The Sun.
London, England, 1857-04-29 00:00:00

LITERATURE.

The History and Life of the Rev. Dr. John Tau'er,
of Strasbourg ; with Twenty-five of his Sermons
(temp. 1340). Translated from the German, by
S. Winkworth, with a preface by the Rev.
Charles Kingsley. Smith and Elder.

The eloquent rector of Eversley—the author of
" Hypatia," and " Aiton Locke," and " The Saint's
Tragedy," has- conferred a boon upon the lover*
of ecclesiastical literature, by this introduction to
the Rev. Dr. John Tauter, of Strasbourg—and not
to the lovers of ecclesiastical literature only, but to
the far greater number of those who seek from a
religious teacher not the angry arguments of con-i
troversy, but the earnest exposition of the Gospel
lessons of love, will these sermons of Dr. Tauler
be right welcome, and highly acceptable. The
translator, Susanna Winkworth, also the translator
of " Theplogia Germanica," gives the following
reasons for thus presenting Tauler's sermons in the
English tongue :—" In publisking a selsctign from
the writings of a divine who flourished in an age
and under social conditions so remote from our
own, as those of a German Dominican Monk of
the fourteenth century, it seems right to state at the
outset, whether the aim which has governed the
selection, is chiefly historical or doctrinal.
The present work was undertaken, in the first in-
stance, with a simply practical object. My earliest
acquaintance with Tauler's sermons was made while
hearing them read in a family service ; and believ-
ing, from further study, that they coetained ele-
ments of truth not often brought in'o sufficient
prominence; in these days, yet possessing a most
direct and valuable influence on Christian life, I
wished to compile a voluino of sermons for the
Sundays and holydays of the year, such as any head
of a family might read to his household, or any dis-
trict visitor among the poor." The preface by Mr.,
Kingsley' is full of interest—literary, historical, and
Spiritual. Repudiating the idea that he assumes
in this instance the office of critic or commentator,
he modestly observes—" The critic of Tauler nio
man has a right to become who has not first ascer-
tained that he is a better man than Tauler. The
commentator of Tauler no man has a right to be-
come who has a strong belief (as I have) that Tauler's
sermons need no comment what Oever, but that all
welch is good and eternal in them wilt recommsnd
isself at onceto their hearts, let their form of doctrine
be what it may, who have hold of, or are seeking
after, Eternal Goodness." Very beautifully and
truthfully does Mr. _Kingsley call to account those
who, glorying in the advantages of the present day,
look with contemptuous scorn upon the labourers
of the past—who are "so satisfiel with the good
fruit as to think very little of the tree which bore
it." "Thus," he adds, "standing upen. the ascu-
idulatel labours of ages, we are apt to be migrate-
ful to those who built up with weary labour, and
often working through dark and dreary nights, the
platform which now supports us. We complain
Impatiently of the blindness of many a man, with-
out whom we should not have seen, and of the in-
completeness of many a man's doctrine, which was
only incomplete because he was 'still engaged in
searching for some truth, which, when found, he
handed on as a precious heirloom b us Who know
him not." After these commendations from the
editor and the translator, let 113 add one word as
to the character of the teaching of Dr. Tauler.
While his theology is so spiritual as almost to
transcend at times the ordinary scope of the human
intellect, his teaching is nevertheless of a singu-
larly practical nature. While Archdeacon Hare,
iu his notes to " the Misgion of the Comforter,"
has translated portions of the sermons of Taller in
reference to that sacred subjeco-, we find in one
of his discourses—that for the tenth Sunday after
Trinity, on the text, " There are diversities
of operations, but it is the same God which worketh
all in all"—we find an exposition of those same
homely truths which obtained such a wide and
deserved celebrirty for Mr. Caird's sermon 9n.
" The Religion of Common Life." Says Dr. Tauler
in his discourse, speaking of the homely duties of
daily life—" If I were not a priest, but.were living
as a layman, I should take it as a great favour that
I knew how to make shoes, and should try to
make then; better than any one else, and
would gladly earn my bread by the labour of
my hands. Each must fulfil the office for
which God has fitted him. There is no
work so small, no art so mean, hut it all comes
from God, and is a special gift of His. Thus let
each do that which another cannot do well, and for
love, returning gift for gift." We will not, how-
ever, emulate the example of Hierocle3, and give
such isolated specimens of this goodly edifice.
Those who are likely to appreciate Tauler will re-
joice over this volume, and feel a new source of
gratitude to Mr. Kingsley for having been the
means of introducing this hitherto, in this country,
unknown divine of the middle ages. The intro-
ductory history and remarks are full of informa-
tion, and Mr. Kingsley's preface, as we have said,
abounds with interest of a high order. The volume
is of goodly size, and bound after the mediaeval
fashion.

