The Sun.
London, England, 1857-04-07 00:00:00

LEE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY 8' V
_ ENING, APRIL' 7, 1857.

says, "of that ere manoeuvre ! " Our au-
thority is the magistrate himself who was the re
cipient of this marvellous application. " What's
the matter ?" quoth he—And thereupon J. B. tells
his tale at full length, makes a clean breast of it,
and has the murder out t-totally ! "J. 13."
being the yeoman aforesaid, and not by any means
so wise or sagacious a personage as the redoubtable
"J. B." of Dombey—" Jos; JOSEPH, JOE,"
in other words, Major BAGSTOCK. J. B. tells the
story plain enough, we repeat, in all conscience—as
plain as a pike-staff ! A tale of idiotey basing itself
—as many another tale of idiotcy has profanely done
before it—upon Scripture ! Reference being made
in the course of it to the Witch of Eudor, and to
the Demoniacs of the New Testament. Imps—
J. B.'s narrative tells us—had to be exorcised the
other day imps tormenting his good wife, Gain-
mer, the Afflicted. And, lo and behold, the
said Imps were duly exorcised only the other
day in the Parish of Ilockham ! As how ?
Why, by the boiling of a sort of a
Devil's Mixture, comprising, among other
ingredients, " hairs out of the
noddle of J. B.'s
wife's neck," parings of her finger-nails and
parings of her toe-nails, old horseshoe-nails, and
other preposterous abominations ! The same
"hell-broth" being put in a bottle upon the fire,
when—saith J. B.—" we waits while it's boiling
and burning, and what not ; and when it bursts
we looks out of the window, and the evil-disposed
person stands before us," meaning the bewitcher.
Which her name," as the comic song has it,
was—and then they give it with an initial and a
dash, thus--" C-1" The upshot of it all being that
Gaffer J. B. and - his afflicted spouse, Mrs. J. 8.,
the Possessed, set their hearts upon having poor
unfortunate coolly ducked in a horsepond !
They want to " swim " the suspected—according
to the approved fashion of Ilonarrs, the Witch-
finder, already mentioned. Hence their applica-
tion to the worthy magistrate of the neighbour-
hood. Now, all this is, of course, very laughable,
but it is at the same time very dreadful too. It
is very dreadful that we should have to relate
occurrences like these in England, in the year of
our Lord 1857. The revelation- comes upon us
as a wholesome corrective to our national vanity.
It comes as a salutary lesson suppressive, let us
hope to some extent, of the overweening boast-
fulness of a high-talking and loud-talking
generation.

MUSIC

Ivin. MELLON'S CONCERTS.—Mr. Alfred Mellon is
this week giving a series of orchestral concerts in Drury-
lane Theatre. The first took place last evening, and
was truly admirable. The orchestra was the excellent
band formed by himself, and now woll-known, both in
London and the provinces, under the name of the Or-
chestral Union, reinforced by the principal artistes of
Jullien's band. And to this orchestra are added a
number of our favourite singers and instrumental per-
formers. The programme of last night contained some
pieces, instrumental as well as vocal, of the highest order.
Miss Arabella Goddard played Mendelssohn's "Rondo
Brillante," in B minor, with consammate excellence and
immense effect. There was alio a grand operatic selec-
tion from the "Troyatore ;" the solos for the various
instruments. The theatre was well filled, and we trust
that these pleasant concerti will be successful.
CONCERTS FOR THE PEOPLE.—The 28th Monday Even-
ing Concert (of the St. Martin's hall series) was honoured
best night by the presence of the Lord and Lady Mayoress,
accompanied by the Sheriffs and Under-Sheriffs of Lon-
don and Middlesex, who attended and paid great atten-
tion to the performances. The programme on this occa-
sion comprised a selection of sacred music, in which
Misses Birch, Augusta Manning, and Clara Mackenzie,
Madame Bassano, Messrs. Dawson, Seymour, and the
London Vocal Union, took part. Between the parts
Mr. Adolphus Francis read one of the most interesting
and pathetic chapters from Mr. Dickens's " Old Curio-
sity Shop." The whole entertainment was received with
enthusiasm by a crowded audience.
MR. CASE'S CONCERT.—The annual combination of
singers and players, far too numerous to mention, to
which Mr. Case has for some time accustomed his friends,
took place last night at Exeter-hall, when a programme
of something under 50 pieces was gone through. The
ball was not nearly so crowded as last year, which en-
courages a hope that the common sense of the public is
beginning to awake to the utter absurdity of these so-
called " monster concerts."

