The Sun.
London, England, 1845-03-31 00:00:00

SOUTH-EASTERN RAILWAY BRANCH.

o carry into effect a scheme for (we believe) the exten-
sion of the steam navy. He thought that the House would be
desirous to co-operate with the Government in giving
encouragement to a class of men who were unem-
ployed, although in full possession of their unimpaired
energies.—(Cheers.) The details of the measure
were not yet fully prepared.—(Hear, hear.) The follow-
ing items, Nos. 15, 16, 17, and 18, did not call for any
particular explanation. They included an increase to
the amount of 29,485/. He now came to the last vote of
these estimates, N 0.19, which was for the sum of 212,2321.
for the contract for the Atlantic and other distant packets.
The whole expense of the contract which opened up a
steam communication once a month with India, and once
a fortnight with China, would be only 160,000/. ; and
of this SUM 70,0001. would be borne by the East
India Company. Before he concluded, he was
most anxious that the whole of the increase
in the naval estimates should be fully explained.
The whole of the votes were estimated at
686,07:-/, and of this sum 193,2801. were for
wages for the victualling and registering
of seamen-78,054L for the expenses of dock-
yards—these made a total of 271,374/., making
a gross total in round numbers of 400,000/.
383,000/. were required for the purposes of steam navi
gation ; and this was an increase upon the estimates of
the preceding year of 31,000/. He trusted the House
would agree with him in opinion that these estimates
had been framed as much for the efficiency of this
branch of the public service as with that view to economy
with which he was always ready to admit those subjects
should be approached. He believed, also, it would be
conceded that the increased expenditnre was not
large, or greater than the increased extent of
the navy demanded. The increased sum state d
as necessary for an addition to the steam-navy would
be readily admitted to be not more than could be
deemed requisite for that branch of the service, in order
that it should not be inferior to that of any other
maritime nation.—(Hear, hear.) He would now con-
clude, and begged to thank the House for the kind and
indulgent manner in which they had heard him,
and to move that 40,000 men be employed in the navy,
including 10,500 men for the Marines, from and after
the 31st of March, 1846.
Upon the Chairman putting the question,
Mr. WAKLEY rose and said he begged to move that
the Chairman do now report progress, and ask leave to
sit again, and he did so for the purpose of reminding her
Majesty's Government of what had taken place in
this House before Easter in reference to a question he
then brought forward. He begged to remind the Right
Hon. Baronet, her Majesty's Secretary of State for the
Home Department, of what he (Mr. Wakley) had said
upon that occasion in reference to the Post- office affair.
—(Hear, hear.) lie then said that his constituents had
forwarded him a petition requesting him to present it to
this House, in reference to the opening of letters ; and
at the same time expressing the great anxiety
they felt for a full explanation upon the
subject, not having yet had any thing like a
satisfactory explanation.—(Hear, hear.) When he pre
sented that petition, he stated that it was not his wish
to put her Majesty's Government to any inconvenience ;
but he felt coerced to adopt the course he had taken, his
constituents having declared that they would not be
satisfied until they had been assured whether or not
any warrant had ever been issued, authorising the open-
ing of certain letters already mentioned.—(hear.) How
even though he did forgo his right in order not to in-
convenience the Government. He now begged to say
that he was compelled to make the motion, and should
take the sense of the House upon it, for he felt it a duty
incumbent upon him to do so, and this course he had
intimated to the Right Hon. Baronet his intention to
adopt, before Easter. Now, he had come down to the
House, to-day, for that purpose, and remained there three
quarters of an hour, and then absented himself
for about 5 or 6 minutes; and yet, to his surprise, he found
on his return, though it was not then five o'clock, that
the House had commenced business in committee ; and
that, he should say, appeared to him to be rather sharp
practice.—(Hear, hear.) He did think the usual
practice was to discuss grievances before going
into Committee of Supply. He would be
sorry that any course should be adopted by this House
that would be likely to create any excitement out ofdoors;
but he could not help saying that it was not quite fair
to have acted towards him in this way after what he
said in reference to this subject before Easter.—(Hear.)
Sir ROBERT PEEL trusted that the Hon. Member
