The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. In the House of Lords, on Thursday, the report of ara<m<3» ments of the Capital Punishment Bill was brought up and ^orVc'ranworth moved the seeond reading of the Ad- ministration of Justice (Chancery) Amendment Bill, the object of which is hereafter to constitute the Master of the Rolls ex officio one of the Lords Justices of Appeal in C*TheLord Chancellor opposed the measure on the ground that its real object was to correct the point of precedence, by which at present the Master of the Rolls takes higher rank than the Lords Justices, to whom appeals come from ^Lord St. Leonard's also opposed it in principle and detail. Lord Romily said that in the first instance he had stated that be had no objection to the measure, but when he saw the bill he found that it was full of difficulties. aDdthatit; abolishe i the original jurisdict ion of the Master of the Rolls, and he thought it desirable to withdraw the bill. After some remarks from Lord Kmgsdown, not audible, The bill was rejected. The Statute Law Revision Bill was withdrawn. The Judicial Committee of Privy Council Bill was with- ^The House adjourned at half-past six. In the House of Lords, on Friday, in answer to the Earl said that the Government hod a bill in preparation to bring women and children in certain trades and manufactures under a like protection to that of the Factories Act, which would be brought m next session. Earl De Grey iuquired what course Ministers intended to adopt in reference to the arming of British troops with ^The*KarlS^Loifgford said that the late Government had taken pains to ascertain the value oi: breech-loaders attempting to supply the forces with them, and had decided on converting the Enfield rifle, and it was intended by the present Government to proceed^ with that design, out fnst«»rt of 40 000 rifles which had been ordered to dc e<m verted by March next, arrangements had been mfwie by ■which 150,000 would be ready by that time. Aitogeiiner 600 000 would be converted as soon as possible. The Duke of Cambridge said that the subject had been Well considered, and it had been resolved to convert the existing rifles, not because such a we»P°" wa.s t^e best, but because it was the readiest to be ohtaincj^ f though the Prussian needle-gun, v execution in the recent engagements, w^si not the best of breech-loaders, yet its existence rendered it necessary that our small army should at once be supplied with as good a WTh^DEarl of Dalho^ie suggested the appointment of a special committee to consider the whole subject The Crown Lands Bill and the Grana Juries Presentment Bill ijn^through committee. The National Gallery Enlargement Bill and the Carriage and Deposit of Dangerous Goods Bills were read a second The Law of Capital Punishment Amendment Bill was read a third time and passed. The House adjourned at half-past eight. In the House of Lords, on Monday, the Royal assent w given by commission to a number of bills. public and private. The second reading of the Dogs Bill, which is intended to regulate the possession of those animals, was passed, al- though the stringency of its provisions was objected to by the Lord Chancellor. The Transubatantiation, &c., Declaration Abolition Bill, and the Standard of Weights and Measures Bill were read a second time. The House adjourned at a few minutes after six. In the House of Commons, on the re-assembling ef the House, the following members of the new Government took the oaths and their seatsMr. Disraeli, Sir J. Pakington, Lord Cranborne, General Peel, Sir H. Cairns, Mr. Bovill, Mr. Cave, Mr. G. Hardy, Lord Burghley, Sir J. Hay, Mr. Du Cane, Lord Stanley, Lord Naas, Mr. JToel, and Mr. Wal- :pole. Mr. Vanderbyl also took his seat for Bridgewater. On going into committee of supply, Captain Vivian drew attention to the necessity of arming Our troops with breech-loading rifles. Sir C. Russell dwelt also on the latter subject; and also urged that it would be necessary to simplify the drill of the British army besides supplying it with efficient arms. A discuss-ion ensued, in the course of which Mr. J. B. Smith stated that he had called the attention of the Govern- ment of the day to the existence of the needle-gun in the Prussian army so long ago as 1851. Mr. Osborne was willing to leave this important question to the Secretary and Under-Secretary for War; but he "Wished to draw attention to the appointments of the new Government in reference to the administration of justice in Ireland. He asked if the reports of the legal appointments to Ireland were true; whether Mr. Blackburne at the age Of 85 had been created Lord Chancellor, msteadofMr. Brewster, while Mr. Hapier had beeD wade Lord Justice of Appeal; and all this at the instance of Mr. Whiteside. He also complained that no Irish Lord of the Treasury had been appointed. He wished to know what was the plan hinted at by Mr. Disraeli for stopping,the emigration from ^General Peel said, with regard to breech-loading rifles he had received letters from the military commissioner of this country with the Prussian army, urging the immediate adoption of that arm in our service. It was necessary to come to decision at once; and he found that the late Go- vernment had arranged for the conversion of the existing into the Snider rifle, and he had determined to carry on that conversion as rapidly as possible; and he hoped. to get 200,000 by the end of the present financial year"; and as fast as they were constructed they would be placed in the hands of the troops. Beyond the question of conversion no de- cision had been-come to as to what the future arm of our troops should be. The Marqujg of Harfcington explained that the order that he had given for 20,000 Enfield rifles to be converted was given in February last, and he was prepared, on receiving further reports on the subject;, for a large additional number. Sir B. peei <jrew attention to the recent proceedings in regard to a supplemental charter for the Queen's University in Ireland, alleging that action of the/most decisive charac- r