The Sun.
London, England, 1845-12-16 00:00:00

MURDER OF SIR LAWRENCE

tion :
" That as the Houses of Parliament are not at this
time assembled, and as there appears to this meeting a
most urgent necessity to adopt promptly and fearlessly,
those measures which may prevent the ravages of fa•
mine in the United empire, and also to afford a supply
of seed fer the next year, this meeting would respect-
fully, but firmly urge upon the consideration of her
Majesty's Ministers the absolute and o
imperative neces-
sity of opening the ports of the United Kingdom for
the admission of all kinds of grain and provisions duty,
free, preparatory to the abolition of all protective duwas ties.'
The Rev. Mr. SWAN then came forward, and re-
ceived with great cheering; after which, he said he rose
for the purpose of seconding the resolution proposed by
Mr. Philips; and, while on his feet, he would make a
few observations. He said—This is a righteous, a hal-
lowed agitation—now, it is hoped, near an end—an agi-
tation against monopoly and class-legislation—an agita-
tion for the rights of the working masses against the un-
just encroachments of the privileged few—an agitHationo-
for peace and commerce against war and oppression.
nour be to those men who have carried it on with sw2h
talent and energy during the last seven years. Their re-
ward is now near. And the men of Birmingham, whose
hearts have ever beat true on the momentous question,
are now called to lift up their voice for the last time—to
come in at the death of the monster monopoly. That
voice, on all great questions, hath often been heard all
over the world—let it be heard again. .. . But God Al-
mighty himself, in the partial failure of the fruits of the
earth, speaketh from his throne, to rebuke the wickedness
of man, and the nations hear it, and tyrants tremble on
their thrones. In this way, out of evil the benignant
Parent of the universe, in his wondrous working,
will educe good. What man would not do, God, in his
providence, will do ; and that which is lacking in one
part of the earth the other will supply ; and thus all
nations, will be united in one golden bond of eternal
sanity—cultivating the arts of peace, &c. Is it not a
fact, that the continental Powers have opened their ports
to let in the corn, and the fat Dutchmen, puffing at their
pipes, are laughing at the expense of John Bull ; yea,
even the Russian autocrat no longer fights against Pro-
vidence ; nay, the very Turks have been moved at the
cry of their oppressed poor ones. To what depth bath
our favoured country sunk ! What shall we say for
England ? What evil spirit hath come over us ? Are
the
thingTurkswill
bChristians,doneh teh ep r
uChristiansproud
must
bTurkse
humbled
No,
thetiie
?
men of station must serve those whose labour maintains
them in their places, or give way to others. God him-
self is working ; the curse will came on those that
withhold the corn ; :but the blessing will descend on
the head of him that selleth it—" For the oppres-
sion," &c. All men know what these laws are, end
what a fearful amount of suffering they have caused.
found i gh e t h
wanting, t he m
Are they not impolitic, unjw t, un-Christian ? Sound
policy will instantly blot them from the statute-book,
inl
an
dh
Chris-
tianity, b a
accustomed to bless, uttereth against them her
ba-
lances, andn c es that
, and for
they e ve r . r
ea Justice
indeed we
deepest and darkest curses. Not a word can be said for
them on the score of policy, justice, or religion. These
three witnesses all agree in their condemnation.
A memorial to the members of her Majesty • s Govern-
ment, in accordance with the resolutions, was then
adopted.
A Mr. NIXON said Mr. Spooner had not stated in his
speech whether he would support the repeal of the corn-
;aw s in Parliament if it should be brought before him.
11,-. should like Mr. Spooner to answer that question.
'Air. SPOONER said he would never support the present
corn-laws, nor did he ever support them.—(Groans.)
14r. IsTixoN—That is not answering the question. I
• go fora
ask you again, will you total repeal of the corn-
larva ?—(dear, hear.)
SMITH here said that he could not allow Mr.
Nixon to proceed, for it was out of the ordinary course
of prok•eeding.—(Great dissatisfaction.)
The Chairman having vacated his seat,
Mr. b itiwrz said he rose with pleasure to propose a
vote of ,thanks to the Mayor, who, he was sure, had
acted WiS sly and impartially.
Mr. SPC,ONER seconded the resolution. In answer to
Mr. Nixol second inquiry, he begged to say lie would
not pledge, himself to support any measure which was
brought Before him, if he thought it wrong,—(Cheers
mingle'.' with hisses.)
The. meeting then separated.

I ..e.rd Stanley !eft tovin yes, ,ay morning on • a visit
to. the Marquis of Exeter, at his seat, Burghley House.

~terd

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
Sir,—l have just read the form of petition which it is
proposed by the " Agricultural Protection Society"
should be adopted by the different agricultural societies
throughout the country, and I cannot refrain from mak-
ing a few observations on it, self-evident to any one who
has impartially studied the question of free trade, as
isee.cii.le tho ugrio.ltural inthrpßtS.
First, then, as to the " declarutions made by several
leading members of her Majesty's Government in the last
session of Parliament being calculated to destroy all con-
fidence in the stability of the present corn-laws." It cer-
tainly is not owing to such declarations, or, at all event:,
not solely to them, that the stability of the corn laws has
been shaken, but to the clear insight the country gene-
rally has obtained of the injurious effect of these
lasebrianeinlsi
ci the
h restore,
er
leato,
hnnted owing,hllyeorr weidina.oiryn a great
therefore
Agriculturaler
information
the
hhcaeaet
insoas
nebsooner
gentlemen
measure,
judicious means adopted by the League for dis-
seminatingoeetrnnhru
tet
the
et
iet
euit
neuurseusbsbtojoi
protectionistsotee
inci 1
et .
tf
iyos for the
stnTeh never
ehv iaefstra
farmer
fully aware that the present uncertainty is the greatest
bar to the improvement of the land in England, which
improvement is capable, by means of capital and skill,
carried
tthe
et o
par
ovdeur
eye
,g rbeuatt i u extent,
manyfo r
instances I am satisfied t
be DEATH FROM HYDROPHOBIA.—On Wednesday S
poordKree woman. amed Mary Garrett, aged 60 years, residing in
be greatly increased, and in this lam zaadrfsuilaarinei in this
.dieAdbfroonmt
stfxhemeoffnetchtss osinteheethaeboYe
in town,
ot that de-
centat being
anotlso ,
mightonly
ceased was; nade a present of a young pup by one of her
borneout
sby my own ob at
by the Cipinionsoefrvmainompractical agriculturists, neighbours i ?lifter having it a few days in her possession it
y p refused to eat, whereupon the poor woman brought into it the
as w
dam, in hopes by that means it mightbe induced to partake
Secondly, the petition states "that the frequent
diminutions of protective duties which have occurred of food; and while in the act of offering it something to eat,
farming capital."
noThoaitie there has
bbueetnitamgayrebaet loss of the dam bit one of her fingers. Time rolled on, and no fur-
since 1815 have led to the total loss of a vast amount of ther notice was taken of it, until the Friday night previous
to her death, when she complained to several of her neigh-
capital in farmingclearly bonurs that she was very much afflicted with a pain in the
proved that the loss occurred when the laws framed by
arm upon which she had received the bite.
the landed proprietors, with the view of protecting anyd Ho
tlrileotunl the following evening that the
horrifying
veleease made its apppearance.
encouraging agriculture, were in full operation, and not in first symPtomwoafs
until Wednesday aa
yr' and
morning,he continuedabout ifinvae
consequence of the slight modifications which have been
dreadful
trecaodmfuml esntacteedolifyagaovniyolen
made during the last 30 years ; these modifications
o'clock, when death put an end to bersufferings.— Waterprd
which have been forced upon- the Legislature, are the
OF INTEMPERANC Y
Ch
EronFiFc
El €
c' 1.15.. .
the
oelfset,erodnay,Norwlloolrd.
best proof of the inefficienc of thus© laws. it is im-
possible that the framers 'of ythe petition can forget the
Wakley, 14. P., held an inquest at thE
Green,Neet about
Railway,a milei,i).frnomththeebSodoyutboafll
jsothantiosnanodffothrde,Gargeeadt
precisein fer i (n. yearssoils
of
furtihngis
ctohuanttyeriod in which the cry of
bodylwas found in the Grand June-
agricultural distress has prevailed.P The assertion that
appeared from thel evidence
whose
" the production of grain by the improvement of the thirty-rnine y
lion -Canal, near that house.o_irt,aoup
with the rapid increase of ouhrapsopvuelraytinoena,r'lyiskaepfatlplaaceye that the deceased was a brck of Mr.
which the petition asserts, and which the importation Tanner, of Norwood. On the evening of WeedmnpesedY ay last
from abroad, during the last few years, contradicts. he left the brick-fields with his fellow workmen at dusk,
The third paragraph in the petition refers to the prices and accompanied them to the Prince of Wales public-house,
of grain in foreign ports ; here also is a fallacy. Nor where they remained until half-past nine o'clock at night,
having each' during that period drunk no less than two
can we possibly calculate what the price will be from what
gallons of beer. Deceased then left, and was not again seen
it has been whilst grain has been lying as a drug on the The next morning the body of the deceased was
hands of the producers ; that the price never can be lower afoliuvned in the canal. The jury returned a verdict that the
in these ports is certain ; the probability is, that it v. ill deceased was found dead in the water of the Grand Junction
be higher, from the great demand there would be to Canal, but how he came therein there was no evidence before
supply our now half-fed population, which is in- them to shoes.
creasing at the rate of 1,000 per day—to say nothing of THE WESTMINSTER REFORM SOCIETY.—On Mon-
a proportionate increase taking place throughout Europe day
fattheeigbhtveob'cldock, a numerous meeting of the
and America, which, by adding to the demand, would
committee
for
theleld at Stannfaril'e Hotel,
increase the price. lam convinced that the market Charles-street, Covent-garden,'eo
purpose on taking p
re into
n t
could not be supplied with foreign wheat under 455. per consideration what steps should be i
quarter, and no land should be cultivated for wheat crisis, in consequence of a resolution having been agreed to
which cannot produce from 35 to 40 bushels per acre ; at a previous meeting of the society, to call a public meeting
and, taking the vent at from 40s. to 50s. per acre, lam of the electors of the city of Westminster, for the purpose of
the chair,
ettonteodpetnhatthesipooeertst
heS'ye.werleiriaPstr° is-
land prepared to show, from my own experience, that whet e petitiogndtin4enhetr
land is properly farmed, 455. per quarter is a remunerat- sheaiNn'iltsl
ing price. I, of course, take it for granted that there is of the reeplorrdnnttineivsetrnattsiohnad ttikl.iesnntlacc,embirithe resignationi
a demand for other agricultural produce, enabling the formed to tike steps to convene the meetinigtt;eBbulvaisn then
farmer to supply at a cheap rate the manure, which is sequence of, the eveut he had alluded to, it occurred toe him
the principal expense in raising the wheat crop. that the coMmittee might deem it advisable in the prsent
But the greatest delusion under which the prutec- state of thetpuntry to wait a short time, when, seeing what
tionists labour is, "that by the abolition of the circurnstanees might arise, they could be able to act inure
effectively. 'He and another of the sub-committee had
corn-laws poor land will be thrown out of a-
called upon several Noblemen, Members of Parliament'
lion." I admit that in districts where wheat has been
and other gentlmen, advocates of free trade, to solicit their
too extensively cultivated, to the comparative ex - co-operation, but unfortunately they were all out of town,
elusion of green crops, which indeed has be-n with the exception of Lord Robert Grosvenor, and lie was
the case in this neighbourhood, some loss for a time
h
may be experienced, and individually I may feel it ;
appy to say that iii
the interview they had with that
Nobleman, they found that he entirely coincided with their
but the ultimate result, even in this • case, from views as to the urgency of an immediate and total repeal of
the abolition of the corn laws, would only force a change the corn• laws.—(Hear, hear.) Mr. Geesin said that he was
of system, which must in the end be advantageous both happy to corroborate the
statement of their Chairman with
to landlord and tenant. The profit on poor land depends respect to the declaration of Lord Robert Grosvenor, as he
on the raieing of green crops to rear and fatten sheep was one of the deputation. The Noble Lord stated that had
and cattle, by welsh the land is, as the farmers say, a fixed dui? of ss. a quarter been allowed a few years ago,
which was to graduate each year till the duty was reduced
4, put into goodbeart," and rendered capable of producing
to a shilling, that by this time the trade would be free. The
grain. Meat being principally consumed in the manu-
facturing districts, causes the farmer to be dependent ontotal pealehril
Chairman served, w eheLeoorudldJnoohtn
beßuauelnldhfaodr
their prosperity, and wf en the consumption diminished pledged
opinions of his coadjutors as a body. Mr. Austin said
to upwards of one'
was
, the
from 160 head of cattle to that when they observed the country without a Government
70 per week, which was case in Dundee a short time he thought it the most judicious course to defer the meeting
price of
since, owing to the high other provisions, and for a short time. It was then referred back to the committee,
consequent depression of trade, the man farming poor several of the electors recommending that the meeting be held
land must inevitably suffer. I therefore again repeat on Monday next.
that there never entered into the mind of man a more The late Admiral Henry Raper, who died a few
egregious error than the notion that poor land would be months since, has leftqo his son Henry, the sword which
thrown out of cultivation by the repeal of the corn;laws. bad been presented to him, in the year 1795, by the Court of
Portugal, as a reward for the great services be had rendered
The fourth paragraph goes on to state, that capital
them, which gift he desires may be always preserved in his
has been invested in land, and in
the improvement family in the nature of an heir-loom. To his son, Charles
thereof, ~in consequence of the reliance upon the con- Charier Reiper, late of the War-office, he had bequeathed all
tinuanco of protective laws." A certain amount of capital
his copyright, in a code of signals published by him in
has indeed been invested. but merely becau th
se ere was 1828, and .fiad also left to him the patent he obtained
be deriv • •
a prospect of profit to d ed, that in many instances for securinglhe same. To his daughter Jane he has be-
lt has not turned out a vantageously is owing either to queathed the policy effected on his own life in the Equitable,
its not having been expended judiciously, or to the exist. in October, 1826, with all his accumulations, and also ap-
ence of those very corn-laws, which, by causing fluctuit- Pointed her residuary legatee. Her brother, Charles, was to
to 80s. or 85s. per quarter, induce have shared the residue with his sister, but he died in the
Lions of from 395.
lifetime of his father; lie was also appointed an executor in
ruinous speculations in grain, and impoverish the coil-
conjunction with the surviving and acting executor, Robert
sumer. What I maintain is,that capital has not been Henry Jonas, Esq. The will was dated in December, 1833.
invested in land anything like to the amount it ought to
have been. Why, when money was to be had at 2 and The personal property was valued at 4,0001.
her Majesty
2i per dent., did capitalists not invest in the improvement an meritorious;dnra
ofand d
Ithe
isic3Turne,inagnf gerdofin
Aprillest, at the Ad-
a land, which would have yielded them a handsome re- vanced age of seventy-eight.
turn ? Nothing prevented them, I believe, but the un- A WEALTHY THIEF. A man named Robert
certainty occasioned by the curie-laws. It is not the Taylor wiia committed for two months, yesterday, by the
case, as stated in the petition, " that the doctrines of magistritg: at Brentford, charged with steeling cabbages
those from the grounds of a market-gardener. The prisoner had
who advocate a free importation of foreign corn
in his possession at the time eleven half-sovereigns, about
here no reference to these circumstances," or that they
eleven pounds in silver,and it leas ascertained that he had
" are based entirely on the principle that if corn can be
1001. in the savings' bank.. He .lead been convicted twice
imported cheaper than it can be grown in this country, 1 previously for petty felonies.

