The Sun.
London, England, 1850-10-08 00:00:00

N°. 18,109.] LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING

CATHOLIC LAW AND GENERAL LIFE
ASSURANCE COMPANY,
8, NEW COVENTRY-STREET, LEICESTER-SQUARE, LONDON.
The FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Proprie-
tors of this Company took place on the 25th histant, at the head
Office, at One o'clock precisely. The following is extracted from the
report, which is too lengthy for publication :
• During the past year no claims have arisen from deaths in England.
and but two in Ireland—one for 5001. and the other for *AM—making
together 7001., which have been paid. This is far below the expected
mortality, and is especially favourable, when It is remembered how
severely the life offices generally suffered from the epidemic of last
year.
The number of lives assured between the Ist of June, 1649, and
the 31st of May, 1850, was more than double the number issued in
the twelve months preceding.
Prop 'salt were made for 133 Policies, amounting to 52,963/. 2s. 6d.:
of these 121, comprising 106 lives, were accepted for 45,125/. 6s.
sixteen Policies lapsed, representing 6,0481., upon which 3201. 38.
was received by the Company in the shape of premiums.
Since the commencement of the Company to the Ist of June last,
assuran, es were effected to the extent of 110,972/. 12s 6d., pro-
ducing in annual premiums 3,7321. I Is. 6d. 01 these 54 lapsed,
amounting to 23,990/. 16s. 62., of which the annual premiums were
741/. IS., leaving the yearly income on the Ist of 'June last equal to
2,991/. 15s. 11d.
duce last meeting loans were applied for to the. extent of 17,7001.,
but 1,183/. Ils. 102. only was advanced.
The Directors were also highly gratified to report that within the
last four months they had considerably extended their business on
the Continent, having appointed, as Head Agent in France, Monsieur
de I'Etang, a gentleman of high standing in Paris, distinguished for
his integrity and ability in financial and in all assurance matters,
who, under the sanction and patronage of the Archbishop of Paris,
the Cardinal Archbishop of Lyons, and Monseigneur Parisis, Eveque
4e Langres, has already within the last three months effected a con•
siderable amount of business, not only in Life Assurances, but in An-
nuities both Immediate and Deferred.
. After various resolutions, approving of the Report, and returning
thanks to the Right Reverend Chairman, Bishop Morris, the Vice-
Chairman, Actuary, Secretary, and Medical Officers of the establish-
hient, the meeting separated, highly gratified at its present results
and future prospects.

ROYAL EXCHANGE ASSURANCE
CORPORATION,
(Established by Royal Charter of his Majesty George L, A.D. 1720),

For SEA, FIRE, and LIFE ASSURANCES.
OFFICES—ROYAL EXCHANGE, LONDON.
BRANCH OFFICE-29, PALL-MALL.
GOVERNOR—ThoI
SUB-GOVERNOR—Wi
DEPUTY-GovEuNon—The
DIRE,

flenry Bainbridge, Esq.
3eorge Pearkes Barclay, Esq.
Edmond S. P. Calvert, Esq.
John Garrett Cattley, Esq.
Alexander Colvin, Esq.
Edward Maxwell Daniell, Esq.

_
William Davidson, Esq.
John Deacon, Esq.
Riversdale Wm. Grenfell, Esq.
Robert Amadeus Heath, Esq.

inas Tooke, Esq.
awn Sampson,.Esq.
lion. J. T. Leslie Melville.
7.TORS.

Sir John Wm. Lubbock, Bart.
Charles John Manning, Esq.
Henry Nelson, Esq. •
Edward Howley Palmer, Esq.,
John Henry Pelly, Esq.
Abraham George Robarts, Esq,

Charles Robinson, Esq.
Thomas Smith, Esq.
William Soltau, Esq.
Joseph Soames, itlsq.

