The Sun.
London, England, 1844-11-18 00:00:00

SUMMARY OF NEWS

AND

Pubitt ptitton.

" Who runs may read."

FOXLEIG2I.

On Thursday evening their Majesties the King and
Queen of the French received M. de Varennes, the
French Minister at the Court of Lisbon; Count de
Bondy, and I. Odier, Peers of France ; Generals Bou-
genel and De Saint Yon ; Baron Rothschild, and M.
Brogniart.
Prince Elim Mitchersky, Chamberlain of the Emperor
of Russia, died two days ago, aged 36, at his residence,
in Paris.

A Marseilles journal states that the schooner Curieux
of that port has been captured by an English cruiser, on
her way to Guree, on suspicien of being a slaver. The
journal asserts that there was nothing on board to war-
rant the capture. The schooner had, it says, ten empty
casks and twelve sacks of rice on board, but they were
down on the manifest, and were for the use of the crew.
The vessel had been confiscated, and was about to be
sold when the account left.
By a letter from Guadaloupe of the 9th September,
we learn that since the earthquake not less than 429 new
houses had been built, of which 118 cost each 15,0001.
and upwards, exclusive of the purchase of ground ; 166,
6,0001. to 15,000 f.; and 145 under 6,000 f. At the date
of this account 173 houses more were in the course of
construction.
The following curious circumstance, says a Dunkirk
paper, happened a few days ago in the burying-ground
there. While the sexton was digging a grave, a skull
rose from that which adjoined it, and which was also
open, and as the terrified man started back, advanced
towards him. He then fled on to the road, crying aloud
for mercy. Another man hearing the alarm, and being
told the cause of it, had sufficient courage to go to the
spot, and there saw the head still moving. Undaunted he
took it up, and, on examination, found within it two
moles, which had made it their retreat, and had given it
motion.
The Second Chamber of the States General of Hol-
land has come to a resolution to send back the address
to the First Chamber in its primitive state, with a slight
modification of the paragraph objected to. It remits
to be seen whether it will finally be adopted by the First
Chamber.
The following lamentable accident happened a short
time ago in Piedmont. The Countess de Samaz, wife of
the Grand Master of the Household of the King of Sar-
dinia, in opening a drawer at the top of a very high
chest, drew the whole piece of furniture upon her, and
was crushed to death. She was found a lifeless corpse
by her son-in law, Count Maurice de Samaz, en his en-
tering the apartment shortly after the accident.
M. Sallior, the Commissiary of Police at Calais rus-
pected of having murdered the English physician, all
the circumstances of which we have given, is ordered for
trial before the Court of Assizes for the Pas•de-Calais.
Tke Marseilles journals announce that a grand ban-
quet is to take place on the arrival in that city of Mar-
shal Bugeaud, in honour of the illustrious visitor.
The price of bread in Paris, for the second fortnight
of November, has been fixed at 31 centimes the kilo-
gramme for the first quality.

00173Z1P-PALSEEXONAZIMI.
The Prince of Saxe-Coburg, Prince Albert's brother,
is expected this day at Windsor, on a visit to her Majesty
and the Prince. His Serene Highness was to embark at
Ostend early this morning, and cross the Channel to
Dover in the Black Eagle steam-yacht.
Earl Delawarr left town on Saturday last for Bourne
Hall, near Easton, Cambridgeshire, where the Noble
Earl and family are expected to remain until the close of
the month, and then return to Buckhurst Park, Sussex.
Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cam
bridge, and the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklen-
burgh Strelitz, are expected to honour the Noble Earl
and Countess with a visit shortly at Buckhurst.
The Duke of Newcastle, accompanied by the Ladies
Clinton, and Lords Robert and Charles Clinton, arrived
at Clumber Park, Notts, on Wednesday last, from Brid-
lington, Yorkshire, where the Noble Duke and family
have been residing the last month.
The Duke of Leeds left the Clarendon Hotel on Satur-
day for his seat Hornby Castle.
The Marquis of Salisbury returned on Friday evening
to Hatfield House from Burleigh House, where the Noble
Marquis had been among the visitors during the sojourn
of the Queen and Prince Albert at that princely seat.
The Marquis of Salisbury intends ,shortly to receive a
succession of visitors at Hatfield.
The Earl of Shaftesbury has had a select family circle
assembled at St. Giles's House, Dorset. The Hon. Cap-
tain and Lady Harriet Corry, Mr. and Lady Charlotte
Sturt, having been among the visitors.
The Earl of Lonsdale has arrived in town from White-
haven Castle, his Lordship's!seat in Cumberland.
Dowager Lady Holland left South -street on Saturday
last for Brighton, where her Ladyship intends to pass
the winter.

Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston, Lord Ashley,
and Lord Earnest Bruce, were among the nobility at-
tending Divine service on Sunday, in the Chapel Royal.
St. James's.

On Friday a Court of Sewers for the City and
Liberty of Westminster and part of Middlesex, was
held at No. 1, Greek-street, Soho-square, for the con-
sideration of the steps necessary to be taken for ob-
taining contracts on the Ranelagh and Counters'
Creek districts, and for other business, T. L. Donald-
son, Esq., in the chair.
The orders of Court, on the Ist and Bth of Novem-
ber, having been read,
The CHAIRMAN intimated that the next business
before the Commissioners was to order the payment
of 2,0001. to Messrs. Bennett, the contractors, on ac-
count of bills to Michaelmas.
Mr. LESLIE objected to that vote. The Court was
bound to make inquiry before making further pay-
ments, and as Messrs. Doull and Jenkins were not pre-
sent, he should wish them to be called into Court that
he might ask them one or two questions.
The CHAIRMAN, before calling those officers, would
wish to know what specific purpose Mr. Leslie had
in view ?
Mr. LESLIE wished to raise the question of the
measurement of the sewers. He wanted Mr. Doull
to explain to the Court how that measurement was
really done, and what was done. lie (Mr. Leslie)
would undertake to prove to the Court that the width
of the digging was never measured. Now there were
three dimensions necessary to be taken before arriving
at the cube, namely, the length, the depth, and the
v‘idth. Mr. Doull took only one of those measure-
ments—namoly the length, Mr. Jenkins supplied the
average depth, and the third, the width, was taken
not from actual measurement, but from a table by
Mr. Dowley. He (Mr. Leslie) wanted to hear how
Mr. Jenkins did his share, and then he should be pre-
pared with an amendment if necessary.
The CHAIRMAN did not think the Court could en-
tertain the proposition of the Hon. Commissioner,
unless he advanced something more grave—as that
the contractor had acted fraudulently. Granting the
2,000/., would not invalidate any further inquiry, and
in order not to retard the business of the Court, he
thought that unless something stronger should be stated,
than what the lion. Commissioner had yet advanced
the Court could not attend to it. It would be a pity to
stop the general course of business.
Mr. LESLIE entered a motion upon the subject, and
intimated that if it were overruled, he should put up an
other.

The motion that Mr. Doull and Mr. Jenkins be called
nto Court was put from the chair, and lost by a
majority of four.
Mr. LESLIE had wished to investigate the method in
which bills involving an amount of 40,0001. or 50,0001.
of the public money had been got up, but the Court had
refused to allow its own officers to be called into Court.
He would, therefore, put in an amendment ; but in the
course of his experience—and he had been connected
with many public bodies—he never had seen the officers
of any Court refused, where the grounds of the applica-
tion had been so clearly stated.
Captain BAGUE rose to order. That subject had been
already disposed of by the Court.
The CHAIRMAN apprehended that the Hon. Commis-
sioner's remarks were merely preliminary to putting his
motion ; and, if so, he was quite in order.
Mr. LESLIE—They were so ; and
The amendment having been seconded by the Hon.
FREDERICK BYNG, was read by the clerk, Mr. Hertzlet,
and was to the following effect :
" That as the contracts held by Messrs. Bennett were
originally obtained on tenders sent out from the office of
Sewers for Westminster, in 1841, containing a bill of par-
ticulars of entirely fictitious quantities, the gross amount
of Mr. Bennett's tender for such fictitious works, making
his appear to the Commissioners in Court assembled to
be the lowest and most favourable to the public, when in
point of fact the real quantities show that his tenders
were not the lowest by many hundreds of punds, and
it having been discovered that under the contract so
obtained the bills of works done contain many errors and
charges contrary to the terms of the aforesaid contract,
this Court do delay before it signs any further orders
on the treasurer in discharge of the bills, until a full
and complete investigation into the circumstances, docu-
ments, and vouchers be made, and that for the purpose
of an immediate inquiry this Court, at its rising, do adjourn
till to-morrow at ten o'clock, and, if necessary, continue
its sittings on Monday and following days, until the
investigation be completed."
The CHAIRMAN did not see that that was an amend-
ment he could put. It was, in fact, a substantive motion,
containing new matter, and therefore objectionable in
point of form.

