The Sun.
London, England, 1842-07-28 00:00:00

ktroitb Xbition

SUN OFFICE Three o'clock.

We have received a brief account of a meeting held in
the neighbourhood of Burnley, to take into consideration
the case of a number of poor awn, who, it would appear,
had been committed to the county gaol of Lancaster for
non-payment of poor-rates. The requisition for the
meeting war. numerously signed, and on being presented
to the Constable of the district, he convened a meeting
of the inhabitants vn Monday last, when the chair was
duly tnieen.by a rate-payer, and resolutions were passed
strongly condemnatory of the conduct of the vestry, and
also tb e corn nitting Magistrates. If the statements in these
resolutions are correct, a more harsh and unwarrantable
stre.ti.b of power, we will venture to say, was never exer-
ci-Ad, e.ten by a country Justice of the Peace. The un-
f men are described as paupers (not, we should
zonceive, in the strict sense of the word), but the
miserable paltry sums for which they were arrested
prove that they must have lived as paupers, one of them
being committed for non-payment of a rate of is. lid.,
another for lid., and the rest for similar trifles. It is
stated, also, that the men wore dragged from their
homes, placed in a dungeon, and on the following morn-
ing were conveyed like felons to Lancaster Castle, a dis-
talllVO of 44 miles, bound in chains. We have these
facts on the authority of a bookseller of the place, who
gives his name and address; and as the meeting was
held under the sanction of the local Magistrate, and was
attended by great numbers, many of whom must have
been acquainted with the proceedings, there can be little
doubt that a series of gross outrages has been com-
mitted. The Home Secretary, notwithstanding his
high opinion of the discretion of Magistrates and Police-
constables, cannot sanction such cruel persecution as
this ; and it would be, therefore, advisable to draw up a
memorial on the subject for his consideration. A peti-
tion should also be transmitted to Parliament, setting
forth all the facts of the case; and if they are as stated in
the resolutions, we doubt if any one Member of the
House, however he may slight the sufferings of the poor,
would raise his voice to screen the oppressors. It is im-
passible to justify measures by which a rate-payer,
whme rite is only lid., is chained like a felon and
committed t‘o prison. Those who framed the law never
c intemplallad that ft would be enforced by acts which
would be -reckoned disgraceful even in Russia and
Turkey ; and it is the duty of the Government, there-
fore, to see that they do not encourage a breach of the
peace by abetting such practices.

Mr. Ronnuci p.m an :outline last night of the
resolutions he is to move to-night. They are as
follow :

That the compromises of Election Petitions, as brought to
the knowledge of this House by the Report of the Select Com-
mittee on election rivet edings, must, if for the future they be
allowed to pass without punishment or censure, tend to bring
this House into contempt with the people, and thereby seriously
to diminish its power and authority.
That ail such practices are hereby declared to be a violation
of the liberties of the people, and a breach of the privileges of
this House, which it will in all future cases strictly inquire into
and severely punish.
That, whereas, in the late elections for Harwich, Notting-
ham, Lewes, Reading, Falmouth and Penryn, and Bridport, the
I resent laws have been found insufficient to protect the voter from
she mischievous temptations of bribery, it be ordered that Mr.
Speaker do issue no writ for any election of Members for the
said towns, till further legislative enactments have been adopted
to protect the purity of elections.

We quite agree with Mr. Itoi:xci: that all
the parties to those compromises ought to be
punished, and we know no punishment so appro-
priate as to disable them for ever from taking
any part, either as representative► or electors, in that
system of representation they have sought to corrupt
and destroy. We do not, however, see that an equally
strong reason justifies the suspension of the writs.
The eye of the public being now directed to those
places, they will act with comparative honesty and
freedom, and ti ottingham should have the opportunity
of redeeming its character by electing Mr. STURGE•
The only arguments which apply to the small bo •
roughs implicated, would apply to all the small
boroughs in the kingdom, and Harwich ought not to
be temporarily disfranchised while Tavistock, Mor-
peth, and a score of small boroughs, send Members to
Parliament. Mr. ROEBUCK is, however, more likely
to carry the latter part of his reselubion than the for-
mer, because the House of Commons cherishes class
feelings and disregards justice.

