The Sun.
London, England, 1844-01-29 00:00:00

THE WILLS' FORGERIES.

The following facts may be relied on respecting the
prisoner Fletcher, one of the persons in custody for
an alleged participation in the extensive forgeries and
fraudulent transfers, which have caused so extraor-
dinary a sensation :—Fletcher, some three years since,
carried on the business of a chemist and 4ruggist in
the London-road, nearly opposite the Philanthropic
Asylum. Thence he removed to Westmoreland-build-
ings, Southampton-street, Camberwell; and while there
purchased ground, and erected for himself a handsome
residence at the end of Brunswick-street, Walworth.
About 18 months since he married a young lady belong-
ing to a respectable family. She then resided at Peck-
ham, with a married sister named Panson, and as-
sisted in conducting a preparatory school. The
circumstances connected with the origin of the ac-
quaintance were somewhat peculiar. Fletcher first
saw the lady in an omnibus ; and struck with her
person and manners, extended his jOurney to Peckham,
instead of terminating it at Camberwell. Having ascer-
tained by inquiry the lady's name and residence, he
called at her sister's house, obtained an interview,
made known the object of his visit, and, against the
wishes of her family, became the accepted suitor for her
hand. The now unhappy lady is on the eve of accouche-
nzent, and is, we need hardly say, in the deepest afflic-
tion, caused by the perilous position of her hus-
band. It is due to Fletcher; to state that he
has taken measures to secure a provision for his
wife, and the child of which she is about to become
a mother, in the event of his being found guilty of the
serious charge of which he stands accused. Mr.
Bircham, the partner of Barber, another of the accused
parties, was in Court yesterday during the examination
before the Lord Mayor. It was stated by a gentleman
with whom we were in conversation, that Mr. Bircham
is extremely anxious for an immediate dissolution of
the partnership, to obtain which he paid Barber so large
a sum ; and that the latter requires two hundred
pound:, as a premium for dissolving the connexion.—
Evening Paper.

THE FUNDS.--A new feature, indicative of the
presumed determination of her Majesty's Government to reduce
the interest upon the Three-and.a.- Half per Cent. Annuities
is, that the brokers for the Commissioners of the Sinking Fund
have been directed to commence purchases in the Three per
Cents. of 1726. To the extent of about 30,0001. investments in
this old security have been made in the course of the present
week, by which a saving of one-half per cent. has been effected.
The amount of this Stock at present in circulation is, we be-
lieve, extremely small, and is held, if our information be
correct, chiefly by the Directors of the Bank of England.
It may be of interest, perhaps, to notice briefly that, at the
accession of George Mon 1727, a year, therefore, after the an-
nuities named hear date, the public debt amounted to rather over
52,000;00a sterlink but, what with conversions and amalga-
Mations, it canhardly be considered that the Stock now in exist-
ence, bearing the especial date of 1726, can amount to anything
like a tenth of the sum just quoted. The Government brokers
have been again large purchasers on account of the savings'
banks, and the Three per Cents. are still selected. The Re-
duced Three per Cent. Annuities have reached within 1 of
par, the highest point, we believe, that has been attained for at
least half a century. After so extensive a rise as that which
has occurred in Bank stock, and very recently too, of little
short of 14 per cent. a reaction was calculated upon as a cer-
tainty, but upon the highest point attained the decline has only
been 2 per cent. —*Observer.
The funeral of Mr. Hobler, the clerk at the Mat--
sion-house for nearly half a century, took place on Saturday at
the Highgate cemetery. It was strictly private.
FUNERAL OF SIR F. BURDETT.—The
.procession
will move from St. James's-place, this evening at eight o'clock,
and proceed direct to Reading, where the body will rest (or the
night. On Tuesday it will pruned thence to Hungerford, where
it will remain during the second night, and at
place the different members of the family and fielids
of the deceased will int et on Wednesday morning.
The body of Lady Burdett reached Ramsbury on Wec*aday
last, and has since remained in the vestry of the chirch,
The remains of the deceased Baronet are expeeted ttx4each
Ramsbury Church between 12 and 1 o'clock on Wediasday,
when the double funeral will take place, both bodies being
interred in the family vault under the altar of that church,
the chancel of which belongs to the family.
MR. WEBSTER'S PRIZE Or 5001.—We have been
re inested to state that Mr. Charles Kemble, Mr. Charles
Young, Mr. G. P. R. James (the celebrated novelist), the
Rev. A. Dyce, Mr. Otley (of the Morning Chronicle), Mr.
Ross (of the Morning Herald), Mr. Scott (of the Morn-
ing Advertiser), Mr. Clarke Searle (of The Sun), and Mr.
Moran (of the Globe), have been selected as the members of
committee to award the 500/. with contingent advantages," for
the best comedy in prose, illustrative of modern British man-
ners and customs.— Observer.
__

