The Sun.
London, England, 1861-03-25 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY - EVENING, MARCH 25, 1861.

formed into companies. They at present number
over 600 men, with a prospect of a considerable
accession of strength now that their services have
been recommended for acceptation by her Majesty.
On Easter Monday they will march to Richmond,
accompanied by their band:
The members of the Ist Surrey Rifles assembled
in the Oval, Kennington, on Saturday last. The
first bugle sounded at 3 p.m. After the brass band,
under the direction of Bandmaster J. Callcott, of
the Ist Surrey Militia, had played a selection of
favourite airs, the men, having previously been fur-
nished with five rounds of ammunition, were formed
into seven companies, numbering about 300 rank
and file, with a cadet corps of about 25, and after
undergoing light infantry drill, which was per-
formed with much precision, especially the wheel-
ing, the corps left the Oval, and, commanded by
Lieut.-Col. Macdonald, marched along the Clapham
road to Clapham-common, the men marching very
steadily. On arriving at the common, a few
minutes before five o'clock, a company was detached
to keep the ground, the number of spectators being
large. The corps then threw out skirmishers in
the face of an enemy supposed to be advancing on
the suburbs from Wandsworth-common.
Between 200 and 300 of the 2d Tower Hamlets
Rifles, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel
Walker, commandant, assembled on Saturday at
Victoria-park for battalion drill. Having well
performed several military evolutions, they were
formed four deep, and headed by their brass band,
marched through Homerton, Hackney, &c., to
head• quarters, and were dismissed. The 2d now
numbers nearly 1,000 men, and recruits are daily
joining. On Easter Monday they will go to Wan-
stead Flats for a field-day.
On Saturday the North-East London Rifle
Brigade had a field-day, under the command of
their newly-appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, Mr. G.
R. Money. Having assembled at head-quarters,
they proceeded, numbering about 300 men, to their
parade-ground, Stoke Newington, where the Lieu-
tenant-Colonel distributed nearly 200 railway
tickets to the men who had determined to take
part in the approaching military spectacle at
Brighton, and at the same time explained to the
regiment the particulars of the proposed trip and
the arrangements made for the convenience of
officers and men. He then put the corps through
a variety of manoeuvres which were likely to be
required at Brighton,—wheeling from column
into line, taking open order and presenting
arms, afterwards wheeling back from line
into column, and, points having been placed,
marching past in quick time,—all of which
were executed in such a manner as to receive
the applause of the numerous spectators who had
assembled to witness the evolutions. They after-
wards advanced by fours from the right of com-
panies, and formed line on the march, retired by
fours, were fronted, and wheeled back into line.
After executing a variety of other evolutions, both
in column and line, ammunition was served out to
them, and the regiment was practised in file firing,
firing volleys by companies, and firing volleys by
the whole battalion, in which they exhibited con-
siderable steadiness and precision, especially in the
battalion volleys. At the conclusion of the drill
the Lieutenant-Colonel read the orders for the
ensuing week, and briefly addressed the men, com-
plimenting them upon the proficiency they had
shown, and, having been joined by their drum and
fife band, they were formed in fours, marched back
to head-quarters, and dismissed.

MR. LINCOLN'S INAUGURAL AD-

DRESS.