JONES, BART.
The Impartial of Smyrna, of the 2Sth ult., contains
the following account of the murder of Sir Lawrence
Jones, Bart, by a parcel of brigands:—
"On the 6th, at two o'clock in the afternoon, two
English gentlemen, viz., Sir Lawrence Jones, Bart., and
Captain Twopenny, left Macri for Smyrna ; they were
accompanied by a Greek dragoman of the name of
Nicoli, and also three conductors. On the night of the
same day they all slept at Karghi, and the next day, at
twelve o'clock, they found themselves st the foot of the
mountain called Khassils-Bel, where they, stopped to
breakfast During this repast one of the conductors ob-
served to the dragoman that two or three Zhybeeks were
at a distance in front, but as he in a short time lost sight
of them, the voyageurs were undisturbed and their route
was continued. But they had not proceeded more than
six minutes on their journey, when they were suddenly
assailed by a warm fire of musketry from behind one of the
rocks of the mountain. Sir Lawrence Jones fell dead, as
well as the Greek Nicoll, by this fatal discharge ;
Captain Twopenny was also grievously wounded. The
robbers, without the least fear of being recognised, ap-
proached and began to take possession of everything
which they could lay their hands upon. Captain Two-
penny miraculously escaped from being dispatched. One
of the brigands had already pointed hispistol to the chest
of the wounded captain, when a fellow brigand turned
the aim of the pistol, and it went off in a different di-
rection. Having remained for about an hour and a half
upon the stage of the field of murder, the robbers de-
parted. Captain Twopenny, aided by his conductor,
with difficulty remounted his horse. It was not until
twelve hours' ride of fatigue that the suffering gentleman
arrived at Me.cri, weltering in his blood, which was
running from his numerous wounds. He had done every-
thing in his power to take with him the remains of his
departed and unfortunate friend, but could not succeed.
He was satisfied with cutting off a lock of his hair, and
taking a ring off his finger (which had escaßed the ra-
pacity of the robbers), as a sort of souvenir to his afflicted
family. On his arrival at Macri, his first care was to
look after the body of his companion, which was brought
to Macri on the 9th, as well as that of Nicoli ; both of
them were buried in the Greek chapel, with all the cere-
' monies and rites of that faith. This affecting news has
' produced the most melancholy sensation 'amongst the
• English residents at Smyrna."

Railway
were commenced by his Grace
the Duke of BEDFORD,
who turned the first sod on the 13th day of
December, 1845,
upon lands in the parish of Husborne Crawley,
and county of Bedford."
The spade, which had a handsome twisted carved oak
handle, was made of electrotyped silver, with the arms
of the Duke in frosted silver, and some emblematical
chasings. It bore a similar inscription to that on the
barrow.
A splendid collation was prepared in the marquee, and
her Grace was conducted to the head of the table, and
supported on the left by Lord Alford, and on the right
by Mr. Thomas John Green. The parallel table was
presided over by Mr. Henry Littledale, one of the board
of Directors. About two hundred ladies and gentlemen
sat down to the luncheon, which comprised a great pro-
fusion of delicacies. Amongst the company were Mr.
William Astell, M.P. Sir Edward Codrington, Mr.
Henry Stuart, Mr. W. B. Higgins, the high sheriff of
Bedfordshire; Captain Newland, Captain Boldero, Capt.
Moore and party, Captain Leech, the Rev. T. Tylcote
and party, the Rev. W. Jenkyn and party, the Rev. W.
Hedges, Dr. Mesham, Mr. J. Harris, Messrs. Wm. Routh
and_J. Henderson, directors of the Eastern Counties ;
Isaac Eiger, Theed Pearse and party, Ste.
Lord ALFORD rose, and, in the name of the Duchess
of Bedford, proposed the toast of " Prosperity to the
Bedford and London and Birmingham Railway."—(Loud
cheer!, and three times three.)
Mr. T. J. GREEN then proposed the health of her
Grace the Duchess of Bedford.—(Loud cheers.) They
could not but regret the unavoidable absence of the Duke
himself,;but it was a great satisfaction to find him so
kindly and ably represented.—(Cheers.) The compdny
would, he was quite sure, join him in thanking her
Grace for her condescension upon this occasion.—
(Cheers.) He need say no more to induce them to do
justice to the toast. They were now in the centre of the
county which had had repeated benefits conferred upon
it by the noble house of Russell, and they had this day
added another proof of their kindness.
The company rose and drank the toast, and then gave
three rounds of cheers.
The Duchess bowed to the company on receiving
these marks of attention.
Mr. T. G. GREEN then proposed the health of Lord
Alford, who had used such strenuous exertions to pro-
mote this work, and who had so kindly assisted her
Grace in this day's proceedings.—Three times three.
Lord ALFORD returned thanks. The well-known
talents and energy of the Board of Directors, in con•
junction with the assistance of the Company of the
London and Birmingham Railway (the best conducted
railway in the world), were quite sufficient to satisfy all
that the work would be carried out to the great advan-
tage of the county of Bedford. As far as his individual
services were concerned, he begged to say.that they
might always be commanded to promote this important
undertaking.—(Loud cheers.)
Mr. ISAAC ELDER proposed " The health of the
Duke of Bedford," which was responded to with three
times three.
Mr. H. LITTLEDALE proposed " The health of the
Contractors."—(Cheers.)
Mr. PETO acknowledged the toast on behalf of the
contractors. It had been his good fortune to be present
at the opening of many public works, but he could say
with truth that none had commenced so auspiciously as
this.—(Loud cheers.) He hoped that long betore the
time allowed for the completion of the contract—the 31st
of July—they should have the pleasure of handing over
the works to the Directors fully completed.—(Cheers.)
Mr. HENRY STUART, M.P., proposed the health of Mr
Thomas John Green, and the Board of Directors.—
(Chet rs.) Three times three.
Mr. T. J GREEN acknowledged the toast. There had
been delays about the works which had rather prejudiced
them in the eyes of the public, and created a doubt
whether the undertaking would be carried out ; but the
Director- themselves never had any doubt, althouJi
they had been subject to dela) s which they could not
avoid. Now, however, they had fairly launched their
boat upon the waters and had the cordial co-op ration
of the London and Birmingham Compaty, no exertion
iwould be wanting to complete the undertaking.
Mr. ISAAC ELGER then proposed the health of Henry
Stuart, Esq., M.P., wha had given his valuable assist-
ance to the Bill in its progress through Parliament, and
had otherwise rendered the directors much service.—
(Cheers).
Mr. H. STUART, in returning thanks, said the line
itself possessed such merits that no opposition could
reasonably be offered to the Bill. Its advantages were
so apparent that no impediment could be thrown in the
way to prevent the' Bill being passed.—(Hear, hear.)
He would be very happy to render his-services to further
the works in any way in his power.—(Cheers.)
Mr. T. J. GREEN said he lamented the absence of the
Directors of the London and Birmingham Railway, hut
they had the benefit of the attendance of a deputation
from the Eastern Counties Railway, with which this
line would be connected. He, therefore, telt great
pleasure in proposing the health of Messrs. Wm. Routh
and J. Henderson, the Directors of the Eastern Coon-
ties.—(Cheers.)
Mr. W. ROUTII returned thanks.
The health of Mr. Pearse having been proposed and
responded to,
Capt. MOORE proposed the toast of "The Ladies ;."
the band played an air, and the Duchess then retired,
followed by the remainder of the company.
On her Grace entering the carriage, another salute
was fired, and the contractors requested her Grace to
accept of the barrow and spade, and they were. placed in
the carriage. Three cheers were then given, and her
Grace took her departure, the company soon afterwards
disperting.