Mr. BRANSCOMBE thought that a particular day should
be appointed to investigate the subject.
The CHAIRMAN would put it to the Hon. Commissioner
(Mr. Leslie) if it was really an amendment he could put
there? If it had indeed stopped short, and said that

Finsbury Commission in receiving contracts for works
to bo done ; and he was bound to express his obligations
to the officers of that Commission for the very important
information ho had received from them—received, to,
without let or hindrance. He (Mr. Leslie) would not
trouble the lion. Commissioners with isolated cases, as re-
garded the practice in Holborn and Finsbury, for, by
great exertion, he had prepared from their books and
doc.ements, returns of works amounting to the enormous
aitriv 0f.23,0.00/.-;.. and he thought he would haVe the
support of the Hon. Commissioner, the District Surveyor
for Marylebone, who was present, in carrying out the
proposition he would make to the Court. The plan of
the Holborn and Finsbury was not a new or mere
experimental plan, for, under their able and intelligent
surveyor, Mr. Roe, they had built of the -new form
twenty-six miles of sewer, six miles of which were only
half-brick thick, in blocks firmly united with the best
Roman cement, In their works none but hydraulic
mortar was used, and the very best Roman cement. Every
builder, every surveyor, and every man of property, was
concerned in this important question of public drainage;
and he hesitated not to assert, and that without fear of
contradiction, that for every lineal foot of sewer put in
by the Westminster Commission, the same amount of
money, under their better plans, the Holborn and Fins-
bury Commission had put. in two feet. What was the
cause of this mighty difference between two adjoining
Commissions of Sewers ? One cause was in their Act of
Parliament. About thirty years ago the Holborn and
Finsbury got into debt 30,0001., and they ventured to
make a shilling rate, the rate-payers rebelled, meetings
were held all over the districts, and, under the advice of
the present Mr. Sergeant Wilde and Mr. John Willis, a
new Act of Parliament for those divisions was obtained.
They were bound under their Act of Parliament to
give twenty-one day s' notice to all the vestry-clerks
within their district of the line intended, the day, time,
and place, when the Court would assemble to consider
as to the propriety of ordering the work to be done. In
short, he (Mr. Leslie) said that the most complete and
scientific measurement of the proposed works took place
before the Court were called upon to vote that the work
should be done, so that the parties who had to tender
knew what they had to do. The case in this Court was
just reversed. An estimate was presented by the sur-
veyors, often voted the moment it was read, without any
time for deliberation; the works were all measured after
they were done, and the Court had this day refused to
allow the officers who had measured the works in Bow-
street, included in the accounts, upon which they had
paid 2,000/.----he said they refused to allow Mr. Doull, as-
sistant surveyor, and Mr. Jenkins, the clerk of the works,
to come into Court to explain how they performed that
important duty. What were the consequences to the
public of the system in this Court ? The surveyors' esti-
mates were mostly exceeded by the actual expense,
often a large amount, sometimes 50 up to 140 per cent.
more than the sum the Court had ordered on those
works. Why, on the Bow-street line, included in the
bills partly paid to day, the estimate was 1,4001., the ac-
tual expense upwards of 2,060 L— nearly 47 per cent. more
than the Court had ordered. But to return to the more
business-like plan of the Holborn and Finsbury Com-
mission. After the plans, estimates, &c., had been
approved, public advertisements for each particular
work were made. It required, first, the fullest public
notice of where they intended to lay the money out ;
and, secondly, they were bound to advertise the
contracts for the works in question in a certain
number of papers. He would read over not one,
two, ten, or fifteen, but twenty sewers, formed by
that Commission, amounting in all to above 23,000
feet, namely, 12,185 feet of the first, and above 15,000 of
the second class of sewers. He had taken the number of
parties tendering. He had taken the highest and the
lowest tenders, but he did not think it fair to give the
names of the parties. Among them, however, he found
the Messrs. Bennett, to whom they had that day paid
away 2,0001., contrary to his view of the matter. The
plans and specifications, he might there state, were
accurately drawn out ; the when, where, and how, the
works should begin and terminate; the depths, the levels,
and everything else. The parties who intended to tender
paid a shilling for a printed form, which contained all the
instructions and information required. It seemed to
him a sort of providential interference that the parties
who had tendered for the Ranelagh and Counters Creek
district should have withdrawn those tenders, for that
Court might now save a vast amount of money by adopt-
ing the plan he was going to point out to their conside-
ration. The Hon. Commissioner then read the following
particulars of work in about twenty sewers made under
the direction of, and by the orders of, the Holborn and
Finsbury district, at prices greatly under those of the
Court of Sewers for Westminster. One or two might be
taken as a sample of the whole. One in Museum-street,
for which Messrs. Bennett contracted, came at (every
expense included) 14s. 2d. per foot. Another, a first class
sewer in Kentish-town, in length 3,465 feet with five
side entrances, twelve junctions, twenty gullies, and at a
depth generally of 26 feet, was built for 165.,17d. per foot