Any complaint of Mr Lincoln's Inaugural Address
for ambiguity must be more surprising to that gen-
tleman than it can be to anybody on this side the
water. We can understand how an Englishman
or a Frenchman may rise from reading the speech
eager to inquire of an American whether it meant
peace or war ; but it is impossible to imagine any
intelligent American saying that he did not know.
The whole question depends on the nature of the
sectional difference which has caused the secession,
or is used as its excuse. Plainly speaking, all
accommodation of that difference is, in the very
nature of things, impracticable. Every imaginable
concession is a mere surrender, on the one side or
other; and we all know that surrender had been
carried as far it would go by the North some time
ago. It was only the exhaustion of the resources
of surrender which gave occasion to the split at
last. When, therefore, the new President repeats
the terms of his oath, and declares his intention to
fulfil it, he pronounces against the rebels who have
stolen the national property and insulted the
Federal authority. In this view, his speech cer-
tainly means war. He says he shall demand the
dues of the Federal Government and the restitu-
tion of its property; and if these are not yielded,
he shall send and take them- No avowal can be
plainer than this.
The new President and his Ministers deny the
power of any State to secede at its own pleasure;
and they claim as subjects of the Federal Govern-
ment all the citizens individually, wherever they
may live. As a necessary consequence, Mr. Lincoln
has refused all recognition of the gentlemen sent
from Montgomery to treat with him on behalf of
the seceding States. Mr. Lincoln can know nothing
of them as commissioners. These gentlemen, and
the provisional officers who sent them declare that
if they leave Washington unrecognised war will at
once begin. A short time will show whether this is
true, and whether Fort Sumter will be attacked.
It is not yet clear what has been done about
strengthening the Federal defences on land, but the
national ships have been sent for from the Pacific
and the Mediterranean, and it is understood that
promotion and honours are awarded to the Federal
military officers who have held their posts with
political courage and fidelity. The new President
has an invaluable Commander-in-Chief in General
Scott, whose good sense and moderation we have
occasion to know by his conduct in the San Juan
matter, under the difficulties of General Harney on
the one hand and the Buchanan Cabinet on the
other. General Scott evidently expects war; and
he advises the sending of reinforcements at once to
the Federal posts in the South. There will he no
lack of men and supplies whenever they are actu-
ally called for, and the officers of the United States
army are a body of men of whom any Government
might be proud. If there were a Congress in exist-
ence appropriate to the occasion, nothing would be
wanting to the security and independence of the
Free States—whatever it might be their pleasure to
determine with regard to letting the Slave States
try their own experiment in their own way. But
there is no Congress which at all represents the
American people at this moment ; and a Congress
which passed the Tariff Bill must be a terrible
burden on the hands of a new President.
Some of the latest facts which have reached us
from the Border and Southern States are of great
significance. When the secession was new, there
was a flight of Carolina and Georgia planters to
the North, to escape the ruinous requisitions of
the rebel leaders. Now, the converse is taking
place from the Border States. The slave owners
of Virginia and Kentucky, who are resolved to hold
to slave-rearing and thine by slaves, are migrating
southwards in great numbers, aware that their
negroes will all disappear, whatever the issue of the
struggle may be. This is already occasioning a
more rapid influx of free labour, which was before
making good its footing in both States. No Ame
ricau citioe-n could ever seriously believe that any
terms could be proposed which would win over
any Slave-holding States to union with the Free
States, while there were other Slave States in a
position of antagonism. But, if a certain propor-
tion of the slaveholders desert their lands, leaving
a population of farmers and free settlers behind
them, the prospect will be materially altered. It
is always understood that Virginia and Kentucky
decide the destinies of the whole frontier line.

There are fucts of more immediate importance
coming to light about the means and resources of
the aggressive States. While their provisional
Government at Montgomery is decreeing a levy of
50,000 men, and announcing the approach of the
first great battle, the people in that and the next
State—and no doubt in others —are actually in
want of food. This is known 133 the trips of com-
missioners who go up the Mississippi to try to get
corn on credit in the North-West. They carry
orders from a multitude of families, and entreaties
from many more—appeals to the corn-growers to
supply them on credit till next autumn. These
people are actually hungering, and they have no
means of buying. The commissioners hope for
more success than the Charleston merchants have
met with. The Northern corn merchants refuse
to sell grain to Charleston ; and in the Carolinas
too many of the people have no other hope of food.
This is not the way to begin a civil war. We have
seen on former occasions how far Solthern menaces
may go without occasioning bloodshed ; and thus
far there has been nothing attempted beyond the
seizure of undefended property. It was, no doubt,
in view of these facts that Mr. Lincoln said the
civil things which so perplexed and misled some of
his hearers. He left a way open, in case of the
South becoming prudent before it was too late,
while showing that no concession of principle was
to be looked for from him. That Suuthern gentle-
men probably expected insult and defiance to his
section : others looked for a scheme of compromise
or a declaration of war. They found none of these,
but an explanation of what the constitution re-
quired, an avowal that those requisitions must be
satisfied ; and beyond this simply an offer of impar-
tial good-will to all who were willing to be good
citizens. It may be that some of the people think
the time gone by for such a return. If so, it is not
the fault of Mr. Lincoln or his speech ; and it may

have been the best wisdom and kindness in him to
leave it to each citizen to decide for himself whe-
ther it is so or nil—Daily News.

OPENING OF THE STREET RAIL WA .1'

TO BAYSWATER.