The French Journals received this morning supply
the details of the opening of the Chambers, on Tuesday,
which will be found in another part of The Sun. Thu
poor KING was deeply and painfully affected when
alluding. to the irreparable loss which he had sustained
in the death of his chivalrous son. In reading the ac-
count, the lamentation of another bereaved Monarch,
that of DAVID, when apprised of the death of
ABSALOM, seemed to ring in our ears. The
stern Monarch, who had passed apparently unmoved
through so many stern vicissitudes of fortune, " lifting
lip his voice and weeping aloud," was a sight calculated
to move a less impassioned assembly than the French
Chamber of Deputies. " The KiNG's emotion," says
Golignaas Messenger, " was so great that he found it
imposside to give utterance to leis words. He made the
attempt a second time, and again he was unsuc
oessful. He at last found utterance, but his voice was
thick, husky, and broken with agitation. At the word
" consolation" the KING could no longer withstand the
torrent of his grief ; he laid down the printed speech,
and burst into tears. Again he resumed, and his voice
became stronger, until he spoke the words mon fits (my
son), where it again faltered. At mu tendresse, tears
again prevented his proceeding. At the end, his MA-
JESTY sunk back in his seat, and sobbed convulsively,
hiding his face in his handkerchief." These few
brief sentences present a picture of parental afflic-
tion hardly less moving than that recorded in
Samuel, to which we above alluded. " The KING
covered his face, and cried with a loud voice, 0 my son
ABSALOM! 0 ABSALOM my son, my son! Would to GOD
I had died for thee, 0 ABSALOM my son, my son !"
That in the presence of such genuine grief the audience
was deeply moved is not surprising. We can, therefore,
well believe thole eye-witnesses who inform us that they
never beheld so affecting a spectacle as the Chamber
presented during the delivery of the Royal Speech.
But, moved as were the Deputies with the grief of the
KING, we learn that the Opposition are resolved not to
content themselves for this session with the passing of a
Regency Bill. They propose beginning with the now
usual mode of impeaching Ministers, that is to say,
voting that they have not the confidence of the
Chambers. Rumour affirms that M. GUIZOT and
his colleagues are quite prepared to stand such
and that they rather court it than other-
a tot,
other-
wise. If it be made at all, the sooner the better.
There is some talk that the Opposition will propose
M. ODILLON BARROT for the Presidency of the
Chamber ; the Ministers of course will support the
claims of the ex-President, M. SAUZET, who we have
no doubt will be re-elected, A section of the Opposition ,

were for bringing forward M. DUPIN, but the irrita-
bility of his temper, and the causticity of hi:
gibes, have obtained for him far more admirers than
friends among the Deputies. It was therefore soon dis-
covered that his chance of ever again being elected was a
very poor one indeed. Ministers calculate that the effect
of the KING'S appearance at the opening of the session
will decide the votes of numerous waverers in favour of
the Cabinet, and we entertain a similar opinion. If the
Opposition strike their grand blow before the first im-
pression made by the KING'S appearance wears off, there
is little doubt of the triumph of the Cabinet for thi
present.

The Vigil, a Dieppe jourpal, says,—" People talk much of
an approaching visit of the King to Eu ; they even pretend that
he will pass three months there. These reports should seem to
be in some measure correct by the presence of M. Fontaine,
architect to the Court, at the Palace of Eu. It is certain that
the workmen employed in the palace are proceeding with the
greatest activity."
We have received the Moniteur Algerien of the 20th of July.
A general order of Lieutenant-General Bugead, dated the 17th
of July, communicates to the army the telegraphic despatch
which announces the death of the Duke of Orleans. The
Moniteur Algerien publishes two general orders, one
appointing General Changarnier to the command f the
provinces of Medeah and Milianah, comprehending the
ex-Caliphats of Sidi, Embarrak, and Berkani, and fixing
his official residence at Blidah. The other general
order, which is addressed to all the officers of the African army,
the Governor-General recommends the utmost caution in their
intercourse with the Arabs. As their submission' has been
forced, they cannot, he remarks, sympathise with the French
population for a considerable length of time, and they may
seize on what they conceive to be favourable opportunities to
break what they call their chains. The utmost caution is,
therefore, says General Bugeand, to be practised. The order
says :
" Let not your soldiers even pass the advance post without
arms, and in strong detachments. Always keep a picket ready
to march at a moment's notice. Let no Arabs be permitted
to enter your markets or quarters armed. Watch unceasingly,
and try to have amongst them some friends who may give you
information of any plots against you. Never forget that mis-
trust is the mother of safety, and never be remiss in any point
of careful service. Never send any detachments but when
they are dispensable. I prefer that the service of couriers
and ordonnances should be made by the Arabs. In this way
you will take care of your soldiers' health, and will not be ex-
posed to untoward accidents."
BOURSE—PARIS, TUESDAY, JULY 26.