84 I.

IRELAND.
MEETING OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC
BISHOPS.
Dunr.rsT, Nov. 1 G.—The following announcement ap-
pears in the Dublin Evening Post of this afternoon:—
" The Prelates this day concluded their deliberations
on the Charitable Bequests Act. We understand that
a resolution to the following effect was adopted, on the
motion of the Primate, the Most Rev. Dr. Crony, se-
conded by the Right Rev. Dr. Egan, Bishop of Kerry:
—' The Prelates assembled, after mature consideration
.of- the enactments of the new Charitable Bequests Act,
having taken different views of its operation, it was de-
termined that each Prelate should be left to the gui-
dance of his own conscience on this measure.' As Dr.
Egan, the seconder of this resolution, had signed the
protest against the Act, we may infer that the Prelates
were nearly unanimous on the occasion. As we hare
already stated, the Prelates were unanimous in consi-
dering that modifications were required in certain
clauses of the Act affecting discipline, as regards the au-
thority of each Bishop in his own diocese. It is under-
stood that the Government have expressed their readi-
ness to amend the Act in such manner as to avoid any
interference with the discipline of the Catholic Church;
and it is their imperative duty to do so at the earliest
possible moment. There can, we think, be little doubt
that such alterations as are reciaired will be made."
MAYNOOTH COLLEGE—DEPUTATION TO THE
LORD-LIEUTENANT.
The Evening Post also contains the following:—" This
dap a deputation, consisting of the four Archbishops, with
some lay members of the Maynooth Board, waited upon
his Excellency the Lord-Lieutenant, by appointment, at
the Viceregal-lodge, Phoenix-park, with an application
for an increase of the Parliamentary grant to that esta-
blishment, on the present terms. The total insufficiency
of the present miserable grant has long been admitted,
and the time has arrived for an augmentation to an
extent commensurate with the claims of the Catholics of
Ireland for a grant from the State towards the education
of their clergy. His Excellency received the deputation
most courteously, and appeared to coincide with their
views, promised to forward their memorial without delay,
but gave no pledge of any sort on his own part, or on
the part of the Government. Lord Eliot was present at
the interview."
THE STATE PROSECUTION—REVERSAL OF
THE JUDGMENT.
In the Court of Queen's Bench yesterday, in the case
of the Queen v. O'Connell and others, Sir Colman
O'Loghlen moved, on the part of defendants, that the
judgment of reversal had in this case should be entered
upon the record, and that the recognizances of the de-
fendants be handed over to be cancelled.
Mr. Justice CRAMPTON—Of course this application
will be granted. It is regular, I believe.
The Clerk of the Crown made an intimation to the
effect that he never know of a similar application being
made.
Sir COLMAN OTOCIILEN—The affidavit on which the
application is founded states that there is no judgment
now pending against Mr. O'Connell—
Judge CRAMPTON—You need not trouble yourself by
reading any affidavit. The application is granted.
The Clerk of the Crown made an observation to his
Lordship.
Judge CRAMPTON—The officer says that the formal
documents have not yet been laid before him.
Sir COLMAN O'LOGHLEN—We understand that the
judgment of reversal was entered upon the transcript,
and the transcript returned to the office.
The Clerk of the Crown observed that the necessary
documents were not yet returned.
Sir COLMAN OTOGIILEN—I don't exactly know, my
Lord, what the practice is, whether a discharge should
be entered thereon, or the recognizances be vacated.
Judge CRAMPTON—I believe a vacate is the usual
course. But your application will be complied with as
soon as the proper document is laid before the officer.
DUBLIN UNIVERSITY—THE MINISTRY.