would not persevere in his present motion, or that he
would not take the sense of the House upon it—(Hear.)
At the same time, he begged to assure the Hon. Member,
that there was not the slightest intention at this side of
the House, to take any unfair advantage of him.
Mr. WAKLEY—I was absent only five or six mi-
nutes.
Sir ROBERT PEEL begged to assure the Honour-
able Member that no intention whatever existed
to take the advantage of him he appeared to ap-
prehend; but every Hon. Member should be
aware that it had been determined on to commence the
public business at half-past four o'clock.—(Hear, hear.)
Besides, he begged to say in addition, that it was
the impression of her Majesty's Ministers that the
Hon. Member did not intend to persevere with his
motion. He also begged to assure the .Honourable
Member, that after the notices of motion
had been re ad to-clay, five or six minutes elapsed
before his Hon. Mend the Secretary of the
Admirals), moved that the House do go, into Committee
of Supply.—(Hear, hear.) Again he begged to assure
the Hon. Member that there was not the slightest wish
to take any advantage of him, and he (Sir R. Peel)
hoped he did not think so.—(Hear.)
Mr. WAKLEY could only state that it was intimated
to him as he came into the House that sharp practice had
been adopted in his case.—(Hear, hear.)
Sir CHARLES NAPIER said if his Hon. Friend had
reason to complain, he thought he had still more so. He
had only left the House to secure a paper, and
although he ran back as fast as he could, he found the
Speaker had left the chair. Nobody regretted more
than he could the retirement of the Right Hon. Gentle-
man the Secretary at War from the office of Secretary
to the Admiralty. He believed it was very generally
admitted that no man had peformed the duties better
than he did. The Right Honourable Gentleman
displayed great zeal and ability while he held that office,
and he thought he had fully earned his promotion. .11
any thing could remove the regret which he entertained
of losing that Right Honourable Gentlemans, it was the
pleasure of seeing installed into the office the present
new Secretary to the Admiralty, who bad just made a
most able and excellent statement. He did not believe
the Right Hon. Baronet at the head of the Government
could have selected a more competent or efficient person
to fill that office.—(Hear.) He was extremely happy
to find from the statement of that Right Hon. Gentle-
man that they were going to have an experimental
squadron, and he hoped when that squadron went to sea
it would be commanded by an officer who would look
out for a good squall or bad weather to try the capa-
bilities of the new ships belonging to this country.—
(Hear.) Before they proceeded to vote immense
sums for the use of the navy, he must take the
opportunity of directing attention to certain statements
connected with the force of the country. Ile did not
know whether those statements were correct or not,
but at all events if they were not, it would be no fault
of his, for it would be recollected that some time ago he
made application to the Government for certain re-
turns, which returns were refused, because it
was not thought proper by her Majesty's Government
that they should go forth to the public. The first re-
turn which he wished to be made was a report of a survey
into the state of the navy, which took place shortly after
the present Government came into office ; but that report
was refused him. Now he had been told by a gentleman
who had seen that report, that it was by no means satis-
factory. Hite had not seen the report himself, and this
was an incorrect impression, perhaps then the Right
Hon. Baronet would be able to set him right. It would
be remembered that he asked for a return, show-
ing the number and state of all classes of
ships in the navy on the Ist of January, 1845, but
this return was refused. Now, be thought that after a
peace of thirty years, during which they had spent be-
tween forty and fifty millions in the construction of
ships, the Government ought not to be ashamed to
show to the whole world that the British nary
was now as perfect as it could possibly be.—(Hear.)
He did think, that after a peace which had lasted fur
thirty or f arty years, that the Board of the Admiralty
ought not to be ashamed to show the British navy to
the whole world ; but he especially conceived that this
was particularly applicable to the steam navy.
It was well known that this was an arm of
the service particularly in the present state of science,
and that it was likely to come into still more powerful
use than had ever before been witnessed. He thought,
therefore, that he was fully entitled to ask for re•
turns respecting the steam navy. The lion. Member
for Montrose had in 1843 asked for and had obtained