THE AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL
COMPANY.

Yesterday a special court of proprietors was held
at the London Tavern, for the purpose of electing
a deputy-governor and four directors, in the room
of Mr. C. Dashwood Bruce, Mr. T. Dyer Edwards,
Mr. E.-W. T. Hamilton, the Hon. o. T. L. Mel-
ville, and Mr. G. R. Smith.

RAVENSIIAW, who occupied the chair, ex-
plained the reasons which rendered it necessary to
call the proprietors together, for the purpose men-
tioned in the advertisement. The oid directors did
not wish to take upon themselves the responsibility
of carrying out the new Act of Parliament,
and all but two were about to retire and only
held their seats till gentlemen were elected to
replace them. There were 'certain questions con-
nected with their affairs in the colony which re-
quired decision and action. It would be necessary to
send out instructions with regard to the new act, and
it was thought that the new board should be the
persons to send out those instructions. (Hear,
hear.) He had himself sent out instructions to Mr.
Hodgson on some matters, but there were others
with regard to which he would not take the respon-
sibility of sending out instructions. En addition to
these reasons, Mr. Freahfield, the solicitor, told
him that if there was a delay of three weeks, it
would render the carrying of the act during the
present session of Parliament precarious. This
was the position in which they now stood. The
gent!emen who were candidates for the vacant
offices were Mr. Leslie, who was a candidate for
the office of deputy governor ; Mr. Goodspu, Mr.
Brown, and Mr. Cattley, who were candidates for
seats on the board. Thera were only three candi-
dates for the four vacancies, but he hoped that Mr.
De Salis would be 'nominated to fill- the other
vacancy.

A PROPRIETOR inquired who were the two re-
maining directors ? •
The CHAIRMAN s%id that Mr. Davidson and Mr.
Thorton were. the remaining directors, in addition
to himself.

Mr. GRIFFITH proposed Mr. Leslie to fill the
office of deputy governor.
Mr. HEATH seconded the motion.
Mr. PRICE moved as an amendment that Mr.
De Salis be elected deputy governor.
Mr. ELLis seconded the nomination of Mr. De
Salis.

Mr. DE SALIS said that he would not accept the
office of either deputy governor or director if he was
not unanimously elected.
On a show of hands Mr. De Salis was elected by
a majority of 25 to 13.
Apoll was demand on behalf of Mr. Leslie, which
was fixed for Friday week.
The three gentlemen proposed for the direction
were elected, which leaves one vacancy unfilled.
The meeting then adjourned.

A rather heavy fall in the price of wine has taken place
in Paris during the last few days. The accounts from
the sixty-six wine-producing departments are to the
effect that the vines are-tin such fine condition as to
promise a most abundant crop. It must be remarked,
however, that the account of the state of the wine dis-
tricts was made up before the bitter cold weather of the
last few days set in.
_ .

A letter from Rome says :—" Everbody that pays a
visit to Mr. Gibson's studio just now is enchanted wish
his bust of the Duchess of Wtlliogton. It is a noble
transcript of dignified and classical beauty. Mr. Gibson
has presented his favourite coloured Venus with a pair
of gold earrings, skilfully executed by"the jeweller Cas-
tellani, from an antique pattern, and the marble goddess
shakes them very coquettishly when she is turned round
noon her pedestal before the eyes of admiring spectators.
The boring of her ears was a source of great anxiety to
the sculptor, although the operation was most cautiously
performed by one of his beet workmen, and Supported
with great fortitude by theYenu

NE\VMARKET RACES.