The Warder, an Orange organ, has a very fiery com-
mentary upon the recent meeting in Cork, to establish a
provincial college. That journal says--" The sword is
drawn. and the scabbard thrown away, between Sir
Robert Peel and the Irish Protestant Church, and the
Protestant people of Ireland. One or other must be put
down." The Warder adds—" The divinity students of
Trinity College intend to meet publicly next week, in
the Rotunda, to protest against any interference of Sir
Robert Peel with the University, and the Ven. R. J.
M'Ghee will be requested to take the chair. A pamphlet
on the crisis of the Church of Ireland, from the pen of
the Rev. Dr. Millar, of Armagh, was published yester-
day, making a powerful appeal on behalf of the Church
against the traitor Premier."
IRISH RAILWAYS.
The Dublin Gazette, published last night, is the
largest published since the Anti-Tithe agitation, when
the peasantry, is thousands, were sued by the Crown
for tithe arrears, many of them for two or three
pence. Last night's Gazette consists of fourteen
sheets, containing notices of various kinds, emanating
from railway and other public companies, corporations,
and Government boards. Altogether there are forty-
seven notices. The railway notices amount to no less
than twenty-two, and are as follow :—Extension of the
Ulster Railway to Armagh ; Wexford, Carlow, and
Dublin; Dublin to Mullingar and Athlone (two separate
notices); Londonderry and Coleraine; Londonderry and
Enniskillen ; Kilkenny Junction ; Newry and Ennis-
killen; Dundalk and Enniskillen; Branch from Dublin
and Drogheda to Howth; Waterford and Limerick;
Waterford and Kilkenny; Extension from Athlone to
Galway; Kingstown and Waterford; Dublin and Cavan;
Limerick and Ennis; Cork and Limerick; Coleraine and
Enniskillen ; Cork and Bandon ; Dublin and Belfast
Junction; Irish Great Western from Dublin to Galway;
North and North-Western from Dublin to Armagh and
Enniskillen.
LORD LONDONDERRY ON FREE TRADE.
The Marquis of Londonderry, on Monday last, enter-
tained at dinner, in the Assembly-rooms, Newtownards
" the clergy and gentlemen resident upon his estates,
and the tenantry most distinguished by their efforts in
agricultural improvement and for generally exemplary
conduct." The Noble Marquis Presided.
After the customary toasts,
The Noble PRESIDENT said it gave him great satisfac-
tion to meet them on that occasion, at a dinner which he
was anxious to give them, as his tenantry, in order to
celebrate the return among them of a man who was
fondly and devotedly attached to them, Lord Castlereagh.
He congratulated them on the flourishing state of the
country, which, he said, was mainly owing to the ad-
ministration of Sir R. Peel. Sir Robert, when he ac-
cepted of the Premiership, had laid the axe to the root
of the evils under which the country laboured. He set
his mind to the consideration of the finances, as the
first step in the legislative policy which he intended to
carry out ; and he had, in consequence, instituted a
property-tax, which, he ventured to declare, not-
withstanding all that had been said against it, was
one of the most just taxes that ever was laid on the coun-
try; for it placed the burden upon the rich, and relieved
those who were not in circumstances so fortunate.—
(Hear, hear.) Other questions of moment had occupied
the attention of the Government during that time, such
as the poor-law, the Irish Registration Bill, and various
other difficult questions ; but there was one matter above
all, which had occupied their attention, and that was the
great question which had taken up so much of the time
of the law courts in Dublin. Those were difficult ques-
tions for a Ministry to manage, but he believed they had
brought all to a favourable issue, and that he (the Noble
President) and.they might congratulate each other on a
better state of affairs than when they last met. There