The plan of laying down railways in streets for
passenger traffic in omnibuses drawn by horses has
for some time past been successfully adopted in
New York, Bolton, and other towns in America,
and it is now about to be introduced by Mr. Train,
the patentee, in London. On Saturday the first
line was opened, extending from the Marble-
arch to Notting hill, and the neighbourhood was
in a state of excitement all the day. The rails are
laid down in nearly the same manner as on the
Great Western line, the iron on which the carriages
run being fixed to longitudinal sleepers buried in
the ground, but the surface of the rails is different
from those for locomotives. They consist of flat
plates of iron about four inches broad, with a flange
on one side to keep the wheels in the track, but they
are laid level with the road, so that any carriage or
cart may cross the line, or may run along it. The
intention is, by diminishing, the resistance of the
road, to enable the horses to draw a larger carriage
containing a greever number of passengers, and not
to accelerate the speed of road travelling. Three
omnibuses commenced running on Saturday morn-
ing, and continued to run to and fro at short inter-
vals throughout the day. They are much longer
and much wider than common road omnibuses.
The back and front are exactly alike, for the
carriages do not turn round, but when they have
arrived at the end of the journey, the horses are re-
moved, with pole and harness attached, from one
end to the other, the back part of the pole being
inserted into a recess in which it is pinned. A low
platform at each end, covered with the roof of the
omnibus, serves for the entrance and departure of
the passengers, and the driver stands in front of it.
The wheels are not more than two feet in di emeter,
and are solid, like those of railway carriages. They
under the seats, so that the bottom of the omni-
bus is near the ground, and the entrance and exit
is exceedingly easy. The width of these carriages
admits persons to walk from one end to the other
without incommoding the passengers who are sit-
ting. There is room for ten passengers to sit on
each side, and there is standing rooni at each end on
the landing platform for six more, besides the driver
and conductor. During the trips made on Saturday,
however, there was not much regard paid to the:re-
gular numbers the carriages are intended to accom-
modate, and as many as 40 sometimes got into a car-
riage. The fares charged from the Marble-arch to
Notting-hill were 2d. each way, and the carriages
were crowded throughout the day. The omni-
buses were not allowed to ruu without opposition,
and at one time they were stopped for a quarter of
an hour by a waggon placed on the line, the driver
of which refused to move away, as he said he was
on his right side of the road. How such obstruc-
tions are to be avoided we are not aware, for the
carriages cannot get out of the track. At Birken-
head, where a similar horse railway was recently
opened, the cabmen purposely obstructed the omni-
buses, so as to delay their arrival in time for the
boats, and the local authorities said they could not
interfere in the matter. It is very evident that
these railways cannot be introduced in narrow
streets and crowded thoroughfares, nor is such a
plan at present contemplated. The lines proposed
are—from Regent-circus, Piccadilly, to Kew; from
Bayswater, by the New-road, to Moorgate-street ;
from the Bricklayers' Arms to Greenwich; from
Westminster-bridge to Clapham, from Whitechapel
to Stratford-le-Bow, and from Westminster to Lon-
don-bridge, by the Borough and New Southwark-
road, Along those routes the plan might be
adopted with advantage, provided the "law of the
road" be so far altered as to prevent the obstruction
.of the railway omnibuses by other carriages.
In the afternoon Mr. Train entertained a nume-
rous company, amounting to nearly 300, at St,
James's Hall, to celebrate the opening of the street
railways in London. The entertainment, which
was termed a "turtle lunch," was provided on a
very liberal scale, and Mr. Train, who presided,
introduced several arrangements not customary in
this country. He dismissed the toastmaster, as he
said the host gives out the toasts in America, and
in the order of twists he placed " The Press" next
to the royal family. Another novelty threatened
to protract the entertainment till midnight, for he
observed there were 50 editors present, and he re-
quested, when one had done speaking, he would
call on some other member of the press to speak,
and so pass it on till they had all answered to the
toast. In the same manner he called on the
members of the House of Commons, and on the
authors and painters, to speak in rotation.
Among those who thus responded when called
on were Mr. Pownall, Colonel Dickson, M.P.,
Mr. White, M.P., Mr. Sala, Mr. Hepworth Dickson,
Dr. Mackie, Mr. T. Hood, and Mr. Cruikshank.
Mr. Train himself was very energetic, and in his
speeches in proposing the health of the Queen, of
the Prince Consort and the Prince of Wales, and of
the present American President, he was loudly
cheered. He spoke vehemently against the traitors
who had caused the existing dissensions in the
States, and hoped their heads would be made to
pay the forfeit. Many of the speakers expressed
confidence. in the success of the street railways, and
the entertainment passed off in a highly satisfactory
manner.

ARTISTS' GEWERAL BENEVOLEST I.NSTITET-

TION.