The Chancellor of the -Exchequer left town yesterday
for Harpton Court.
The Right Hon. Robert and Mrs. Lowe arrived in
London yesterday morning from Kidderminster, and
left in the afternoon for. Caterham. The right hon.
gentleman is recovering from the effects of the attack
made upon him at Kidderminster.
The Peninsular and Oriental steamer Alhambra takes
out to-day about 12,0001. bar gold for Cadiz.
The Cambnla, from China, has arrived with 492,2001 b.
of tea, and 1,318 bales of silk.l
Colonel Symmone, C. 8., British Commissioner for the
settlement of the Turco-Russian frontiers in Asia, left
Paris on Saturday for Marseilles, on his way to Constan-
tinople and Erzeroum.
NORTH-EASTERN RAILWAY.—The branch line of this
company from Leamside to B;shop's Auckland, about 15
miles in length, was opened by the chairman and direc-
tors on Thursday.
THE VICTORIA CROSS.—The United Service Gazette
states it to be her Majesty's present intention to distri-
bute the Victoria Cross in person to those appointed to
receive the decoration, of which due notice will be given
by the authorities at the War Department and Ad-
miralty.
The recent election in South Wilts is the most ex-
pensive and most keenly contested one that has been
known for years. Forty pair of horses were hired in
Southampton to bring up the voters, and all the horses
that could be spared around the country were hired.
Some were even obtained from London.
THE LATE FATAL AFFRAY AT BIRKENHEAD.—Thomas
Smith, who was a few days ago tried on a charge of
having murdered a policeman named Vaughan, at Bir-
kenhead, but found guilty of only the minor offence of
manslaughter, has been sentenced to 14 years' trans-
portation.
A letter from Vienna of the 4th says :—" Most of the
members of our diplomatic corps are making prepara-
tions for a sojourn in the country. The French ambas-
sador will reside at St. Veit, the Turkish and English
ambassadors at Heitzing, the Russian ambassador at
Baden, the Belgian ambassador at Penzing, and the am-
bassador from Wurtemburg at Vceslau."
The independence Beige says that there have been
more balls and concerts in Paris during lent this year
than ever were known before. It has been remarked
that during the reign of Louis Philippe the court issued
no invitations after Mid-Lent day. But under the new
empire, notwithstanding all the severe lectures of
Father Ventura, the court continues to give splendid
parties, and the grand monde naturally follows the
example.
AUSTRALIAN EMIGRATION.—By a return published
recently showing the amount of money at the disposal
of the Emigration Commissioners for emigration to the
Australian colonies in each of the last ten years, together
with the amount expended, and the number of emigrants
sent out, it appears that the sum total received was
3,301,100/Aof which the amounts for the years 1854,
1855, and 1856 were severally 821,1001., 426,4001.,
and 214,5001. The total number of emigrants during
the ten years was 211,236, the largest number being in
1854, when it amounted to 41,065, decreasing in 1855
and 1856 to 20,168, and 20,653.
In the Court news of the Journal de St. Petersburg of
the 28th ult., we read :—" On Thursday Madame the
Countess de Morny, wife of the Ambassador Extraordi-
nary of France ; Madame de Gevers, wife of the Envoy
and Minister Plenipotentiary of his Majesty the King of
the Netherlands ; and Lady Wodehouse, wife of the
Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of
her Britannic Majesty, had the honour to be presented
to her august Highness Madame Duchess Catherine
Mikbailovna."
THE AUSTRALIAN MAIL CONTAACT.—g correspondent
of the Times, writing from Suez, March 16, says --
"Since my last note of the 9th inst. two of the Penin-
sular and Oriental packets have arrived and departed,
up and down the Red Sea, without taking the least
notice of our mails. It occurs to me that there is a
defect in the powers of the Admiralty agent, who should
be authorised to forward the mails by the first available
ship. In oar case this might hsve been done, but the
j.,0 take its chance. Fears
Australian mail has been left
are entertained for the safs;Gy of the Oneida, as she took
fire twice on her voyage out, with Sir Henry Barkly,
the Governor. She left Melbourne three weeks before
tae Simla
EMIGRATIOI?, TO CANADA.—THE THROUGH TICKET
SYSTEM..—cia the 17th of March the aiaa May, the
first en,' ship from Antwerp in connection with
the errand Trunk Railway of Canada, under the book-
irg through system, Failed for Quebec. Among her
passengers she carried 66 who availed themselves of the
arrangements of the Grand Trunk Company, and took
at Antwerp through tickets to their destination. Of
these, 41 were booked to Green Bay, in Wisconsin, a
distance of 1,091 miles from Quebec, for 511. 12s. 6J. ;
and 25 to Chicago, in Illinois, 1,007 miles from Quebec,
for 381. 17s. The system thus inaugurated will doubt•
less be availed of by many thousands during the present
season, as through tickets to all stations on lines con-
nected with the Grand Trunk are procurable at every
British and continental port whence passenger vessels
sail to Canada, and the system, besides the economy of
time and money arising from it, relieves the emigrant
from liability to fraud and deception.
The Paris correspondent of the Brussels Independence
writes :—" I can state upon authority that the sudden
departure of Mr. Hume, the spirit rapper, was in obe-
dience to an order from the Emperor. The Empress
was so much affected that her august consort dreaded
the continuance of the diabolical scenes. The ladies of
honour were not less excited than their sovereign. They
could speak of nothing but the redoubtable conjuror.
The Emperor made a wise revolution in the household,
and the poor devil, who, though playing the part of a
personage with 40,0001. a year, was really penniless—
has left for the country of the rappers. A few days ago
the Emperor met the learned physician, M. Becquerel,
and remarked, want to consult you upon what I saw
that trickster do ;' and his Majesty then told how Mr.
Hume had made a table turn round without touching it,
and caused it to be struck by an unseen hand as many
times as he liked. The Emperor received from the
physician the very natural reply, 'Sire, I can say nothing
anon facts which I have not witnessed.' "
THE SPEAKERSHIP.—The Manchester Guardian stees
that as Mr. Baines' name is now generally mentioned as
a likely candidate for the Speakership, and as his chances
of success are favourable, it has become a question
among the electors of Leeds whether ho should not be
called upon to retire from the representation of that
constituency. As the Speakership is not a Government
office, it will not be necessary for Mr. Baines to offer
himself for re-election. At the same time, it is consi-
dered in Leeds that it would be only proper for Mr.
Baines to resign his trust, and accept the minor duties
and responsibilities of some little borough. In the en-
suing session of Parliatnent many questions of great
commercial importance will be brought before the house,
and it is a matter of 'earnest necessity that Leeds, with
great local interests, should be efficiently represented
in the council of the nation. A Speaker would be prre
eluded, by his office, from giving that attention to the
local interests of his constituents which would be re-
quired ; and, therefore, it is that a very general feeling
is expressed in Leeds that Mr. Beines should retire. In
that event it is not unlikely that Mr. N. E. Forster, of
Burley, will again be placed in nomination.
GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.—Last night Mr. George
Linley produced, at the Royal Gallery of Illustration,
an admirable entertainment, the subject being "The
Life of Mary, Queen of Scots," illustrated by songs,
duets, and ballads written and composed by Mr. Linley
himself. In his sketch of the unfortunate Queen, Mr.
Lin ley adopts the popular and chivalric side, as may be
Ilanguage
hadi
n
describing
bsei ed o;
plottingtahnods
aodgowae
ihsnosr,itoftrihsnopealrbeeev
love
theal)ni
ffneog eloisoftr
death,
the Queen.
The aid of music is most appropriately introduced to
illustrate the life of one who was passionately fond of it.
In hremoved for safety to the Priory of Inchnsa ,
and
hl
tny e
with
etrheisa early
incident
life
en the
in Ohseure efenr,
fortunes
nwei
et with
ifso fourconnectedtaors,
he ballad
of "Sweet Inohmahome," which is sweetly sung by
Miss Clara Fraser. The "Tournament," "O 1 Beloved
France," "Dance ! Dance !" " Boenie Beatrice Gar-
dyn," " With none to love," "Lowly lies the Rose of
Scotland," are some of the songs which tell the tale of
oscenes
arein
ffalling," Mary's
iiechequeredw hwhich
is
associatedlife.
A
with,
"
flight from Lochleven, was sung by M as Fraser and
Mr. Wilbye Cooper, and encored. The entertainment
will be repeated during the first part of the week, and
tTh the e
Queen's
shades
will well repay a visit..