The HON. MENBER, at tho same time, presented a
petition against the projected extension of the South-
Eastern Railway to Hungerford-bridge.
MAYNOOTH COLLEGE.

Mr. J. NEIL presented a petition against any further
grant to Maynooth.
LAW OF SETTLEMENT.

Mr. BRAMSTONE presented a petiti m from zeveru:
places in Essex against the Law of Settlement Bill.
ARREST OF WAGES FOR DEBT.

A petition was also presented against the Arrest of
Wages in Scotland Bill.
OREGON TERRITORY.

Lord J. RUSSELL gave notice that, on the Speaker
leaving the Chair on the moving of the Committee of
Ways and Means on Friday, he should move for
certain returns of the dispatches from the United States
respecting the territory of Oregon.
QUARANTINE LAWS.

Dr. 130WRIgG gave notice that on an early day he
should bring the present state of the quarantine laws
before the House.
POOR LAW OF SCOTLAND.

The LORD ADVOCATE gave notice that, as soon
as convenient to the House and the public business, he
should move for leave to bring in a Bill for amending
the law for the relief of the poor in Scotland.
IMPRISONMENT FOR DEBT.

Lord DUNCAN, seeing the Right Honourable Baronet
the Home Secretary in the House, begged to repeat the
question which he had asked on a former evening on the
subject of the Bill for imprisonment for debt. It
would be recollected by the House that when he
had formerly put the question which he was about
to ask, he had received a very unsatisfactory answer.
There had been very great dissatisfaction with the
27th clause of the Act of last session, which was
brought in for the purpose of abolishing imprisonment
for debts under 201. Ho thought this a very unsatis-
factory state of things for small traders, and he was
anxious to know whether the Government were about
to introduce any remedy for this evil, for he thought
that it was high time that a remedy should be applied,
and if the Government did not introduce one he (Lord
Duncan) was inclined to do so.
Sir J. GRAHAM was very sorry that an answer given
by him to that question on a former occasion should have
been in any way displeasing to the Noble Lord. Having
prefaced his answer with these few words, ho should
now state to the Noble Lord, that he would adhere
strictly to the answer already given, as he was not aware
of any inquiry since made that could induce him to alter
it. He should not assent to any measure that
would touch any debts which were contracted before
the passing of the Act. The experience which
they already had in the measure was not sufficient to
justify any new enactment. He would beg further to
state that the most important part of the measure was
this : as the Bill had interfered with the credit given
by the working classes, whether the credit generally
given was not beneficial to those classes themselves?
Mr. DIVETT said that, there were some clauses in a
private Bill relating to some local courts in the west
of England which were quite inconsistent with the
Act of last session. He would ask the Right Hon.
Baronet whether the Government intended to support
those inconsistencies ?
Sir JAMES GRAHAM said that they were mere
oversights, and the Government would therefore oppose
them.

Colonel RAWDON wished to ask the Right Hon.
Baronet whether it was the intention of the Government
to extend this measure to Ireland ?
Sir JAMES GRAHAM stated that that would
depend on the result of the experiment in England.
COMMITTEE OF SUPPLY—NAVY ESTIMATES.
Mr. CORRY moved that the order of the day for the
House resolving itself into. a Committee of Supply be read.
On the order of the day being moved the Speaker
called upon Sir Charles Napier, who had a notice
on the paper on the subject of the navy, but the
Gallant Commodore did not answer. Mr. Wakley, who
had also a notice on the paper on the order of the day
for going into Committee of supply on the subject of the
opening of Mr. T. Duncombe's letterN was also absent
from the House. After a pause of a minute or two,
Mr. CORRY moved that the Speaker do leave the
Chair.