William Tetlow ilibberc, Esq. OcraCrius Wigram, Esq.
Lancelot Holland, Esq. Charles Baring Young, Esq.
MEDICAL REFEREE—SamueI Solly, Esq., F.R.S.
Notice.—The usual fifteen days allowed for payment of Fire Pre-
miums falling due at 3lichaelmas will expire on the 14th October neat.
This Corporation has held a high position during upwards of a
Century and a Quarter, and affords unquestionable security by its
capital-stock.
Ten Thousand Pounds may be assured on one Life.
The Reversionary BONUS declared on British Participating Life
Policies has amounted on an average to rather more than 2 per
Cent. per Annam on the sum assured, or 46 per Cent. on the amount
of Premium paid ; or equivalent reductions have been made in the
Annual Premiums.
Endowment Assurances may be effected for securing payment of
a given sum on the attainment of any specified age, or upon death
if that should previously occur.
The customary Fees are allowed to medical practitioners referred
to by persons proposing Life Insurances.
ALEX. GREEN, Secretary.

BRITISH EMPI'RE MUTUAL LIFE
AND FIRE ASSURANCE OFFICES,
37, New Bridge-street, Blackfrlars, London.
Incorporated under Act 7 and 8 Vic., c. 110.
DIRECTORS OF FIRE SOCIETY.
Gould, George, Esq.
Low, James, Esq.
Miers, Thomas, Esq.
Olney, Thomas, Esq.
Wllinshurst, Joseph, Esq.

Blyth, John, Esq.
Cartwright, Richard, Esq.
Cuff, J. Harcombe, Esq.
Cuthhertson,Francis, Esq.
Freeman, G. S., Esq.

UNITED KINGDOM LIFE ASSURANCE
lJ COMPANY.
Established by Act of Parliament in 1834.
8, Waterloo-place, Pall-mall, London ; 97, ~eorge-street, Edinburgh;
12. St. Vincent-place. Glasgow; 4, College. green, Dublin.
The bonus added to policies from March, 1834, to the 31st
Deeemioer, 1847, is as follows :

Sum Sum added toi Sum added to Sum payable
Anured. Time Assured. I
Policy inlB4l Policyin 1848; at Death.
£5OOO 13 years 10 mths £638 6 8 £787 10 0 £6470 16 8
5000 1 1 year .. . 112 10 0 5112 10 0
1000 12 years 100 00 157 10 0 1257 10 0
1000 7 years .. .. 157 10 0 1157 10 0
1000 1 year 22 10 0 . 1022 10 0
••
505 112 years 50 0.•0
—7B 15 0 628 15 0
500 1 4 years .. .. 45 0 0 545 0• 0
500 1 year .. .. 11 5 0 • 511 s'. 0

The Premiums, nevertheless, are on the most.moderate scale, and
silly one-half need be paid for the first five years when the In-
surance is for Life.
tvery information afforded on application to the Resident Direc-
tor, 8, Waterloo-place, Pall-mall, London.

BOND'S PERMANENT MARKING INK,
the original and by far the best, requiring no, preparation,
offers the surest means of protection for every variety 'of household
linen and wearing apparel against loss or mistake, for which reason
be careful to ask for the4gtituitte article, prepared by the inventor,
JOHN BOND, 28, Long-lane, West Smithfield, City. Sold by most
Chemists, Stationers, and Medicine Vendors. Price Is. a bottle.

DR. CULVERWELL'S NEW WORKS.
To be had of Sherwood, 23, Paternoster-row ; Carvalho;
147, Fleet-street; Maim, 35, Cornhill ; or direct from the author ,
price One Shilling each; by post, Is. ed.
ENJOYMENT OF LIFE.
"Health, Recreation, and rational Use of Time."
CONTENTS:—Early Rising—Spring and Summer Mornings—Ex-
cursions about the Environs of Londou—The Parks, Lanes, Hills
Forests, Fields, High-roads, and other pleasant places—Country
ght—Eveninge at Home
Music
Rambles—The eun
Drama—On
nSeaa—tiLnogn, dporinakingat Ni,
Sleeping,
Bathing,
Air,
got, Ease, Occupation, &C., &C.