- -
DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—The splendid manner in
which Richard the Third has been produced here, aided by
the powerful acting of Mr. C. Kean, has crammed this theatre
each evening of its performance; while, on the ether nights,
the Bohemian Girl has continued its successful career, having
been already played 41 nights, to the most crowded audiences
ever assembled in the theatre.
The Lyceum or English Opera-house opens this
evening, under the management of Mr. Parrat. Mr. Peake,
the popular dramatist, however, is understood to be the real
lessee. Mr. and Mrs. Keeley have been engaged. Mr.
Tuckett (formerly Captain Tuckett, known from his quarrels
with Lord Cardigan) is also engaged, and will perform the
part of Falstaff, in Shakspeare's Henry IV. Other actors of
well-known merit are also engaged.

The Second Part of The Marchioness of London-
derry's Narrative of her Visit to the Courts of Vienna, &c.,
which will appear in the February Number of " Colburn's
New Monthly Magazine," will comprise a description of her
voyage upon the Danube, from Vienna to Constantinople, in•
eluding notices of Pesth, Semlin, Orsova, Galatz, and other
places of note, with her adventures in the Turkish Capital;—
also a highly interesting account of her visits to the Harems of
Ileschid Pacha and the Seraskier, when Lady Londonderry was
entertained by the fair inmates with all the state and luxury due
to so distinguished a guest, and was allowed opportunities of ob-
serving the social life of Turkish ladies of rank in their own
homes, such as no European lady had ever previously enjoyed.
THE ED/NM:ROIL PROFESSORSHIP OF MUSIC.—
The chair of music in this university is again vacant. Several
candidates have presented themselves, the principal of when
are, Mr. Donaldson, a member of the Edinburgh bar, but
formerly a teacher of music in Glasgow ; Mr. William Stern-
dale Bennett, well known as a good pianist and composer; Dr.
Gauntlett, the organist; and Mr. Mainzer, author of the
popular system of vocal instruction. From the popularity of
the latter gentleman in Scotland, as well as in the south, and
from the extraordinary success which has attended his efforts
for the diffusion of musical knowledge in the three kingdoms,
we are not surprised to hear that he is the favourite with the
Scottish public. If it is intended, as we have recently been
informed, to organise a plan of general musical instruction in
Scotland, we should think Mr. Mainzer eminently qualified for
the place at the head of it. It must be admitted on all hands
that he has shown extraordinary talents for communicating a
knowledge of his art, and the experience which he has gained
by his public teaching in Paris, as well as in this country,
must be of the greatest value in such a situation. His labours
in Edinburgh will have given opportunities to the Senate for
testing his qualifications.

IRELAND.

THE STATE TRIALS•

ELEVENTH DAY.

(FROM OUR OWN REPORTERS.)
(From our Third Edition of Saturday.)
DUBLIN, FRIDAY, JAN. 26.
COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.
At the sitting of the Court this morning, Mr-
M‘DoNotion applied on behalf of an officer of polices
named COLCLOIJOD, stationed at Athlone, for a cri7
urinal information against two persons, named JEssor
and O'BRIEN, for sending him a challenge, and
provoking him to commit a breach of the
peace. It appeared that COLCLOUGII called 3
Mr. GARDINER, who was a friend of JEssor,
five-shilling doctor and a Radical ;" and on being
called upon for an explanation, on' the part of Mr-
GARDINER, he denied 3-,aving used some of the ex-
pressions attributed to him., Upon this Mr. JEssor,
who conveyed the words to Mr. GARDINER, sent him
a challenge by Mr. O'BRIEN, which occasioned tile"
present application.
The Court granted a rule nisi.
THE STATE TRIALS.
The foregoing case being disposed of, the Court
proceeded with the State trials. The business of the
day, like that of yesterday, consisted exclusively ef
reports of meetings and articles from the Freeman's
Journal, the Pilot, and the Nation newspa-
pers. It was a dull, monotonous, and un-.
interesting day's proceedings. Mr. VERNON of the
Stamp-office, and Mr. BOURNE, the Deputy Clerk of
the Crown, read alternately the various newspapers
pointed out to them. One of the papers handed in
was the Nation of the 11th of April, containing the
spirit-stirring ode, " The Memory of the Dead."
Mr. VERNON was directed to read the words of the
song, which he did in a very distinct and emphatic
manner. When he came to the concluding portion
" But true men be you men,
Like those of ninety-eight," _ _