The motion was agreed to, and the House resolved
itself into Committee amidst loud cheers from the Mi-
nisterial benches.
Mr. CORRY said he rose to propose the Navy Esti-
mates for the first time ; and iu doing so, he felt some-
what embarrassed—not only on account of the little
experience he possessed in addressing that House, but
also on account of the disadvantage under which he,
laboured in succeeding his Hon. Friend-now the Secre-
tary at War in the discharge of this duty.—(Hear,
hear.) [Sir Charles Napier here entered the House
amidst shouts of laughter.] At the same time he had
the consolation of knowing that the House always ex-
tended its indulgence.
Mr. WAKLEY here entered the House in a great
hurry, and interrupted Mr. Corry in the course of his
speech, by saying—as he was walking to his place—Mr.
Chairman, I was in my place during the early part of the
evening—I only left my place for a moment—(" Order")
and I trust I shall not lose the opportunity of bringing
forward the motion of which I had given notice as there
exists great anxiety on the subject.—(Cries of " Order,
order.")
The CHAIRMAN (Mr. Greene)—The House is now
in a Committee of the whole House and cannot enter-
tain the motion of the Hon. Gentleman.—(Hear, hear.)
Mr. WAKLEY moved that the Chairman do report
progress.—(Cries of " No, no," " Order, order.")
Mr. CORRY—I did not move the Committee until
five o'clock.
Mr. WAKLEY rose amidst loud cries of " Order,
order, chair, chair," from all parts of the House.
The Honourable Gentleman exclaimed with con-
siderable animation, I hope that it will be under-
stood that this (the Opposition) side of the _House
approves of my not going on with my motion.—(Cries
of " Order, order.")
Mr. CORRY resumed. He was observing, before the
interruption took place, that he threw himself upon the
indulgence of the House, which was always willingly
extended towards gentlemen circumstanced as he was.
The Hon. Gentleman then proceeded to make his state-
ment of the estimates, but throughout he spoke in
such a low tone as to be frequently quite inaudible.
He believed that it would be only conforming with
the wish of the Committee, if in this preliminary
statement, he should confine himself as much as pos
sible to the various cases of increase and decrease
under the several heads in the estimates which he had
now to propose. With respect to the first, that of
the increase of 4,000 men to the navy, it
was unnecessary for him to enter, after what had
fallen from his Right lion. Friend at the head of the
Government in his financial statement. That increase
had been rendered necessary by the increased demand at
the three great stations on the coasts of Africa, and
China, and in the Pacific. On those stations alone 6,000
men were required, a force equal to the full complement
of eight ships of the line, and this force was
indispensable for the protection of British interests.
The vote which was required for wages was 1,889,545/.,
being an increase of 119,0671. The next vote was fur
victualling the seamen and marines, and in this vote
the increase was 65,585/. In vote three, for the Admi-
ralty office., there was an increase of 2,8601., which had
been prir.cipally occasioned by:additional salaries to the
surveyors of the navy and the director of the works.
The salary of the Secretary of the Admiralty was re-
duced by the estimate from 1,500/. to 1,0001. a year—
(Hear, hear)—and in the rote for the registry of merchant
seamen there had been an increase, but that was neces-
sary from the passing of the Act during the last year.
There was a slight increase in the expenditure of those
removed from the dock-yards to the penal settlements.
The whole sum proposed to be voted is 1,199,1401,
being an increase of 145,1561, as compared with the vote
of last year. For No. 11 he proposed the large
amount of 486,3461., being an increase of 184,4801.
as compared with the vote of last year. The
whole of the increase was entirely for the purpose of
building steam vessels, which were now in progress in
Portsmouth and Devonpert. The expense of construct-
ing such vessels was necessarily great, and he felt
sure the House would not object to such an
expenditure. They were for the protection of
a long line of coast, which in time of war was most ex-

posed to invasion. They were required for the protec-
tion of commerce. For the steam-vessels now in

returns respecting this branch of the service, and ho did
not understand why returns connected with this branch
—he might say the very same returns—should not be
given to him up to the year 1833. They had returns
of the several classes of the navy apparently some of
them very complete. They had returns of the frigates
from 28 to 58 guns, and of line-of-battle ships from 70
guns up to 90, and he perceived that there were 74
coasters and other small vessels, 65 sloops, 45 frigates,
and 50 stationary ships. Now he should wish to
know what possible objection there could be to give him
a statement of the number of ships in commission last
year including a return of the steam navy of the country.
It appeared to him very anomalous that the Government
should be continually calling for large estimate-
from the public purse, when they had already possess
sion of the effective fleet which they represented in their
returns in the course of last year. Now he believed
that if these estimates were necessary they would
require as much as 50 sail of the line. Now, he believed
that, with all their advantages they could not get fifty
sail of the line on the water in less than twelve months.
He meant with the camplement of frigates, sloops, and
corvette. He knew that fifty sail of the line, with all these
necessary adjuncts was no mean fleet to send to sea,
and he was well aware of the power which such
a fleet would exercise if rightly manned by
British seamen when once fairly under weigh.
and he was anxious to support efficiently the navy ; but
still he conceived that with the large sums which they
were called upon to vote, they ought to be able to put
such a fleet to sea in the most efficient manner.
With their present means he believed they could not
do this in less than twelve months, though with a better
system by which they would be able to bring the mer-
chant dockyards into play, they could with little or no
delay, send twenty sail of the line, with their additions of
frigates, sloops, and corvette with little or no delay.
If the vessels were well built and properly kept in repair
the Government would save a great deal of money. He
would then go through the number of vessels in the
docks besides the number of those in the water. It ap-
peared to hire that many of them were not fit
for service. and if they were not intended to be sent
to sea again they ought to bo sold 14 9nce, as they