The reduced Income Tax came into operation
yesterday. Henceforward parties receiving 1501.
and upwards will only have to pay 7d. in the
pound, in place of is. 4d. as heretofore, and
those exceeding 1001. and not amounting to 1501.
sd. in place of 11/d. The contributors under
schedule D will not however receive the full be-
nefit of the alteration for some time to come.
They will still practically have to pay the higher
rate for the greater portion of the ensuing year,
inasmuch as the greater portion of the arrears to
and for the sth instant will not and cannot be
collected before Christmas or perhaps April next.
This is one of the great objections to which
tho tax on earnings is liable. The man possessed
of /accumulated and realised property has the
charge deducted from his rents or dividends.
Every shilling that comes into his possession is
his own, and may be applied to such purposes as
he thinks proper, without any subsequent demand
in respect thereof. But not so the hard-working
professional man or struggling tradesman. He
cannot bank all his earnings, or set it aside in his
till, until the collector's claim has been liquidated.
He is, to use the vulgar but expressive phrase,
" living from hand to mou►.h," and must apply his
daily receipts for his daily expenditure ; and if he
is so fortunate as to be enabled to set aside a
small portion, as a provision for a rainy day or
for the support of his family when deprived of
the eare of father and provider, the collector
steps in and snatches it away, or he may be even
in a worse plight, by being compelled to borrow
sufficient to satisfy the inexorable claimant, who
can, and may, distrain on his goods on the very
shortest notice.
A few days since an experienced and benevo-
lent Commissioner of the Court for the Relief
of Insolvent Debtors, spoke of the absurdity
of a man with a large family undertaking to set
aside a portion of
_his earnings of Gs. per diem to
satisfy ithe claims of his creditors. He felt natu-
rally that such a pressure would compel the man
to incur fresh debts, and destroy his prospects of
independence. It would be well if the Chancellor
of the Exchequer would listen to his benevolent
advice, and perceive how the IncomeiTax, falling
on a man receiving 104 guineas a year, must
affect his welfare and happiness, and that of his
family.
Happily, the existing evil can only be continued
until April next. It may even be rectified during
the approaching session. It was merely a provi-
sional arrangement until the result of the appeal
to the nation could be ascertained. We cannot
doubt that the interesting question will receive
that immediate attention which its vast import-
ance so eminently merits. Honourable Gentle-
men have had the advantage of very recent in-
tercourse with their respective constituencies. They
must know " where the shoe pinches, must have
heard many earnest complaints of- the oppression
to which parties were exposed from the unfair
demand, the sense of injustice occasioning by
no means the least portion of the intolerable
grievance. There will be many anxious to speak
on such a point, to obtain popularity on a matter

