Flintshire Observer Mining Journal and General Advertiser for the Counties of Flint Denbigh

Utir fouirou Coruspoiitat. TWe deem it right to state that we do not at all times indentifs ourselves with our correspondent's opinions.] The visit of the Queen to the Princess of Wales is not only a pleasing trait in her Majesty's character, but it adds some little to the hope so generally enter- tained that ere long the Queen may mingle more with her people than she has of late done. Her Ma. jesty, it will have been observed, still wears widow's weeds, which it is now scarcely probable she will ever abandon. When the Prince of Wales was married we all re- memberhow addresses of congratulation poured in from every quarter of the kingdom; and though there was a strong family Ukenessin these addresses, newspaper edi- ton liked to give them and people liked to read them. The birth of a Prince has also given rise to numbers of congratulatory addresses, but comparatively few of these have seen the light. The loyalty of the people has, however, suffered no diminution, and I hear that this has been in some instances manifested in a way which, however honourable to one side and gratifying to the other, is contrary to etiquette. To people about to make presents to the Royal infant it may be said, don't, for the Prince and Princess cannot in strict etiquette receive them. In fact, it is necessary to attach a price to anything submitted to the Royal family, and this quite destroys its character as a present. Our aristocracy and members of Parliament are coming up to town pretty rapidly, preparatory to the meeting of the Legislature, and everybody is looking ya forward with more or less interest to the approaching Shi, session. What are the prospects of Legislation, is a ed r topic that is eagerly discussed in political circles. For beai myself, I pretend to no prophetic glances at what we sion may, still less, what we shall have but I think, to st nevertheless, that there are one or two signs which in- p^^lieate coming events. From the tone of the speeoh of tlfp President of the Board of Trade, I think we may look forward to some measure on the rights of neutrals and belligerents in reference to the building and equipping of ships. I think, too, that there has been so much discussion lately, as to the treatment of Townley and Wright, in reference to the law of the" several cases, that we may reasonably look for some measureasto thebearing of ourcriminallawsonalleged lunatics while the casesofbothWrightand of Townley seem to point to an attempt to establish a Court of Criminal Appeal, an institution which has long been advocated by an influential portion of the public. There have also been discovered so many flaws in the re- cently-passed Bankruptcy Act, that an amendment of thatmeasure isverylikelytobe brought forward by Go- vernment, if only to forestal the Opposition. This latter word reminds me that the Conservatives claim to have gained strength during the recess, and it is said they will not be slow to try that strength. A dissolution during next session is confidently looked forward to by many, but I would remind my readers that there is no necessity for this, as the Parliament does not die a natural death till 1865. It is pretty certain, however, that the natural course of events tends towards a dissolution. Should Government be defeated on any very important measure, this tendency will be all the stronger. Foreign topics-America, Germany and Denmark, Japan, &c.-will necessarily occupy a large share of the attention of Parliament during the coming session. We seem destined indeed to be nearly always discussing the affairs of other nations. We shall, however, soon see what we shall see. The Parliamentary dinners, which will shortly take place, are the overture, and then the curtain will rise for the great legislative drama. Meanwhile, it is pleasant to hear that the Premier has all but re- covered his severe attack of gout. It is said that the Chancellor of the Exchequer will have a surplus, and there are pleasant rumours of consequent reductions in taxation-in income-tax, malt duty, fire-insurance duty, &c. But much will depend on the war-like or peaceful attitude of the Continent when the House meets. The prevailing topic of the day is the rupture between Germany and Denmark, especially as war has now been resolved on, on the part of Austria and Prussia, who decline to accede to the request of England to retard the entry of troops into the disputed Duchies. If anything were wanting to make the Germatyg more .0 unpopular, and the Danes more popular in this country, plfp it is this hot haste on the part of the former. England merely urged Germany to accede to a fair request, on the part of Denmark, that the eruption of German troops should be delayed until the Danish Parliament could have time to consider the proposed modifi- cation of the November constitution. But Ger- many will not wait-so says the last news at the time I write—and war is resolved on. There is but one hope. Austria and Prussia cannot, for two or three weeks, pass the Eider, and by that time our Parliament will have met. I hear that the very first question that will be discussed, after the Address is passed, will be this Austro-Prusso-Danish war, which everybody deprecates, and which England most heartily desires may be avoided. Perhaps the voice of the English Parliament may do something to preclude Austria and Prussia braving the entire opinion of this country. Meanwhile our Ministry will not wait for the voice of Parliament, and there are rumours of a most pressing dispatch having already been sent to Berlin and Vienna, subsequent to the receipt of the news of the last exhibition of German fury and obstinacy. The appointment of the Rev. Harold Browne, B.D., to the bishopric of Ely, gives pretty general satisfaction. The new bishop is a tolerably High Churchman, but not very high. The best feature about the appointment is, that there are no Colenso proclivities about him. An inquest has been held here on a servant who committed suicide. The tale may be summed up in three words seduction, desertion, suicide. The cowardly miscreant who drove this poor girl to self- destruction was one of our country's brave defenders —he was a soldier. The coroner, addressing this de- ceitful coward, said, I shall send the letters written by you, and found on the deceased, to your command- ing officer to see if something cannot be done to put a stop to your prowling about this neighbourhood for the purpose of seducing young women." As well might the coroner have said he would send the letters to the Pacha of Egypt. The commanding officer can do nothing. The fact is, that the law should be al- tered. Admitting that in all such cases the fault is equal, the punishment is unequal. The seducer goes wholly free, except, perhaps, of the sting of conscience. Alas it is as true now as when Goldsmith wrote the lines When lovely Woman stoops to folly, And finds too late that men betray, What charm can soothe her melancholy, What art can wash her guilt away ? The only art her guilt to cover, And hide her shame from every eye, To bring repentance to her lover, And wring his bosom, is to die. It is far from cheering, however, to think that, during the century or so since this was written, we have still left our laws on this matter as one-sided as ever. There was much discussion, some time ago, on the cruel danger of sensation performances. One of our managers, at whose gardens a "sensation" perform- ance terminated fatally, thereupon promised that no performance endangering life should ever again take place under his management, and he has kept his word. But I regret to say that both at the Alhambra and the Agricultural Hall there are nightly perform- ances of the most dangerous character, and that the public seem to relish this risk of life as much as ever. It would be too much, perhaps, to expect that Par- liament should step in to prohibit such performances but I sincerely hope that, in case of any fatal accident, the jury will bring it in "manslaughter" against the manager of the place of entertainment where the accident" occurs. This would bring managers and performers to their senses. On dit that the old copper coin is to be called in, being made an illegal tender. I believe an Act of Parliament is not required for this, but it may be done by an order in council. Be this as it may, the sooner it is done the better. Lycurgus made the Spartan money very heavy and cumbersome, to prevent people hoarding it up. At one time, our copper coinage was hoarded up, on the other hand, for its actual value in copper. That time has gone by, and it is to be hoped that ere long we shall lose all vestiges of the late cumbrous copper coins. The present is incomparably superior; but I confess I should like to see even an improvement here. I do not see why we should not have nickel pennies and twopenny-pieces, like the Belgians. A five-shilling gold piece, too, now that crowns are no longer coined, would be a great conve- nience. But the chief want is undoubtedly three- penny and fourpenny-pieces. The demand is in- finitely greater than the supply. On the whole, I do not think our coinage is equal to the French for con- venience but great credit is due to Mr. Gladstone for what he has already done in adapting it to our wants.