FRAGMENTS FROM THE M OUNTAINB. Two *ob.
-- --

SKETCH OF EDINBURGH, &c.
A VISIT TO ,THE LAKES;

Vol. 11.

THE LAKES OF KILLARNEY; REMINISCENCES OF
DUBLIN, &c.
WHAT TO EAT, DRINK, AND AVOID.
"That three seore years and ten our course may run.,,

A popular review of almost every form (cause and cure) of ner-
vonsly-debilltated health and enfeebled constitution, that harasses
the young, besets the man of pleasure, business, or study, and em-
3itters old age, with tablas and rules for the diet and physical regu-
lation of every-day life.

IV.
THE PASSIONS.
" What passions hurt the body-1-what improve.
Truths as refined as Athens ever heard.
SumAcT : -Life's pilgrimage, from infancy to old age. The advent
of the passions. Chastity and its infringements. The casualties of
114entiousness and dissipation, with illustrations, graphic, narrative,
aid remediative. Advocacy of early marriages.

THE MARRIAGE STATE.
" To be or not to be, that is the question."
PnoostAstmx:—Laws and obligations of nature, society, and re-
it :ion regarding marriage, to be observed by either sex. Time and
zhoice, on tooth sides, as to age, temperament, complexion, and
figure, to secure healthy offspring, with the art of rearing them.
Physizal defectiveness and its removal. Sterility and its conversion.
Oases, spe.

BY A. J. CIILVERWELL, M.D. (1841), M.R.C.S. (1827), L.S.A.
(1824). Twenty-llva years Medical and Forensic Referee in these
"'att.". Reception hears daily till Ave. Evenings. seven till nine.
10 /4711-Plico, Agent-street.

TLIE EIGHTH of OCTOBER, 1850.
The EIGIITII of OCTOBER, 1850, will diSplay anew tradipg
feature, in the shape of an Establishment never before equalled..
The "town tourist" cannot have failed to notice, in his progress to
the west end of the metropolis, an extensive range of premises in
urse of erection at the corner of HART-STREET, NEW OX-
FORD-STREET. .

The situation, extent, and character of these premises Must, from
the earliest stage of the undertaking, have impressed the public with
the idea that rush a project could be conndcted with no mean capi-
talists—no :ordinary speculation.
The gradual development of the building and the ultimate display
of the A ame of the proprietary at once disclosed to. the passer-by the
true character of the speculation ; and thousands in that and other
important localities have ever since been looking forward with anx-
ious expectation to the opening of the West-end Branch of E. MOSES
and SON.
_ _