BIRMINGHAM. Disc. 14.—Last Frisby evening the
12th inst., the long promised representation of. Sophocles'
Antigone was given at our theatre. The house was crowded
in every part. The delayed production of this tragedy on
our stage was, we understand, attributable to an accident
which had befallen Miss Vandenhoff, occasioning a lameness
which prevented her appearing in public for these three
months past. We congratulate her on her recovery, though
we observed, with regret, that her movements were not alto-
gether unconstrained, and we missed, in consequence, two or
three of those beautiful transcripts from Grecian statuary
which lent such classic grace and dignity to her Antigone on
the boards of Covent-garden. Vandenhoffi as Creon, looked
and moved an impersonation of Olympian Jove. The
choruses, generally, were up to the business Of the scene,
and we doubt not, as the tragedy is announced to run through
the week, that every night will render them more easy and
perfect. There was some mistake, or failure of intent, in the
closing scene which caused the finale to fall flatly on the
sense. This will, doubtless, be remedied on repetition. The
several beauties of this classical drama require a cultivated
taste to appreciate and enjoy them ; we speak from experi-
ence, and can tell our readers it improves on repetition.—
From a Correspondent.
ANTICIPATED GENERAL ELECTION: ANDOVER,
DEC. 13.—The sudden and rather unexpected resignation of
Sir Robert Peel's Ministry created the greatest excitement
throughout this small borough on its becoming generally
known. The constituency (about 235) are so nearly balanced
that the least prospect of an election puts both parties into
immediate activity. On Friday a meeting of some of Ralph
Etwall, Esq., M.P's., friends met at the Masons' Arms Inn,
to devise preliminary plans to secure his re-election, should a
dissolution (as expected) take place.- It was also proposed
that J. Walter, of Bearwood, the principal proprietor of the
Times, should be solicited to be allowed to be put in nomina-
tion with the above-named present member. The League
have also recommended Mr. %Vatter.
DAMAGE BY WILFUL NEGLECT TO MACHINERY.
—At the Wolverhampton Public-office, on Tuesday last,
John Greenfield, an engh eer, was charged before Mr. Debane
with causing injury and damage to the amount of between
1001. and 2001. to his employer, Mr. J. W. Sparrow, iron-
master, in consequence of wilfully neglecting his duty. Wil-
liam Fishks proved the defendant's engagement, and that the
damage stras 1001. and upwards, perhaps 200/. Henry Squire
proved that he directed the defendant, when at work on
Sunday, to screw down the pins of the air-pump lid. He
said he had done so, but when he (Squire) set the engine to
work, the lid flew up, the machinery was damaged, and all
the works and furnaces stopped for some days; it was oc-
casioned entirely by the wilful negligence of the defendant.
Mr. J. W. Sparrow said the damage done amounted to 1001.
and upwards, and that it was the result of the detendant's
wilful negligence and miscouduct. The defendant was com-
mitted for three mouths with hard labour.— Wolverhampton
Chronicle.
111 R. ESCOTT AND HIS TORY CONSTITUENTS.—
We understand the majority of the committee who con-
ducted the election of ,Mr. Escott, have, during the past
week, signed a declaration, expressing their determination to
withhold their support from him, in the event of his again
becoping a candidate for the representation of Winchester.
This manifesto has been duly forwarded to the Hon. Mem-
ber, but the course he will follow under such novel, and seine-
what disagreeable circumstances, is yet to be seen. The
hostile missive will not, we think, take him by surprise,, for
his recent conduct proved that he expected something of the
kind. His coquetting with the Liberals is now explained,
and from the present aspect of affairs it seems likely that he
will realise the truth of the old adage, which points out the
danger of leaning upon two stools. With respect to the
conduct of the clique who have treated their quaudam pet
so cavalierly, we hardly think it the right one. It does
not appear that the Conservative electors, generally,
have been consulted. The letter of dismissal was signed by
no less than twenty electors. "Influential" they may be;
but to assume the power of sending a representative to the
right-about, without consulting the constituency, seems
very like a dictation, to which we think the latter will not
quietly submit. The proper course towards both Mr. Escott
and his supporters, was to have called a public meeting of
the latter, to which he should have been invited. 'Having
heard his explanation of his past and future conduct, the elec-
tors could have come to a conclusion if he was, or was not, a fit
man to represent them. It is rumoured that the ConservatiYes
intend to put up Mr. Fleming, of Stoneham Park, at the next
election, if his consent can be obtained. Should such be
the case, and should Mr, Escott again offer himself, as he
at the late hlayor's dinner pledged himself to do, a
curious state of things will present itself at the approaching
dissolution of Parliament We shall have three Tory candi-
dates, and one of them relying for his seat on Liberal sup-
port. We say Liberal support; for it is now clear that if
Mr. Escott is again returned for Winchester, it must be by
the aid of those who opposed him at the last election. That
such a result was foreseen by Mr. Escott, is clear enough
from his speeches. Those who have heard, or read them,
cannot fail to have observed that, while a tone of Liberalism 1"
pervaded them, there was a cautious abstinence from detail,—
a shrinking from an explicit avowal of opinion on the all-
absorbing topic of the day—the corn-laws—which an honest
and straightforward politician would have given without the
mystification and circumlocution in which Mr.Escott delights
to deal. The state of parties in Winchester is at present
curious, and will affoid food for remark at a future time. We
await Mr. Escott's movements with sonic curiosity.—Harnp-
h.re Independent.
The Earl of Albeinarle, who is passing the winter
at Quiddenham Hall, in the event of the formation of a new
Ministry, would,' it is understood, decline his former post of
Master of the Horse, on account of his Lordship's impaired
vision and advanced age.
satnocol d tcoombeiefouiCidherdiosntintlaise
paild'ohmeimfeoratthDcontniryin.
nursery tales of " Gulliver's Travels."
a cat was shot by Mr. J. Coult-
rane nieswondgerr,
hart feel4aMdekayeespeao
rgtO Major-General Wyndham, in Gills
Wood, near to the Park-house, of extraordinary dimensions.
The length of this animal, from the head to the end of the
tail, was no less than thirty-six inches; it measured fifteen
inches round the body, ten inches and a half round the head,
eight. inches round the thigh, seven inches round the leg, and
weighed ten pounds and a half. ....Cumberkutd. racquet.

CITY POLICE AT TEE NEW PIER, BLACRFRIARS.
erday evening, at twenty minutes past four o'clock, the
—stelens• t-boat iVaterman No 6, from Woolwich and Greenwich, '
attempted to land her passengers at. the above-named pier,
but were obstructed and resisted by several policemen and an
inspector. The police lined the front of the barge lying
broadside to the river, and when the passengers attempted to
effect a landing, they were either struck or pushed back by
the inspector and his men. The inspector pushed one pas-
senger back, and told him he might be thrust into the river
and drowned, if he attempted it again. The police were
repeatedly asked under what anthority they so acted. It
was stated at the time the pier was in course of erection that
it would be the greatest accommodation on the river, the
boats of all companies receiving equal accommodation.
Lord Wharneliffe, in answer to inquiries yesterday
in Curzon-street, was stated to be rather better.
The Dowager Countess Grey, Lady Caroline Bar-
rington, and the Hon. Captain H. Cavendish Grey, are pass-
ing the winter at Nice.