HOW to DISPOSE of TWO MILLIONS! The Times has a very clever article on the surplus of our national income over our expenditure, with references to other nations, and what they would do under the like cir- cumstances. From this we select the following, especially commending the last two paragraphs to the notice of our readers:— A little return, comprised in a dozen lines, from the National Debt-office, informs us that in the year ending last September 30th the Revenue of this kingdom exceeded the expenditure by 2,041,1681. 143. 6d. Ac- cordingly a quarter of that sum, with a trifle besides, was applied to the reduction of the National Debt. The whole proceeding is formal and statutory, and, as it would take we know not how many centuries to pay off the debt at this rate, we must not attach too much value to the announcement. But there is no reason why we should not accept the plain statement that for the year ending last Michaelmas the State actually received two millions more than it actually spent, and was therefore two millions better off so far as regarded its pecuniary liabilities and assets. As the State has not had the opportunity of spending more since or contracting more debts, and as the Revenue keeps up in spite of reductions, we may conclude that in due time we shall see a return to the same effect for the year ending last December 31st. OUR EXPENDITURE ON THE TURN. Into the future we presume not to pry. For aught we know, the assembly which is to meet next Thurs- day week will launch into fresh expenditure and repeal more taxes. Few will quarrel with it for doing so. But as long as it lasts we will do all honour, and show all gratitude, to the present happy state of things. It is pleasant to see the tide of expenditure on the turn, and to know that we are not absolutely speeding on with uniform and irresistible force to national bank ruptcy. Perhaps the broadest and most natural way of putting it is that at a period when we are going to an unusual expense upon almost all heads, aftyr abo- lishing an immense quantity of taxes pressing on in- dustry and the middle and lower classes, and, above all, during the collapse of our principal manufacture, we can show in one year two millions received more than spent. WHAT THE FRENCH WOULD WANT Just imagine howany one of our neighbours or cou- frins, near or far, would receive such an announcement! What new wings they would take to their amb ition what buoyancy to their hopes, what new fieldi to their enterprise, what inexhaustible credit! New boulevards, new squares, new edifices, one more magnificent than another, new railways, more ironclads, more docks and harbours, more fortifications, more rifled ordnance, new frontiers, new empires, would rise up by magic. Could a man suddenly find himself treading the waves or mounting the air, he would hardly feel more eman- cipated from earth's vulgar laws. WHAT SOME POTENTATES WOULD DO If some potentates should cast their eyes on this little fact, we may imagine their reflections, What a magnificent army would I have were I there What a glorious fleet! I'd have something to say to every- thing that goes on. The Germans shouldn't cross the Eider for nothing. Wouldn't I square a few ac- counts with my neighbours ? I'd soon restore order in Europe, and open a few thoroughfares out of it." WHAT THE AMERICANS WOULD DO At Washington they would immediately double and triple the bounty, order fifty more Monitors, ten timss as many gunboats, a million pairs of boots and suits of uniform, and buy half a million more horses, to be used up by the cavalry at the rate of a horse to a man a month. WHAT THE CZAR AND THE SULTAN WOULD DO The Emperor of Russia would immediately construct a railway three thousand miles long into Siberia; single line, trains only in one directioil,-vestigia nulla retrorsum. The Sultan would order ten new palaces and five acres of cut-glass mirrors. WHAT THE ENGLISH MIGHT DO, BUT WILL NOT For our part, representing as we do the ordinary cravings of an average Englishman, we must candidly confess that we know not what to choose among the variety of tempting offers that present themselves. We should like to see the metropolis made straight, but, as the railways will throw it into worse disorder than ever the year after, we give it up as a bad job. We only half like seeing the population of Ireland reduced and its inhabitants becoming American citizens. Could not something be done with money there ? All has been done that money could do, and more money would quicken the exodus. Witness the Galway job. Well, let us spend a little on ourselves, and have a few more fine buildings in London-a really good National Gallery, for example. But that involves, at the least, a ten years' battle between all the schools of art, in the House of Commons, and a result abused by nine people out of ten. WHAT THE ENGLISH WILL DO! So, after all, like the clubman who, after hearing out all the waiter has for lunch, orders bread and cheese, we fall back upon the remission of taxes. Income- tax, malt-tax, tea duties, and a few other duties, are all, at least, capable of reduction. There is still left the capacity for being less. Every dwelling-house pays three distinct taxes to the State, besides no end of rates. It pays income-tax, inhabited-house-tax, and a duty on its insurance from fire; that duty we say it pays in effect, for, if it is not actually insured, it is only running a risk to avoid the duty. But the pro- foundest wisdom that an Englishman is capable of is to keep his cake, and not eat it. So we revert to the old conclusion. Let us reduce our taxes one by one, and spend no more money than we can help. ENGLAND LIVING WITHIN HER INCOME England has some right to commend her financial state to the attention of her neighbours. She is omitting nothing necessary to self-defence she is not enjoying unqualified good fortune just now; she does not levy one single tax on the produce or the work- manship of her neighbours which she does not levy on her own, and yet she is keeping within her income. It costs her many an effort, and many a piece of self- denial, yet she does it. Englishmen can spend, yet England spends less, according to her means, than any other nation. TEMPTING BAITS Our own neighbours, and they who are only our neighbours in the most inclusive sense, are fishing for loans in our market. Not a day passes without seeing a financial angler trolling for the British capitalist, offering all sorts of tempting baits. Some of them must succeed, for there is a never-ending supply of people credulous enough to grasp at six per cent. on any security. One would think that fish were wiser by this time, but the baits still take, and our tables are still supplied. A WORD TO THE WISE! But how is it that all other States are borrowing and we not? It is worth a thought, we beg to assure our readers who, with- few hundreds to invest, are look- ing out for a cfiance of bettering themselves. This perpetual talk of war, ahd the inflammable state which talk of this sort comes from and goes to, have some- thing to do with all this borrowing. There is a general misgiving that if money should by any chance be wanted, it may not be obtainable on such easy terms next year or the year after as now. None so prompt as financiers to make hay while the sun shines; but when they are making hay with more than usual activity, we may look for a change of weather. A European war once fairly set in would soon put a few governments in that downward course whence there is no return, and compel them to offer the pleasant sort of compromise with which Greece is said to be consoling her creditors. But why should any Euro- pean State be borrowing except for war ? If, he i 'ever, it is borrowing for war, who can doubt that itfP stock will be purchasable on cheaper terms^ tTo," "^hree years hence than now ? BP tern! s <