coming home to so many voters, and touch-
ing them severely on the most sensitive
part the pocket. If Lord PALAtEitsrox
wishes to strengthen his position he may do so,
and, indeed, render it perfectly unassailable by
gracefully yielding to the popular demand, and
even anticipating the notices that will inevitably
be placed on the motion book in respect thereto.
Re has now the strength to carry every
reasonable measure and teste. t Lord Jou N
RUSSELL can have no reasonable excuse for post-

poning that which equity and expediency alike de-

naand, and which, if judiciously managed, will
render him the most popular Minister that ever
grasped the reins of Government. We
would also venture to remind him of

the adage " Bis dat qui cito dat,"
and to assure him that any measure brought for-
ward during the pre3ent year will be very far
more ac,!eptable than if delayed until legislation
becomes imperative, and he in compelled by the
"pressure from without," which will not be
wanting in such a case.

The Duke and Duchess of Richmond are entertaining
a family eirelo at Goodwood.
The Earl of Harewood in staying at Harewood Houle,
Yorkshire, with his youthful family. The Countess
Dowager is at present on a visit with her brother, Lord
John Thynne, at his seat in Bedfordshire.
The Earl and Countess of Clarendon will leave town,
on Thursday, for the Grove, near Watford. On Monday
next, the noble earl, and her ladyship go on a visit to
Frances Countess Waldegrave, at Strewberry
The Earl and Countess of Sheffield arrived at their
seat, Sheffield Park, Sussex, a few days since, from the
Continent,
The Earl and Countess Stanhope have left town for
their seat, Chevening Park, near Sevenoaks. The noble
earl and her ladyship will return to town at the latter
eni of the present mouth,