The expediency of opening an Establishment like, that under con-
sideration cannot properly be called in question:
The east end and the west end of the metropolis are two perfectly
distinct localities; and to such an extent has the Capital grown,
that a visit from one part to another involves both trouble and ex!.
pence. ' •
The expediency of the present undertaking maybe safely argued
from the encouraging fact, that the proprietors-number from the west
end a large proportion of their wealthy supporters, whose interests
and convenience will necessarily be better consulted in their own lo-
ealfty, and who, in return, will have more ready,opportunities of fa,
vouring.E. MOSES and SON with their commands.
It, would be idle and n'eless to argue that such a vast speculation
as the WEST-END BRANCH would not have been entered fide,
had not the voice of the public called loudly for it. B. MOSES and
SON have had too much experience in such undertakings, inclitnow
too well how to improve the capital which the public have placed at
their disposal, to enter into a project like the present unsupported by
the public, from whom they derive that emfldenee without which
such an enterprising speculation would never have been atteamied.
In starting the Branch of the City Establishment at the West-end,
E. MOSES and SON have taken especial care so to model their ar-
rangements tothe requirements of the locality, as to render this
Branch suitable to all parties.
The BESPOKE TAILORING DEPARTMENT is deserving of
particular mention; being, as it is, the first at the West-end,hlPoillt
of business-arrangement, accommodation, and fashion. ,
The Nobility and Gentry will here meet with no obstruction dr
confusion, and will have no necessity to pass through the snore busy
portion of the Establishment, there being aseparate private entrance
to this department, with distinct accommodation for servants in at-
tendance. Attention is also called to the fact, that Hart-street,
which runs parellel with Oxford-street, being quiet and private, af-
fords safe standing room for carriages—a ch:caritstance worthy the
attention of the gentry.
In connexion with the Bespoke Department, there arc SELE 'ST
HABIT FITTING-ROOMS, and FITTING-ROOMS far GENTLE-
MEN, besides DEPARTMENTS devoted• to the JUVENILES.
Everything has been done by the proprietors to render their Branch
Establishment in these important respects (without qualification of
terms), the first Establishment in the first fashionable locality In the
kingdom.
In the arrangements of the READY-MADE DEPARTMENTS
there are also those recommendations which cannot fail to elicit the
approval of a discerning public.
The classification of goods, the ready ingress and egress, and every
other arrangement, are such as must conduce to the accommodation
and satisfaction of the purchaser.
For such an Establishment, in such a'situation, the most superior
assortment of fashions has been prepared.
The proprietorshave determined not to be equalled in the collection
of dress at their West-end Branch ; and, in order to produce the first
specimens of attire, they have not only made purchases of the most
superb materials in Cloths, Silks, Satins; Alpacas, Lustres, Sze., &c.,
but have secured the most elegant and novel designs, by offering
handsome prizes for the best opecimens of artistic skill in cut and
workmanship ; an experiment which has proved more titan success-
ful to this end.
The GENTLEMEN'S WINTER OVERCOATS, and the other ar-
ticles of attire, when inspected, will prove that the proprietors are not
dealing in exaggerated terms in thus recommending the present

Stock of Attire.
In LADIES' HABITS, E. MOSES and SON intend to convince
their.supporters, that as Fashionable Tailors, they are neither to be
surpassed nor equalled by many degrees. ' •
Their STOCK of JUVENILE CLOTHING calls alike for terms of
the highest recommendation. Where this branch of the Tailoring
Trade has been too often overlooked or slighted, E. MOSES and SON
have made it a point of particular study; nor do they question fur a
moment that their endeavours will secure anything short of the
highest approbation.
A conspicuous fea' ure at the New West-end Branch of E. MOSES
and SON is that of a STOCK of READY-MADE LIVERIES, which,
though elegant in the extreme, and superior in material, are sold at
prices exceedingly advantageous to the purchaser. The attention of
the Nobility nod Gentry is particularly directed to this branch of the
proprietors' business in New Oxford •street.
A STOCK of SUPERIOR MOURNING, at prices less than those
charged anywhere else, by 50 per cent., is also deserving of promi-
nent mention. No advantage will be taken in the furnishing of
these articles of the melancholy circumstances of bereavement, or of
the haste in the adoption of such attire—circumstances which have
too often led to imposition on the part of tradesmen.
The SHOOTING-COATS, " FISHING-COATS, LOUNGING-
COATS, and the various ready-made goods are in keeping with the
rest of the articles sold ; and the most extreme satisfaction must re-
sult from an inspection and trial of the Stock.
A large and fashionable collection of HATS and CAPS adds much
to the recommendalons of the new Branch House; and the Public
are assured that here their interests are equally consulted.
The system which the proprietors intend to pursue at their New
EqaNdisliment is not new. Their old system of cheapness, coupled
with quality and fashion will be in operation at the Branch House as
at the Origitill Establishment.
The Return of Cash or Exchange of Gods, and the marking the
. price of each article in plain figures, will in no way be departed from
at the West-end Branch.
Before concluding this announcement E. MOSES and SON would
hint that their New Premises In Oxford-street are of the most novel,
elegant, and commodious description. The Establishment is an Ex-
hibition itself, quite alone in point of style, convenience, and decora-
tion —and is well deserving a visit from the curious in these matters.
An excursion, in fact, would be well repaid by a view of this superb
trading structure, of which no' idea can be icirMed except U on iu-

