now e%ist°'
Please make known to the executive committee the yen'
son of my inability to attend the banquet, and, wishing,
it all success, believe me your faithful servant, (Signed'
THOS. MILNER GIBtiON."

MR. CRAUFURD, M.P.—Mr. Craufurd, M.P. for
the Ayr district of burghs, addressed a large ineet-
ing of his constituents at Ayr on Tuesday night. ill°
hon. gentleman glanced retrospectively at the character
and influence of the late Lord Palmerston and his last ad-
ministration, and, after adverting to the labours of Par
lia-
mont during the last session, proceeded to discuss the
question of reform, maintaining that the House of Coin"
mons as at present constituted did not fairly represent the
interests of labour, whilst it excessively represented those
of capital. He doubted whether a Tory Cabinet -would In-
troduco such a measure of reform as real reformers could
accept, and ho anticipated the result of their attoraPtin6
such an uncongenial task would be his reappenraa°
before his constituents within the next six months toi
solicit their suffrages in support of a new and Libar3
Government. A vote of thanks for past consistent se';
vice and of confidence in his future fulfilment of the trust
reposed in him was unanimously passed to Mr. Craw
f urd.
A STRANGE STORY.—About seven o'clocklast Sun"
e
day night a policeman saw a crowd of people ill t,
Edgware-road, in the midst of whom was a beautiful yotlui:
lady, who was apparently in a state of stupor.
she had on was of an expensive character, but portions or
it had been torn away—for instance, on lifting uP her
it had boon torn away—for instance, on lifting UPfls
mantle, the whole of her person from' her waist tillvd.
was entirely naked, and her dress undoubtedly indicates
that the clothes had been torn away, and that she had be.err.
subjected to much ill treatment. She was taken to t.he 'o_
firrnary of the Maryleboue workhouse, where she still r.to
mains. She does not speak or answer any question
her, consequently her name and address are mil:nova: a of
is about 23 years of ago, fresh colour, has a profn:on
auburn hair in ringlets, wears a light silk dress, bincl'
mantle, a fashionable bonnet trimmed with mauve lace, an
a portion of her linen is marked M. B. Mrs. Douglas, the
matron all in
What dresi
matron of the workhouse, will be happy to answer

quiries.
1
`2ZSACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY' EXETEII-lALL.".
The 35th season commences on Friday next, filo
23d inst.
Beethoven's " Mass in Cr and Mendelssohus " Lobg,t)-
sang" being the works selected. Mr. Sinisneeves, Itadanie
Lemmens-Sherriugton, Miss Julia Elton,
Smith, Mr. C. :14311, and Mr. ThornaF., priucip,a voettlistS.
3.1-r. Costa Couda,;tiag us usual. the late
" ANY PORT IN A STORM."—Thlring
flood at Preston about 20 rats, driven by the rising w3tel,
from their usual hidingplaces, took refuge in a hive of full
bees, in a garden adjoining South Mcadow-lane. Tber°
had been no tin tho hive, and for several hours
the " happy `family" principle bad been observed by its
occupants. Airs. Sidney