On Saturday the forty-sixth anniversary festi-
val of this society was held at the Freemasons'
Tavern. The Right Hon. W. F. Cowper, M.P., was
in the chair, supported by Sir C. Eastlake. P.R.A.;
David Roberts, Esq., R.A. ; David Maclise, Esq.,
R.A. ; C. R. Cockrell, Esq., R.A. ; Messrs. Hook,
R.A. ; Redgrave, R.A. ; Dobson, R.A. ; R. J. Lane,
A.R.A. ; Horsley, A.R.A. ; Feed, A.R.A ; Bon-
ham Carter, W. Holman Hunt, Hurlestone, God-
win, Henry Dawson, Barlow, Wyndham Phillips.
hon. sec., and about 150 gentlemen, chiefly, if not
altogether, artists—for it is a feature of these
gatherings that the professors of art assemble in a
self-dependent manner, to promote the interests of
an institution which enlists their warmest sympa-
thies. This so far from diminishing the claim of
the society on general benevolence ought to consti•
tute a reason for aiding those who show every dis-
position to help themselves. The object of the
society, which was founded in 1814, cannot be too
often stated. It was established to extend relief
to distressed meritorious artists, whether subscri-
bers to its fund or not, whose works have been
generally known and esteemed by the public, as
well as to their widows and orphans, merit and
distress constituting the sole claims to its benevo-
lence. 'From the foundation of the institution up
to the end of last year donations 1,859 in number
have been granted in various sums, the aggregate
amount being £22,098. On the present occasion,
after the discussion of a very excellent dinner, which
had at the last moment to be provided for an unex-
pected addition of over 50 guests, the a ttendance
being unusually large this year, the Chairman pro-
posed the usual loyal and patriotic toasts, coupling
with that of the Army and Navy the Volunteers,
and especially the " Artists' Corps ;" for which
Mr. Wyndham Phillips, one of its officers, re-
turned thanks. In proposing " Prosperity to the
Institution," the Chairman stated that it had been
established for nearly fifty years, and though he
was glad to say that it had received the
support of all classes, yet it was the fact
the aid it had obtained was by no means commen-
surate with its merits. The result had been that,
owing to its limited means the sphere of its useful-
ness and value had been necessarily narrowed, The
public, and especially the hardworking public, were
much indebted to the cultivators of art for the bene-
ficial influence which its production exercised upon
their minds and feelings ; and it was not too much
to expect that all who had enjoyed the gratification
which was caused by the contemplation and the
possession of the works of artistic genius, skill, and
labour, should do something towards the relief of
that misfortune which often pressed on meritorious
individuals, and which was generated by the force
of circumstances rather than by their own fault.
As regarded the society itself, its objects were ad-
mirable, its rules judiciously but generously framed,
while its management was a model of combined
economy and usefulness, producing the greatest
possible amount of good at a minimum expense.
" The Health of the Chairman" was proposed by
Sir C. Eastlake, P.R.A., and was followed by a
series of toasts relating to the various societies con-
nected with art. The musical arrangements com-
prised the services of the London Madrigal Union,
including Miss Eyles, Mr. Baxter, Mr. Cummings,
Mr. Lawler, and Mr. Land, who were aided by Mr.
J. L. Hatton. The perforinance of several glees
and madrigals was marked by the greatest perfec-
tion on the part of the vocalists, and was received
with great applause by the company.

LA TV INTELLIGENCE.—March 23.

COURT OF PROBATE AND DIVORCE.
(Before Sir C. Cresswell.)
ZHARGRAVE V. lIARGRAVE. •
This was a suit instituted by the husband for a
divorce, and was set down for hearing the week
before last, but was postponed in consequence of a
statement of counsel that the respondent was in a
dying condition.
Dr. Phillimore, Q,C., who was engaged with
informed
the Sergeant Parry for the respondent,
the Court this morning that he had received a let-
ter announcing the death of his unfortunate client.
PEARCEY V. PEARCEY AND LAKE.
This was an undefended suit, and was instituted
by the husband for a dissolution of marriage on the
ground of his wife's adultery with the co-respon-
dent.