spec lion.
The proprietors take this opportunity of inviting the Public to view
their New West-end Branch Establishment, whether purchasing or
not ; where every attention will be paid to them, and every informa-
tion given.
Havin,, thug announced the opening of the New Branch Establish-
ment, and having touched (in as brief a manner as possible) on the
recommendations there held out, E. MOSES and SON would ac-
knowledge gratefully that vast amount of favour at the hai,di of the
public, to which alone they can date this proud advance in their
speculations ; and the proprietors would assure the Public, that it is
their determination to merit renewed support, by an adherence at
the New Establishment to those principles which have worked so
well at the Old.
OPENED at Ten o'clock THIS MORNING, the Bth of OC-
TOBER.

SHIP NEWS.

QUARANTINE NOTICE.
Leghorn, Sept. 27.

By an ordinance of the 24th inst. vessels arriving here
from the lonian Islands (Cephalonia excepted), and
Greece, on their producing a clean bill of health, and
provided they have no rags on board, will no longer be
subjected to the quarantine lately imposed.
Free pratique is withheld on all arrivals from Laland,
Falater, and the adjacent islands, and all the ports
of Holstein, on suspicion of cholera in said places.

LIVERPOOL, OCT. 7.—Wind W.N.W., a gale.—A
large vessel is dismasted, with a signal of distress flying,
near the N.W. light-slip. _

DEAL, OCT. 6.—A vessel of about 300 tons, bottom
upwards, was passed on the 18th of September, St.
Paul's Island bearing S.W.. distant nine miles, by the
William Barras, from Great Metis, which also fell in
with, on the 16th, a vessel on fire, and burnt to within
a foot of tha water's edge, bad neither people nor boats
on board; from her great length and the quantity of
iron work, supposed her to be a steamer. The crew
were probably saved by a vessel which was seen in the
S.W., steering north-westerly.
MARGATE, OCT. 7.—The steamer Princess Maude,
from Boulogne for Folkstone, is ashore on Foreness
Rock.

LOWESTOFT, OCT. s.—The Amelia, which got upon
the Holm sand yesterday, was assisted off last
night; without any apparent damage, and will proceed.
ILFRACOMBE, OCT. s.—The Eliz I, of and from Bide-
ford for Llanelly, struck on Baggy Heap, capsiz-d, and
went on shore at forte Sands yesterday; crew and part
of materials saved.