A DOMESTIC TRAGEDY IN CUMBER- LAND. The quiet village of Onghterby, near Carlisle, has been the scene of the following sad. tragedy, the like of which it is not often our duty to record:— A farmer's son named Thomas Wills was proceeding along a road leading towards Kirkbampton, about five o'clock, when he found the dead body of Mr. Brown, a respectable young farmer, lying face upwards, the clothes covering his chest in flames, and a gun resting upon his bowels, the muzzle pointing towards his face; one end of a string was looped upon the trigger, and at the other end was a loop a few inches in length, by means of which he had discharged the gun with his foot. Wills gave an alarm, and on the arrival of some neighbours it was discovered that the unfortunate man had^hot himself in the left chest. It appeared on the inquest^ on Friday, that his young wife had died on Wednesday, three weeks after her confinemifet of their first child, and, so great was the afflicted husband's grief, that his reason was eclipsed, and him- self driven to the desperate extremity of self-destruc- tion. He resided at Oughterby with his wife's rela- tions, and on Thursday he went to his mother's at Kirk- bampton, where he got the gun from a rack in the byre. Several witnesses spoke of the exceeding warmth of his attachment to his wife and OD A day of-her death he repeated again and again thathe couM not live without her. In his pocket were found a powder-flask and some shot, as well as a small copy- book, containing the following pathetic lines, traced in trembling characters :— I hope that the Lord will forgive me. Without my Maggie I cannot be. You need (not) mourn me, because I must go. You will all look after our darling boy. The little sum that would fall to my darling wife and me will make him com- fortable some time after. My wish is that we may be laid in one grave, This is the end of eight or nine years' courtship Now the shot must pierce my heart. Oh, happy shall we be [On another leaflwere the words ;] The old dog Wattie met (me) at the Croftfoot, Kirkbampton. Put me with my love Maggie on Saturday. From a phrase or two in this melancholy epistle, it was evidently written within a short period of his sad end. The verdict of the jury was, Suicide while labouring under the effects of temporary insanity." His last wish wiH be observed he will be laid beside his "love Maggie."

FRIGHTENED TO DEATH BY A GHOST! An inquest has been held at the White Hart tavern, Kingsland-road, London, touching the death of a young woman named Priscilla May, aged 19 years, who lost her life through the practical jokfJ of a servant in dressing up as a ghost. Mr. May, a tradesman carrying on business in Kingsland- road, London, said the deceased, his daughter, was a dress- maker She was in perfect health when about four months ago she went to Mr. Blyth's house, inHyde-park-gardens, to do some work. She returned three days afterwards, looking seriously affected in health. She could hardly breathe. Her nostrils were greatly distended and were plugged. Shosaid that she had been terribly frightened the night before? As she was going upstairs with the governess and the servant, past the bath-room, the door of the latter was seen to be open. She asked the servant to close the door, and the latter was going to do so, when something all in white threw the door wide open, and appeared from the darkness. She said that she instantly fell back screaming into the arms of the governess. Blood gushed from her nostrils, and she was carried downstairs insensible. A doctor was sent for, and the servants remained up with her all night. It appeared that the apparition in white was a servant, who dressed herself all in white in a practical joke. Deceased never re- covered from the shock. She lost her appetite, and her mind became affected. She gradually sank, and she died on the 19th inst. Sophia Sturgeon said that she was a servant in the employ of a gentleman residing at 30, Upper Hyde-park-gardens, liayswater. On the night in question witness was preceding Miss Clarke, the governess, and the deceased upstairs, when she heard a supernatural scream to imitate a gjfegt." Deceased gave a scream—like a laugh—and fell. Witness believed she fell upon the stairs. A doctor was sent for. Witness said that Emma Frisley, the nursery governess, came to the door of the bath-room in her white night &ress as a joke. Witness would swear none of the other servants were in the secret. 1 Emma Frisley, nursery "giWerness, said that shemadfcher appearance in white merely to frighten the persons going upstairs. The other servants knew nothing of her intention. She told deceased that she was very sorry that she had so seriously frightened her. The whole affair was a frolic out of her own head. The coroner said that the fact of dressing up as a ghost was very foolish and very dangerous. In several cases it produced idiotcy, and in the present instafece it caused death. It was but right to consider, how- ever, that the young woman who caused the mischief did not intend anything serious, and that she was evidently sincerely sorry for her folly. No doubt this case would act as a warning to young persons, and in that way do a public good. The jury returned a verdict of death from obscure disease of the brain and hysteria, accelerated by a fright, and that her said death was caused by misfortune. The proceedings then terminated. -===-_