GREAT AN TI-CORN-LAW MEET- ' looking forward with anxiety to the arrival of the speech when he first brought forward his alterations in the
iNG IN THE GUILDHALL. of the President of the United States, which they might tariff. Nobody knows what he intended to do.
expect within the next ten days. That was a document We only know that he has run away from
Thee-Lord Mayor of the City of London having, in which he knew the Government of this country did not office—that he has left the ship without a
compliaiice with a requisition from the citizens, rtost like to face.—(Hear, hear.) The United States of helmsman.—(Loud cheers.) On the first signs of
respectably and numerously signed, called a public meet- America were now somewhat more extensive than they danger his courage failed, and he retired.—(Cheers.)
ing for' yesterday in the Guildhall, that spacious building, were a few years ago; in fact, they had extended all Lord Jchn Russell was now called in.—(This was fole
for !tome time before the proceedings commenced, became over the continent. Such of these States as were lowed by loud and long-continued cheering.) We are
,
crowded-to excess. A few minutes ast one o'clock the Lord
P situate inland or at a distance from any port all deeply interested in the public career of that states-
--- - Mayor came upon the platform, and amongst those who wanted to dispose of their produce to the best man; yet, notwithstanding that, I will say, as an elector
- accompanied him we observed Alderman Wood, Richard advantage.—(Hear, hear.) The States had now aof the City of London, that I wish, for the sake
-=-`-Cobden, Esq., M.P, whose appearance was greeted majority in the Congress, and it might be relied upon, of our cause, that Lord John Russell was not her Ma-
with loud cheering ; Milner Gibson, Esq , M.P.; James that they never would meet this country upon terms of jesty's adviser, but that she should receive the Duke of
Pattison, Esq , M.P. for London ; Dr. Bowring, M.P. ; amicable feeling and mutual interest until they had free Richmond in his place,—(Hear, hear.) Let him try to
D. ‘`. hittle Harvey, Esq.; W. D. Saul, Esq. ; Ashurst. access to the markets of this country.—(Hear, hear.) He form a Cabinet, with Sir John Tyrrell in the Home-
lesq. ; -- Xorris, Esq., proprietor of the Railway Times; had heard a great deal said about the protection of the office, and Colonel Sibthorp at the Horse Guards, and
Mr. Moffat, M.P. ; Raikes Currie, M.P. ; _ Hastie, landed interest ; but he could assure that class that it see the issue. Let them try a Protectionist Govern-
M.P. ; Wm. Williams, M.P. ; Sheriff Lawrie ;T. M. would be infinitely more secure and satisfactory to them meat, and see what they can do.—(Hear, hear.)
Robinson, Esq. ;H. L. Keeling, Esq. ; Ralph Ricardo, to have the corn-laws repealed altogether and all artifi- lam sure such an object—. such a Ministry
Esq. ; Charles Perkins, Esq., &c. &c. cial prices for food.—(Cheers.) Until that be done, he would kill us all with laughter. If Lord John Russell
At a quarter past one o'clock precisely would ask, how was the farmer to act ? How was he to undertakes the government of the country with 180 or
The LORD MAYOR came forward to the front of the take a farm ? What was be to bid for it ?—(Hear.) 200 men only to vote for his measures, and support him
platform and said—Gentlemen, I have called this meet- In fact, he knew not how to proceed while in his position at all events lam sure he will act in a
ing in compliance with a requisition of my fellow-citi- these corn-laws existed, for all
was now con- much more dignified manner than the Minister who
rens, most respectably signed, in order to afford you an fusion—(Hear)—and a confusion so great that the has ran eway with a majority of ninety behind
opportunity of expressing your sentiments on the ques- present Ministry did not dare to face it—(Hear, hear)— his back.—(Loud cheers.) Suppose he does accept
tion of the corn-laws. I have now only to observe but it was for the electors of London to be now serious office, and stand by the people on this question—and that
that I trust you will adhere strictly to the subject for
and determined in the good cause,
the discussion of which you are assembled, and Ido and they might rest he will do so lam firmly persuaded—and supposing
assure ou that I shall endeavour to secure to ever er-
assured of success.—(Cheers.) that he is defeated by the protectionists in Parliament,
y y p
Mr. Wm. HeavEs next came forward. He said he what follows ? A general appeal to the country. In
son who wishes to address the meeting a patient and would not detain them many minutes in observing upon that case what will you do in the City of London ? Why
apprattentive hearing—(Hear, hear)—and I trust you will the resolution, for be was
certain that it woxle meet send four good ones.—(Cheers.) We must have four good
oach the discussion of the subject calmly and dis- with the unanimous approbation of the meeting.—(llear, ones and no shams.—(A Voice here called out, "We will
assionately.—(Cheers.)
hear.) He would just call the attention of the meeting have you for one.") No, continued the Hon. Gentleman, I
The Lord Mayor's Secretary having read the regal- to the fact, that the feelings of the country had now do not intend leaving Stockport till Igo in for Bucking •
sition, signed by 1,230 of the electors,
attained such a height in regard to the corn-laws, haneshire.—(Loud and enthusiastic cheering.) With
The LORD MAYOR said he would now read a letter that the Prime Minister himself had been convinced you, electors of the City of London, it must ba four or
he had received from Lord John Russell.—(Hear.) of the necessity for their total repeal.—(Loud cheers.) none. It must not be as at present, half and half—two
His Lordship then read the letter, in which It was but a few years back that they had met in that voting on one side and two on the other—like parties in
the noble writer said that the peculiar po- hall, and declared in favour of a Bill—the Reform Bill— an action, firing the half of their guns on their own
sition in which he was at present placed would pre- and the Government of the day resolved to carry it; but fi iends.—(Loud cheers.) When the election takes
vent him attending the meeting. The Lord Mayor then even that was spoiled, not by those who had originated place, you must do as they do in America,
introduced
or introduced it, hut it was spoiled in its progress through have a ticket for four free traders, and go the whole
Mr. Thew; who said they were met to express an the Legislature by a few interested persons, who intro- ticket —(Cheers.)—Four good men must be got to re.
opinion on the existing corn-laws, and he suggested duced so many qualifications into it that it was rendered present you ; two of these you have already got ; two
that the conclusion they should come to was, that the almost useless.—(Hear.) But now that the people were others you must obtain.—(Cheers.) When the time
corn -lan s should be repealed.—(Loud cheers.) resolved to have a repeal of the corn-laws, that repeal does come for taking the sense of the country, you will
lie would briefly give his reasons for that must be without any qualification whatever.—(Cheers.) have to set the example. Your election takes
suggestion. In the first place, as conveyed in the They should have a total and effectual repeal of every place first, and you must make it such as
resolution he was about to propose, the principle tax upon food.—,Cheers.) The meeting was aware will be felt in every part of the country.
of protection was bad, false in theory, hurtful to that Mr. Cobden was present—(Cheers)—and therefore I know you will do it, for your registry has
the class protected, and injurious to the whole commu- he (Mr. IL) would not longer deprive them of the been right well looked after these last two years. With
pity ; in the second place, it was a bad law in its ge- pleasure of hearing him.—(Cheers.) He was a citizen i egard to the metropolitan boroughs, lam sure they
neral application, but more particularly so in the present of this county, and had been received everywhere with will not return any curry powder candidates, but deter•
state of this country ; awl in the third place, it operated the greatest enthusiasm and honour, for he was indeed mined supporters of free trade.—(Loud cheer..) m.iesue..
en a partial and injurious manner at most times, but now regarded as the great leader of this movement. sex will be sate, as will also every large town in the
more decidedly so when famine stared the nation in the Mr, COBDEN then came forward, and was received North. We shall have Edinburgh and Glasgow; and do
face, as it now did. Some four years ago a law was with the most deafening and prolonged shouts of ap- not for a moment think that a protection candidate will
assed for a sliding-scale, but what had been the result? plause. When it had subsided he said,—My Lord go for Bristol or Newcastle. Give us a general election,
lied it produced the wonders promised ?—(No, no.) Mayor and brother electors of the City of London, and we will carry a repeal of the corn-laws.—(Loud
Had it regulated the supply in a legitimate manner ? although I have been almost living in public meetings cheers.) We will command the unanimous voice of
—(No, no.) Had it not turned out a total failure ? in various parts of this country for the last fortnight, the Members returned from every large and powerful
(Cries of "Yes, it has.") At that time many honest yet it was not until I had come here and witnessed constituency of the country.—(Cheers.) Do the calf
men—at least he believed them honest—and he was one this magnificent gathering, that I felt the full representatives of Essex think that they can stand in
of them, differed from the sliding-scale, and advocated a force of the strength which this great move- array against the power and the wealth of this great
fixed duty. That opinion was thought the best adapted merit now enjoys.—(Loud cheers.) Hitherto we have country on such a question as this ? (Hear, hear.) If
then to the exigencies of the country. Circumstances been dealing only with the exhumation of the body Lord John Russell stands to the principles declared in
had changed since then, and now he was an advocate politic ;it has already received a goodly kick in Lance- his letter, and lam sure he will, the country will be at
for a fixed duty no longer, but for absolute free trade. shire, and a blow of no inconsiderable magnitude was his back. He will also have the support of a disin-
- (Loud cheers.) He could advocate such a view in the also inflicted on it from Edinburgh.—(Loud Cheers.) But terested organisation at his back, who seek to obtain
present state of the country. But in advocating the now at length the head is in motion. I have now neither place nor power, but whose only object is to free
total repeal of the corn-laws, they should do so, not as brought with me a message to you from the north of industry—to emancipate the commercial, the middle,
a party question—not as a measure to benefit one class England. They are at work there for you ; they and the working classes from an injurious monopoly—
at the expense of another class_ bet as a measure well have taken a position in this great cause, and they (Hear)—and who, having once accomplished that great
calculated to benefit the great body of the come have no doubt that you will sustain them with work,will be fully satisfied with it as their reward.—(Loud
munity. They sought not to benefit one class honour and credit to yourselves in this great move- cheers.) The time has gone by for tricksters and chicanery
or party. hut to benefit every class of society. ment—(Cheers)—for what would this cause be with- men to deal with us. The country wants honesty and
A great difference of opinion prevailed in this country as out your assistance ?—the assistance of the inhabitants straightforwardness—an honest man to speak plainly
to the comparative advantage of an agricultural or of aof the metropolis of the greatest commercial empire in what his opinions are—to print them and put his name
manufacturing population. There were those amonget the known world.—(Cheers.) The importance of to them, so that they might be brought to bear against
them who advocated the existence only of an agricul- every movement which takes place in this city is him in future times if he attempted to vaccilate. That
tural population, and said it was greatly superior to a felt and acknowledged in the most distant parts man we have long looked for, and we have him now.
manufacturing population •; but how absurd was it in of the civilised world.—(Hear, hear.) And let me (Cheer
w;. Now, gentlemen, it was said by one of the
this age to entertain such a view of society. How could ask then, can laws be suffered to exist which speakers who preceded me, that four years ago the
they go back to an agricultural state of society ?--(Hear, would have the effect of convulsing the mercantile opera- League would have been satisfied with a compromise.
hear.) It would be as easy for a man to return to the age tions of such a vast mass of people?—(Cheers.) Why Gentlemen, I can only say, that for my own part, I
a childhood, as it would be for this countyy. advanced should we not be so circumstanced as to be at perfect would never have been a party to any compromise of
as it was in civilisation, to return to an agricultural liberty to exchange the products of our industry for that this question.—(Hear, hear, and cheers.) I never
state of society. But if they were to return to an agri- food which is offered to us with an open hand in looked to a repeal of the corn-laws as a matter of ex-
cultural state of society, what was to become of our ma- every country of the globe? Who are they that pediency, or a matter of comav e npromi rigse. I looked to it on
nufactures ? Wero they to be destroyed ?—(Cries of will not permit us to do this ? Oh, we the broad ground that you ho ht to tax the food of
" No, no.") No, it was perfectly absurd, it was mon- must find them in Buckinghamshire and Essex.— the people—no right to prevent the industrious man from
Wells, it was perfectly ridiculous to hold such an argu- (Cheers and laughter.) In Essex they had the great living by the fruits of his industry, and I say in principle
meat in the present state of society.—(Great ap- pr.geotion gathering ; and they tell us that that which we are bound to remove the corn-law, and by God's help
pla.use.) What was the question which agitated the coup- lis to stem this mighty avalanche—this great movement we will remove it.—(Cheers.) But we seem to be
try at this moment ? It was, whether an agricultural 1 —is to come from Chelmsford.—(Laughter.) Now he talking of a compromise still ; for I see by the Morning
or a manufacturing state of society was best ; but let , could not better illustrate our position, than by taking a Herald—(Laughter)—I see according to that venerable
him remind those thousands who had started this ques- glance at what they have been doing in Essex. Let us authority, that if Sir Robert Peel had brought in this
tion that there was a population more to be cared for,' see who they have got to join them in their cause , and measure, he intended to have compensated the mono-
and more to be feared, than either an agricultural or a what are their chances of success.—(Hear, hear.) Essex, lists.
Cis
of " Oh, oh," and laughter.) And
manufacturing, and that was a starving population.— we are told, is fertile in wheat, and, as a friend near Inc this paper goes on to say that a country which
(Applause.) How were they to deal with them ? Would has suggested, very fruitful in calves.—(Great laughter.) compensates slave-owners would never object to gunpowder stop stop them—would curry powder feed them ? Now I believe that all the wheat the Essex people have pensete land•owners.—(Elear, hear.) Why, gentlemen,
—(No, no.) When first he heard of the NOble Duke's to sell comes to London. You are the customers to the the difference is this, that we are not slaves, and do not
recipe he was amused at it, but upon more serious Essex growers. You buy it and pay for it; and, I believe, intend to be so.—(Cheers.) I will tell you the sort of
thought his indignation was moved, because he saw in give a higher price for it than would be obtained in any compensation I would give them, if compensation they
it reason to believe that it was the intention of the . other market in the world.—(Cheers.) But then you say ought to have. They should take just that sort of coin-
Noble Duke to ',Keit° the stomachs of the labouring you want more, and must have it. But then Sir John pensation which one of our city policemen would give
population, for the purpose of making them content, Tyrrel calls some people together, and they tell if he traced out a lost piece of furniture—perhaps a
and as quietly as possible submit to starvation. What you that there is enough for you in Essex, last bit of furniture of some industrious artizan that
were the arguments in favour of the corn-law? Why, and that, therefore, you shall not buy any more. That had been stolen, and he had traced to the hands of a
first, it was said-that agriculture was the base of society. is exactly a fair epitome of what the great mass of the light-fingered gentleman. (Laughter.) The light-
Let them make the base as broad as they possibly could. people of England are told by the landlords of England. fingered gentleman says, "I have been enjoyine this
Let them extend it to other countries. It was —Meer, hear.) But you tell them that you will buy piece of furniture for the last thirty years. I have
asked what would they do in time of war, if they re- wheat whenever you like, and that you have a right to been making arrangements founded upon its possession.
pealed the corn-laws ? Why, let them remain at peace, buy as much more as you can, after having got all that You will not, therefore, take it away from
and let them make it fir the interest of other nations to they need in Essex.—(Laughter and cheers.) These me, without making me some compensation;"