(This Day.)

(1?? ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
SWEEPSTAKES OF 50 SOVS.

Cotuquot
Aster
Vtgliaccoui
SELLING HANDICAP SWEEPSTAKES
Miss Nightiugalo
Azimuth colt
Mabel

Sir Colin.
Lord Nelson
Fleece colt

Eight rah.
1001. PLATE.

Five ran.

MA.TCll—Clarissa cell beat Ai'hoc%
SWEEPSTAKES OF 100 SOVS
Barba colt
Schoolboy

LATEST BETTING.
ONE THOUSAND GUINEAS.
6to 4 on Blink Brnny
4to 1 asst Ayacanora (taken)
CHESTER CUP.
15 to 1 agst Turbit
20 to 1 agst Gamma di Vergy
25 to 1 agst Commotion
25 to 1 agst Riseber
40 to 1 agst Polestar
50 to 1 agst Pantomime
100 to 1 agEt Longsight
100 to 1 agst Barfleur

DERBY.
Bto 1 agst A nto❑ (taken)
8 to 1 agst Blink Bonny (offered)
9to 1 agst Skirmisher (offered)
100 to 6 agst M.D. (taker.)
25 to 1 apt Lady Hawthorn (taken)
25 to 1 agst Adamas (taken)
25 to 1 agst Sydney (taken)
25 to 1 agst Loyola (offered)
40 to 1 agst Blue Jacket (offered)

THE OAKS.
7to 2 agst Blink Bonny
10 to 1 agst Lady Hawthorn

~.r3

STORMING OF A BETTING-HOUSE
BY THE POLICE.

Yesterday afternoon, between three and four o'clock,
acting under the authority of Sir R. Mayne, the Com-
missioner of Police, the superintendent of the C division
of police, accompanied by several inspectors and a body
of 40 police-constables, proceeded from the Vine•street
station, to Little Newport-street, Leicester-square, and
invested a house kept by Gideon and Fisher, in that
street, ostensibly for the sale of cigars. The constables
were quickly drawn up, to prevent all egress or ingress
to or from the premises, and the superintendent, accom-
panied by several officers, immediately entered and sur-
prised between 30 and 40 persons, busily engaged laying
bets upon the events pending at the Newmarket meeting,
the Chester Cup, Derby, and other forthcoming events.
Several parties, on seeing the police, rushed upstairs, in
their flight throwing their betting-books out of the win-
dow ; some few got on to the parapets, and by scram-
bling over the roofs of the adjoining houses, got clear
away. Gideon, one of the proprietors, however, was
captured, and his assistant and 13 persons who were
there fer betting ; the police searched the prisoners and
found large sums of money, betting books, &c. By this
time thousalds of people had congregated in Newport-
street, and the police had to procure six cabs to carry
their prisoners to the station house, the mob loudly
cheering as each vehicle drove off. Such as found bail
were released, the rest were locked up in the Vine-street

station.
At the Marlborough-street Police-court, this afternoon,
John Gideon (the keeper), 17, Great Newport-street ;
John Manby, 128, Long-acre, no occupation ;
William Handley, 50, High-Street, Bloomsbury ;
Sampson Handley, ditto ;
Thomas Gill, 4, Princes-street, Leicester-square ;
John Wixars, 20, Great Chapel-street, Soho ;
Richard Richards, alias Weiss, 4, Eim-street, Gray's-
inn-road ;

Benjamin Tanner, vocalist, 47, New Compton•street,

Soho ;