Dr. Spinks was counsel for the petitioner.
The parties were married in 1850, and cohabited
at different places in the metropolis until 1845, in
which year the conduct of the respondent became
so intemperate that the husband, who is a commer-
cial traveller, was obliged to bring her before a
magistrate, and they separated, he allowing her
14s. a week. They had one child, which had been
grossly neglected by the respondent, and notwith-
standing her dissolute conduct the petitioner was
stated iu evidence to have treated the latter with
uniform kindness. In 1857 it was discovered by
the petitioner that she was living in open adultery
at Hackney, with the co-respondent, who is a
labourer, and he resolved to avail himself of the
facilities afforded by the establishment of the court
to rid himself of his disreputable spouse. The facts
were fully proved, and
The Court granted a decree nisi, but made no
order with reference to costs, which were not applied
for by the petitioner.
SMITH BANNERMAN V. SMITH BANNERMAN AND
GREEN.
In this case the husband prayed for a dissolution
of marriage, on the ground of his wife's adultery
with the co-respondent, and the respondent entered
an appearance denying the adultery.
It appeared that the petitioner was a gentleman
of fortune, and that the respondent was also in a
respectable station. At the time of the marriage,
which was solemnised at the parish church of Hun-
ton, Kent, the petitioner was 23 years of age, and
the respondent 18, and previous to the marriage
the respondent had entertained an affection for the
co-respondent, who is a clergyman of the Estab•
lished Church. The petitioner and his wife removed.
from Hunton to Jenning, in Kent, where the co-
respondent officiated as curate. Notwithstanding
the early attachment of the respondent to the co-
respondent there was nothing in her conduct to
justify a belief of her infidelity to her husband
until the December of 1859. On the 12th of that
month the petitioner's gardener overheard some
persons in conversation in the petitioner's grounds,
and subsequently saw Mr. Green and Mrs. Banner-
Irian walking together. His suspicions were aroused
in consequence of having seen some days previously
footmarks in a plantation situated between the
petitioner's grounds and those of the rector of the
parish, to whom Mr. Green was a frequent visitor.
This witness then stated that he concealed himself
in a summer-house which Mrs. Bannerman and Mr.
Green shortly after entered. The latter said,
" Where are the men ?" and she replied," I cannot
see them anywhere." He then said," How are you
to-day, all right?" She answered, " Yes." Im-
mediately afterwards he heard a rustling
as of a lady's dress, and Mrs. Bannerman
said, " Wait till I take my hat off.' He then saw
the parties in a position which left no doubt of
their criminality. He came forward, and on per-
ceiving him Mr. Green rose from the ground and
said to the witness," Why did you not shoot me ?"
He replied that he did not wish to shoot any man,
but that ho did not expect such cutiau.t trAna
Mr. Green then took the gun out of his hands, and
turning to Mrs. Bannerman said, " What shall I
do ?• Shall I shoot myself ?" She said, " Don't be
so excited." The witness took the gun from Mr.
Green, who immediately afterwards gave him five
sovereigns not to say anything about what had
taken place to Mr. Bannerman, and he said
he would not. It appeared, further, that
the day after Mrs. Bannerman left her home, and
that Mr. Green left Hunton and came to London,
where he was joined by her, and that they lived
together as man and wife. They afterwards went
to Australia, where they are at present residing.
Dr. Deane, Q C., who appeared for the respon-
dent, said that the evidence was so conclusive that
he did not intend to offer any opposition.
The Court granted the decree nisi with costs.
JENKINS V. JENKINS.
In this case the wife prayed for a divorce on
the ground of her husband's adultery, coupled
with cruelty and desertion. The respondent had
been a ward in Chancery and an articled clerk to
a solicitor, with an allowance of £BO a-year, and
ho married the petitioner in 1847, while he was .a
minor. They cohabited only a short time, and
he went to live with a young female with whom
he had become acquainted at a private theatre in
Camden Town, where they both performed as
amateurs. Subsequently he enlisted in the 14th
Dragoons, and went with his regiment to India.
There was no defence, and the Court granted
the decree nisi.

THOMPSON V. THOMPSON AND HUNTER.
This was a suit instituted by the husband for
a divorce by reason of his wife's adultery with
the co-respondent. The parties were married
in August, 1847, and lived together hap-
pily in the Grange-road, Bermondsey, until
1854, when the respondent became an habitual
drunkard, and was guilty of adultery with the co-
respondent, and several other persons. The evidence
fully established the adultery, and the Court made
a decree nisi.
GARRETT V. GARRETT AND RIIODES.
The husband was the petitioner, and prayed for it
divorce, on the ground of his wife's adultery with
the co-respondent. The suit was undefended.
It appeared that the petitioner, who was the son
of a solicitor residing in Hyde Park-gardens, mar- ,

ried the respondent in March, 1859, and though she
was alleged to be a person of doubtful virtue at the
time, they lived happily together until the May og
1860, when she left him without any justifiable
cause. She took up her residence in the Maryle-
bone-road, and the petitioner's father allowed her
£1 a-week until it was discovered that she had
formed a criminal connexion with the co-respondent,
who is an omnibus conductor, when it was dis-
continued. The case was fully proved,. and the
Court granted the decree nisi.

TBEAT.RES V. _MUSIC HALLS AND

SALOONS.