he was observed to look very significantly at the join
which they will interpret for themselves.
Mr. Justice BURTON took his seat with his brother
Judges this morning, for the first time after his in-
disposition.
The reading of the documents having been con-
cluded, a policeman was called to prove the proceed'
ings of the Arbitration Court at Blackrock, and pre
cisely at a quarter past three o'clock the ATTORNST'
GENERAL rose, and stated that the case for the Crolivit
had concluded.
After a short pause Mr. MOORE addressed di°
Court, and begged an adjournment till to-morrow,
when Mr. SHELL will open on the part of the triv
versers. The applicat:on was immedi
ately granted'
and the Court rose.

THE QUEEN V. DANIEL O'CONNELL AND 0110101%,
The Court sat this morning at ten o'clock, and we
a's'A
happy to say that Mr. Justice Burton is so far recovere;'
from his recent attack of illness as to be enabled to take 1111/
seat on the bench with the other members of the Court.
Before the business of the day commenced, Mr.
nough said he had (with the permission of the Attorney
neral), a short application to make to the Court on behalf
Colclough v. John T. Jessop and Edward O'Brieni
The Learned Counsel said he appeared then on behalf
Mr. Colclough, who was an officer of police in the t,rll-
- Athlone, and who sought for a criminal inforineo°ll
against the defendants for having written a letter to 11.1112"
with the view of provoking him to fight a duel, and for hesll/6
posted him in the town of Athlone as a liar, a coward ,ems
The facts are shortly these :—The plaintiff and Mr. Je6B°P
latter
were acquainted for some time, and, on Dec. 29 the
called on plaintiff, when a conversation took place 015-s
tive to Doctor Gardiner, when plaintiff said, " Oh, he !.5
five-shilling doctor ;" this wag said in jcoularity, and nothill&
more was heard about it until six days after, when Dr. GI%
diner's brother called on Mr. Colclough, who explained, anth
apologised for the expression. Subsequently, on the .11 to
of January, the defendants walked the streets, in order
horsewhip plaintiff; but, failing to meet him, a hostile let',
.
was written to him, and, on the 13th of January, the .de
fendants posted a placard on the walls of Athlone, calll
plaintiff a coward and a liar. He was proceeding to 03