THE LANCASHIRE DISTRESS. There is still a "downward tendency in affairs at Preston (writes a correspondent), and during the past week there has been a very serious increase in the dis- tress. At present there are about 1,000 more persons in the receipt of relief, either charitable or parochial, than last week. A great increase is apprehended this week. A few of the mills in the town have extended their hours of labour, but for every move in this direction there are two in a contrary way. Manu- facturers appear to be in a "fix;" they want to open their mills fully, but dare not; prices are irregular and dangerous; stocks rise and fall and continuously flue- tuate in quantity, quality, and value; the basis of operson is superficial; and until prospects become clearer and cheaper, better, fuller in supply, and less subjected to the whims of speculators, no practical amelioration will ensue in the condition of the ope- ratives. Just now cotton buying, and selling, and manufacturing seem to constitute a game rather than a trade. In Preston there are 28 mills entirely closed, and 11,299 operatives totally out of work. The num- ber working full time is 9,119; the number employed short time 7,006. In the whole union of Preston there are 5,344 cases of pauperism, including 14,367 persons, whose weekly relief costs upwards of 9OO This week, as compared with last, there has been an increase of 152 cases, 420 persons, and nearly 301. in expenditure. A circular has just been issued by the Preston Weavers' Association, which shows what the opera- tives of the town in connection with the body named think of affairs generally, past, present, and prospec- tive. The circular says :— We are emerging from a calamity such as the world never witnessed, and we hope will never witness again; and we rejoice to know that, as a body, we have borne the affliction without any external aid from any quarter, and have s ood together through the dire calamity with a fortitude and patience that shows the va'ue we set on our trade union; but we have, for some time bacir, seen a ray of hope, and that ray is gradually expanding, and ere long will, no doubt, shine conspicuously. We have had this depression in our trade to contend with now some three years, and we find that some of our em- ployers have taken advantage of that depression to lower; our wages, and we think the time is fasi coming when we shall be enabled to bring those employers up to thestandard list of prices, which list his been adhered to by the general body of masters faithfully; but we cannot command lan- guage strong enough to designate the conduct of those em- ployed who took advantage of us in our hour of need to enrich themselves out of our humble means, thereby enabling them to sell their p oductions at a less price than their neighbour who scorned their example. All honour then to those employers, and when trade resumes its wonted progress, our intercourse with them will be the better in consequence, we nave lately seen some eD- couraging statistics issued by several eminent firms in the cot- ton trade, all predicting an improvement in our trade, and this, coupled with the fact that large numbers of our body have emigrated-some across the Atlantic, others to the Antipodes, and it is well known to you all that there have not been many taught the last three years. These three causes combined must soon make themselves felt in our department, and will tend materially to prevent the recurrence of such a calamity as the one through which we hope we have nearly passed. We have had an Emigration Society at our institution for some time, but we are sorry that it has not had that measure of support we anticipated it would have received; but when we reflect on the difficul- ties of your position, the wonder is that you have been enabled with your scanty means to exist at all, but we have it in contemplation to commence collecting weekly, and thereby enabling us to use our surplus money, to remove such of our members to other lands as should desire it, thereby benefiting both themselves and us by making them customers for cloth instead of producers, and also by lessen- ing the labour in the market, enabling us to avoid the ne- cessity of resorting to strikes in future we, therefore,- hope that you will coincide with us in this matter, and pay the subscription cheerfully and willingly, and we have no doubt it will repay you a thousandfold. We also learn from Blackburn that in the Black- burn relief district there has been m increase qf 596 recipients of parochial relief during last week, 4,956 persons having been relieved with 2641. 4s. Gd., against 4,361 persons with 2211. 15s. in the preceding week.

THE MURDER NEAR LEOMINSTER. An inquest was held at the Leominster Union Work- house on Friday, on the body of Mary Ann Watkins, who was found murdered on Monday night under circumstances which our readers are doubtlessly well acquainted with The accused husband was present In custody during the inquest David Lipscombe said As I was going home about 10 o'clock I heard a very strange sound as I was pass- ing through an orchard. It was a moaning noise, and seemed to be the other side of the hedge. It ceased for a time, and I stood still thn I heard it more dis- tinctly, and I went in the direction of the noise, through a gate in the fence. I there saw a woman lying on her face, near the path. I went close to her, and found she was covered with blood, and could not breathe freely. I put her head on her arm so that she might breathe more freely, and then went and called up Mr. Lane, at Strawberry Cottage, about 400 yards distant, who returned with me to the body with a lantern on our way he said he suspected it was Mary Ann Watkins, and holding the light to her face, he said, "Yes, it is." Lane then went to deceased's lodgings and told George Smith, the ten- ant of the house, about her. He said he had often guarded the deceased home, as he feared that her husband might kill her. James Lane, a gardener in the employ of Captain Stevenson at Strawberry Cottage, gave confirmatory evidence. He said that the deceased had told him that her husband had threatened to take her life, because she would not live with him, and that her reason for not living with him was that he would not work to earn a livelihood. The prisoner said he wanted to know how the last witness knew he was going to kill his wife The coroner replied that the witness had not said that he did know it. George Smith deposed that the deceased lodged at his house, and had one room upstairs and one down. She had three children. Her husband often came to see her, and they sometimes quarrelled, but he had never known them to come to blows. He had heard the prisoner say he would be the death of her and of two others, by whom he understood prisoner to mean the two children. She had often said she did not like being out at night for fear he should attack her. On the Friday before the murder, when he last saw the prisoner, he noticed he had on a pair of patent clogs, round-toed, and tipped with iron. On the day fol- lowing the murder he traced clog-marks from near the body to a considerable distance. Thomas Jones, a mason, said that the prisoner called at his lodgings nhout 10 o'clock on Monday night, and begged a pipe of tobacco, which he smoked there. The prisoner talked about his wife and seemed much con- fused and put about. When he was leaving he said, 11 Good night, Tom Perhaps I shall never see you any more. I have a mind to go and drown myself." Superintendent Alexander, of the borough police, said, after attending to the deceased at the workhouse, he went to the spot where the body was found, and there saw certain clog-marks. Suspicion fell on the prisoner, and he tracked these marks for several miles. He found the deceased's bonnet, the strings of which appeared to have been torn off, and also her hair net. After following the clog-tracks about the fields for thne days, he came upon the prisoner at Hayen, six miles from Leominster, talking to a.farmer's wife at her.door, where he had gone begging. He had just told her that he had heard that the man who had committed the murder had drowned-ftimself. His clogs corresponded exactly with the cleg-marks near the body, and he had several spots of blood on his trousers. Eugene Goddard, surgeon, described the wounds the deceased had received. He had made a posl-vwrlem examination, and had no doubt whatever that the wounds he had described were the cause of death. They appeared to have been inflicted with some blunt instru- ment. A kick from a clog like those produced would probably do it. Mr. Chattaway, another surgeon, and other witnesses gave corroborative evidence. The coroner summed up, and the j ury returned a verdict of "Wilful murder" against Thomas Watkins.