remain at peace with them. Let them buy their corn gentlemen of Essex are rather bold, considering that upon which the poor artizan steps in, as we will step in,
from America when theycould not produce emus:bin their you are their customers.—(Laughter.) Now, it and puts in the plea of those who have been deprived of
own country, and then America would not go to war with is the custom in the City for melt of busi- their own property for a long series of years, and says,
them. Now, let us look at this for a moment. In the first ness to be courteous, and civil, and polite to "Compensation indeed, away with him to the police-
place, he could never understand how the present system those by whom they are enabled to keep office, and let him have compensation there !"._
of policy was calculated to advance the resources of the their shops open. But the Essex gentlemen are rather (Applause.) There is one part of the resolu-
eoun try, or add to its prosperity. He thought the interest above their customers. There is wheat ; o be bad in tion to which I am speaking which I look to
of the proprietors must increase with the prosperity of leus,ia, in Poland, in Spain, and in America, but if we with great satisfaction, and I wish here to express
the country, for if there was an increase in the supply of attempt to seek these markets for a supply, in steps this my gratification te you for having passed a
food, it would be necessary for the landl gds to improve law and stops us, unless we pay an enormous duty.— resolution wherein you direct, you request, and instruct
their crops. Besides, when there was a great demand for (Hear, hear.) But we have been told there is enough of your four Members to vote for a total and immediate
a supply of food from abroad at hand, there was a ten- fond in the country. One gentleman who has addressed repeal of the corn-laws.—(A Voice, "We have not
dency to increase the price of corn in those countries, and you (Mr. Wilkinson) said there was no scarcity in the passed that yet.") But, gentlemen, it is coming, and I
therefore enable the growers of corn in this country to land.—(hear.) Judging by the capacious spencer of the am sure you will pass it.—(Lund cheers.) It is the
compete with the foreign grower. Food was necessary Hon.Gentlernan, there does not appear to be—(Laughter) sort of language which electors should hold out
for all classes of the people, and therefore those who judging, I say, by the capacity of his spencer, he ap- to their representatives, and it is an ex-
would tax it do wrong, while they do not hesitate to pears to be well filled.— (Renewed laughter and cheers.) ample that will be followed throughout the country,
try and cheapen their own luxuries.—(Hear, hear.) It No doubt the Hon. Gentleman has enough.—(Laughter.) and there will be meetings everywhere of electors to
was the boast of Huskisson that he had expunged: from There seems no scarcity there.—(Loud laughter.) Now, instruct their representatives to vote for what is right
the statute-book the word " prohibition.' —(Cheers.) to all who think with this Hon. Gentleman, all who sup- and just in this matter.—(Hear, hear.) This is the true
Let it be the boast of the people of the present day that pose that there is enough because they happen to be spirit which actuated our forefathers when they met in
they had expunged from the statute-book the word well filled, I will say, what is the opinion of those who this hall seventy years ago, when they had to deal with
" protection.' —(Cheers.) Let the Government pass Lave not so good a spencer as that gentleman appears to the power of the great and arrogant dictation
laws for the repression and the prevention of crime, and have ? What do they think who happen not to be so of an autocrat Ministry. To show that they did
let them too have taxes—as few as possible—(Laughter) well filled respecting this question p?
Let those who not quail before the crown of the Sovereign,
—for the maintenance of the State ; but let them have no wish to know whether there is a scarcity or not go to look to that monument (pointing to the monument of
taxes which would operate as a premium upon famine.— Bethnal-green, in the neighbourhood of Spitalfields, and Beckford) put up there to record an act of spirited
(Cheers.) In the spirit of those observations he begged hear what they have got to say respecting this momen- citizenship on the part of one of your Lord Mayors when
leave to move the first resolution.—(Cheers.) tous question.—(Hear.) They at least will say, we do in the presence of a King. But, gentlemen, our strug-
Mr. RICARDo came forward to second the resolution. not at present get plenty of Essex bread.—(Cheers.) If gle is not with our most gracious Sovereign, she does
He said that if it had been necessary to apply talent there is plenty in the land there is no use to go 3,000 miles not wish to have the interest of the people sacrificed, she
to the seconding of that resolution, he would not have to America for a supply ; but if there is not plenty, does net desire to reign over merely sordid men,
come forward to do so ; but the proposition it have then that system which prevents the people from receiv- she desires only to live as the Queen and Sovereign of a
carved was so self-evident, that it carried conviction ing, a supply must be an unrighteous systens.—(Loud free and contented people.—(Applause.) No, your strug-
with it, and, therefore, it would not be necessary for him cheers.) Every law is bad, and to he condemned, that gle is not with the Queen ; it is with a section not most
to say u word in support of it ; and, indeed, the talented interferes to prevent a supply of food to the people of intelligent—not most disinterested—nor a most useful
and eloquent gentleman who had proposed it left him any country —(Cheers) Now, gentlemen, with regard pert of your country.--(Hear and lauter.) Your
not a word to say in addition, He begged to second the to the protective societies, of which we have beard so struggle is against a largo section egg the landed
resolutein.—Clicere.)
much. They tell us cginfidently that there is a sufficient aristocracy of the country, whose everlasting struggles
Mr. Wieutesoer said he wishel to speak on the reso- supply of corn and potatoes in the country. If this is are to keep you, the people of England, within the nar-
lution before it was puts He was as determined an so I wish to know what is the matter in head- rowest limits they possibly can for the exercise of your
enemy to the corn-lass as any of them, hut he could not quarters ?—(Loud cheers.) If there is no deficiency in skill and the reward of your industry.—(Applause.)
agree to the conclusions that many had come to in the potato crop, what have we got wrong in the Cabinet? They wish rather to live great amongst a little and
arguing the question. Ilad it not been for the violent —(Renewed cheers.) During the last session of Tar- impoverished people than to rise with the greatness
language used by many of the advocates of free-trade, liament, near to the close of it, judging from appear- arid increased power of thoee who will rise higher
the corn-laws might have been repealed.—(Uproar
ies had materially arrested)
lvaienices, Sir Robert Peel and Sir James Graham were re- still if they will only allow claims to those beneath
He repeated that such part
Ming inl the luxurious idea that power and place were them.—(Applause.) Your struggle is with the mono-
the progress of free-trade.—(lncreased Y uproar.
Moreover, it had been said that at present there was a wetehyeaavtthatstthtsostlast aclaifbeitnirne..—b(Ckheers.) But now polising landowners.of this country, who are but a hand-
deficiency of food in the country, lie did not believe were nothing wrong
rgenagout theetcirs broken
aennduipi, and if there
Lful of men. Confront them with the eoe of this
scarcity of )
o• of u nty ,a d tioenyfraornet ashu t ag cork upon.l pthen cataract
that there was.—(Great uproar.) He maintained food, what the matterean be I wanetptsc:know ? se(
then© WAS no deficiency of food.—(The speaker No, gentlemen, there are ominous signs in the sudden will Niagara.shrink into their them
nativewinsignifimeaincloer.is,aountdl
was here stopped by a tremendous burst of hissing rupture of the Cabinet.—( Hear, hear.) I believe it is upon injustice, their power will shrink from under
and yelling, which lasted for several minutes. based on some reports received respecting the crops in them, and then they will forget to ask who will com-
The speaker, after the exhaustion of the first volley of Ireland, and in many parts of England, reports informing pensate them. But they are not entitled to court
shouts, attempted to go on, but after several Sir Robert that the evil is much worse than pensation, because they will only be giving up that
attempts desisted.)
any intimation the public have yet received, that which they never were entitled to. They passed the
The LORD MAYOR came forward and requested the this sadden break up has taken place. Since bread-tax in 1815, but they never had a right to it, and
meeting to give a patient hearing to Mr. Wilkinson. I have come into this hall a gentleman has put it was passed under protest from the people of England.
Mr. WILKINSON again essayed to speak, but after the a printed statement into my hand respecting the potato Why there are men living now, old enough to delivery of of several sentences, which were inaudible to crop ; and I may add, no gentleman that I know of is bet how the thousands assembled around the Mansion-
those even immediately around him, on account of the better qualified to give a statement on the question house to sign the petition against this tax, but it was
hisses and shouts with which he was assailed, he stood than he is. He says, in the paper in question, that simply against the tax. They prayed in a body the Par.
still. Then retiring amidst loud and indignant cries of the number of sacks of potatoes delivered in the port 'lament to give time to consider what its effects might
" Turn him out;" " Off, off;" "We have had enough of of London during the three last months of the years be upon
he nation. Upwards of 40,000 names were
you," he again sat down.
of 1842, 1843, 1844, 1845, were as follows :—ln the put to that petition in one day. London was moved from
The LORD MAYOR then took the sense of the meeting three months ending December, 1842, the number its very centre, to oppose this infamous law. We say,
whether the speaker should proceed, when the negative was 440,700 sacks ; in the three months ending Decene- therefore, down with the idea of compensation—down
was carried by an immense show of hands. her 1843, 315,800 ;in the three months, ending 1)e- with the idea of compromise—we go for the total, hie-
Mr. Wiegtersoer then retired amidst loud and con- cember 1844, 381,800 sacks ; and in the three last mediate, and unqualified repeal of the corn-laws.—
tinned derisive shouts and cheers.
months of the present year 1845, 195,400 sacks. NOW, (The Hon. Gentleman resumed his seat amidst thunders
The Loan NfAroa having again put it to the vote gentlemen, what was the fluctuation in the price of of applause.)
whether the speaker should be heard, the question met these potatoes in 1842, 43, 44, 45. In the three former The resolution was then put and carried by acclama-
with its former fate—namely, was negatived,- of these years they ranged from 40s. to 90s. per ton. tion.
Mr. Wilkinson having bowed to the wish of' the meet- In the present }'ear the average has been from 10a. to Mr. P. TAYLOR moved the next resolution, which was
ing, the original resolution was put, and carried una- 150 s. per ton. I also learn from the same gentleman to the following effect :—" That our four representatives
saunously..
that of these twelve cargoes some were so bad, that they be requested and instructed to support the re-
Mr. RonEwrsoN said, however trite might be the re- were cleared out to the lightermen, and given to them to peal of the corn-laws in the Commons
mark, he felt himself bound to say that he felt perfectly carry away for the purpose of being converted into ma- House of Parliament." Whether they would all
incompetent to do justice to the subject now under dis- nure.—(llear.) There was also an instance of one four do so he could not tell, but if they did not he
cussion. This was partly owing to natural inabilit
and partly y, cargo, which, at the cost of 30/, had to be dug out and trusted they would follow the example
of Sir Robert
to having Linn only that minute called on thrown away, being of no use whatever to any one. I Peel, and resign.—(Loud laughter.) Without mean-
Ttehpeproposea resolution touching the corn-laws.—(llear.) have latterly been in every part of England, and I re- ing to hold out any threat, he wished to speakercorninu-
here read a resolution to the effect, " net gret to say that the accounts of the potato crop coincided nicate a little information to them. Mr. Cobden
the protective lava, commonly called the corn-laws, had with what I have stated regarding the port of London._ had told them that great pains had been taken
not afforded protection to any existing interest in the (Hear.) I believe that by next spring—and it is m with the registration of the Cit of London in the
country, that they had
engendereden strife amongst diffe- duty to state it—there will not be a sound potato to be last two years, and he was witness that there had been
rent classes at home. hostilit against usabroad applied for the purposes of seed.—(Hear.) It is easy for great attention paid to it. He was happy to say that
and that the sliding-scale had effected none of. the' our dukes and squires, maundering like old women, to there- was not the slightest doubt that when-
good, but all the evils that had been predicted of it.--
(Hear(Hear, say there is no scarcity, and to attempt to arrest the ever an election took place, four thorough free-
, and cheers.) Now let them look at the conse- opinion in favour of fr.ee-trade. They can go out traders would be returned for the City of London
quenees that were likely to result from persisting in to shoot and hunt during the day, and when they by a very large majority. Some gentleman said no, but
these laws. On the sth of January last there were only come in they can regale themselves with venison, the roof would appear by and by. In the spirit of
360,000 quarters of corn in the market, while - on the champagne, and the like dainties. With them there is thesep
remarks he begged leave to move the resolution
Baltic there was a superabundant supply ; but from this no scarcity ; not so with the people.—(Hear, hear.) which he had read to them.
they were unable to derive any benefit. He would con- But these men arc ignorant of what is going on in the Dr. BOWRING came forward to second the resolution,
dude by moving this resolution.— (Hear, hear.)
cottages upon their own estates •• and, being ignorant, and was received with loud cheers. When silence was
Mr. CHRISTIE seconded the resolution ; but he deli. ere
.unprepared with a remedy for the evil which restored he said—My Lord Mayor and fellow-electors, I
vered .his observations in so low a tone that it was ine.
Is impending. I am quite certain that before have been delighted at seeing the work of conversion
possible to hear him, However, he was understood to the fine weather of next spring sets in, that going on even here. Against the first resolution three
say that he hail great pleasure in feconding the r.esolu- whole districts will be dependant on charity, leen had the courage to hold up their hands, against the
tion, which was put and carried amidst loud cheering. and
in consequence will be flocking into the second two, and against the third one. I believe now
Mr. CHARLES PEEK/s8 proposed the next resolution. great cities and towns for relief; and you rn this great that those who oppose this resolution will not venture
Be said that the resolution entrusted to him to propose city will be called on to subscribe to save the starving to show themselves at all.—(Hear, and laughter.) You
contained matter for the grave and serious consideration peasantry from famine. And what is the state of things have done your duty nobly and bravely to day, and
of the meeting, as well as for all persons in this country respecting the Executive of the country ?—(Hear, hear.) the object of this resolution is to call upon those who
who were in any manner connected with the land. We have no Government Sir R. Peel has taken flight profess to represent you in the House of COMMOnS to SHIPWRECK, In a letter from Barra, dated B
ch
Having read the resolution, he proceeded to say on the first operation of his sliding scale.—(Laughter do their duty. How delightful it is to wit- ult., we have the following :—"A vessel, the clew of which
he would ask the people to look at the aud cheers.) Though possessing a majority of ninety in ness the progress of this great question. When are all Spaniards, was late stranded near Alasdale. She is
Present difficult and embarrassing position of the the House of Commons he has ran away I see my friend appear before you who, in a spirit the Imbedded in sandy so that the amount of injury suffered has
country by reason of the resignation of the present from his own handiwork.......(u
-.ear, and laughter.) most disinterested and most selfesacrificing, first came not yet been ascertained. The crew of the unfortunate vessel
Ministry—(Hear.) The Ministry had looked about in This does not show much Pluck on his part.—(Renewed forward to organise that admirable work whose effects were all saved by means of a rope cast from her towards the
every direction for an excuse or a means of escape, but laughter.) But he has not even told us what he intended we now see visible in every part of the land, how shore. Part of the cargo, which consists of fish, has been
arrive from Stornoway."—reverness Coririer•
landed, but cannot be sold until the Comptroller of Cuonms
ever found they could not shrink from the responsibility to do On this occasion he has Put on as much mystery littl ld anticipate that here, the wits tbeY had ineurred.—(Hear.) This country was now to the free traders as he did to the agricultural ititerest of London, his proposal could be the
wit 4