AMSTERDAM, OCT.4.—The Thomas Ainsworth, from
Newcastle for Zwolle, which was on shore on the Eyer-
lansche Grunden, Sept. 29, has gone to pieced. The
Goede Vrlenden, from Konigsberg for this port, put
into Delwyl leaky, and with other damage.
ELSINORE, SEPT. 30.—1 t blew a gale at S.E. yester-
day, and the whole of last night.. The Wilhelm, from
Riga for Antwerp, was in contact in , the Roadsted,
_Sept. 29, with the Gesina, from Dundee, and had her
stanchions and shrouds carried. away.
NEW YORK, SEPT. 18.—A ship lying to, alongside a
wreck, was seen, Sept. 9, in lat. 39 N , lon. 70. She soon
after filled away and made all sail on wind; and the wreck
was then observed to be on fire, burned to the water's
edge and disappeared. 11 P.M.—Crew supposed to have
been taken off by the strange sail, as she lay alongside
for several hours, by the United States steamer Erie,
arrived at New York. Sept. 21.—The British brig
Alice, from St. John's, New Brunswck. which was on
shore near Little River, Maine, Sept. 19, has been got
off and towed to East Port for repairs. Sept. 25.—The
Berlin, from Liverpool, arrived at Philadelphia leaky,
having been in contact with the Scotia, from Liverpool
for Baltimore. The quarter-deck of a ship, with steer-
ing wheel attached, was passed, Sept. 16, in lat. 43, long.
60, and on the 18th, in lat. 43, long 67, the wreck of an
abandoned vessel, with no spars standing, supposed to be
the British barque Messenger, of and from St. John's,
New Brunswick, for Liverpool, which capsized off Sable
Island Sept. 8. The Maria, from Wilmington, North
Carolina, for Liverpool, put back for Boston Sept 16.
with loss of boat, bulwarks, stanchions, &c., deck seams
started, and, slightly leaky, having been thrown on her
beam ends in a gale, Sept. 7, in lat. 38, long. 68.
Rama, Ann. 20.—The Eliza Maria, hence for Trieste,
Aug. 9, struck on a bank in the harbour, became leaky,
and must discharge. .The Coromandel, of and from
London, for Ceylon, put in Aug. 12 leaky, has been sur-
veyed, and ordered to discharge part of her cargo. The
Favourite,. from London, for Suez, foundered at sea
about 130 miles north of this port; crew saved, and ar-
rived here Aug. 16. The American brig Carthage has
been condemned and sold at this port.
The wreck of the barque Mary Jane, of Sunderland,
totally dismasted, with decks ripped up, waterlogged and
apparently recently abandoned, was passed Sept. 26, in
lat. 47, long. 47, by the steamer Washington, arrived at
Cowes.

GRAVESEND, OCT. 7.—Wind W.N.W., blowing hard,
cloudy. Arrived—The Royalist, from Africa; the
George Lord, from Punta Arenas; the Venezuela, from
Havre; the Lionne, from. Gravelines; the Soho, from
Antwerp; the Prince Rupert, from Hudson's Bay; the
City of Boulogne, from Boulogne. There were lying at
Sea Reach about 20 sale, homeward-bound, chit-fly from
the East and West Indies, Australia, and North Ame-
rica, detained by the gale of last night and this day. So
strong does it blow that the steamers are 'Unable to tow
the ships up the river. Sailed—The Leila, for Naples;
the Cairo, for Jamaica; the Acis, for Dania; the Tiger,
for Tonningen.
VESSELS SPOKEN WITH.—The Jeannetta and Berths,
from Singapore, for Ramburgb, Aug. 23, in lat. 6 N.,
long. 23 W. The Lady Mons, from Liverpool for
Buenos Ayreg, Aug. 28, in lat. 16 N., long. 26 W. The
Conservative, from London for the Mauritius, Aug. 28.
A large ship, supposed to be the Jane, from Cambostia
for Calcutta, Aug. 28. - The Osceola, from Callao for
Cork, in lat. 16 N. long. 26 W. The Hope, from
Bombay for Liverpool, Aug. 30, in lat. 16 N., long. 29
W, The Indian Chief, from Colombo for London, Sept.
16, in lat. 33 N., long. 38 W.

SPIRIT of the PUBLIC JOURNALS.