A VIOLENT LOVER IN CAMBRIDGE. A case somewhat analogous in its circumstances to the memorable Townley case has been progressin g for some time in Cambridge and its vicinity, and was brought to a climax—happily far less terrible than Townley's—on Monday. It should be premised that all the parties interested are highly respectable and opulent Charles Traylen (the offender) is the son of an opulent farmer and brewer at West Wickham, Cambridgeshire, occupying under the lord-lieutenant, the Earl of Hardwicke; liia age about 24. His threatened victim is a young lady of great personal attractions, and his cousin. Her name is Harriet Leeds, and her general residence is with her brother, at St. Jves, in Huntingdonshire. For a long period Charles Traylen has professed an affection for Miss Leeds, an affection not reciprocated or encouraged. It would seem that in June last Traylen and Miss Leeds met at the house of a mutual friend, and Traylen seeking an opportunity when he met Miss Leeds alone, urgently pressed his suit. She, being fancy free," and having a knowledge of Traylen's violent character, informed him that she never intended to marry. Whereupon Traylen put his hand in his pocket, on her demurring to his suit, as if to draw a knife, and threatened to murder her if she did not accept his advances. She being, according to her own state- ment, terrified, made an appearance of assent, and since then, as the relationship gave Traylen the privilege of entree at the house of Miss Leeds' brother at St. Ives, he has been most persistent in his suit, till Miss Leeds wrote him, firmly declining his attentions. Nothing further occurred till Saturday last, when Miss Leeds accompanied to Cambridge a gentleman with whom she was staying on a visit at Imping- ton, about three miles from Cambridge. This gentleman, Mr. Batterson, had driven Miss Leeds to Cambridge and there left her in order to attend to his commercial pursuits, on the understanding that lie would call for her at the house of a mutual friend where Miss Leeds was going to take tea. In the course of Saturday afternoon, Mr. Traylen met Miss Leeds in Cambridge, got into. conversation with her, ascertained that she was going to the neighbourhood of Castle-end (or Huntingdon-road) turnpike, and pressed his company upon her thither. He renewed his suit, and was again rejected, whereupon he told Miss Leeds-he being in a state of great excitement-that, if he could not have her, "He would swing for her—he would have her life-he would walk the gallows for her." So they parted for a time, but shortly after tea had been partaken of, Mr. Traylea again presented himself at the house, and was admitted. In twenty minutes or so Mr. Batterson arrived, and at once removed Miss Leeds in his gig to Impington. Mr. Traylen remained behind for some time, but between nine and ten o'clock presented himself at Bar. Batterson's, at Impington, and being admitted to the presence of Miss Leeds, again became violent and excited, and Mr. Batterson, as a mea- sure'of precaution, called in a neighbour, Mr. Perter, of Histon. Mr. Batterson, thinking from Mr. Traylen's demon- strations that he had a pistol, threw himself between Traylen and Miss Leeds, and secured the retreat of the latter. Next Messrs. Batterson and Porter persuaded Mr. Traylen to accompany them to Cambridge, and left him safely lodged, as they thought, at an hotel. This was between eleven and twelve o'clock. To Mr. Batterson's great surprise, however, Mr. Traylen again presented himself at his house on Sunday morning, renewed his threats, and said that he would not leave the place alive-that he would do some mischief, too, before he went. Mr. Batterson, seriously alarmed, called in the assistance of the police, and gave Traylen into custody. The constable conveyed his prisoner to Cambridge and before Mr. Deputy Chief Constable Stretten, who reasoned with Traylen, and in consequence of suggestions by other parties immediately concerned, offered to release the prisoner with- out any formal charge being entered against him, if he would place himself in the hands of and adopt the ad- vice of his friends. Traylen refused, and therefore was necessarily locked up. On Monday morning he was brought before Thomas J. Ficklin, Esq. (surgeon, and magistrate for the county). Miss Leeds and Traylen were neces- sarily both present, accompanied by friends, but neither had legal assistance. Mr. Traylen exclaimed, For God's sake, Harriet, have mercy on me;" but in answer Miss Leeds said, with sobs and hysterical weeping, that she felt that her life was not safe unless Traylen was put under the restraint of the law. From the testimony of Mr. Batterson and others it appeared that Mr. Traylen is of a most excitable disposition. Traylen offered to the magis- trate that if he would let him go, he would leave the coun- try;" but Miss Leeds replicated that she was certain that her life would be taken before such a consummation would be arrived at if he were allowed to depart. Mr. Ficklin said that he had no alternative other than to call upon the defendant to enter into sureties to keep the peace. He could see that the defendant was not mentally in a fit state to be at large, unless under proper restraint. He must therefore find sureties, himself in 4001, and two others in 200L each. Several of the defendant's friends, who could have been pecuniarily responsible to many times the amount required were present, but refused to tender the required bail, evidently thinking that it was not pru- dent so to do till the defendant's temper was mollified, and the excitement under which he laboured had sub- sided somewhat; they appeared to entertain the belief that if the defendant were allowed to go at liberty directly, he would attempt the execution of his threats. So he was removed in custody to the county gaol.