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDA Y EVENING. DECEM'BEtt 16, 1845.:

CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT.
OLD COURT.
(Before the Right Hon. the LORD MAYOR, the
RECORDER, &c.)
Caroline Cummins, 23, spinster, and Mary Cummins,
21, were indicted fur feloniously stealing a silver coffee-
pot, value 141., the property of Sarah Hunter Taylor
Cathcart, in the dwelling-house of Charles Shaw.
In another count the property was said to belong to
Mr. Shaw.
It will be remembered that the prisoners were ar-
raigned upon an indictment, charging them with being
concerned with other persons in a very extensive rob-
bery from the house of Mr. Shaw, in whose house the
prisoner Caroline lived as servant, at the last session of
this Court, but upon the Counsel for the prisoner
making a suggestion that Mrs. Shaw, the wife of the
prosecutor, had sanctioned the pawning of the property,
and that lady being too ill then to attend to contradict
the insinuation, the prisoners obtained an acquittal, and
the other indictments were then ordered to stand over to
the present session, in order that Mrs. Shaw might be
enabled to attend.
Mr. PARRY having briefly stated the circumstances
under which the charge was brought against the pri-
soners, and alluded to the nature of the defence set up
on the former occasion, proceeded to call the witnesses.
From their testimony it appeared that the prosecutor,
Mr. Charles Shaw, is a solicitor on Fish-street-hill, and
his country residence was No. 11, Walworth-terrace,
where the prisoner, Caroline Cummins, was employed as
servant in his establishment. It seems that a lady named
Cathcart had left in Mr. Shaw's care a box, containing a
large quantity of silver plate, which was corded and
placed under his bed for security. In the month of
October it was discovered that the box had been opened
and a great deal of the plate abstracted, and the pri-
soner, Caroline Cummins, upon being taxed with the
robbery, then gave her mistress seventeen duplic.stes,
and admitted to her master, who afterwards questioned
her, that she had taken the property at the instigation of
her sister Mary, and that she had given her the articles
to pledge.
Mrs. Shaw, upon being cross-examined by Mr. Bar,
itseutee, said that in the previous January she had dis-
covered that the plate was pledged, and the prisoner
Caroline then also admitted that she had pledged it ; but
on her going upon her knees and entreating her forgive-
ness, she consented to advance the money to redeem the
property, and kept the circumstance from the knowledge
of her husband. She said that the prisoner had b en
many years in her service, and she acted as she did
solely from a feeling of kindness towards her, and she
declared that she had not the slightest knowledge of the
fact of the subsequent pawning until the prisoner pro-
duced the duplicates.
Mr. Shaw confirmed the testimony of his wife, and
added that when he questioned the prisoner Caroline,
she said that her sister Mary would come to the house,
and that she had compelled her to give her the plate to
pledge, and she begged him to have mercy upon her.
Christopher Greeves, the shopman of Mr. Turner, a
pawnbroker in the Walworth-road, proved that the pri-
soner Mary Cummins pledged the coffee-pot at his
master's shop on the 30th of March, in the name of
Mary Back.
The coffee-pot wag produced, and identified by Miss
Cathcart as being her property.
Mr. BALLANTINE having briefly addressed the jury,
after a short deliberation they returned a verdict of
Guilty against bath prisoners.
The RECORDER said the Court would be glad to have
some information with regard to the prisoners, in order
to guide its judgment as to what sentence ought to be
passed upon them.
Mrs. Shaw informed the Learned Judge that Mary
Cummins hal been in her service several years ago, but
she had discharged her, and forbade her to come to the
house. She hsd very good reason to believe that she
had become acquainted with some very bad characters,
and that she had instigated her sister to rob them.
The RECORDER then ordered Mary Cummins to he
brought up for judgment, and after observing that her
case was a very aggravated one, as there was every rea-
son to suppose that she had brought her sister into her
present situation, he said he felt it his duty to pass upon
her a sentence of transportation for ten years.
There were several other indictments against these
prisoners for stealing other articles of plate, but they
were not pit:weeded with.
The prisoner May Cummin, was then indicted, with
a woman named Elizabeth Clayton, for stealing a coat,
the property of Mr. Shaw.
The article had also been pledged at Mr. Turner's
shop, but Mr. Turner, jun., who took the pledge, could
not identify the party who made it.
A verdict of Not Guilty was accordingly returned.
The same prisoners were then arraigned fur stealing a
pair of trousers, and upon this indictment a verdict of
Guilty was returned against Clayton.
They were then charged upon another indictment with
stealing a gold ring, the property of Mr. Shaw.
The jury returned a verdict of Guilty against both.
`They were called up for judgment, and the Re-
corder, after remarking that it was evident there
had been a complete conspiracy to plunder the
property of the prosecutor, said, that as
there did appear, however, to be some ground for sup-
posing that the prisoner, Caroline Cummins, had been
made the dupe of older and more designing persons
the Court would feel itself justified in passing a com-
paratively lenient sentence, which was, that she be
imprisoned and kept to hard labour for one year. The
other prisioner, Clayton, he sentenced to eighteen
months' hard labour.
Anne Reuehman was then placed at the bar, charged
%vitt) feloniously receiving some articles that had been
stu:en by the prisoner Caroline Cummins.
Mr. PARRY said, that in this case he did not propose
to offer any evidence, because, although there was no
doubt that the prisoner had received the property in
question, the prosecutor considered it very probable she
might have done so without having any guilty know
ledge.