William Price, 9, Bayham-street, Camden-town ;
Arthur White, 6, Portland-street, Soho ;
William Pastor, 4, King-street, Drury-lane ;
George W,lkinson, 5, Plough-court, Notting-hill ; and
John Clark, 37, Milford-place, Edgware-road ;
wera placed at the bar, before Mr. Beadon, charged
with being found in a common betting-house, 17, Great
Newport-street, contrary to act of Parliament.
Mr. Huddleston appeared on the part of the de-

fendants.
Inspector Hannant having been sworn, stated that he
received authority from Sir R. Mayne to enter the pre-
mises, 17, Great Newport-street, and yesterday he
went there, accompanied by several constables. The
shop appeared to be a tobacconist's, and on entering it
he found the whole of the defendants there. Gideon
was behind, and Sampson and William Handley were at
the end of the counter, the rest were in front. He (wit-
ness) told Gideon that he had a warrant to enter the
house, and that he was a police inspector. The other de-
fendants began to make a commotion, but Gideon told
them to be quiet. On the counter he found a betting-
book, with the heading "Two Thousand Guineas." In
it there were a great number of entries of the names of
horses and persons, with sums attached to each ; the
whole amounted to eleven hundred pounds. There were
also entries in the book for other races. He also found
another book (produced) in which were entries for races
to come, a number of cards, and ales several memoran-
dums relating to racing events. In a drawer he found
another betting-book, referring to Newmarket races, a
"Ruff's Guide," some more betting cards, and an ac-
count-book. Two files, full of letters relating to coun-
try commissions on horse racing, were also found in the
shop, together with a large amount of money, amount-
ing to about 4001. Oae of the defendants (Gill) was
making a bet when he entered. On further searching
the shop Gideon told him the cigar boxes were all
" dummies," and, on being asked whether he (Gideon)
was the proprietor of the house, he said, "I carry on the
business with another."
Chas. Webb, inspector of the C division, said he en-
tered the shop with Inspector Hannant, and took the
book (produced) from Gideon. He was writing in it
when he took it from him. In his hand under the book
he bad two cards, on which " the odds" were marked.
On searching him he found another betting book in his
coat pocket. In a drawer under the desk he found a
number of circulars headed Gideon and Fisher, 17,
Great Newport-street ; Wright's Buok of Steeplechasing,
an alphabetical register, with entries of "Newmarket
Races," and th e names of horses. By direction of In-
spector Hannant, he searched the whole of the defen-
dants, and found on them betting books, handicap books,
and betting cards. On Richards, alias Weiss, he found
951, in notes and some geld.
Police-constable A 326 said at half-past 11 yesterday
morning he entered the shop and heard Gideon say,
" Bets here, if you please ; be as quick as you C3R•
Don't occupy the (ace long, but make room for
others." He entered the shop again at 12 o'clock, and
found a number of people there. He heard one person
say, say, " Put me down two sovereigns on Vidette, and
he handed the money to G deon. He gave the name of
Evans. At two o'clock he again entered and heard a
man say to Gideon, " What's the lowest sum you take I"
Gideon said "a pound. Wee. Handley was then behind
"
the counter. He heard a man back Anton at 5 to 1.
On each occasion that Gideon took the money he wrote
something in a book.
This was the whole of the evidence.
Mr. Huddleston said he appeared for Mr. Gideon,
and from the evidence just given it would be impossible
to deny that he had transgressed the law. As this was
the first time that he had been charged at a police-court,
he trusted that a small flue would be inflicted, and on
the part of his client he begged to assure the magistrate
that the offence should not be repeated.
Mr. Beadon said this was one of the most extensive
concerns of the description that had ever been brought
before him. From the books that had been seized by
the police it was clear that the system of business was
thoroughly organised, and this in the very teeth of the
act of Parliament. The Legislature was determined to
put those houses down, and he for one gave notice thus
publicly, that if a keeper of a betting-house was brought
before him for a second offence, he would commit him
to prison with hard labour, instead of inflicting a fine.
There could be no doubt that defendant Gideon, in part-
nership with another person, was the proprietor of the
I shop; and that being the case, hoishould inflict on him

the penalty of 501. The other defendants might be dia-
-1
enlr9:-/i.

Mr. !ruilcfle,,, .1) r

'j3 ~.,r1 n,pi.