was one question which had agitated the country a great
deal since the period to which he had alluded, and to
which he felt it necessary to allude—he meant the eorn-
law question.—(Hear, hear.) And he did solemnly
adjure them not to depart from those means to improve
their agricultural position which science had opened up
to them, lest the question Nvkch he had alluded to should
be carried. He did not understand how any Minister
who thought right to introduce into his policy free-trade
at all—he did not know how that Minister could make
corn an exception.—(Hear, hear, and loud cheers.)
He implored them to consider that that might
be the case ; and, in order to prepare for such a
change, he implored them to go on cultivating the toil
on which their existence depended.—(Hear, hear.) Thee
had seen daring the last twenty years many clie7,g„
L
by t
theyhe pr e had s
ssureeen thfrMoe
minihou t wster, by ,
the force of ',icumstances,
ohl;Red to follow out a
it
course of policy which was collrary to his mind to pursue;
and haring seen that, he could not sit down, without im-
pressing them with the-fact, that similar things might
take place with regard to the corn-laws.—(Hear, hear.)
He wished them to bearin mind that when everything else
was free, they could not expect that corn alone would
ho an exception. The Noble Marquis then lauded the
foreign policy of the Government, and referred to the
visits to England of the King of the French, the Emperor
of Russia, and the King of Prussia, and continued :—But,
passing by these events—the having of those potentates
among them—they had had the satisfaction of seeing
their own good and gracious Queen braving the
breeze—braving the difficulties and inconveniences of a
sea voyage—visiting Franco and Belgium, and going
twice to Scotland. Would to God she would come to
Ireland.--{Cheers.) He would say, though it was alto-
gether unnecessary, that between Mr. O'Connell and him-
self there was no sympaty of feeling—that they did not
entertain the same political views • bbut be would do Mr.
O'Connell the justice to say that he believed that, had
her Majesty come to Ireland, the breath of x epeal would
not have been heard from the heights of Ennishowen to
the Lakes of Killarney—no, not a word of repeal would
have been heard during her Majesty's stay in her own
little island.—(Hear, hear, and loud applause.) If she
had come there, to see her
" First flower of the earth,
First gem of the sea,"
not one breath of repeal would have been heard.—(Loud
cheers.) Mr. O'Connell had long been engaged in the
agitation of the question of repeal, but he had told them
on a late occasion that he preferred federalism. Now,
what was his object in stating so? Why, he was simply
holding out a feeler to the Protestants, to see whether
they would join him or not. The Protestants and Pres-
byterians of Ulster knew him too well; they were aware
what his objects were, and their answer to him would be,
" Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes."
—(Tremendous cheers.) He did not believe that the in-
telligent, influential, and commercial people of Ireland
would ever join Mr. O'Connell in so balderdash an ex-
periment.—(Cheers, and cries of "Never.") Lord Lon-
donderry then congratulated his tenantry on the im-
provements which had taken place in their farms and on
their comfortable appearance, praised the Poor-law Act,
and proceeded—With respect to the commission that
had been issued to inquire into the relations between
landlord and tenant, he would state that, whatever ne
cessity there might have been for such an inquiry in the
south of Ireland, such a necessity did not exist on his
estates.—(Hear, hear.) With respect to the nobleman
who was at the head of that commission, he had suc-
ceeded to a property in this country, but he knew
nothing of Ireland. The commission, as he had observed,
could be of no use in this part of the country, and he