perfect unanimity. How little did he expect that with
one voice the people of the metropolis would now be
prepared to declare that the time Fad arrived when the
corn-laws should be repealed once and for ever.
Whom have we convinced ? From the Premier
in the highest regions down to Punch himself.—(Laugh-
ter.) Everybody is now with us. The Premier is with
us by deserting his friends, and we have now the secu-
rity that whether to-day or to-morrow, or the day after,
no Ministry can long exist whose aim shall not be the
total overthrow of the corn-laws. My friend has spoken
of those who will probably be some of the new Ministers,
but, I believe, public opinion would not be satisfied until
a portfolio was in his own hands. He should be Presi-
dent of the Board of Trade.—(Applause.) He is the
man to hold out the hand of peace and of friend hip
to all nations.—(Hear, hear.) He is the man
to teach mankind, as he has taught his
country, that their interests are the interests of peace
and commerce and extended trade, and to give a new
tone to the character of the legislation of the land.
—(Applause.) Gentlemen, I will not detain you longer.
You ask obedience of your servants. You are
the electors, and the masters, and have a right
to ask it. You, in whose power the interest
of the country, and the country itself, is vested, have a
right to require, and you will require, that your views
and your opinions should be carried into Parliament
—namely, that Parliament should represent the
voice of the people, and let me tell you
that the voice which now echoes through
England, and, in fact, throughout the world, shouts for
the overthrow of monopoly, and calls out—Free trade !
Free trade for ever !—(Loud applause.)
The resolution was then read, and carried unanimously.
Mr. PATTISON, M.P., said they had heard the excuse
of Lord John Russell for not being there, and that was
quite satisfactory. Why their other two representatives
were not present was best known to themselves. For
himself, he had only to say that his principles were
known to them all. Now, what was the case with
the late Ministry? Why, they had fair weather
all along, and when a speck came on the horizon
they deserted their post. All they had now to do was to
support his colleague, should he be called on to take
the reins of Government. He could only sm—
for he was not addicted to long speeches—that he re-
quired no instruction, but was ready to do his duty on the
question of the corn-laws.—(Hear.) in conclusion, he
would request them to give three cheers for their inde-
pendent and uncompromising representative, Lord John
Russell.—(The demand of the speaker was heartily re-
sponded to.)

Mr. WANSEY said he had to propose to them that a
voto of thanks should be glyett to the Lord Mayor for
his presidency upon this occasion. He had earned that
honour from his having merged his private feelings in
his public character.
J. DuzoN, Esq., chairman of the requisitionists who
had gone to the Lord Mayor for the use of the 1-all, said
he felt bound to second that resolution. He had waited
on his Lordship, who mentioned to him that he was
quite opposed to the repeal of the corn-laws, but, never-
theleis, that he would not only give the use of the ball,
but also would agree to fill the chair on that occasion.--
(Hear and No, and some confusion.) The resolution was
then put and carried with a few tokens of dissent.
The LORD MAYOR briefly acknowledged the compli-
ment paid him ; and the meeting, after three hearty
cheers for the repeal of the obnoxious restriction on food,
separated.

NATIONAL PROVIDENT INSTI-
TUTION.
The tenth annual meeting of the members of the Na-
tional Provident Institution was held yesterday in the
large room, at the London Tavern ; Charles Lushington,
Esq., in the chair.
Long before the commencement of the proceedings the
room was crowded to excess, and at length the pressure
was so great that the gallery was opened, and that also
crowded. This full attendance was owing to the circurn •
stance of Mr. Gosbell, one of the Proprietors, haviug
given notice of his intention to move that the present
Board of Directors should be ousted, and a new Board
substituted in their place. This announcement brought
up several subscribers from the country, and it was evi-
dent throughout the proceedings that the large majority
of those present were in favour of the present Board of
Directors.
The CHAIRMAN, in opening the proceedings, briefly
adverted to the motion of which Mr. Gosbell had given
notice ; and having congratulated the members on the
prosperous state of the Institution, he called upon the
Secretary, who read the folio% ing

A verdict of Not Guilty was accordingly returned.
Mr. PARRY then applied for the Court to order the
pawnbroker to give up the plate in his possession. He
at the same time stated that, during a few months, plate
had been pawned with him to the amount of 500/., with-
out, as it appeared, any observation being made.
The RECORDER said that he could only observe, that
if the same charitable conclusion bad not been put upon
the conduct of the pawnbroker as had been extended to
the last prisoner (Reuchman), he might have found him-
self in a very awkward position. The only atonement
he could make, was to give isp the whole of the property.
Mr. Turner, jun., said he believed Mary Cummins was
the wife of a respectable person, and that the plate was
her property.
Mr. PARRY said the greater part of Mr. Shaw's
plate, that had also been stolen in addition to Miss Cath-
cart's, bore his initials, and some part of it his crest.
it he RECORDER said he hoped Mr. Turner would be
more careful in future. He was not at all prepared to
say what view the jury might have taken of his conduct
if he had been placed in the dock. At present, he must
understand that the Court made an order for him to
deliver up the whole of the property.
The plate was then given up to the prosecutor.
William Harding, 23, a very well-dressed young man,
de-cribed as a shoemaker, but who is believed to be one
of the gang who are in the habit of prowling about
the different banking houses for the purpose of com-
mitting felonies, was indicted for stealing a pocket-book,
nine la Bank of England notes, two 5/. notes, two
cheques for 1,0002 each, and other securities, altogether
of the value of 2,700/, the property of Robert Vaughan
Wynne Williams, from his person.
The prosecutor said he seas a solicitor, residing in the
Temple, and on the 27'h November he had occasion to
go to Messrs. Mortimer's bank, where he changed a
cheque for 100/., and placed the notes he received in his
pocket-book‘, which at the time contained the other
' securities mentioned in the indictment. He put the
pocket-hook into the hind-pocket of his body coat, which
had a wrapper over it, and proceeded on his way
back to the Temple. As he was passing by Bucklers-
bury, he felt a very slight touch at his coat, and imme-
diately put his hand to his pocket, and feeling a packet
of letters in it, he imagined that his pocket-book was
safe, and thought no more of the circumstance ; but when
he got to his chambers he found that his pocket-book
was gone. It had since been shown to him, with its
contents perfectly safe.
John Coram, a sergeant of the City police, deposed,
that from some information he received about the time
the robbery was committed, he went into Gutter-lane,
and saw the prisoner walking along with his hands in
his pockets, and the moment he observed him he ran
off. Witness pursued him, calling " Stop thief," and he
saw him take a pocket-book out of his pocket. lie then
turned up a court, and he lost sight of him for a minute,
but he stopped him directly afterwards, and the pocket.:
book was picked up close by him.
Mr. BALLANTINE said it would be useless for him to
attempt to struggle with this evidence, and he must
leave ihe prisoner in the hands of the jury.
The, RECORDER having briefly addressed the jury, they
at once returned a verdict of Guilty.
The Learned JUDGE, in passing sentence, said there
was very little doubt that the prisoner was one of a
gang of persons who were in the habit of hangin-, about
banking-houses for the purpose of committing
plunder
of this description, and it was very evident that he was
a skilful hand at these matters. The sentence, therefore,
was, that he be transported for ten years.