At a late hour on Saturday afternoon Mr. Bur-
cham, of the South wark Police Court, disposed of a
. case of some importance to the theatrical profession
and the proprietors of the numerous music halls in
and about London. Mr. R. Preece, the proprietor
of Winchester Hall, in Great Suffolk-street,
Borough, was summoned by Messrs. Sheppard and
Creswick, the lessees of the Surrey Theatre, under
the 6th and ith Victoria, cap. 68, for enacting stage
plays in his music hall, such not being licensed by
the Lord Chamberlain.
Mr. Robinson, instructed by Mr. Jerwood,
appeared to prosecute the case. Mr. Sleigh, in-
structed by Mr. Ware, for the defendant, and Mr.
Lilley watched the case on behalf of the Misses
Giffords. The court was also crowded with mem-
bers of the theatrical profession, several of whom
were accommodated with seats on the Bench.
In opening the case, Mr. Robinson said he
appeared on behalf of the Messrs. Sheppard and
Creswick to support the present complaint, and in
doing so, those gentlemen wished to be understood
that they had no ill-feeling against Mr. Preece,
they on the contrary having the highest respect for
that gentleman ; but they considered it their duty
that proceedings should be taken against him by
some person to protect the interest of the proprie-
tors of the regular licensed theatres. Such enter-
tainments as those given by Mr. Preece had spread
about in all parts of London, and no doubt attracted
the notice of the public who patronised them. He
should be able to show that those that had taken
place in the Winchester Hall were stage plays, and
in direct contravention of the law, and it had be-
come necessary that such illegal acts should be put
a stop to. The question now before the Court was,
whether the entertainment was or was not a stage
play. He was in a position to prove that it was so;
that the place in question was fitted up as a regular
theatre, with scenery, orchestra, and other theatri-
cal adjuncts. One portion of the entertainment
disclosed a scene in a gentleman's house, and in
short a regular farce was performed, and it would,
in reality, be a farce to urge that it was not a farce.
(Laughter.) There were three Misses Giffords in
the farce. One of them played the part of a gen-
tleman, another his servant, and the third a young
lady. There was of course a good deal of love mak-
ing in the case, and conversation about some one of
the name of Higgins, with whom the young lady
had been in love. Then the young lady was called
his darling Sophia, and she evinced a disposition to
have the gentleman for her husband. In short,
there was a good deal of badinage, and it all ended
in their being married, and having a large number
of children, he supposed, and so all ended amicably
and pleasantly. The question therefore was this,
Was it or was it not a theatrical entertainment
within the meaning of the act he had quoted P He
reminded his worship that similar cases had been
decided at other courts, and the parties fined.
Mr. Burcham asked if money was taken at the
doors.
Mr. Robinson said he should be able to prove that
such was the case, and there were the usual seats
for the public.
Mr. Sleigh did not deny that, but he appeared on
behalf of Mr. Preece to suggest a course that
might be adopted in this matter, and also of saying
that, so far as Mr. Preece was concerned, he being
one of the oldest proprietors of music halls in the
metropolis, he would be the last man to infringe
the laws in any way whatever, whether those con-
cerned stage plays or anything else, Whether he,
in strictness, had infringed the law as to stage
plays on the night mentioned in the summons (the
9th instant), was a matter which, under the cir-
cumstances he was about to mention, he did not
think it necessary to enter into, and thereby
needlessly occupy the attention of the Court. He
was not there, in fact, to contend one way or an-
other, to say whether it was a stage play or not.
He was there on behalf of Mr. Preece, to say that,
rather than be entangled in litigation on the subject
—rather than what he would call " sail near the
wind," as to infringing or nearly infringing—he
would admit that the performance had taken place ;
and further, immediately on the decision which
had been arrived at in a recent case—that of Can-
terbury Hall, he meant—Mr. Preece gave notice
to the persons professionally engaged by him that
he should no longer require their services. He
(Mr. Sleigh) believed he should have the sanction
of the Court in designating this a very honourable
and proper step on the part of the proprietor of
the Hall in question to do. That which had been
called a stage play had not since been acted, and
it was not Mr. Preece's intention to allow it to be
enacted any more. Under these circumstances he
felt sure that those whom his learned friend Mr.
Robinson represented--and he gave them credit
for full sincerity when he said they had no personal
ill feeling in the matter, but that they had merely
come forward to protect that which they believed
were their rights and privileges,—would see with
him that the proper course to be pursued, under all
the circumstances, was, that the summons should
be withdrawn. That, at any rate, was the pro-
position he had to make, and he hoped it would be
immediately responded to,and meet with the approval
of the Court. Supposing anything might be said
by his learned friend, about the continuance of