•
was happy that that was the case ; for, in his opinion,
it was neither more nor less than throwing out an invi-
tation to any discontent and disaffection that might
arise between landlord and tenant, which was the last
thing in the world that should be encouraged. After
some remarks on leases, and the treatment of his
tenants, the Noble Marquis gave, " The Tenantry of the
Newtownards Estate—prosperity to them, and may God
bless them."—(Loud cheers.)
Lord CASTLEREAGH, on responding to his health being
drunk, said—lie had a great deal to thank them for, and
a great deal to he proud of.—(hear, hear.) Tho mise-
rable-looking-mud cabin was now disappearing, and the
neat and more stately-looking slated house took its stead.
The proudest feather in Lo-Al Londonderry's cap was
not the laurels he had won in the field, but the tenantry
over whom he presided.—(Applause.)
Some other toasts were proposed and responded to,
after which the company separated.—Abridged from the
Northern 11Thiy.

THE SEIZURE of MESSRS. SMITH'S
DISTILLERY.
The seizure, by direction of her Majesty's Commis-
sioners of Excise, of the extensive distillery and rectify-
ing-house, outbuildings, plant, &c., of Messrs. Smith, of
Vhitechapel, has been carried into effect by four chief
examiners of Excise, aided by several inferior officers.
This further step has not only created a great sensation
amongst the numerous tavern keepers and proprietors
of spirit establishments in the metropolis and suburbs,
but has also given rise to much conversation in the com-
mercial and monetary circles. From the best informa-
tion that can be obtained upon the subject, it appears,
the in consequence of the Excise Commissioners having
for some time past suspected—upon what grounds have
not transpired beyond the firm retailing spirits at a
superior strength and lower price than other distillers—
that Messrs. Smith have not been in the habit of ac-
counting for the full amount of duty payable upon their
stock, the Board of Excise ordered that • a most
vigilant watch should be kept upon their establish-
uents. For some time past an Excise effacer had been
appointed to be constantly upon the prenaises, and the
workmen of Messrs. Smith were forbidden to hold
any communication with him on pain of dismissal.
The first step adopted against the firm was about three
months since, when the Excise seized 20 puncheons of
,in, and conveyed them to the Government stores in
Broad-street ; but upon the subsequent representations
of Messrs. Smith, the Commissioners ordered fifteen of
the number, with their contents, to be returned. The
remaining five were retained for the purposes of ulterior
proceedings. In the meantime reports were from time
to time made to the Commissioners of the operations
carried forward at the distillery and rectifying-house,
and consultations were held by the legal advisers of the
Board with the Solicitor-General and other eminent
members of the bar, which led to the determination on
the part of the Commissioners having recourse to ener-
getic and decisive measures. The details of the legal
coeferences have not been suffered to transpire, and in
all probability will not reach the public eye untill the
whole matter comes on for public hearing before the
Barons of the Court of Exchequer. The object, how-
ever, which the Commissioners had in view may be
gathered from the fact that officers and others have
been employed to dig up the paving-stones around
Messrs. Smith's extensive premises, and pipes have been
discovered concealed about three feet from the surface
of the earth, connecting the distillery with the recti-
fying-house, which is contrary to the provisions of the
various Acts of Parliament regulating such matters.
The Commissioners having ordered a complete stoppage
of the works, the distillery now presents a gloomy and
wretched contrast to the active bustling scene which it
presented when in full working order, and the deep
trenches dug out in front and around it, exposing the ob-
jectionable pipes to view, are objects daily of increased
public attraction. The loss to the firm by the stoppage
of the works must be a severe one, and Messrs. Smith
have been in the habit of paying to Government for
duty alone between 300,000/. and 400,0001. per annum.
Every portion of the monster establishment has had the
broad arrow affixed to it, and not a cask, waggon, or
utensil has escaped the same mark of condemnation at
the Exciseman's hands. Above 60 workmen, it was
stated, were discharged on Saturday night last, making
the number, including those dismissed on the previous
week, above 120 now out of employment. • Messrs.
Smith having memorialised the Lords of the Treasury on
the subject, their Lordships' reply is looked for with
great interest. The buildings alone are estimated to be
of the value of 160,0001., and should the Board of Ex-
cise succeed in the Court of Exchequer in recovering
the enormous penalties for which the firm are being pro-
secuted, the whole of this valuable property will fall into
the hands of the Crown, and a rich harvest will be
reaped by the officers who have assisted in promoting thq
proceedings. In any event Messsrs. Smith will be
put to very heavy expenses in resisting 03‘.) Crown pro-
secutions.