the placard, when
The Chief Justice said—That is quite sufficient--
conditional order.
Mr. Smyley handed in the Freeman's Journal of the 4th
of April, which was proved by Mr. Vernon.
Turn to the first column, third page, at the top.
Mr. Bourne then read the proceedings at the weekly Wet.
ing of the Association, at which John Kelch, Esq., took the
chair.
Mr. Smyley—Go to the second column and read what Dff'
Steele said.
Clerk of the Crown—" Mr. Steele, immediately Aftesi;
Mr. O'Connell sat down, came forward, and as a rePeo
warden of London, presented him with an address fr°,,,e
t
the repeal wardens of London on the occasion of til'
triumphant result of the debate in the Corporation on by
repeal question, and concluded amid loud applant
_so
moving that the address be inserted on the minutes. lu.ed
Councillor White seconded the motion, which was cario
amidst acclamation. Mr. O'Connell then moved that his
Maurice, having declared himself ready to accept the afleLt
Inspector of Repeal Wardens for Munster, be appointed tot p
office, which motion was put and carried. Mr. Duff)" hall of
In 21. from Newtownlimavady, and moved the admissi°3
Messrs. Coghlan and men as members." 'll see a
Mr. Smyley—Now go to the fifth column, and you
letter ; read it.
The Clerk of the Crown—" Mr. Ray read the folio":
ing letter from General Clooney. The letter contani ea;
remittance 61., 5/. of which was the subscription 0f of
hnndred associates, and 11. the personal subscriPti°"srs
General Clooney. Mr. O'Connell moved the Geller of
letter be inserted on the minutes, and that the thanks.otic
the Association be given to this esteemed veteran and Pstrifed
friend of his country, which motion was put and OSIIod,
Mr. Barrett handed in 30s. from his own neighbourb
Drimna, and moved the admission of the subscribers as roe,
_ciates„which was put and carried.. He also handed in
from Newtownbarry, a place which' he • said was' fga°-
Irish story."
Mr. O'Hagan—Refer to the fourth column of the sale
page, and read the passage commencing with C°4ll°, •
Duffy. halidea
Clerk of the Crown (reading)—" Counsellor DA" .
in 31. 25., and moved the admission of Peter C. Roche/11;rd
Mr. Smyley banded in the Freeman's Journal of the 30.i`,en
May, which having been proved by Mr. Vernon, 'ol3":rt of
to the Clerk of the Crown, who read from it the rel'"
the proceedings of the Repeal Association on tole to
-.Vious day, at which Patrick Hayes, Esq., was 01A,0101,1
the chair. Several members were admitted. Mr. o,__,nsoioi;
'handed in 311. 10s. from•Youghal, and moved the Ow" and
of the Rev. Richard Smithy and Mr. John O'Lonias.o°Y;both
having passed a high encomium on the patriotism tided
gentlemeni'iploved their admission, • which was se' sr.
by. bur. 4161rittfO'Connell, and passed unanimous'''. typo'
O'Connell )ext said that he had to correct the Pray'
graphical' error in the admirable report of rt.-eostaolt,
'ceedings at Longford, which appeared in the oldie
Journal. He was reported to have called the Sc'--tbei
Britain " a ruffian soldiery," but he did no such thillgoro Or
were an exceeding well behaved set of men. Ilesethe fir'
ever ever saw a soldier in the dock. He also _ spoke , ipehavy-
geants as an exceeding well-informed and well- _ldd be
body of men, and said if justice was done them any,llWh
promoted to the rank of an officer in each comp
he said was in the words of the beautiful ballad-- 00,
" And now a sad maniac, she roams the wild con
Against minions of Britain she warns each woman,
And sings of her father in strains more than 11,111,3;te."
While the tear drops do fall from poor Eileen 0
to
gc•
Mr. Close requested of the Clerk of the Crown, teo r joie'
ear
O'Connell's speech at the Loyal National Rep'''°-
~.n
on the 30th of May, 1843. ch
The Clerk of the Crown complied, and read the sPee
question. tink fib,
The Close—Go to the report of the Longford Irlegh
The Clerk of the Crown then read the speecf Arclag.,l
O'Connell, proposing the health of the Bishop 0' The new
and the speech of the Bishop in returning thanks. tlw
health
_proposed was that of the Bishop of Meath,
corms;‘"
Right Rev. Prelate, in returning thanks, said 4ea
concurred iii every expression used by the Bishop ','43l' thef,;
Some other documents having been read, agiuSoract
some referring to the arbitrators, their dutias,„ to
and appointment, appointment, together with a form of subralsaw-
arbitration award,
examined Charles Hb
yo v3e lard. enn
Brewster.--The Ps
°t
el ire. —e pr(.,__di.or
ofl
John O'Connell acted several times as arhitra_ted
ce
Blackrock Arbitration Court, and that Dr.
rwson ;
in the same capacity. f the '-esse
cTohnestawibtlne,eswsas thene
.catlbleaat re.
This was the last -itness called on the part ° t a
exactly 4 and the Attorney-General then rose, and tha „oat
for the Crown was closed. It was now
t 10P
past three o'clock. tilt 0, 05
After a short pause, Mr. Moore rose • aria '-
tracers,rthre6
Mr. Sheil, who was to open the case for the
counsel for Mr. John O'Connell, was unwell be wa to-
days. He had been sent for, and stated thatto
for tw°
Attentort
fined to his bed, but he would be able
that the
morrow. He hoped under the circumstances
would adjourn the case till to-morrow.
only rose
The Chief Justice said the application was _„,
The Court accordingly adjourned till to-nrmi-,ntat ifniuPffd
Mr. Justice Perrin said he would remain ge Tcl
gentleman hail tr motions to make, but ther aw_4'crowit
rush from the Court, when it was kno
SS
wn .
closed, and that the State trials were adjourn
t '
07.
TWELFTH DAY.--D , jag. --oelt
DUBLIN SATURDP- !_t 10 had
The full Court sat this morning preciseircroWlis to
It being publicly known that the case for
_trgy, ws_e,
terminated, and that Mr. Sheil, Q.C. rst on-sieti it;itos
open the case for the defence, the gr-?:".;:_ini,g svc_rior
veiled. 'The hall of the courts and the in. who inte
1-" d
were thronged to excess at an early lvtif,e,
an
bore
of the court presented a very novel seenation. .t.
part of it was crowded almost to suifoe
eleoritlL;i„
never on any occasion observed so2,l°o";Yt arthe
could
tired females in a court of justice. Al
lity with their families, at present in town' vib°

p

Ilav(

lie
141
iec
Ril

~~

jiii 1 s'% . ,

i