had been taken in relation thereto by the late Govern- ment without the knowledge of the House, notwithstand. ng Mr. Gladstone's assurance that such should not be the case. Sir G. Grey denied that the late Government had been guilty of any breach of faith to the House; for the most Jainute and detailed account of the intentions of the Go. vernment, contained in a letter to the Lord Lieutenant, was laid before the House in March last, and since then not a Word had been said against the coarse proposed to be pur- sued by the late Government. After some observations from Mr. Lowe, Mr. 0. Fortescue, Sir H. Cairns, and other hon. members, Mr. Gladstone said that, as he had been individually charged with breach of faith, he was bound to take part in the discussion. He proceeds 1 to deny that the chiinges which the late Government proposed to introduce into the university education of Ireland were fundamental, and whatever they were, Sir Robert Peel was a party to them as a member of the Government, which had fully and dis- tinctly stated their purpose and object in the matter; and every document with regard to them had been duly laid on the table of the House. He strenuously urged a decision of the House whether or not the Irish student was to be de- prived of a purely civil right—that of an meademical degree Shnply on religious grounds. The Chancellor of the Exchequer objected to an attempt *n an incidental way to obtain the opinion of the Govern- I0 'mPortant question of Irish education. The would give the subject its consideration during although if a proper notice had been keenpreparedto meet the discussion. As re0ar » ™!i iP?v!ey the Government towards Ireland, it was a part ot that policy to propose a loan to railways in that couatiy—a measure, however which thev inherited from their predecessors. The House then went into committee of sunnlv and took the votes for the collection, of the revenue and the Post- office packet service.. e os The other business was disposed of, fead the House ad- journed at a quarter past one o clock. In the House of Lords, en Tuesday, on the motion of the Marquis of Clanrioarde, and. with the asseu.t 9* the Earl of Derby, on condition that it was not pressed this session a Bill for Improving the Tenure of Land in Ireland was rl<d a second time. „ The National G allery Enlargement Bill was read a second time, after a short discussion. The motion of the Marquis of Clanricarde to go into COIn. mittee on the Dogs Bill was opposed, and lost, on a division, by 37 to 14, and the bill lapsed. Their lordships then adjourned. In the House of Commons, at a morning sitting, the Thames Navigation Bill was taken in committee, and 62 clauses disposed of. <' n At the evening sitting, in answer to Mr. urenien, Lord Stanley said that a statement in a Berlin journal, to the effect that England would not allow part of Hanover to be handed over to Prussia, on account of certain eventual hereditary claims of England, was absolutely untrue. Mr. Graves moved for a commission to inquire into the present condition of the seamen of the mercantile marine, with the view of ascertaining whether within the last twenty years the supply of British seamen has or has not fallen off, either in numbers or efficiency; if the supply had fallen off, what causes have led to the decline, and whether any remedy can be suggested. Mr. Liddell seconded the motion. Mr. Henley attributed in a great measure the deteriora- tion of our seamen, which was undoubted, to the substitu- tion of short for long apprenticeships. He also pointed out the life of hardship, toil, and danger, which a sailor had to undergo, and the comparatively small wages which he received, as a cause of the falling off in the number of our seamen. Sir S. Northcote pledged the Government to inquire into the subject, and hoped that the motion would not be pressed. The motion was withdrawn. Mr. Berkeley moved that, having regard to the failure of all legislation against corrupt practices at Parliamentary elections, it is expedient to make experiment of the system of taking votes at sach elections anonymously, according to the laws now in force i» other parts of her Majesty's do- minions. He first presented a petition from the in- habitants of Bridgenorth, Btating that after the test general election numerous notices to quit had been served on tenants on the Whitmore property, and praying for freedom of election, like that enjoyed in Australia, by means of the ballot. He then went on to quote the opinions of eminent authorities as to the value of the electoral func- tion including Lord Russell, Burke, Chief Justice Holt, and asked a trial of that remedy which was adopted by England 's greatest; Parliament—in which Hampden, Eliot, and Coke sat and which had been advocated by Grote. Macaulay, and numerous others of equal weight and authority. He de- nounced the Corrupt Practices Act, designating it as the Corrupt Practices Encouragement A ct; and as the result numerous others of equal weight and authority. He de- nounced the Corrupt Practices Act, designating it as the Corrupt Practices Encouragement A ct; and as the result the electoral system was in a helpless and hopeless condi- tion, unless the remedy he proposed was tried. Mr. Mowbray opposed the motion. Lord H. Percy indignantly repudiated the statement that his brother, Earl Percy, had ceased to deal with tradesmen who had refused to vote for Mr. Bovill. After observations from Mr. Onslow, Mr. Bovill, Captain Vivian, and Mr. Locke, On a division, the motion was negatived by 197 to 110. Mr. Mill moved for a return of the number of freeholders and householders in England and Wales who, fulfilling the conditions of property or rental prescribed by law as the qualification for the electoral franchise, are excluded from the franchise by reason of their sex. He also stated that he should retain this subjeet as a part of his political pro- gramme. Mr. Walpole assented to the motion, and it was agreed to. The other business was gone through, and the House adjourned at half-past twelve o'clock.

