Star.
London, England, 1820-01-13 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE STAR.

SlR—Observing your communications to the Pub-
lic, respecting the Forest of Dartmoor, and of its im-
portant value, as a means of employing numerous
Labourers, but that the situation of the land, and its
bad quality, had discouraged its cultivation, it may
be useful to make public the following statement, by
Sir Joux NCLAIR

" The Abbey of St. Pierre, at Ghent, before the
Revolution, broke up about 450 acres of moor land,
near Oudenarde, and in order to procure manure,
they collected all the heath clods the soil produced,
into piles, and intermixed them with strata of salt;
these piles, after being properly mixed with the salt,
were found to become a valuable manure. You cor-
rectly observe, that where lime can be obtained on
easy terms, it is most valuable for improving peat
and turfy soils ; but lime obtained in the manner
proiosed, from the coast, and the stone burnt by the
turf, must be expensive, aid an injurious waste of
the turf, which, if dissolved by salt, would be ren-
dered a more durable and valuable manure; than the
few ashes so obtained. Lime or chalk, are so want-
ing in some soils, as to render it necessary to obtain
one of them, as they correct sour lands, and by neu-
tralizing the phosphoric acid, form phosphate of
lime—a constant ingredient in all vegetation. But as
salt, not only hastens the rotting of the most stubborn
substances, and destruction of insects, but is allowed
to be of stimulating power to all vegetation, exciting
the ;ibsorbent vessels to take up more nourishment.
and to invigorate every plant, and can now be ob-
tained fluty tree, as manure, I am induced to recom-
mend a trial of its power for assisting soils of a sour,
light, or inert nature, and its action with lime or
chalk, would be very beneficial."
Mr. GIOBEHT, a foreign chemist, states, that from
the most perfect soil he could form, by due propor-
tions of silex, alumina, lime, and magnesia, and
moistening the plants regularly with water,none would
igfow well till he made use of water from a dung-
hill; now in this case, as none of the proper soils
were .wanting, the plants could not obtain, from the
liquid, any new assistant whatever but salt ; it may,
therefore, encourage great expectation from its assist-
ance, with any compost, or without any, if employed
in the cultivation of Dartmoor ; and as the cultiva-
tion of other Wastes and Moors are in contemplation
for the employment of the poor, I think you would
obtain the thanks of many friends to agricultural im-
provement, by inserting such parts of my letter as
may appear to you most deserving of notice.
I am, &c. AMIGOS AOMCOLA.
Essex, January 8, 1820.

The necessities, at this inclement season, of the la-
bouring poor in the neighbourhood of Belvidere, have
been materially relieved by the usual and well-known
liberality- of Lord EA RDLEY and the Hon. Mr. EA RD -
LEY, in an extensive distribution of coals, bread, and
warm clothing.
Mrs. EGERTON, the mother of Sir JOHN GREY
EGERTON, Bart. has, this Christmas, been liberally
dispensing her bounty to the poor round her resi-
dence at Upton, in Cheshire, by distributing among
them blankets in pairs, and sums of money to pur-
, chase coals, or other necessaries of which they stood
in need.

Mr. DOWTON, of Drury-Lane, gave the use of the
Canterbury Theatre, gratis, for the late amateur per-
formance for the Fund of the Ladies' Benevolent
Society. The receipts of the House enabled the La-
dies to relieve fifty more poor families than they
otherwise could have done.

A Meeting was held at the Town-hall, Ramsgate,
on Tuesday ' last, R. TostsoN, Esq. Deputy, in the
Chair, to take into consideration the state of the poor
at this inclement season, when a subscription was
immediately entered into for the purpose of afford-
ing adequate relief. A Committee was formed, and
the result has been, that upwards of 300 poor fami-
lies are likely to be assisted during the whole winter
with bread, coals, soup, and potatoes, at very re-
duced prices ; the subscription already amounts to
mare than £l6O, aad is still increasing.

A tew days since, Mr. RICHARD Wm's, of Mar-
gate, descending one of the Bathing Room stairs, at
that place, slipped through and fractured three of
his ribs, broke his collar-bone in two Vlaces, dislo-
cated his shoulder, and cut his bead. The wife of Mr.
Baowx, cabinet-maker, Hawley-square, Margate,
also slipped down, and broke her arm.

THE ARMY.

The 7th Rdyal Veteran Battalion, lately stationed
at Fort George, has embarked for Chatham, with
the exception of three Companies, which remain to
garrison the Fort.