A NEW KIND OF CANNON.--A letter from Sweden
states that Baron Wahrendoriff has just invented a new
kind of cannon for fortresses. The carriage and the un
form only one piece. The space occupied is but small, and
as it is nut necessary to have the openings at the ease-
ments of any great extent, the gunners are better shel-
tered from the enemy's balls.
ONE TURNIP FOR Two LEGS OF MUTTON.---Mr.
Kendal, of Sellet Hall, Stainton, lately pulled a turnip,
the circumference of which measured two feet five inches,
and the weight of which was twenty-six lbs. eight
ounces. The outside of this bulb would have held suffi-
cient water to boil two legs of mutton, and the inside
furnished enough vegetables to serve with the meat.—
Lancaster Guardian.
FATHER MATHEw.—Last evening a large tae,et-
ing of teetotallers and others took place at the Temper-
ance-hall, Carey-street, Lincoln's Inn-fields, for the
purpose of adopting measures -to relieve Father
Mathew from his embarrassment. The chair was taken
by the Rev. John A. Hearn, who, as well as the movers
of the resolutions, strongly urged the meeting to exert
itself for the benefit of the " Apostle of Temperance."
It was said that nearly 2,000/. had already been publicly
subscribed, in addition to large sums privately forwarded
to Ireland ; but the amount collected was as yet far
from adequate to relieve Father Mathew's necessities.
The public, said one 'pi' the speakers, ought to consider
itself bound to liquidate his debts, for on its behalf were
they contracted ; and not alone teetotallers, but all per-
sons feeling any interest in the domestic comfort of the
working classes, should contribute their share of relief.
Resolutions for raising funds were carried unanimously.
It was resolved to collect subscriptions, of one penny and
upwards, from the members of every Temperance So-
ciety in the country, and whoever else might feel in-
clined to subscribe. After the passing of resolutions,
thanks were voted to the chairman, and the meeting
separated.
ASSASSINATION BY A YOUNG FEMALE.--M. Dam-
br6e, who keeps the large bookseller's shop in the
Passage Vivienne, last evening perceived a woman stop
at his doorway, and take away a book from amongst
those placed outside for display. He ran out, and
caught her with the stolen article, a penny almanac, in
her possession. He was taking her before the commis-
sary of the district, who lives in the Rue St. Pierre-
Montmartre, when, as they ascended the staircase, the
prisoner drew a poniard-knife, and plunged it to the haft
in the body of the unfortunate man, who fell dead on
the instant. She then fled, but was apprehended almost
immediately, and taken back before the commissary, who,
after investigating the matter, committed her for trial.
During the whole evening, up to midnight, the Passage
Vivienne and the Rue St. Pierre-Montmartre were filled
with such a crowd of persons, that it was thought adv.'s.
sable to send for a detachment of soldiers to preserve
order. The body of M. Daubree was brought borne to
his residence about half-past eleven, Notbmg can equal
the despair of his family. The woDir.:h was young and
well-dressed, and held f.-. yol'.ng child by the hand.
Another account stW,vel that it was in the office of the
Commissary th,,,,t Ist., gave the fatal blow.—Galigaani, of
Saturday.
MIDDLIrrox COLLIERY.—On Monday last the
wurtmen belonging to Middleton Colliery and their
wives, to the number of 520, were entertained at dinner
and tea by Mr. Brandling, the proprietor of those works,
to mark his approbation of their good conduct during a
series of years past, and more particularly of their beha-
viour during the late strike. The speeches which were
on this occasion' delivered exhibited a degree of good
feeling highly creditable both to master and men.
We have received an account of the seizure of one
of the largest distilleries in the City by order of the
Commissioners of Excise, but for want of proper authen-
tication, we must defer the publication till we have an
opportunity of making full inquiry.—Times:
THE CONVICT ELLEN COOK.— Some circumstances
having come to light, as we understand, respecting the
character of the principal witness against Ellen Cook,
who was transported for 15 years at the late sessions,
means are now taking to endeavour to procure a commu-
tation of her sentence.—llull Packet.
TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON.—A total eclipse
of this luminary will take place on Sunday, the 24th in-
stant, at 42 minutes past 11 o'clock at night.
MISS MARTINEAU.—MT. William HOWitt has pub-
lished a letter corroborative of the statement that
.Miss
Martineau has been cured, by mesmerism, of a painful
disorder, which was fast sinking her to the grave.
of PthaeAcjoithcAsL JOKES.—The
tatesthat
several
aCI
oofurrthte'erindhe L
ahitoaitr-et-
ttsofChthe
the
commune of Villafranco3ur are at this moment under pro-
_ b
shead cutaitona
ponubalicch-house,
by of homicide
of joke, mixed
by imprudence. They
They
with the wine of a man who was present, and forced him
our hours afterwards
ofto ttlrhieulniairte.
otiTeheeffinecatnotflitehcel ttwobenentyco-f.

Lord Campbell, and Lady Stratheden and family,
returned to Stratheden House on Friday, from a tour on,

the Continent.

ROWLAND STEPHENSON.—This notorious personage,
to whom so many persons, a few year. s back, owed their
entire ruin, is now in Calcutta, carrying on a speculation
in railroads.—Rampabire Advertiser.

Four men have lately been "lynched" in Fannin.
county, America, by the most sanguinag process. Their
names were Andrew Jones, Harvey White, L. iWra
and Mitchell, all lately from Missouri, and all notori y,ous
for their rascality before they left. The cause was, for
barbarously murdering and robbing three friendly In-
dns. Upwards of 200 persons attended the trial and
execution. Three others, named Benjamin Jones, Jew-
land, and Harris, were arrested and convicted of theft,
and were made to hang the others, and ordered to leave
the country in ten days.
We understand from undoubted authority, that it
is the intention of the Directors of the Great Western
Railway to reduce the faros on the whole of the line, in
addition to the advantages afforded by the penny a mile
train for third-class passengers. It is also in contempla-
tion to run a train for first-class carriages only, to per-
form the distance between Exeter and London in live
hours.—Exeter Gazette.