ALLEGED BUFFERINGS ON BOARD A MEDITERRANEAN STEAMER. Mr. Humphreys, Middlesex coroner, resumed on Wednesday an inquest at the Ship and Pilot Tavern, Wapping, relative to a charge of neglect and starva. tion on board the steamship Medora, trading to the Mediterranean ports, by which it was alleged William Calver, aged 31, lost his life. Mr. J. R. Fenwick, solicitor to the London General Steam Navigation Company (Limited), represented that company. Mary Ann Calver, 12, Great Hermitage-street, St. George's-in-the-East, stated that her husband was a mariner, and he was one of the crew ef the steamship Medora, Caaptain Robert Fuller, master. On the 29th April he returned from a voyage very ill. He told her, and his shipmates also stated, that he had been three weeks ill, and that there were no medicines on board and no food had been given to him that he could eat. A doctor was called in by witness, and the deceased lingered until the 29th June, when he died. His death was hastened, if not altogether caused, by the neglect on board ship. He was healthy when he went on board. Dr. Irwin said that he was called in to the deceased on the 29th of April, and found him emaciated and in a low insensible state. Under treatment he rallied and became sensible. He told witness that he had been ill three weeks on board the Medora, and that there were no medicines, and no food that he could eat. He died on the 29th of Juno from scurvy and intermittent fever. Witness certainly considered that his death had been accelerated by want of proper food and medicines. By Mr. Fenwick: The deceased would not have died of scurvy if he had not had intermittent fever also, He said that during the three weeks he was ill he had no food but such as he could not eat—common salt provisions. Mr. J. R. Fenwick deposed that he was secretary to the London General Steam Navigation Company, the owners of the Medora. That vessel left London on the 8th of March last, for a voyage in the Mediter- ranean, and she called at Yalencia, Leghorn, Genoa, Merrino, &c., and took in fresh provisions at these ports. He put in the bills for various kinds of fresh provisions which had been paid for. By the 224th, section of the Merchant Seaman's Act the Medora was exempt from the obligation of carrying lime-juice, but it so happened that her cargo was composed of lemons and oranges. So far as the owners were concerned the ship had been supplied with every requisite. But the Medora was now on a voyage to the Baltic, and the captain, of coarse, could not be examined. The company knew nothing whatever of the deceased's °SMr. G. Keeley, wholesale chemist, said that he sup- plied the Medora with a proper medicine-chest on the 6th March. The coroner, in summing up, said that no further evidence could be obtained unless the jury adjourned until the Medora should return from the Baltic, but the documents produced showed that the Medora was well supplied with provisions. The jury, after a long consultation, returned a ver- dict that deceased died from scurvy and intermittent fever from natural causes.