A REAL BIT OF ROMANCE! The Cork Examiner vouches for the truth of the following bit of romance in real life, which reminds one of Ireland 60 years ago:— On last Tuesday week one of the largest audiences ever assembled in Cork Theatre was attracted by the promised attendance at the performance of the fox- Aunters of the outh of Ireland in full hunting costume. Connected with this incident is a story which contains a strong spice of romance. A gentleman residing in Cork, of considerable eminence in the scientific world, as well as distinguished in the hunting-field, and in social circles, was recently at a ball near Queenstown, at which a young lady of great beauty was present. In the course of the evening the gentleman, who had been but a short time previously introduced to the lady, managed to monopolise her conversation so much as to excite some little annoyance among various other gentlemen preseat, Abkwi tfeew were two English officers, one j of whom, in the course of the evening, made a remark to the Irish gentleman, which, by implication, meant that he would not be as successful in more manly contests. The Irish gentleman at once accepted the implied challenge, and said that, if the lady would give him her bracelet to wear as a gage at the next day's hunt, which was to come off near Fermoy, he would undertake to come in at the finish before either of the two officers, and would tMnlwrite a song to be dedicated to the lady, and in her praise, which he would get set to music, and afterwards have sung before one of the largest audiences ever assembled in the Cork Theatre. The wager was at once accepted. 201, being the sum staked. The lady with much spirit gave her bracelet, the hunt came off, the gentleman wore it, and rode in triumphantly at the head of the field. He afterwards did compose the song, and got it set to music, and this was the pretty ballad which Mr. Bowler sang so charmingly after the opera. To secure the large house on that night, the patronage of the fox hunters of the south of Ireland was obtained by the gentleman who played such a prominent part in the transaction, and the highly successful result was to be found in the crammed condition of every part of the building. The next morning a letter was delivered to the hero of the adventure, containing a cheque for 201. from his rival, with whom he had made the bet, who thus acknowledged our countryman's superiority as a courtier, a cavalier, and a poet. The following is the song :— Thy colours in my cap I wore, Thy presence in my heart I bore; Surely a charmed life was mine Since it in thought was linked with thine. Dora mia, Dora mi, Only love me as I love thee. No craven fear my bosom crost, I cared not if the race were lost; So thou couldlat look on me with pride For thee I'd willingly have died. Dora mia, Dora ml, Only love me as I love thee. But, thanks to fate, the word's reversed, And I can sing what I've rehearsed So often in the weary night, For thee I win I for thee I fight! Dora mia, Dora mi, Only love me as I love thee. Then, as reward for every task Performed by thee, I only ask, One single, simple glance of love From the bright eyes of my own Dove. Dora mia, Dora mi, Only love me as I love thee. [There i3 only wanting the usual termination to tales of this sort, viz.—" and they were shortly after mar- ried," &c. But perhaps this is to come.]

A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY. A letter from Toulon gives'some curious details relative to a scientific voyage about to be undertaken by the Duke de Luynes. Lieutenant Vignes, of the Imperial navy, has been appointed to the command of a steam gunboat belonging to the duke, which is to sail towards the end of the month on this voyage of discovery. The following is the pro- gramme :— After having visited the most interesting places in the Mediterranean, and particularly the coast of Syria, the boat is to be carried on the backs of mules across the mountains of Judea to be launched on the Dead Sea, of which the waters are to be analysed, as chemists are not agreed as to their quality. The gunboat is to be again carried to the Mediterranean, whence it will proceed to the Black Sea, ascend the Don, cross the Steppes of Dulgo in a waggon to reach the Wolga, which it will descend to the Ca'pian Sea, that immense conglomeration of water and of oil of petroleum, continually agitated with storms. After having carefully studied these phenomena, as well a3 the various inhabitants of that little-known region, the travellers will cross on camels the deserts of Asia Minor to the town of Mossoul, where they will explore the course of the Tigris and the Euphrates, and ex- amine the ruins of the great cities which flourished on their banks. After having accomplished that pro- digious journey across seas, rivers, mountains, and deserts, the gunboat will return to France by the Per- sian Gulf and the Red Sea. All the difficulties at- tending such a dangerous journey have been well con- sidered and carefully anticipated. Even the construc- tion of the boat is a chef-d'ceuvre of naval architecture and of comfort. All the pieces into which the boat is divided when taken asunder are accurately numbered, so that it may easily be put together in 21 hours. It will be the first time that a steamboat shall have been carried across the precipices of Daghestan and the scorching sands of Mesopotamia. A picked crew have been placed under the command of Lieutenant Vignes by the French Government for the navigation and transport of the gunboat. The Dilka de Luynes is to be accompanied by several friends, as well as by savans and artists of the greatest merit, who have soli- cited the honour to share with him the dangers of this hazardous enterprilte. —— .-r.oou JtL