would produce a considerable sum of money. Before
showing the number of ships in the docks it was neces-
sary to show what number of vessels were on the stocks.
The Gugen was proved to be a bad vessel, having been
obliged to be taken into the Sheerness Dock because
she could not steer properly ; it was found necessary to
put a false bow in I:er, and also I believe she got a false
stern, a bustle—(Laughter)—at considerable expense;
and now they did not know whether she would
answer. So much for the Queen.—(Laughter.) The
Boscowen having been turned into a 70 gun-
ship was pulled to pieces ; the Union, the
Severn, the Porcupine of 20 guns, the Sealark
of 10 guns, the Tigris and the Isis were also
pulled to pieces. There were three deck ships,independent
of that number, the Royal Albert, Victoria, and Prince of
Wales. When the present surveyor of the navy came into
office, he commenced by building at a great breadth, but
where were they to stop now ? It appeared most extra-
ordinary. The Royal Albert was made sixteen feet
broader than the Queen ; if we increase them, where
are we to get men to furl their sails. It was
a,tonishing to him how it could be done at all.
e thought before the House voted more money for
the construction of steam-boats, they ought to have
an assurance that some person would be ap-
pointed to inquire into the subjec. It was useless for
Members to suppose that they did their duty in voting
for the motion that had been proposed.
,rLEFT SPEAKING.]

LymniaToNa—The Free Trade Bazaar, to be held
at Covent Gitrden, in May, will receive many contribu-
tions from the ladies in this town. We have seen beau-
tiful specimens of needlework and other articles, which
display much taste, which are highly creditable to the
zeal of those who are favourable to support so good and
righteous a cause.—Hampskire Independent.
We understand that the Lords of the Treasury
have appointed Charles Ross, Esq., (formerly Member for
Northampton), to be a Special Commissioner for the
purposes of the income-tax, in the room of Thomas
Pargiter Dickenson, Esq., who has been appointed
Commissioner of Customs.

ASSIZE INTELLIGENCE.
ROME ClRCUlT.—Kingston, March 29.
(Before the LORD CHIEF JUSTICE and a Common Jury.)
DOE ON THE DENISE OF NEWTON AND OTHERS V.
BROOKS.—This was an action for the purpose of ejecting
the defendant from the possession of certain premises,
situate in Stoney-street, Southwark.
Mr. Sergeant Shee and Mr. Willes were for the plain
tiff, and Mr. Charnock for the defendant.

Mr. Sergeant SHER stated the case, and said the plain-
tiffs were compelled to adopt the present proceeding, to
recover possession of certain property leased to them by
the Bishop of Winchester, and which had been taken
possession of by the defendant, or by a person named
Cox, who acted under him, but neither of whom had any
more right to it than the greatest stranger in Court.
The Learned Counsel then proceeded to state that the
lease was granted to the plaintiffs by the Bishop of
Winchester in 1835, and they made use of the property
for some time, but it became unoccupied and remained
so for some time, and at length a person named Cox
obtained possession, and without the slightest right or
title whatever persisted in remaining there, and set up a
title to the property. The present proceedings, therefore,
became necessary to remove him.
The lease granted to the klaintiff in 1835 was then
put in and formally proved.
Lord DENMAN—What have you to say, Mr. Char-
nook, on behalf ofyour client ?
Mr. CHARNOCK—Does your Lordship think that the
lease is sufficient proof of the plaintiff's title ?
Lerd DENMAN—Certainly.
Mr. CHAnNocK—Then, my Lord, I have nothing to
say.—(A laugh.)
Lord DENMAN to the jury—Well, gentlemen, the de-
fendant admits he has no title, and therefore, you will
find for the plaintiff.
Verdict accordingly.
TOOVEY AND ANOTHER V. SWEENEY.
_ _ _

Mr. Sergeant Shee was for the platnuff, and Mr.
Petersdorff for the defendant.

Mr. Sergeant SUES said, that this action arose out of
a case of a similar character to the one just disposed of
by the jury. The defendant without any right or title
had taken possession of a house of considerable value,
and he could not be got rid of but by an action of eject-
ment, which was accordingly brought against him, and
at once decided in favour of the plaintiff. The present
action was to recover the sum of 251. incurred in that
action, and also the amount of rent to which the de-
fendant was liable during the period he was in posses-
sion of the house.