this performance, it was but right on his part to
say that it should be borne in mind that after the
decision of the Canterbury Hall case, which could
not, he took it, be regarded as a final decision,
notice of appeal having been given, and recognis-
ances entered into as to the appeal being prosecuted
to the utmost at the next quarter sessions, and the
question settled whether the decision was right or
not ' • and it was not until within a short time back,
as he saw by the public prints, that the appeal was
withdrawn—that it had not been Mr. Preece's in-
tention to continue the piece. Although the piece
could not be said to be " all fours" with the one'
to which the appeal referred, he would take the
liberty of saying at once as to the withdrawal of
the appeal, that it was done by those who had in-
structed him, and who of course did as they pleased;
but it had not been so withdrawn by his advice.
That was all he had to say about that, and he hoped
the prosecutors would adopt his suggestion by
withdrawing the summons.
Mr. Robinson observed that there was a course
open to Mr. Preece if he thought proper to pursue
it. It might have been urged in Mr. Morton's
case, that the matter was not properly decided, and
he might have continued it a fortnight longer.
Mr. Sleigh admitted that.
Mr. Robinson further stated that he had read
the performance in Mr. Morton's case, but he had
no hesitation in saying as to the present case before
the Ccurt, that there could be no question at all
about it. It might be difficult to draw a line some-
times, perhaps ; but in this case there were all the
elements necessary for a stage play, scenery, dresses,
characters. and everything.
Burcham said thatz'thcau seemed no doubt
that if the learned counsel could prove all he had
stated, this piece would come within the prohibi-
tion of the act of Parliament referred to—that it
would, in fact, be a stage play.
Mr. Robinson said that there must have been
something in Mr. Morton's case, seeing that he
was fined £5. However, what he was instructed
to say was that in this case they could not
withdraw. The place in question was a theatre,
and they could not tell what uses the proprietor
intended to put it to if not to those connected with
a theatre. There was no guarantee that snch
would not be the case.
Mr. Sleigh said that Mr. Preece was a very
respectable man.

Ilr. Robinson had no doubt of that, but very
respectable men were sometimes disposed to break
the law, and if they did others had a right to com-
plain. Those who instructed him thought it
unquestionably not their place to withdraw. He
repeated that there was a course open to Mr. Preece
to pursue, and this would come properly from him.
He refused to withdraw, and therefore it was open
to Mr. Sleigh to procee:l.
Mr. Sleigh could not do that. He was in the
hands of the Court.
Mr. Burcham observed that if Mr. Preece pleaded
guilty the other side would not press for a heavy
penalty.
Mr. Robinson had no wish to be harsh towards
Mr. Preece, as his client had no vindictive feeling
in the matter.
Mr. Sleigh said his client pleaded guilty, and
promised to discontinue the performance.
Mr. Burcham said that, under the circumstances,
he should impose the penalty of is. on Mr. Preece,
with the costs of the summons.
Mr. Lilley made a few observations on behalf of
the Misses Gifford, but the manner in which the
case had been decided placed him out of a position
to take up the time of the Court.
The penalty having been paid, ell the parties
left the court, and thus ended the case.

An American paper states that at a camp meeting
recently held near West Baltimore, Montgomery county,
Ohio, Bishop Russell forbade anyone with hoops on to
partake of the sacrament, affirming that they would not be
welcome to the table of the Lord.

CHURCH RATES IN THE RURAL DISTRICTS.

The following address " to the Opponents of
Church Rites in Rural Parishes," has just been
issued by the committee appointed at- the Confer-
ence of Abolitionists lately held in London :
Fellow Countrymen,—ln spite of the most for-
midable opposition it has ever encountered, the
Church-rate Abolition Bill has been once more read
a second time in the House of Commons. Never
before have so many members voted on the ques-
tion ; never have so many voted for the bill. It
has now passed through committee without alters;
tion, and stands for a third reading on the sth of
June, when, we trust, it will be sent to the Muse
of Lords.
These are cheering facts ; but do not suppose that
the bill is now safe. Its foes will try to give the
the Lords an excuse for rejecting it, by diminishing
the majority on the third reading. They will may
further attempts to bring about a compromise, and'
by other means, they will endeavour to keep up fnr
some time longer a system which has already dis-
turbed the peace of the community for 30 years.
There must therefore be no relaxation of effort ee
the part of the supporters of the bill until it 10
become the law of the land. New measures even
must be adopted to ensure that result, and they
must be taken by you—the abolitionists of th.e
aural parishes. For it is now declared that it 1:
only for the sake of such parishes that the talc!,
retained. The large towns long ago abolished 3"
The smaller towns are fast following their 0;
ample. But country ratepayers, it is asserteel
prefer the exaction, and would resent its being
abolished. Whether those who say this believe
or not, they constantly reiterate it. They kot,
that church rates cannot be re-imposed upon tiw
many, but they hope to fasten the yoke afresh en
the necks of the few. They will respect the right
'
of majorities, but want still to trample on those of
minorities. True, they offer to objectors exealr
tion from payment; but who that has felt the
weight of landlord and clerical influence in rar
parishes would accept so delusive a measure of
relief ?