The Stirlingshire YeoManry, who, during the late
alarm, were quartered at Kilsyth, on being ordered
home, subscribed between £3O and lAD for the poor
of that parish.

NAVAL INTELLIGENCE.

PLYMOUTH, Joaivsar 11.—Arrived the Dutch catter le Chas-
seur, from Malaga to Antwerp, in distre3s.—Wind X.W.
POST3IIIOII7II, JANUARY IC—Wind N.E..--Arrived his Ma-
jesty's sloop IIINn, from a cruize. Sailed the Barton, CORNISH,
for Stangate Creek; and the Prince Leopold, MANGLES, for
Weymouth.
MAL,. JA NV ARY 12.—Wind E.S.F.—Came-down from the
River aad sailed, the Arladne, llama:Nis, for Grand Canary;
_Minstrel, LINZLATIR, for Malta; Seneca, fILL, for Xlogadore ;.
and several others, names unkown. Arrived, and remains in
the Downs, the Ann, LATIOURN. from Cephalonia.
•111ARGATR, JANUARY It.—Arrived the Cordelia, URQUHART,
from Messina for London, with loss of anchor and cable, and
has sailed again for London.—The schooner William Henry
was got off Westgate Rock last night, and' is brought into the
harbour.

HULL, JANUARY 11.-A large ship has been on shore on the
Biol., and his gone to pieces. The crew arc saved. Her nante
is not known, but she is supposed to be a collier
Jimtwicu' JANUARY 12.—A-Arrived the Ann, Iltiatisan, from
London, with loss of anchor and cable ; and S.iralt, Ih'mtvritEas,
from ditto, with loss of anchor and cable. Two casks of Geneva
have been brought in here, supposed to belong to the Maria, of
Dover.

Cu,ZE JAXUAPT 7.—Sailed his Majesty's ships Tatauhz, DOT.
TIMM, ARA., and &IMMIX& ; and the canny Revenue cruizer.
Currosi-Iioust,IANUAST 12.—Entered Inwards: The Bramp-
ton, Green, from Bombay; and Sprightly, Miller, from Leith.
—Entered Outwards : The Jean Pierre, Herse, fur Ostend ; and
Resolution, 141'Gregor, for Malta.—Cleared Outwards: The
Celeritus, Leaser, for Rouen.

DUTY ON MAPS BOUND AS BOOKS. ••
cm:cut...to.)
" Treasury Chambers, December 22.
" GIDITLIM/V—l am commanded by the Lords Commis-
sioners of his Majesty's Treasury, to transmit a copy of a letter,
dated 24th November, on the subject of some Maps and Plans
purchased In Paris, which were bound in twelve volumes, and
for which duty has been required for 06s Maps: I am to ac-
quaint you, that all Maps and part.: of Maps, bound together as
Books, they are of opinion they should be charged the duty paid
upon bound books of £6. 10s. per hundred, and you will govern
yourselves accordingly. (Signed) "S.LUS HI N 6 TON.
""lso the Commibaiouers of Customs."

By the Isabella, Captain Bistro'', arrived at Stan-
gate Creek from Mogadore, advices are received
from thence to the sth ultimo, at which period the
plague was still prevalent there, but the deaths were,
however, not more than three or four each' day, and
as the weather had taken a favourable change, it was
confidently expected the infection would cease in a
short time. Owing to the above circumstance, the
Isabella brought a foul bill of health, and has there-
fore been ordered to perform thirty days quarantine.
The British Vice-Consul returned home passenger in
the vessel, and is now at Stangate Creek.
Adv ices received from the United States say, that
some important commercial arrangements have lately
been entered into between the Government of the
United States and the KING of PRESSIA. By these,
all vessels belonging to his MAJESTY, are placed on
the same footing, as to tonnage, as those of America,
and also as to the duty on goods imported by them,
being the produce or manufacture of Prussia. An
Order had been issued from the Treasury Department
at Washington, addressed to the Collectors of the
different Ports of the Union, for carrying these Re-
gulations into effect, which is as follows :
" Treasury Department, Nov. 18, 1819.
" In the Circular from this Department, of the 14th April,
1819, it is observed, that when information should be received
that the Pruisian Government had repealed its discriminating
Duties, so far as they operated against the United States, you
should be advised thereof. .

" From an official communication of a Copy of an Order
of that Government, recently received by this Department,
it appears—
" 1. That the discriminating Duties on the part of Prussia
were directed to be abolished on the 14th August, 1818, with
respect to the vessels of the United States, and their cargoes.