Mr. PETERSDORFF said he had no answer to the plain•
tiff's Case, but he wished the costs to be taxed.

Sergeant SHEE laid he had no objectionT—
A verdict was then taken for the plaintiff.
(Before the LORD CHIEF JUSTICE and a Special Jury.)

EVELYN V. IVORSFOLD.

This action was brought by the plaintiff, who is Lord
of the Manor of West Cott, near Dorking, to try the
liability of the defendant to pay a certain fine upon his
coming in as one of the copyholders of the manor.
Mr. Sergeant Channell and Mr. Dawson were for the
plaintiff: Mr. Montagu Chambers and Mr. Peacock ap-
peared for the defendant.

The case was one of a purely technical character, and
eventually a nominal verdict was taken by consent for
the plaintiff, subject to the opinion of the Court upon
certain points of law.

OXFORD ClRCUlT.—Hereford, March 28.
CROWN COURT.

Joseph Yeomans, aged 23, was charged kith having
stolen, on the 20th instant, one wether sheep, of the
value of 11., the property of Mr. Thomas Morris,
Guilty, to be imprisoned twelve months.
James Pritchard, aged 30, was charged with breaking
into the dwelling-house of George Willim, for whom he
worked, and stealing therefrom a quantity of bacon,
bread, and cheese. Verdict, Guilty. The prisoner, on
being called up for judgment, protested that ho was in-
nocent. Imprisoned twelve months.
NISI PRIUS COURT.—(Before the CIIEF BARON.)
FRETWELL V. BLISSETT, CLERK.
This was an action brought by a land surveyor, re-
siding near Ensham, in Oxfordshire, to recover the sum
of 1471. 4s. for work and labour done for the defendant,
the Rev. Mr. Biissett, residing at Lelton, on the banks of
the Wye, his estate being surrounded, as it were, by a
perfect peninsula, formed by the windings of that river.
To obviate this by alterations, cuttings, and improve-
ments, had long been the wish of the reverend defendant,
but several obstacles prevented the accomplishment of
his design, a portion of the property to be cut through
belonging to the Cor-lewall family estate, the heir of
which, being a minor, was a ward in Chancery, but having
at length obtained the necessary consent, the work was
commenced, and the plaintiff was employed to superin-
tend and direct the operations, remaining at one time as
long as 42 days at Lelton, and consequently being un-
able to attend his own affairs in Oxfordshire, where he
has two large farms. The defendant pleaded that he
never was indebted beyond the sum of 591., which he
paid into Court, and upon this issue was joined, the pre-
sent action being brought to recover the remaining items
in dispute. It appeared that a portion of the work of the
plaintiff had reference to the commutation and valuation
of the defendant's tithes.

Several letters were put in, and read, which had
passed between the parties on the subject, one of which
terminated thus—" bell going for church, and a glass of
cold grog to-morrow ;" and another from the Rev. Mr.
Blissett to plaintiff, concluded—" The old fool is gone
down the river, God knows where, to look for two planks
and a trestle, not worth a pound."
The epistolary evidence having been adduced, the
verbal testimony of several witnesses was then given, to
the effect that the plaintiff was there from the 22d Sep-
tember, 1842; until the 28:h November following. super-
intending the works and paying the men, giving his
attendance all day, from six in the morning until the
same hour in the evening.
Mr. WIIATELEY addressed the jury for the defendant,
contending that the attendance of Mr. Fretwell was ren-
dered as a return for kindness he had received from Mr.
Blissett's family, and that nothing more than the amount
paid into Court was due.
Two witnesses, Messrs. Freer and Marsh, civil en-
gineers, were called on the part of the defence, who
stated there was no necessity for the attendance of Mr.
Fretwell.

The brother of the defendant, Mr. Charles Blissett, a
merchant of Bristol, deposed that on several occasions
plaintiff told him that he should make no charge to his
brother, out of kindness for what he had done for him,
as he once got him out of difficulty, and he would not
therefore leave Lelton until after the last barrow of earth
was thrown on the works.

Mr. Sergeant TALFOURD having delivered a powerful
speech in reply, on behalf of the plaintiff, his Lordship
summed up, and the jury retired from the box. On
their return into Court in about two hours, the foreman
said eight of them were for the plaintiff and four for the
defendant.