. O.
There is but one practical way of disproving
such assertions and of defeating such de'signs. You
have petitioned against church rates; you pine'
now speak and vote against them. You have gone
to Parliament for redress ; you must now fight the
battle in your vestries. If you have hitherto been
silent, you must now speak, and that loudly ; for
advantage has been taken of your silence, and your
patience has been abused. Wherever there le,
hostility to the impost, it must now be manifested
in an unmistakeable form. You can not only offer
.
conscientious objections ; you have the right t°
compel a strict observance of the law. You n3nY
►be in a minority; but minorities are the forerun'
ners of majorities, and, whether you succeed nr.
fail, Parliament will see that the spirit of resistalle°
spreads, and that town and country unite in dir
manding total abolition.
Such a policy may involve some personal sacrifice'
It may expose you to loss. It may occasion a clw
turbance of good feeling. But the evil will be teing°i
rary, while the advantage Will be lasting. Nor scl,`
the responsibility rest on you. It will be on thue.'o
who force such action upon you. You are told, !.,,11
effect, that if you would be rid of church rates, s'
others have been, you must do as they have done;
prevent rates being levied when you can, and, vil!e
that is impossible, make the process f obtainlno. :
them difficult and disagreeable. You are, in trutl;
challenged to declare whether you will insist on
possessing all the rights enjoyed by others, or Will
allow one law to prevail in the town and another
in the country parishes.
The time is most favourable for such a parochiliir
demonstration. At Easter a new ecclesiastical yea
begins ; fresh churchwardens are appointed ; 0,,13d
either then, or shortly after, a church rate is usually
.v
demanded. Before June 5, therefore, there maybe
contests in hundreds of parishes where the questie"
has not yet been agitated, and as the result th!„
House of Commons may send the Abolition Bill to
the Lords with an increased conviction that church
rates cannot be continued in any form.
Be assured that abolitionists will everywhere
sympathise with you, and as far as possible hale
you in the struggle. It is in your power to strubi,
the last blow at a hateful system. Let it be strucielP
at once, and with the energy of men who kn°
their cause to be righteous, and its triumph to be
sure.

WILLIAM SCHOLEFIELD, M.P., Chairman'
2, Serjeants'-inn, Fleet-street, London.

COUNTRY MARKETS.

NORWICH—MARCH 23.
At this market to-day wheat was in fair supply, 1)11,1
rather a thin attendance. The condition was better, i1:1
prices were the same as last week. Barley was in litalfr"
supply, and last week's rates were supported.
White wheat. 64s to 66s I Red wheat 55, 061
Malting barley....4ss to 47s I Chevalier barley 41s to
Distilling do.. ....31s to 34s I Oats..
Flour, 41s to —s Od per sack from the miller.

OXFORD—MARCH 23.
no
1)
The market was well attended, and a good business -4
at a improvement of is to 2s per qr. for dry descriptionfyi
wheat, ill-conditioned samples scarcely looked at. li3rle
in middling demand. Other articles firm.

LE I CE STER—MARcx:23.
The supply of wheat scarcely an average one, and PO 40
fully as high, with a fair trade. White wheat, 70s to for
—red, 65s to 73s per 36 stone; a rather quiet demand
barley, grinding, 32s to 34s ; malting, 37s to 43s per 91a*;
oats, 24s to 38s per 24 stone. Beans—old, 56s to w'
new, 38s to 408 per 38 stone.
Fine flour, 503 I Seconds, 47s I Thirds, 45s per 20 stolle',

YORK— MARCH 23.
de.
The trade was firm, and wheat in fair supply ; ,set
were effected at fully previous prices. Oats in request, u
no advance upon late rates. Beans against the buyer.
/90
Wheat, red 45s to 56s 1 Oats.... 26s to-
White do .58s to 64s
•'
48i1
Beans 48s t'
......0
Barley .38s to 42s Peas co
•••
Malt, 70s to 72s per qr. ; rye, 37s per qr.; float
to ON per sack.

NORTHAMPTON-IVIARcx 23. bi
tt
At this corn-market the wheat supply was midilingt
the quality irregular, prices ranging from 65Eto 69s 1°
old, and 42s to 62s for new. Tn barley a steadbusineV
malting 38s to 435, grinding 29s to 32s per qx Oats
„ao
moderate show, and prices as before—quoted a 22s to 38
per 24 stone. Beans, old, 51s to 565; pea, 40s to
Rye, 37s to 42s ; malt, 68s to 72s ; flour, 338 to 34s Pc'
sack

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