Glasgow Courier. — 1850-01-19 (Glasgow, Strathclyde, Scotland)

DISTITEBANCE AT THE EDINBURGH UNIVERSITY. We regret that the tranquillity of the city was threatened on Wednesday in a serious manner, by the recurrence of one of those foolish annoyances by the students at the University, which been frequent at this season for several years past. During day it appears that the students had a regular snow-ball fight in the quadrangle of the College, which they enjoyed among themselves, without interference; but about three o'clock, the hour at which the various tradesmen and apprentice lads return from dinner, the scene of the conflict gradually became nearer the South Bridge, until the snow-balls at length fell upon the street. The consequence was the assemblage of a large crowd opposite the University, attracted by the exciting spectacle, which every moment received a great accession, and threatened entirely to blockade the thoroughfare. The students also issued from the College, upon the street, amounting to upwards of a hundred, and began to hoot and indulge in practical fun of rather an unpleasant description. The thoroughfare being completely impeded, a body of police, under the command of Mr. Sioxey, endeavoured to persuade the crowd that thronged the street to disperse, and though their exertions were successful with the inhabitants, many of the students refused to more. The result was the apprehension of the more refractory, when a shout of rescue was raised, and a general rush made upon the police force. The police, however, retained their prisoners, and several others were taken into custody, and conveyed to the Police-office, followed by the general body of the students, in a tumultuous manner. Some attempts were made on the road to the Police-office at rescue, but proved fruitless; and ultimately 13 students were lodged in the office, charged with the obstruction of the public thoroughfare, with breach of the peace, and molesting the police in the discharge of their duty. The streets in the neighbourhood of the College presented an excited state for some time afterwards, but it gradually subsided, and the tranquillity of the city was not farther menaced during the evening. The promptitude of Mr. Moxey in checking the disposition evinced to disturbance is highly commendable. The various parties in custody would be tried on Thursday in the Police-court.—Courant.  Sale of Reversions.—On Tuesday last the following reversions were sold in Mr. Stevenson's sale-rooms, George Street, Edinburgh, after a keen competition: —Lot. 1. Amount, .£4,6oo—exposed at £1,300; sold at ..£1,720. Lot 2. Amount, £7oo—exposed at £400; sold at £420. Lot 3. Amount, £2so—exposed at £150; sold at £163. The Rev. Dr. Alexander.—On Sabbath forenoon, this eminent minister, whose recent call to London has been the source of considerable apprehension, announced to his congregation that he had determined upon remaining in his present charge. Free Presbytery.—A meeting of this Presbytery took place in the Free Tron Church, High Street—Rev. Mr. Davidson, Moderator—when the subject of education was discussed. It was introduced by an overture by Dr. Begg, in the following words:—lt is humbly overtured by the Presbytery of Edinburgh, that the General Assembly shall use its utmost efforts to open up the parish schools of Scotland to all qualified teachers, as well as greatly to increase the number of such schools, and improve their quality. This was seconded by George Lees, Esq., M.A. Dr.Candliah moved as an amendment the Presbytery, adhering to the resolutions of 1847, resolve to be prepared to take advantage of any measure which may be framed by the Government, having a proper basis. The Rev. Dr. opposed at considerable length the overture of Dr. Begg, and defended the present educational arrangements of the Free Church, which had not yet, he was confident, had a fair trial. To disapprove of the existing arrangements, and to introduce, as proposed by Dr. Begg, an entirely new plan, would assuredly damp the zeal and the liberality of the adherents to the Free Church, and make them believe that their scheme had failed. The debate was conducted with much energy on both sides, and was adjourned till next Wednesday. Determined Suicide.—On Sunday evening an sged man, who bad been removed to Edinburgh from the west country for the purpose of undergoing a painful operation in surgery, attempted suicide by dashing a common glass bottle against his temples, by which, however, he was only severely lacerated, from the bottle having broken. The unfortu. nate individual, at a subsequent stage of the night, effected his deadly purpose by means of a cork-screw, which he drove right into his heart! and was found dead in bed on Monday morning.