The JUDGE -I wish the Counsel were here, perhaps
they would agree to withdraw a juror.
The Foreman—My, Lord, eight of us are of opinion
Mr. Fretwell should have his wages and four the other
way.
Mr. SELFE here entered the Court, and said that in
the absence of Mr. Sergeant Talfourd he did not know
how to act. The plaintiff cared nothing about the costs,
but he felt it was a just claim, and that his character was
at stake.

The JUDGE, emphatically—The defendant's is far
more so. The plaintiff might have made a mistake, but
the defendant cannot, and if he is unjustly defending
this action he is doing that which no clergyman or gen-
tleman ought to do.

The defendant, in person—l feel myself exactly in the
position your Lordship has described.
After some further consultation, the foreman said from
the information my Lord has given, we are all agreed
to find our verdict for the defendant.

Verdict for the defendant entei;ciaccordingly.

progress, 100,000/. would be allocated for the build-
ing of steam-vessels at Portsmouth, and 80,0001.
for a similar purpose at Devenport. 15,000/. was
proposed for the steam factories at Woolwich,
45,000/. for first-class slips for the building of
steamers for the Channel, and 140,000/ for the
purchase of machinery for the dockyards. In
consequence of the recommendation of the Committee
of last year considerable increase had taken place
under this head, amounting—(as we guessed, for, to un-
der'tand the Hon. Gentleman was impossible)—to
4,700/ In the estimate, No. 13, there had been a very
large increase, of 67,0001., for the purchase of land for dock-
yards, workshops, and buildings at Portsmouth. In the
next estimate, No. 18 (relating to half-pay), there was a
decrease of 16,236/ ; but he thought it right to take that
opportunity of informing the House that in the course
of the session be should have to propose an estimate
ill connexion with this vote to enable the Government

.NORTHERN ClRCUlT.—Liverpool, March 29.
CROWN COURT. —(Before Mr. Justice CoLntaN.)
Benjamin Anderson, 21, stood charged with an attempt
to administer poison, namely, sugar of lead, to his wife,
Sarah Anderson, and her two infant children, at
Manchester.

The prosecution was conducted by Mr. Armstrong
and Mr. Monk, and Mr. Pollock defended the prisoner.
The case was opened by Mr. ANDERSON. The charge,
he observed, was of a very serious character, that of an
attempt to administer a certain deadly poison, known by
the name of sugar of lead, to his own wife and children,
by introducing it into the sugar which they were about
to use for sweetening their tea. The prisoner, so far as
his instructions went, had not been in the habit of act-
ing towards his wife with cruelty ; he was, however,
when in liquor, cross and abusive. The prisoner fol-
lowed the trade of a millwright, and was in the employ
of Messrs. Zairbairn, who carried on business in Canal.

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MARCH 31, 1845.

street, Manchester. For some time previously to the
6th of January last, which was the day on which the
occurrence took place, he had been drinking for several
days, having only worked half a day since the previous
Tuesday. About three in the afternoon he came home,
and said he wanted some tea. His wife replied, " the
tea will be ready presently," upon which the prisoner
took the kettle off the fire, which at that time contained
the water for tea, and after making use of some offensive
expressions, turned his little boy and wife into the street,
and locked the door. On looking through the window
they perceived him doing something at the cupboard,
with the sugar basin in his hand, at which time, it is
supposed, he was mingling the poison with the sugar.
One of them went to the window, and he put his hand up
to prevent them seeing. In a short time he came and
unfastened the door and let them in. The little girl then
came home, and prisoner's wife began to make the tea
for herself and children, and sweetened it with the sugar
from the cupboard. After the tea was sweetened she
found it a very bad taste, in consequence of which it was
thrown away. The tea was made a second time, and the
sugar again used, but the same bad taste prevailed.
Having some of the same quality of sugar in a paper, the
prisoner's wife put it into some coffee which she then
made, and found it quite palatable, and she and
the children partook of it. The sugar which
was in the basin had been used at breakfast
the same morning. A portion of the bad sugar
which had been preserved in a small bottle, was handed
over to Mr. Davis, chemist, of Manchester, which,
on being examined by him, was found to con-
maintain sugar of lead. The Learned Counsel argued
that the conduct of the prisoner at the time of the occur-
rence showed he was aware of the consequences of such
an atrocious act. The prisoner left the house about four
o'clock, previously to the tea being wade, and proceeded
to a beer-house, where he stayed a short time, after
which he got up suddenly and went to the door, observ-
ing to the person who kept the house, " You will hear
of a row." He afterwards returned home very drunk,
and said, "If there was meal in the house he would do
it again." Shortly after this the police having become
acquainted with the circumstances went to the house and
took the prisoner in charge. At that time ho was asleep,
and on his being awoke he said " They are not stiff yet,
but they soon shall be." At that time no charge had
been made. Afterwards, on being taken to the police-
office, and told what the charge was against him, he said,
"It is a bad job it has nof been done." The police
twice told him he was accused of putting sugar of lead
in the sugar basin, and he replied, " I suppose you wish
to know where I got it, but I shall not tell you." About
three days before, namely, the Friday, the prisoner,
bought an ounce of sugar of lead, at a chemist's in Man-
chester. Some of the same kind of poison was found in
some meal which had been got into the house for the
use of the family. The Learned Counsel concluded by
observing that he should call witnesses to bear out the
statements he had made, and leave the result in the hands
of the jury.
A great number of witnesses were called, the principal
being the wife and child of the prCsoner.
Mr. John Davis, chemist, of Manchester, deposed to
testing the portion of sugar sent to him, and found it
contained a quantity of sugar of lead. He declined giv-
ing an opinion as to its operation on the human system,
and the quantity required to produce death.
Mr. Walker Golland, surgeon, had examined the con-
tents of the basin, but was of opinion that there was not
sufficient to cause death, if taken all at once or in small
quantities.