First Highest Lowest Last
Prise. Price. Price. Price.
French 5 per Cents 117 50... 117 65... 117 50... 117 55
4 per Cents 101 35... 101 35... 101 35... 101 35
3 per Cents 77 60... 77 65... 77 55... 77 65
Bank of France 3190 ...3195 ...3190 .. 3195
Laffitte Bank I,ooof 1020 ..1020 —.1020 ...1020
Belgian Fives lO3 ... 103 ... 102/ ... 102/
1840 lO3l ... 1034 ... 1031 ... 1031
Spanish Active 221 ... 22/ ... 221 ... 221
Passive ...... 41 ... 44 ... 4i ... 44
Portuguese Fives 271 ... 271 ... 271 ... 271
Roman
RAILWAY SHARES,
Versailles, R. B 290 ... 290 ... 290 ... 290
L.B 95 ... 95 ... 95 ... 95
Rouen
Orleans. 550 ... 550 ... 550 ... 550

Strasburg to Bale 2OO ... 200 ... 200 ... 200
BELGIAN k UNDS.—BRUSSELS, JULY 26.
Actual Debt, x3i, per Cent.
twthschild's Loan, 5 per Cent lOl%
Loan of Thirty Millions, 4 per Cent 9114
Sper cent. .....
7om

Thirty.seven•

- (1740) ll2
Loan of City, 1`=32,4 per Cent. P3 ii,
Society of Commerce, 4 }i, per Cent Fil
Sank of Belgium, 5 per Cent 73
National Society ..... .. ..... . .... —
Exchange on j.ondoo (short) ....... -
-Brussels Papers, July 26.
AUSTRIAN FUNDS.—VIENNA, JULY 16
fiveper Cciits. Metalliques
Four per Cents. 1; 014
Three par Cents.
Bank Shares ..... ••••»•.••••••••••«•••••••••••••••« se •••••• 595

EXPRESS FROM PARIS

PARIS, JULY 27.

The Opposition, though consenting to present no
amendment on the Address, nor to go to any division on
the Regency, have still resolved to bring forward a mo-
tion for overturning the Ministry.
M. Guizot is not reluctant to accept the challenge.
M. Barrot is the Opposition candidate for the Presi-
dency. The Ministry will support Sauzet.
The Chamber of Deputies is occupied to-day .in the
appointment of presidents to the bureaux, in which the
Conservatives have a decided advantage. The return
of M. Emile Girardin is contested.

MADRID, JULY 20.—The Infanta and family proced
to Santander, not Seville.

VIOLENT THUNDER-STORM.

About half-past twelve o'clock last night the metro-
polis was visited by one of the most awful thunder-
storms that has occurred here for many years.

The weather during the preceding daYwas very cloudy
and sultry, and towards eleven at night vivid 'flashes of
lightning were seen in quick succession breaking through
the dark clouds in the east. On the Surrey side of the
ziver it commenced a little after midnight, and towards
one o'clock a flash of lightning, which illumined the
streets in every direction, was followed almost in-
stantaneously by a tremendous peal of thunder, which
shook every house in the streets. Three or four similar
shocks followed in succession, and by the tremendous
crash of the thunder and the bright flashes of lightning
the greatest alarm was created throughout the neighbour-
hood. The rain for a short time fell in torrents, and
towards two o'clock the storm appeared to have passed
away, hut about five in the morning it commenced
increased fury, and loud and almost continuous peals of
thunder prevailed for more than an hour. We regret
to say that it has done considerable damage to steeples
and houses, but we rejoice to say that, as fur as
yet known, the loss of human life has been small.
The spire of St. Martin's church in the Fields was
struck by the lightning about half-way clown, and a num-
ber of stones were dashed down upon the roof, but the
amount of injury has not yet been ascertained. Sur-
veyors are now engaged in examining the injury, and
serious fears are entertained that a part of the spire has
been seriously damaged. The following are the accounts
received from different districts :
About six o'clock this morning an alarm of fire was
raised in Vincent-square, Wes:minster, by the inhaLi-
tants of Nos. 1 and 2 (the former occupied by Mr.
Howell, surveyor, and the latter by a gentleman
named Cooper) appearing at the windows and . cry
ing for help. The fact was, the electric fluid had
struck a chimney stack, which was thrown on to the
roof of No. 1, and forcing its way throug'a to the top
floor. The lightning appeared to enter by the chimney,
and descending to the drawing room, scorched the paint
and paper, and scattered the furniture about in all di-
rections, breaking chimney-glasses and windows in
almost every part of the house.. The furniture is nearly
destroyed, and the building extensively damaged. No. 2
escaped with slight damage to the building. Mr. Hon ell
is insured.