MIDI:. that the hr.,,,ks

r2-;ven up.

Mr. 1.3,a,10u sari tne boJki were in the custAy of the
police, and wcull be detainel in accordance with the
act of Parliament.

LAW INT.ELLTGENCE.—(This Day.)

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.)
THE ROYAL BRITISH BANK.

To-day was appointed for the examination of Mr.
Humphrey Brown, whose name has so prominently ap-
peared in connexion with the affairs of the above, of
which the bankrupt W 9.3 a director. His examination
has been anxiously looked for, and the court was
crowded to € xcess.

Mr. Liuklater appeared for the assignees, and Mr.
Brown Was assisted by Mr. Greville of the firm of
Greville and Tucker.

Mr. Wylde, one of the assignees addressed the court
in reply to some observations made at the last meeting,
iu which it was stated that the prolongation of the
fnquiry was against the desire of the depositors. He
justified the course which they had pursued, and he
passed a high compliment on Mr. Linklater for his zeal
in prosecuting the inquiry.
His Honour briefly said that it was a duty imposed
upon the Court, and the assignees were bound to bring
the creditors before the Court.

Mr. Brown said he was desirous of giving an expla-
naLion of his connection with the bank. He became a
director in April, 1853, when, for the purpose of quali-
fying himself as a director, he took up ten shares, for
which he gave his note of hand for 5001. He never paid
in any other way. That note was paid on the 17th Jan.,
1854. It was agreed by the directors that the directors
should take up ten other shares, and he bought them of
Mr. Cameron, giving a promissory note for 1,0001., which
included the amount of the first note. The last note was
not paid by him. In March, 1853, he opened an
account by paying in 181. 45., and on the
same day he borrowed 2,0001, and gave a security.
On June 10, 1553, ho borrowed 4,0001. and 3,0001.
The day he joined the bank he got a bill or note dis-
counted for 2,0001. Could not say whether it was sub-
mitted to the finance committee. He was induced to
join by Mr. Muliens and Sir John Shepherd. He was
director of three other companies. A long examination
followed with reference to other loans and renewals of
bills. He did not think he could answer such questions
of figures without their being put into writing. He
had not been an old friend of Mr. Cameron before lie
joined the bank; he had only known him for two or
three weeks. When he applied to Cameron for 4,0001.
on discount, he wrote to him to say that he would within
48 hours deposit deeds or other valuable security.
On the 16th of June, 1853, there was 3,0001. pieced
to his credit, and for the two sums he gave a bill of sale
on the Allan Lindsay. They were renewals of the bills.
(A. letter was put in from Cameron, stating that the bill
of sale was only to be held as security, and not put in
force.) On the 12th September he borrowed 5,0001
The opening account was only ISI. 45., and at its clos-
ing he was debited to the amount of 70,0001. The secu-
rity given for the 5,0001. was on the ship " Magdalena.'
Soon after he joined the bank he found that the
Directors were in the habit of going to the counter
and discounting their own paper, and he com
plained of the practice, and an order was made
prohibiting it for the future. He mortgaged the
two ships on the sth of February, 1854, to Mr.
Walton, together with the Hero, for 10,0001. In 1854.
his drawing account on the 20th Nov. was 13,3181. 16s.
7d. On the 25th of May it was 2,3681. 4s. 81. On that
day the bank discounted bills on Walton for 6,0001., but
that was bills renewable. On June 29, he borrowed
2,0001. on convertible securities, that also was a re-
newal. On Sept. 4,1854, the balance on the overdrawn
account was 7,0001., and discount account was 22,8441.
2s. 61. He considered that the mode in which the
accounts were kept was cnsound and calculated to
mislead—he was liable to the bank for 22,8441. 2 6d.
A further examination was gone into through a mass
of figures.
Mr. Brown complained of the course of Examination
pursued, and declared that he was only anxious to afford
the fullest information in his power—it was not fair to
impute that he made any reservation.
The case was proceeding and not likely to be concluded
to-day.