The Press. — 1853-09-03 (London, England)

GAOL. INQUIRY has been commenced by the commissioners—Mr. Welsby, Recorder of Chester ; Capt. Williams, Inspector of Prisons ; and Dr. Baley, Medical Superintendent of Milbank l'enitentiary. Mr. it. kettle, of the oxford circuit, has appeared on behalf of the governor, Lieut. Austin. The commission originated in a memorial from the inhabitants to Lord Palmerston, severely censuring the conduct of the governor. A number of witnesses have already been examined relative to the alleged cruel treatment of a prisoner named John Dodson, who complained that, though affected with diseased chest, he had been put to hard labour, and compelled to work a crankwheel, and was otherwise treated harshly by the officers, the effect upon his mind being such as to lead him to attempt suicide. The inquiry is still proceeding. AT ST. PAUL'S AND WESTMINSTER SCHOOLS a week's additional holiday has been granted to the scholars, at her Majesty's desire, on the occasion of the birth of his Royal Highness Prince Leopold. :314 PETITIONS for private bills were, during last session, deposited at the Private Bill Office of the House of Commons. THE SITTINGS of the Commons last session were held on 100 days. The number of hours was 1,193 and 14 minutes. The house sat 1331 hours after midnight. There were 11,738 entries in the votes, and the average sitting was 7 hours 27 minutes and 37 seconds. Tim FALKLAND ISLANDS COMPANY held a meeting on Tuesday, when a report was read which stated that the colony at Stanley was gradually rising in importance. The company had transmitted sexes for the supply of shipping to the extent of 3,5001., and had sent over 120 sheep, which had thriven amazingly. 4,000 cattle were imported during the last season, of which 1,570 were slaughtered, and the remainder were taken into stock. The agent at Stanley had shipped 100 tierces of mess beef, and a large quantity of hides and other produce, to this country. In 1852 the arrivals at the port were 03, and the tonnage 22,059. From the balance-sheet it appeared that the cash received by the company was 44,393/. 17s. 3d. The balance at banker's was only 1,630/. 18s. ; but a large amount of produce was on the way for sale in this country. As LORD PALMERSTON is to accompany her Majesty this year on her visit to Balmoral, it is in contemplation to present his lordship with the freedom of Perth on the return of the royal party from the north, provided his lordship expresses a willingness to accept of the proffered honour. Is THE ORDER OF THE THISTLE three vacancies have occurred in rapid succession, through the deaths of the Marquis of Huntly, Earl of Brooke, and Lord Saltoun. It is understood that the Earl of Reddington has already received the ribbon of the late Lord Huntly, and that the other two ribbons will be conferred on the Duke of Argyll and Lord Panmure. THREE NEW INCLOSURE ACTS were passed in the late session—the last on the 20th ult., by virtue of which " Chobham," the scene of the late encampment, is to be inclosed. THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE LONDON AND NORTHWESTERN RAILWAY COMPANY, so unsettled since the retirement of Mr. tilyn, will, it is now stated, be accepted by the Marquis of Chandos. THE DEATHS of 1,0'21 persons were registered during the last week (August 21.7) in London. The number is below the average of the corresponding week in previous years, even if we strike out of the calculation the week of 1849, in which 2,796 persons died from epidemic cholera and other causes. THE GREAT INDIAN PENINSULA RAILWAY COMPANY have received authority to raise 1,500,0001. additional capital (making in all 2,000,0001.), for which the East India Company will accord a guarantee of 5 per cent. on 500,000/., and of 41 per cent. on 1,000,000/. The former stun is for the purpose of continuing the line to Shawpoor, which will make the first section fifty-three miles in length, and the latter sum is for the commencement of two main lines, one to proceed to Poonah, and the other to Khandeieh. AT THE GENERAL STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY'S _Merrise, held on Tuesday, a dividend of 14s. per share for the half-year was declared, being at the rate of 10 per cent. per annum. THE NUMBER OF ELECTORS entered at the last registration for England and Wales, according to a return .just completed, was 421,413, of which 409,958 were on the lists of England, and 11,455 for Wales. There • •were in England and Wales 55,879 freemen or members of the old corporations, 331,534 were registered • AS 10/. householders, and 10,844 in both capacities.