The old clock tower of the Fishmongers' Almshouses,
at Newington, was also struck, and the clock shattered
to pieces ; the bell was also torn down, and the windows
round the tower broken.
The storm was more violent at the western suburbs,
particularly about Battersea and Wandsworth ; also
Putney, Mortlake, Roehampton, and Barnes. In the two
latter villages a number of houses were unroofed, -and
several valuable haystacks almost wholly destroyed. A
number of barges on the River between Vauxhall and
Putney bridges were sunk. About half-past five
o'clock, a boat in which were two men, named
Holmes and Farley, was swamped, and melancholy
to state both perished. This occurrence took place off
Wandsworth Meadows. Both the men were lightermen.
In various neighbourhoods, stacks of chimneys, and also
roofs of houses, have been thrown down. Great damage
has been sustained amongst the different craft in the
Poo], many of which have had their masts and rigging
shattered by the lightning. It is reported that the
steeple of Barking church, in Essex, has been totally de-
molished, but our informant has not been able to ascer-
tain the truth of the report.
About 20 minutes past 12 an extraordinary escape of
a whole family took place in New-street, Vauxhall. A
thunderbolt went down the chimney of a Mr. Moss, a
greengrocer living in the street ; every article in the
house is broken to atoms, and the house itself shattered,
but neither Mr. Moss, his wife, nor four children, received
the slightest injury, although the thunderbolt passed
through that part of the house in which they were sleep-
ing. From as early hour this morning the premises have
been visited by hundred of persons. The trees in front of
the Magdalen in the Blackfriars-road, are very much
scorched by lightning. About the same time a working
man, named Jarvis, was struck with lightning while
crossing Kennington-common, but, most providentially,
the only injury he received was a slight scorch on the
left cheek. The damage done, both in London and the
country, will no doubt be very great. On the various
bridges numbers of persons viewed the storm, notwith-
standing it was so wet. St. Paul's, with the surrounding
churches, were seen as plainly as in the middle of the day.
Since the above was received, we regret to learn, that
about a quarter before six o'clock, a labouring man who
was going to his work, was killed by the lightning in
Hammersmith New Road. We have also heard that the
spire of Holloway church was struck, and con-
siderably damaged. All accounts agree that such a
destructive and alarming thunder-storm has not occurred
in the metropolis in the memory of man ; and we fear
that more disasters will be communicated. Some of the
inhabitants were quite frantic with terror. The inmates
of the same houses in many streets rose from their beds,
crowded together in one room, and offered up prayers
for their safety.

THE CAMBRIDGE ASSIZES.—The Assize business,
of which a detailed account is given elsewhere, closed for the
county of Cambridge on Friday last. It is most gratifying to
state that with two exceptions, that of the two Hullers for
forgery, and one prisoner for sheep stealing, there was not a
charge upon the ealendar that could be considered as of suffi-
cient importance to call for particular observation. The com-
paratively moral state of this county in a time of such pressing
necessity, leads us to confer at once high praise upon those en-
trusted with its local executive, and upon its distressed labour-
ing population, who have forborne even to murmur, and will
forbear—till forbearance will be no longer a virtue.— Cam-
bridge Advertiser.
ENGLISH OPERA HOUSE.—The benefit of Mr.
Oxberry took place at this theatre last evening. The best
performance of the night was Deaf as a Post; in which Mr.
Oxberry and Mr. Harley were greatly applauded. In the
favourite burletta, also, of Capers and Coronets, Mr. Oxberrrs
enactment of the mercurial valet was happy and excellent.
Mrs. Grattan's comic and sentimental song, a portion of the
Stabat Mater, the burlesque on the ballet Grizelle,.• and the
nautical piece of tl:e Dream at Sea, and other amusing inter-
ludes, made the audience, which was numerous, well gratified
with their evening's entertainment.