FROM THE MORNING PAPERS OF THIS DAY.
TIMES.—That portion of. Lord Brougham's able I
pamphlet Which treats of the appellate jurisdiction of
the House of Lords, as well as the 'letters of " An
Old Barrister," the second of which we-publish to-
day, combine in calling attention to a paint of the
gravest importance--viz , icy what mode should our
ultimate Court of Appeal in all cases, whether civil or
criminal, whether from courts of common law or
equity, be for the future constituted ? Whether
during the past the House of Lards, aided by the
judges of the land and such Peers as had held judicial
appointments, have done good legal and political seta
vice in its character of the ultimate appellate court we
need not now stop to inquire, since for practical pur-
poses such an investigation would be of little use.
Almost universally one thing is now admitted—
the present state of our appellate court is wholly
unsatisfactory. Our correspondent, with whose
general observations we for .the most part concur,
appears not to have very clearly distinguished the
different parts of the subject he was handling, or
perhaps we should more accurately express our-
selves by saying that he was so much occupied
with one part and one view of the question, that he
failed to regard it as a whole, to-give each portion its
due consideration, and to attach to all of them their
proper importance. The utter impossibility that one
man should duly perform the present duties of the
Chancellor leads to the inquiry—in what way shall
those duties be divided ? This is one question. Those
duties might so be divided as to leave the .constitution'
of the appellate Court exactly what it is in theory and
in fact. But to do this would not be to grapple fairly
with the present difficulty,. and wouldetertainly not
satisfy the public. The proposal of "An Old Bar-
rister" is simply to relieve the Lord Chancellor from
his political functions, and to make' a Speaker of the
House of Lords, who might, or might not' be a portion
of the Cabinet. Suppose, however, that the Chief
Judge in Equity, by whatever name he may be distin-
guished, should still remain the presiding judge of the.
House of Lords acting in its judicial capacity, is the
House of Lords so constituted the most fitting Court
of Appeal ? and would not there still be a great pro-
bability of the same circumstances occurring which
at the present moment excite disapprobation . in the
mind of our correspondent ? ' Without attempting to
decide upon the invidious comparisons of the relative
merits, as equity judges, of Lords Brougham and
Cottenham, we can very easily suppose the present,
and any succeeding Chancellor or Chief Judge in
Equity, unable, either through ill-health or press of
duty in his court, to attend as presiding judge in the
House of Lords; and then, if there should be still
an active Lard Brougham—or some one of equal,
or nearly equal, power, energy, and versatility—he
might again discharge those duties which the Chief
Judge in Equity ought, if possible, to have per-
formed. . There is, however, another objection to this
plan. "An Old Barrister" has thought of the
House of Lords only in its capacity of an Appeal
Court from the Courts of Equity, and has only felt
the mischief of appealing from a more to a less cele-
brated judge in equity. But what shall we say to an
appeal from all the comnaon law judges to one equity
judge? If Lord Cottenbam were at this moment
presiding in the Lords, and u case in error were ap-
pealed from,- we should have the decision, say
of Lord Campbell, aided by the many excellent
laWyers who are now to be found on the common law
bench, on the one side, and we should have on the
other, sitting in judgment on these profound common
law lawyers, the one equity judge, who has all his
life been an equity lawyer. Surely " such a state of
things requires no comment ;". and the disappoint-
ment and dissatisfaction-in the mind of the public
would be quite as great as that which might result
from the reversal of Lord Cottenham's decision by his
predecessor in his high office: of Chancellor, viz., by
Lord Brougham. A third plan might be 'suggested,
differing from that of our correspondent, and also from
that which hey supposes to be contemplated by the
Government, and that is making the office
of the presiding judge of the Appellate Court
separate and distinct. This post would then be the
great and signal distinction of the legal profession.
Ability of the highest order which the profession con-
tained would be that sought for in such a judge, and
the permanency and high honour of the effice would
make it an object of eager ambition, even if attended
by a somewhat modest salary. The expense, indeed,
is the only valid objection that can be brought against
such an arrangement. At present, both in equity and
at common law, there is an appeal jurisdiction. That
appellate jurisdiction is' formed in both cases of legal
men ; but the ultimate appeal from both is nominally
to an unlearned assembly, in fact to some few mem-