LAYING CLAIM TO AN ESTATE. In the Vice-Chancellor's Court in London, the cause of "Selby-Lowndes v. Bettle" has come on for hearing. The ob- ject of the bill was to restrain the defendant from cutting down trees or sods on the plaintiff's estates. The facts, which are of a singular kind, are sufficiently stated, in his honour's judgment, as follows The Vice-Chancellor said this was a bill by Mr. IiOwndes and those entitled in succession, asking for an injunction to restrain the defendants from cutting down the timber on his estate. The facts were these —in 1768, one James Selby, who was the owner in fee of the property, could not ascertain who was his heir, and prior to his death he made a will in 1768, by which he devised to his own right and lawful heir to his estate, all his manor at Wootton, &c., to hold to his heir-at-law, charged with payment of his debts; but in case he had no heir, he appointed William Lowndes his lawful heir, on condition that he should take the nSine of Selby. He gave his personal estate elsewhere. He died unmarried in 1772. Shortly after his death advertisements for his heir- at-law were issued, and many persons claimed, but none were able to make out their title. In 1773, a bill was filed to establish the trusts of his will. The same year Mr. Lowndes himself filed a bill to have his rights ascertained, and soon after that he took the name of Selby, havingobtained a licence so to do. In March, 1783, the two suits came on to be heard, and a decree was made declaring the will of the testator proved and that the estates were to be considered asbelpneinc; to Mr. Lowndes, and that Bir. Xiowncres should be let into possession. He accordingly entered into possession, and he and his family have enjoyed the estates ever since, ie. for 80 years. William Selby, the plaintiff, is the grand. son of the first William Selby. It appeared that among the persons who have from time to time alleged themselves hefrs-at-law of the testator, were persons of the name of Bettle, the same name as the defendant, who now claimed to be heir-at-law, but no legal proceedings have ever been taken, and the defendant might as well have laid claim to Chatsworth, as to this, after an enjoyment of 80 years. In Sep. tember; 1861, Bettle, the defendant, sent notices to the tenants requiring them not to pay rent to the present trustee," Mr. Selby-Lowndes. He also threatened litigation, which he had a perfect right to do. In May, 1861, the defendant wrote to Mr. Selby-Lowndes himself, stating that his family had at stated periods made nominal claims to the estate, cutting down trees, &c., but for want of means, not for want of evidence, had not prosecuted the claim. The letter went on to threaten to do some mischief, not wantonly, but in order to bar the statutes, meaning the Statute of Limitation. In reply, Mr. Selby-Lowndes's solicitor (Mr. Appleyard) wrote to warn the defendant not to trespass, and intimating to him that if he did trespass, proceedings would be taken against him. The defendant, in reply, wrote to Mr. Lowndes, stating he persevered in his intention, and would dig up trees and cut sods, and further stated that the statutes were bound by law, proceedings having been taken by Mr. Selby- Lowndes himself. He stated it was a member of his family who some 40 years ago took forcible possession of the hall with a file of men and kept it some days. The defendant also reminded the plaintiff of certain alleged acts of aggression, and stated that when he was reduced to beggary he would suffer justly for the iniquities of which he was guilty. The two letters together, putting aside the vulgarity of them, amounted to this, that he (the defendant) was heir, and that the statute was barred; and that it was his intention when he pleased to cut down trees in order to assert his right. The bill stated these fact, and alleged that cutting down these trees would be a permanent detriment to the estate. An injunction had been granted nearly in the terms of the prayer of bill, and he had since put In an answer laying claim to the estate, but not making any attempt to establish his title as heir-at-law; but while the injunction was pending he said he did not intend to do the acts com- plained of. At the hearing of the cause it was con. tended that this Court in a case of this kind would not interfere, but he (the Vice-Chancellor) had gone through all the decided cases, which presented a very un. satisfactory state-partly arising from the change of practice in these courts, by which more facility was shown in granting injunctions in case of trespass than formerly. Lord Eldon even in his time observed a change. His honour then said, there was a distinction between cases where the plaintiff was in possession and where the defendant was in possession. His honour then quoted at isomellongth enses which had been cited as to trespass, a,nd said he might refer to many dicta of the learned judges as to the in- justice of making the distinction between trespass and waste. The question now was what ought to be done here. If the defendant sought to do any act to support his title, this Court would not restrain him, but these acts would not assist him, though the de- fendant evidently thought they would. Now, assum- ing that he claiatfd title, hf threatened be wonld cut down what trees he pleased at his discretion. I This came within the clam of irremediable damage, and he felt he ought to make a decree for a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendant from cutting down timber and gods, the defendant to pay the costs of the suit.

AN ILLUSTRIOUS VISITOR! In a late number of Bell's Life there is the following notice of Heenan :— We had a visit from Heenan on Friday, Jan. 22, and were sorry to find that he was still suffering from severe illness. He has been so much reduced in weight, that he now barely weighs 12st. 71b. He declares that, beyond the first two or three rounds of his match with King he has no recollection whatever of anything that took place, nor can he In any way accotint for the extraordinary falling off in his fighting. He felt, on entering the ring, fit to fight for his life, and he looked upon victory as a foregone conclusion: but In a very few minutes a giddiness came over him, for which he cannot account, and beyond this he remembers nothing at all, and he declares he has never felt the same man since. His looks on Friday certainly bore out his statement as to his health, and it will evidently require great care on his part to get himself round. He intends taking a benefit in London shortly, a thing he has never yet done, and he hopes thereby to raise sufficient funds to take a trip to some warmer climate for the renovation of his health. On the subject of the recent fight betwixt King and Heenan, Manhattan writes from New York It has been ascertained In this city that our representa- tive, Heenan, lost the fight with King in consequence of a conspiracy between Jack M'Donald, Tom Sayers, and the friends of King. The papers say that M'Donald while train- ing Heenan treated him foully. Absurd as this story is, there are thousands who believe it, and who would stake their last dollar upon Heenan now if he were to engage in another fight.

EXTRAORDINARY SCENE at a SALE! The furniture and stock-in-trade of a well-known dealer in second-hand clothes in Newcastle were dis- trained the other day for rent, and a respectable auc- tioneer made his appearance to conduct the sale, when the mistress of the house thus addressed him, in grtsence of a crowd of Castle Garth tailors who bad ocked thither to buy:— Now, Mr. you are come to take my few things, and to rifle thia house, irhioh haa been A plaeo vrlicicaonlo H»T«* been saved—a house of prayer-a Bethel, where God has met his chosen ones." Well, Mrs. U. I'm very sorry. It's an unpleasant thing for me. I'd rather not have been here this morning." I have one request to make, then, and that is, that before you commence we shall all kneel down and ask the Divine blessing on what you are about to do. It-is a. good oppor- tunity there have never been so many precious souls in this room before." 0 dear, no; there's nobody here has time for anything of the sort. You really must excuse us." No, but I'll not excuse you." So the lady went down on her knees. The auc- tioneer and the tailors took off their hats as reverently as they could. Poor Mrs. R poured forth a torrent of supplications, fervently and eloquently, and emphatically to the point. Her involuntary hearers were awe-struck. When she rose from her knees all the auctioneer said wa.p,- I hope, gentlemen, none of you, after this, will hid against Mrs. R- for anyt hingshe may want to buy in for benlelf." And neither did they; for—proclaim it were Mam- mon may presume to reign supreme—she was allowed to buy everything in at her own price, and that, more- over, as she afterwards observed to a friend, in faith," for she had not half-a-crown in her pocket.