- Mr. J. PoLLocx, in defence, called the attention of
the Bench to the Act under which indictments for of-
fences of that nature were laid, the words of which were,
"shall administer poison or any other destructive thing."
It had been shown by the evidence of the medical men
that the whole quantity of sugar of lead found in the
sugar basin would not be sufficient to produce death,
either in one dose or repeated do-es, and consequently
could not be a destructive thing, although it was un-
doubtedly obnoxious. The charge, therefore, he held,
would fall to the ground.
His LORDSHIP said, that if the verdict went against
the prisoner, he should reserve the point for the consi-
deration of the twelve Judges.
Mr. POLLOCK then addressed the jury upon the evi-
dence at considerable length ; and his Lordship having
summed up, the jury, after a short consultation, re-
turned a verdict of Not Guilty. The trial lasted eleven
hours.

John Burgess, aged 22, was indicted for the offence of
manslaughter in killing William Swindles, at Staley-
bridge, on the 20th of Februury.
Mr:Brandt appeared fur the prosecution, and Mr.
Wilkins, for the prisoner,
The deceased was a lad who worked at a mill in Sta
leybridge, and on the evening of the day in question he
was leaving the mill along with some other lads there,
when they saw the prisoner at the bar sitting against the
gates of the mill. He appeared to be asleep or intoxi-
cated. One of the lads kicked his clog, and desired him to
get up, and another shook him. Hei then rose up and
ran after the deceased into another shed. The deceased
then fell; but what it was that caused him to fall, could
not, it appeared, be at all explained. One of the wit-
nesses, however, said that the prisoner kicked him on the
heel ; but another said that he fell from catching the
kerb-stone with his toe; and. a third thought that he
fell down without either of those causes. He uttered a
cry as he fell, and while he lay on the ground it would
appear that he had been struck by the prisoner, either
with his fists or his feet, if not with both. This also
seemed quite uncertain. After the fall the deceased was
not observed t, stir at all, until the prisoner left him.
He then stretched out his arms, as if in a convulsive
state, and remained on the ground for some minutes,
till the prisoner himself began to be alarmed, and raised
him. Finding that there were no signs of life, the
prisoner asked the people standing by to fetch him some
water, and said he thought the lad was in a fit ; but it
was soon ascertained that he was dead. He was
examined by two medical men, who could not eccount
for the death, and who found no marks of violence,
while another medical man stated that the brain was in
such a state that he could say the lad had not died of
apoplexy. There was no effusion, and no symptoms of
disease about the body. It was said, however, that there
might have been blows on the abdomen without their
being perceptible, and that these might have caused a
shock to the nervous system sufficient to occasion death.
Mr. Pearson, who first examined the body, was of
opinion that the lad's death was to be attributed to
apoplexy, and considered that such might have been the
case without any effusion.
Verdict—Guilty of a common assault.
Sentence—To be imprisoned for one month.