bers—at the present time to one member—of that
body who have been lawyers and happen to be
Peers. The system is one productive of great un-
rpue il
injustice.lnaotue s j
uedxgApee nus
personep,o n anda
thep
pposriaann
same
eteidc a
tenureltloy t
he
eff eaocsffit i
theen
eg
certainty, and this uncertainty leads to many
of
trahe
pea
-rt
unnecessary appeals, in numerous cases creating
judges would, on the contrary, act upon a regular
and predetermined system ; it would be his duty
to be both an equity and common law lawyer, and
having time and practice he would of necessity acquire
this requisite knowledge.
such an officer would in the end salarye
greateconomy.
bestowed upon
The Speaker of the House of Lords ig might
thememberof Cabi-
net and Minister of which office h e would
find ample occupation for the' in t
ability and most
unwearied industry. If,
be impossible - if
the desire however, such an appoint-
mente for small savings
be irresistible, and the
duties not connectedappellateh. judge must perform
with
judicial duties, then
comes the question raised by A
e ton Old Barrister"—
would it be wiser to.giv
duties, of the Chief Judge
in the Appellate Judge the
belong to the presiding
Comes officer in the House Equity, or those which
of Lords .
?
And here again another inquiry—must
this presiding officer, or Speaker of the
House of Lords, be of
necessity a member
of the Cabinet ? •Th
ere are grave objections
to the making any judicial office depend upon poli-
tical changes. Upon these it is needless to dilate.
They have been felt grievously of late years, in spite
of the extraordinary abilities of the men who have
contended for the great office of Chancellor; and the
sense of this evil has in a great measure led, to the
dissatisfaction at present existing with respect to the
office of Lord Chancellor. There seems indeed no
more reason for placing the Chief Judge in Equity
or the Chief Appellate Judge in the Cabinet than
placing there the Chief Justice of the Court of
Queen's Bench. Experience has finally settled the
question with respect to the last appointment—no
Ministry would at the present time dare to make the
Chief Justice of the Queen's Bench a Cabinet Minister.
Lord Mansfield and Lord Ellenborough are only to be
considered beacons warning us against the danger that
would result from such a proceeding. To attempt to
draw a distinction by, saying that the Chief Justice
may have to try political offenders, and that the
other judges have no such duty, is vain and futile.
Those who sat in the. House of Lords in judgment on
Mr. O'Connell's writ of error tried a political
offender, and now, when the; tendency of legal re-
forms is to give an appeal in criminal cases, there is
every probability of criminal appeals even to the House
becoming not infrequent. The opinion of the wisest
amongst us is setting strongly against political judges
of every description, and men who felt themselves
compelled to shut Dr. Lushington out of the House
of Commons can hardly, -with-an-Y show of consist-
' ency, make the' Chief Judge of the ultimate appellate
court a Member of the Cabinet. The duties of
Speaker of the House of Lords do not, however, seem
to clash with those of the appellate judge, and provided
the duties of the two offices combined be not too onerous
foroneman, there seems no reason why the wholesome
tendency to economy just. begtnning
to snow itself
should not he thus far encouraged. Such a combi •
nation would give dignity and_splendqur to the office
of appellate judge, and then the ijouse of Lords might
still give the aid of its name and.authority to the Ap-
pellate Court, without any cou_nterbalancing evil re-
sulting from its, performance of this somewhat ano-
malous function. The dangers apprehended by our
correspondent, arising from the Chancellor's being
taken from the common law bar, we deem under
these circumstances of little moment. The man chosen
as worthyto be the head of the bar of England, pre-
siding as chief judge in the ultimate appellate court,
be a man of learning and ability,
would, we' assume,
a profound lawyer in the best sense of that term, and
therefore conversant with tbe doctrines of equity as
the common law. To a mind tho-
well as those of
roughly imbued with the science of law there would
be nothing formidable in_the combination we contem-
plate.
CHRONICLE.—Notwithstanding the prophecies
of her patronizing advisers, Sardinia has not yet cried
" Peecavi,". or knelt at the foot of Rome. The Synod
of Bordeaux, must recommence its prayers for the
Archbishop who is now suffering martyrdom, in exile.
The Sardinian Ministers seem to have understood the
state of public opinion ; for not only has the Arch-
bishop been suspended and banished without any show
of popular tumult, but the most thorough-going advo-
cates of Roman intrigue are compelled to confess, that
the approbation bestowed ion the sentence, by the
people, is nearly unanimous. It seems that the local
authorities of the island of Sardinia have not shown