A ROMANCE IN LOW LIFE. An old man named John Dolan, thekeer.;rof apiovlslon shop iu the village of Primatestown, county of Meath, has, a few days ago, been made the victim of a most extraordinary hoax, by which he has lost a sum of llOl., all the cash he possessed in the world, under the following eircwmtanow.- A man who gave his name as Morgan, and who was known in the rural district as a bowther," or watch- maker, had for some eight months past been carrying messages between Dolan, who had the reputation of being wealthy, and a young woman styling herself Miss Iteilly, who, Morgan stated, lived at Donoro, ( where she bad eight or ten acres of land, which she was about to sell and reside with an aunt at Ardee, in the county of Louth. About six weeks ago Morgan informed the old man that Miss Ileilly had sold out the farm, for which she received 200 £ and had already gone to Ardee, after depositing the money in the bank that she wanted a steady, staid man, and having heard that he (Dolan) was a good dealer she believea they would act a wise part in putting their money and themselves together, and opering a shop in Ardee. On Tuesday in last week Morgan again paid Dolan a visit, and brought him the happy tidings that Miss Ileilly had consented to meet him next aay, the fair day of Drogheda, at a Mr. Graham's tavern, in the latter town, when all matters connected with the marriage were to be arranged. Miss Reilly had also requested that Dolan should bring all ids money with | him on the occasion. Morgan wae now received more | kindly and hospitably than ever, nor would Dolan per- «i- kiwa. 4wj lcaW l/io llVMOC On the next morning the old man harnessed the horse, and having closed up his shop (as he lived alone), he proceeded with Morgan on the car to Drogheda, taking with him 110?., and two days' provender for the horse, being determined to go the length of Ardee. At Graham's, in Drggheda, they met Miss Reilly horse, and having closed up his shop (as he lived alone), he proceeded with Morgan on the car 'to Drogheda, taking with him nOl., and two days' provender for the horse, being determined to go the length of Ardee. At Graham's, in Drggheda, they met Miss Reilly in company of a young man who was understood to be a relative, and who on a previous occasion had paid a visit to Dolan at Primatestown. The meeting appeared to be a very joyous one, at least on the part of Dolan, as the female was a bouncing ani rather hand- some girl of twenty yeara of age. It would appear that several half pints of whisky were consumed in the course of a few hours' conversation, and so fasci- nated had old Dolan become with Miss Reilly's ap- pearance and agreeable conversation, that he took out all the cash in notes and gold, threw it into her lap, and desired her to take care of it. Some time ) afterwards, and when further libations had taken place, Dolan proceeded to Mr. Graham's yard to pre- pare the horse and car for the journey to Ardee, and when he returned, his astonishment was great to find c that the party had decamped, except the man Morgan, who seemed to commiserate Dolan's position very much, &nd assisted him in making search for them M. about the place. *1 Giving up all hopes of tracing the young couple, he Ld returned to his home, and gave information of the cir cumstances to the constabulary at Kilmoon. when tha Drogheda, accompanied by Dolan. Through informa- H tion received from Mr. Graham, the publican, who is a E respectable man, they next proceeded w Ardee, bat' ■ with no better result. No such person as a Miss Ileilly B or her aunt was known there, and all the tales pre- H viously told to Dolan turned out to be fabrications, H None of the parties are known. H

THE GREAT DIVORCE CASE! I This famous case—though famous only in its scandal 9 —of which everybody has heard, although no namesv ■ were mentioned at the time that it was being referred ■ to in nearly every paper throughout the countrv, cam* H on in the Divorce Court on Tuesday as "O'Kane v. E| O'Kane and Lord Palmerston." It was an ap- mj plication on behalf of the respondent to show cause '< E | why the petitioner should not proceed with his suit, f| or otherwiee have his petition struck off the file of the. court. Mr. Seymour said he was instructed to apply to the Court for a rule to compel the petitioner to show cause why ha bad not proceeded with || his suit, or otherwise why his petition should not be struck off the file. The learned counsel said an order had been obtained from that Court on the 17th November last to oblige the petitioner to furnish the co-respondent with further particulars as to place and time and BO forth. The petit-loft Was fllod -on the ♦JOcrWUer, citation was served on the 2lBt October, appearance was put in by the respondent on the 2Sth October, answer was given in on November 13th. It was evident that the petitioner had not used reasonable expedition in proceeding with Me case, and his petition might be struck off the file if the Court saw just ground for so doing. There was an affidavit in which it vraa stated that this suit altogether was little else than an attempt to extort money from the co- respondent. j. Ilia Lordship This is an application on behalf of the re.. • j spondent, and I cannot hold the w-respowte.t to be iden- tical with the respondent. There is certainly just groun4 for complaint when a petitioner drags a person into a court, more especially that court, to the sacrifice of reputation and so on, and the other side had a right to know why all reasonable exp ditiou had not been taken. The co-re- spondent in this case had applied for particulars, but the respondent had never made any such application. It was, r s therefore, notfor her to complain that she had not obtained 1 what she had not asked for, but at the same time she had what she had not asked for, but at the same time she had a right to ask why a suit, In which certain charges were made against her, was kept hanging over her head, whether she had the particulars or not. I will, therefore, grant the application for a rule to show cause on the next motion day why the suit has not been proceeded with. As to the dismissing the petition, that is a subject for a special ap- plication. The Court never allows a petition to be taken off the file unless on motion for that particular purpose. His Lordship accordingly granted the rule to show cause.

JOURNALISM IN FRANCE.—The following apars in the Journal de Renites We received this morn- ing the following lines from one of our correspon- dents:— The commissary of police Is at this moment in the act of seizing all the papers in my writing desk. I cannot con- sequently address you any letter to-day Yesterday, probably at the time our correspondent was addn ssing us the lines given above, our editor was supamoned before the Juge d'Instruction, who ex- amined him as to the date and the nature of our rela- tions with our correspondents. The central coma^issary of police came afterwards to our office ana proceeded to search for and to seize the letters of one of our coi- MOpondonttt."