4 2. That Prussia is not in possession of any other Sea-ports
than Konigsberg, Dantzic, Stettin, Coeslin, and Stralsund.
" You will, therefore, consider the vessels of Prussia entitled
to the Act of the 20th April, 1818, entitled' An Act concern-
ing Tonnage and Discriminating Duties in certain cases,' and
refund such duties as are inconsistent, with the provisions of the
Act, and which have been collected since the 14th of August,
1818, the day on which the reciprocal measure on the part
of Prussia took effect."

THE SERPENTINE RIYIR.—The day brightening
up yesterday about one o'clock, the Serpentine River
again exhibited much bustle. About three, many of
the leading skaters occupied the best ice, which was
on the northern bank. Indeed, every other part of
the vast expanse had suffered so much by the pre-
ceding day's snow, and the subsequent thaw, that it
was almost impassable without danger. Along the
whole line from East to West, were hollow ridges of
ice produced by melted snow ; and, although nume-
rous sweepers were employed, their exertions could
not improve it. Neither Mr. LONGL A NDS, Mr. BLIGH,
nor Mr. COVIRTIINA Y, were among the skaters ; but
most of the others were there. On the whole :there
might be five hundred persons on the ice, but not a
female promenader on its banks. In the drive not
more than half a dozen carriages. It was decidedly
the coldest day the season has yet produced ; drifting
snow, and the North-easterly wind drove all specta-
tors, from the scene.

BoxlNG.—On Monday, a battle was fought near
Plaistowe, Essex, between JorAnd Hiulson,a pugilist of
celebrity, who last fought Martin, and Rasher, a
butcher, from Whitechapel. Hudson fought against
superior weight, tea guineas to eight, and it was an
off-hand match.
ROUND I.—After much sparring, the butcher received a chat-
tering left-handed facer, which loosened a tooth or two, and in
a short rally Hudson fell.
IL The butcher was punished severely by left-handed hits,
and want of science made kim too slow upon the return, but yet
his daring was undeniable, and some smart hitting took place.
Both were down at the close of the round.
3. A gallantly contested round, but in favour of Hudson,
who drew the claret freely with his left hand ; but be was re-
turned upon in a rally, and both covered themselves with glory
and snow !
4. This round-von Hudson the fight, by his tactics. The
butcher had been severely punished with his adversary's left
hand, and he had just enough of cunning to parry or avoid the
blows. Hudson commenced a new system of operation, by
making feints with kis left hang to get the right into action, and
which be did with much force. The butcher met him, and
some severe rallying fighting took place, both being too good to
go down. It was altogether a brave round, not unlike that me-
morable one between Silvertborne and Dogherty, at Coombe
Wood. The butcher was Maori at last, and although he fought
several other rounds, he had not a chance afterwards. liusisors
I won the battlt. In t 4 minutes.

==g2r.,••••ol/1111•1
4-.

LAW INTELLIGENCE.

COURT OF KING'S RENCK JAVUARY It.
CULLIEN V. MORRIS.

This was an action brought by the plaintiff, who is
a resident householder of Knightsbridge, parish of
St. George, Hanoversquare, to recover reparation in
damages from the defendant, as High Radar of West•
minster, for violation of the plaintiff 's.rights and pri-
vileges as au Elector of Westminster, for rejecting his
vote at the last Election for a Member in Parliament
fat Westminster, in the room of the late lamented
Sr Samuel Romilly.
Mr. EVANS opened the pleadings, and Mr. BLACK.
BURNS stated the case for the plaintiff, the substauce
of which, as stated in evidence, was as follows:
After the precept issued to the High Bailiff on the
6th of February, 1819, to rerun► a Membet in place
of the worthy Representative deceased, preparations
were made for the election. The Candidates pro-
posed were the Right Hon. G. Lamb, Mr. C. Hob-
hoetse, and Major C irtwright. Tie election corm.
meaced on the 233 Feetuary, and the principal coa-
test lay between the two former Gen.lernen. The
plaintiff was a resident of Knightsbridge, many years
a respectable householder there, in a reputable line
of business, in a house rate t at £4O a year, with a
stock in trade worth from 1:1803 to 02000. He 1134
always regularly paid 11:s taxes, but an arrear for
three quarters, announ ing to £4. 13s. 41 was due
by him about the commencement of the election ;
but this only because the Collector had called twice
or thrice when he hapi.eied to be from home, :cid
,not from any neglect. or inco,npetence on the plain-
tiff's part. Oa the 24th February, he came to his
parish division, at the front of the hustings, with in-
tent to vote for Mr. Hobhouse; but as loon as his
name and residence were entered on the poll-book,
and before he named Mr. Hobhouse as the object of
his vote, the Collecter of Parish Taxes objected to his
vote, as he had not paid up his arre.tr of taxes. He
took out some notes to pay any claims against him,
but his offer was refused ; and it was proposed he
should go round to the High Bailiff's office, on the
hustings, to settle the point. This he declined at the
time, went away, paid up his arrear of taxes next
day, and came the day following to tender his vete,
and shew his receipt; but his vote was again rejected,
and he was sent round, with the Collector, to refer the
point to the High Bailiff. The Collector admitted
that he had paid up his taxes ; but the High Bailiff
rejected his vote, as he bad not paid up before the
commencement of the Election.

