Glasgow Courier. — 1850-03-23 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

WILKIE COLLINS'S GRAND ROMANCE ANTONINA.—Within our Memory we do not recollect such an unanimity of opinion in regard to any new romance as at that expressed by the whole critical press towards this most interesting story. The daily and weekly press have all accorded to it a first rank among works of fiction. The Ailienceent describes it as a richly coloured impassioned story, busy with life, importunely strong iu its appeal to our sympathy, and consider that we have in this work a glimmer of that burning breathing life which Shakspeare threw into his Cleopatra and Cressida, his Coriolanus and Brutus. The Spectator considers it an able, skilful, and powerful romance, wod that Mr. Collins has a painter's eye for description and much eloquence. The Literary Gazette says that this romance has placed Mr. Collins in the foremost rank of historical romancists. The Morning Pod, which hails with high gratification the presence of exalted genius in this author, states that Antonina sill be read by thousands with deep and absorbing interest, and calls the publication of this charming story an event in the literary world not easily to be forgotten. Antonina, observes the Morning Herald, abounds in passages of surpassing beauty and striking eloquence. The author, remarks the Observer, need not fear comparison with any novelist in the field. The Briton/4a declares that it is written with the pen of a master. The John Ball says Antonini Is a work of which the author may be justly proud. It is a work of signal ability observes the Weekly Chronicle. A great subject is here handled, remarks the Weekly Arews,Most graphically and truthfully. The Weekly Despatch predicts for this grand romance universal popularity, and strongly recommends it. The Sue congratulates Mr. Collins on his successful aohicvement. The Globe remarks, that in stirrii g narrative the author displays considerable power, and that it might cite many remarkable illustrations of his ability. The Standard says that Antonin& possesses the fascination of Sir Bulwer Lytton'a far-famed "Last Days of Pompeii," and that the author will henceforth be ranked among the most distinguished men of our day.  Funeral of Mr. Ramsay of Barnton.—The funeral of Mr. Ramsay of &Hilton took place on Thursday at one o'clock. His remains were deposited in the family vault at Cramond, and were attended by a numerous company of mourners The chief-mourner was the Hon. Captain James Sandilands (brother-in-law of the deceased), and among the company were Lord Belhaven and the other relatives of the family, a large number of the gentlemen of the county, the tenantry on the estates, Bo The funeral cortege consisted of fifteen mourning coaches, and twenty-two private carriages, and the route of the procession was thronged by numerous spectators.  Death of the Rev. Mr. Campbell of Kilmarnoek.--It is with much pain we have this week to record the death of the oldest minister in Kilmarnock—the Bev. Peter Campbell. He was ordained pastor of the then Original Burgher congregation, Kilmarnock (now Henderson Free Church), in 1815, and has for the long period of 35 years laboured faithfully and zealously amongst his people. Be was highly respected by all parties for his deep piety and his amiable and peace-seeking disposition; and his sermons were considered to be of a high order in point of mental power and logical acumen. He has for some time been labouring under a severe affliction•, and departed this life on Tuesday last, with the sure confidence in a glorious immortality through the Master whom he sought to serve so diligently whilst here.—Ayr Advertiser.  The Juniper Green Murders.—We understand that the preeognition of the witnesses in this revolting case (the particulars of which we gave on Tuesday) has been closed, and sent oft' to the Crown authorities. Since his apprehension, Pearson has exhibited little indication of being aware of the nature of the awful crime with which he is charged. Occasionally, indeed, he alludes to the revolting deed, but in such an incoherent manner as to be almost unintelligible. Shortly after his arrival at the prison, be remarked to the Governor of the jail that "the Doctor had a sair fecbt," which would seem to indicate that he had either struggled desperately with his murderer, or in the agonies of death. From the appearance of the body, and of the spot where it was found, we believe the latter surmise is the correetest one. We learn that Pearson has undergone a medical examination, and that no doubt is entertained of his confirmed insanity. The mutilated remains of his victims were interred yesterday.