--
THE GRAND JUNCTION AND MID.
LANDS UNION RAILWAY.
A meeting of the Shareholders in this Company, called
for the purpose of considering the future steps to be
taken by the Directors, was held at the Company's
offices, No. 1, Exchange-buildings, yesterday.
Mr. Barlow was called to the chair.
The advertisement calling the meeting having been
read,
The CHAIRMAN asked the Secretary if it had been
advertised in all the papers ?
The Secretary having answered in the affirmative,
The CHAIRMAN said he was sorry to find that the
result was not such as they might have expected from
the publicity vk hich had been given to the advertise-
ments. Perhaps it might have been different if Lord
Ingestre, the Chairman of the Company, bad presided ;
but as it was, he would endeavour to place the principal
facts before them. It was well known to all the share-
holders present that at the time the present scheme carne
before the public there was none which had a greater
number of applications for shares, or which stood higher
in public estimation. It was no scheme of speculation,
but one that promised a real and permanent income; cer-
tainly if it were to be prosecuted it would be attended
with great advantages to the public and to the share-
holders. As things now stood, the position of the Com-
pany would be very different, supposing they brought
the scheme before Parliament. True, the Committee
might bear the expenses without troubling the share-
holders, and if they received the consent of the Provisional
Committee, many of whom resided in the country, they
could do so. They, however, legally required the sanc-
tion of those gentlemen, and therefore they tvoulti ask
the shareholders to leave a moiety of their original depo-
sit, for the double purpose of meeting all claims and
securing to those so doing some portion of the original
scrip. The Secretary would read the report.
The Secretary then read the report, which was in sub-
stanec as follows:
" The proposed railway was intended to commence on the
Trent: Valley Railway near Stafford, and proceeding thence
in an easterly direction, to pass through or near to Tisall,
Haywood, Colwich, and Abbots Bromley, to the rapidly in-
creasing tows of Burton-upon-Trent, where it would run
into 01Birmingham and Derby RAilway, forming the shortest
and best practicable route from Stafford to Derby. Leaving
the Birmingham and Derby Railway at 13tirton-upon-Trent,
it would proceed along the Valley of the Trent by Repton,
Swarkestoue, and Shardlow, to the Midland Counties Rail-

afraid of burning his fingers. The mate had the same
fear, and hesitated to use the liquid, but he afterwards
poured what both called vitriol out of a bottle on the back
of the apprentice Scott.
Mr. PAYNE then proceeded to call the witnesses to
prove the charge.
The first witness called was the boy 'William Scott.
He said he was an apprentice on board the Nathesis
barque. Gordon was the master, and Cummins the
mate. The day after crossing the line, he was late in
getting up. He was flogged up on deck, and then sent
up the foremast with the tar barrel to tar the royal
rigging. He had nothing on but a blue flannel shirt.
W hen he refused to tar the rigging, the mate, who was
akft, struck him.
Mr. BALLANTINE here interrupted the evidence, to say
that his Learned Friend had so conducted the case as to
make the acquittal of Capt. Gordon a matter of justice.
He had already proved an assault against the mate. There
was but one count in the indictment. The assault proved
against the mate satisfied that count ; the captain,
therefore, he argued, must be acquitted. It had been
settled so long ago us the time of Lerd Ellenborough,
in the case of " Stant v. Prickett." More than one
assault had been committed in that case. The counsel
for the prosecution had. proved tree assault, and was
proceeding to prove another, when -Lord Elleriborough
stopped him, and said he might have detained the
Court and the jury all day gone, through the different
charges in order -to select the one on which to
rely ; his Lordship said that must be done by
counsel previous to coming into Court ; enough
in that case had been proved to satisfy the
count. On this ground he (Mr. Ballantine) held
that enough had been proved to satisfy the single count
in the in ion:lent in the pri sent case, anal as that was
proved against the mate alone, be held that Captain
Gordon should be acquitted.
Mr. HUDDLESTONE, Counsel for the mate Cummins,
objected against the Counsel for the prosecution tend, ring
evidence of any fin ther act in which the mate might have
been concerned. The case in the present instance was
analogous, he said, to the case of a declaration. There,
if there was but one count put in, and a justifi-
cation proved by the accused for any one
of the assaults committed, that justification
was held to apply to the single instance of assault proved.
The prosecutor was at liberty to put any number of
counts he pleased en the indictment, but if he had put
one only, he must choose that act on which he will rely
end prove that. He said his Learned Friend would
argue that the charge in this case was a joint 'charge,
but it was joint and several.
Mr. PAYNE said the charge was a joint one, and the
evidence put. in was not intended to prove the act of as-
sault, hut only an incident leading to it.
Mr. BALL tNTINE, in reply, said an assault was an
assault by whatever name it might be called.
Mr. HUDDLESTONE, for the mate, said if his Lordship
was prepared to admit. the charge was a joint charge,
then he must be prepared to follow his principle out, for
if the charge were a joint charge, one being acquitted,
both must be acquitted.
The Learned CO3I3IISSIONER retired to consult with
the Learned Recorder. On returning into Court, he in-
timated that the opinion expressed by the Learned Re-
corder coincided with his own, and that no further evi-
dence could be brought against either of the accused.
'The jury was then directed to find Captain Gorden
Not Guilty.
The testimony of the boy Scott was continued—He
said that the mate came up with the intention of flogging
him. When he saw this he jumped off the yard-arm, and
attempted to lay hold of the backstays, but, missing
them, fell into the water. He was a quarter of an hour in
the water.
Mr. HUDDLESTONE objected to evidence of anything
more that might have happened ; enough had been
brought forward to satisfy the Court.
The objection was allowed, and Mr. Huddlestone
proceeded to cross-examine the boy Scott. He
said it was his watch that morning. The watch
began at 7 bells, that is half an hour before eight o'clock.
When he came up he found all the watch on
deck. He did not know what time it was
then. (The captain here was observed by a
juryman making use of means to intimidate the boy
in giving his evidence, and was ordered out of Court.)
Scott said there were four men and two boys in the
watch ;he was one of the boys. All the sails were set
except the flying jib and the spanker. At that time he
(witness) was d, zing in bed, when the mate came
down and gave him two or three blows on the back
with a rope's end, He then ran up to the deck. He
was ordered up to tar the ropes with nothing on but a
blue woollen shirt. He asked the mate to allow him to
put on some clothes, a pair of trousers at least ; but the
mate refused this. Ile refused to tar the ropes in this
condition, and was struck by the mate while on the
yard-al in, which he jumped from to catch the stays, bu
fell into the water.

William Morris was a seaman on board the Nathesis,
and rem mbered Scott having been in the water. He
saw the mate go dawn below with a ►ope in his hand.
On the deck he saw the mate give the boy two or three
blows ; the boy then had no trousers on. When aloft
he saw the mate in chase of the boy. The boy ran along
the yard-arm, where the mate struck him twice or thrice.
The boy then jumped off the fore lee yard-arm to catch
the back-stays, but he missed them and fell into the
water. The boy might have been a quarter of an hour
in the water. He could swim a little. The ship was put
about, and the boy was picked up. He, witness, was
then at the wheel.

Harris, another seamen, was called into the witneis-
box, but proved nothing.
The Counsel for the mate then addressed the jury.
The Learned COMMISSIONER said that an assault had
be-n admitted ; the jury were to consider whether that
assault had been justified, and if they should find so they
were to acquit the prisoner.
The jury, after consulting, found the mate No
Guilty.
The mate is, however, still in custody.
The case will be tried on a new indictment on Thurs.
day next.
DI

RECT LONDON AND EXETER
RAILWAY.
A very full and influential meeting of the shareholders
of this Company was held) esterday at the London Tavern,
in consequence of the call of the Chairman of the Com-
mittee of Management, Sir Bruce Chichester, for the pur-
pose of hearing a statement of their affairs, and &termin
•
ing whether the Company should be carried on or not.
The proceedings of the meeting, which throughout was
an extremely stormy one, were opened by
Sir BRUCE CHICHESTER, from whose statement it
appeared that previous to his joining the Com-
mittee of Management the affairs of the Com-
, pany had been carried on in a very improvi-
dent spirit ; that out of 61,000 shares that had
been allotted only 28,000 had paid up the deposit, that
the produce of those deposits was 32,3951., that out of
that amount there bad been paid for preliminary ex-
penses, 4,344/. Ils. 3d.; for engineering and surveying
expenses, 14,050/. ; for law expenses, 8,791/. 6s. ;
fur advertising, 2,639/. 19s. 4d. ; for printing and.
stationery, 584/. ; for travelling expenses, 236/. ;
for rent, salary, &c., 5571. 15s. sd. ; for miscel-
lincous expenses, 186/. 3s. Id. ; to Dr. Blundell,
not accounted for, 512/. 10s. ; leasing a balance in hated
of only 49.2/. I Is. The announcement of these expenses,
and the. statement of the balance in hand, created the
greatest dissatisfaction in the meeting.
The report of the Committee of Management having
been read, a long and stormy discussion ensued, in the
course of which several motions and amendments were
proposed, and it was admitted that the affairs of the
Company had been grossly mismanaged by the
preceding Committee. Ultimately, amid great eon•
fusion, the following- motion was agreed to:—" Thai
Sir Bruce Chichester, Dr. Phillimore, and Mr. Cham.
hers, be requested to form a Committee of Manage•
ment, with power to add to their number. That
the Committee be authorised to issue shares to
the extent required by Parliament, with this condition.
that if the necessary amount should not be subscribed
for, the whole sum to he raised should be returned ;
and that whatever steps can be taken without expense
beyond the means in hand towards placing the project
before Parliament, be so taken, and that the Committee
of Management be requested to prepare a statement of
the :Accounts of the Company, and that a copy thereof
be sent to every share and scrip holder.
The report of Mr. 13raithwaite, the engineer, was
read, and a vote of thanks was unanimously car-
ried to Sir Bruce Chichester, not only for his
presiding over and calling the meeting that day,
but for the manly course he had pursued in endeavouring
to uphold the interest of the shareholders.