Mr. EVANS, the Counsel for Mr. Hobhouse, argues
the point, and assured the High Bailiff, that if he re-
fused the vote, an action for damages would be
brought against him. Mr. Evans, at the same time?
reminded him of the Shaftesbury case, and several
others, decided upon the point, 'that an arrear of
taxes by a solvent householder was no ;round of
disfranchisement to invalidate his right of voting.
But the, High Bailiff took the advice of his own Db-
puty, who is a Solicitor, and Mr. Lamb's Counsel,
and finally rejected the vote ; and upon this ground
the present action was brought.
Mr. SCARLET? addressed the Jury in justificatiots
Or the conduct of his client, the High Bailiff, whom
he thought borne out by the 26th of the king, for
regulating occasional voters at elections, and required
that no such person should be entitled to vote who
was not, for six months previously to such election, a
-resident householder of such town corporate, tnd
paying regular taxes. Whereas it appeared, thz pre-
sent plaintiff had paid no taxes for nine months pre-
vious to the election, and therefore had no right to
vote. He also contended, that he was acting in a
Judicial as well as in a Ministerial capacity on the
occasion, and that if no malice, paitiality, or preju
dice appeared in his proceeding, and not a tittle of
such was proved ; and if he acted bona fide to the
best of his judgment, and with no improper intention
or motive, no action could lie against him, any more
than against any Judge of the Land for any decision
given to the best of his judgment, and with no par-
tial or sinister view.

The Learned Juuaz, on summing up for the Jury,
told them it was his clear opinion, however a Com-
mittee of the House of Commons might decide, that
the plaintiff had shewn a clear and legal right to
vote at the election in question ; but they the Jury
would, on the other hand, consider whether the de-
fendant had acted from any partial-or improper mo-
tive, or bona Ale, to the best of his judgment,
and with fair intention?" If he had done the former,
in their opinion, they would find for the plaistifF,
with such damages as they should think reasonable;
but if the latter, then the defendant would be entitled
to their verdict.

The Jury retired, and, after remaining out twn
hours, could sot agree upon a verdict ; they sent,
however, a written statement to the Learned Judge,
who communicated the same to .the Counsel on bock
sides ; and, after some consultation, the Jury were
sent for, and came to their box, when the Learned
Judge told them, that as they could not agree upon
a verditt, the Learned Counsel on both sides had
agreed that they should not be called on to deliver
any. A Juror was accordingly withdrawn, and the
Jury dismissed.
OLD BAILEY SESSIONS.

These Sessions commenced yesterday, at Justice
Hall, before the Right Hon. the LORD MAYOR, the
Hon. Justice HoutoYD, Mr. Justice BORROUGU, the
RECORDER, Aldermen, Itcc.'

The Sheriffs were very punctual in their attend,
once on the Judges. Mr. Sheriff PARKYNS has it
length appointed an Under-Sheriff, in the person tSf
Mr. PULLEN, who served the office under the El-
Sheriff, GWYNNE.

Henry Doran, aged 22, was capitally indicted for
burglariously breaking and entering the dwelliug-
house of Benjamin Pugh, on the 4th inst. and steal-
ing therein some earthenware, a quantity of bread,
butter, cheese, bacon, salmon, and other property.
Guilty—Death.
John Milky was indicted for assaulting William
Mould, on the 21st of December last, on the hq ti
way, putting him in fear, and, taking from his per-
'um a watch, seal, &c. Guilty—Death.
The Ticket, No. 443, drawn at Eleven o'Clock yes-
terday Morning, a Prize of C 20,000 Consols, w sold
by Wass, in OneAitarter, Two Eighths, and
Sixteenth Shares—wit his Fortunate Offices, 9, Okla.
hill, and 17,kLudgate-street, where the First-draws
Prize of 1::20,000, in the Last Lottery, was also Suild
Sbares.—This is keeping it up