THE WAYZGGOSE. Thia annual feast among printers is observed in London. The working men upon these occasions dine with their employers and the heads of depart- ments. Usually the rendezvous is in the outskirts of the metropolis, not far from the sound of Bow hells; to which they are driven in four-in-hands or carriages. This year, however, the employes of Messrs. Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, La Belle Sauvage-yard, Ludgate- hill, determined to try the experiment of a journey to the sea-side. Thus, on Saturday, about 150 men assembled at the Ludgate station for a trip to Margate; these, although only a fraction of the persons employed in the La Belle Sauvage Works, eeceeded the number of former years. Arrived at Margate, the men strolled along the sands, on the cliff, on the pier, or rowed or sailed on the water, where they enjoyed themselves to their hearts' content, free from London smoke and London bustle. Soon after two o'clock a sumptuous and abundant dinner was prepared at the Fountain Hotel, at which T. D. Galpin, Esq., one of the partners of the firm, presided. After the cloth had been withdrawn and the usual loyal and patriotic toasts given, Mr. J. F. Wilson, one of the practical managers, proposed the health of the" firm," remarking upon the immense growth of business and the amount of labour performed under their guidance. Mr. Galpin, in responding, thanked all for their co- operation, without which it would be impossible to carry on successfully the large and rapidly-extending business in which the firm was engaged. It was gratifying to know that the numerous works issued by the firm were highly appreciated in America as well as in this country, as proved by the success which had attended their publication in that country. He felt a sincere pleasure in presiding at meetings of this cha- racter, and trusted that employers and employed would continue to work together in the same spirit for their individual as well as the general welfare. Mr. JeSery, in proposing the editorial staff," re- marked upon the difficult duties gentlemen in the lite- rary department had to perform. Editors and writers, while keeping in view that the publieafcions issued by the firm had for their object the instruction of the reader, were under the necessity of administering that instruction in an attractive form, and were bound to please the public, while exerting themselves to the utmost in the endeavour to diffuse useful knowledge and elevating sentiments. Mr. Pattook, in responding for himself, and for other members of the editorial staff who were unavoidably absent, reminded them that that day six months they celebrated the inaugu- ration of their new journal, the "Working Man," the first volume of which was now completed, and, they had reason to know, highly valued by its nume roua readers. That day the first number of the second volume was published, and though the cost of obtain- ing it would be only a penny, it promised to be worthy of its elder brother, which had required twopence a week for its support. The now Working Man would lie felt assured, be made by its conductors both useful and amusing; and he trusted that they would Tu-6W^ri(3e^ ky a large circulation. „ rurher, ia responding to the toast of_ the publishing department," was happy to bear witness to the success of the enterprises in which the firm was engaged, and believed that in America the name of Cassell, Petter, and Galpin was becoming as popular as in this country. or The men returned home some by late trains in the evening, others remained by the sea-side till Monday, the London, Chatham, and Dover Company permitting the return ticket to be available till that time. All were, however, highly pleased with their trip, and determined next year to have a similar journey. s

PRESENTS MADE TO HER ROYAL HIGH- NESS THE PRINCESS HELENA ON HER MARRIAGE. From her Majesty the Qseen: A cluster necklace of diamonds and opals.—A dress brooch of diamonds and opals.- A pair of diamond and opal earrings to match.—A very large pendant composed of seven large handsome diamonds with a ruby in the oentre and a large emerald drop, the diamonds, ruby, and emerald taken out of India jewels presented to her Majesty in 1863.—A tiara, necklace, brooch, and earrings, com- posed of turquoises set in diamonds.—Four diamond hair pins in the form of flowers. These had belonged to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent. From H.R.H. Prince Christian of Schles wig-Holetein: A gold chain bracelet with a large gold centre, bearing the initial letters C. H. and a crown in rubies, sapphires, and diamonds, the initials surrounded with diamonds containing' the miniature of his Royal High- ness Prince Christian in uniform. From the Queen Dowager of Denmark: A large gold oval locket, with a star of diamonds in the centre, containing the hair and miniature of the Queen Dowager. From the Queen of Prussia: An elastic gold band bracelet, with a heart locket affixed composed of lapis lazuli and diamonds. From the Sisters of Prince Christian: A locket, re- presenting a shamrock leaf, composed of emeralds with a large diamond, each leaf containing at the back the miniature of one of Prince Christian's sisters. From their Majesties the King and Queen of the Belgians: A gold band bracelet, with "souvenir" in turquoises, with a turquoise and diamond locket. From their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales: A handsome diamond bandeau'for the head. —A very handsome ruby and diamond ring. From H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh: A very large diamond star. From their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Louise and Beatrice, and the Princes Arthur and Laopold: Two very handsome diamond stars. From H.R.H. Princess Louis of Hesse (Princess Alice of Great Britain and Ireland): A large crystal locket in the shage of a heart, with the initials "A. L. in diamonds and rubies, in the centre. From H.R.H. the Duke of Cambridge: A gold bracelet, ornamented with pearls and emeralds. From H.R.H. the Duchess of Cambridge: A gold bracelet, composed of amethysts and diamonds, sur- rounded with pearls. From H.R.H. the Duchess of Meeklenburgh: A circular gold locket with "salve" in diamonds oa a blue enamel centre; a gold chain attached with lapis lazuli beads. From H.R.H. Princess Mary of Teck: A crystal heart locket, ornamented with rubies and diamonds; a. gold ribbon set in rubies and diamonds at the top. From the Princess Marguerite of Orleans An oxydised silver bracelet, containing the miniature and hair of Princess Marguerite. From the Co rate de Peris and the Due da Chartres A fan, painted iu different compartments, and very richly mounted in carvcd ivory, with the initial H." which had been given to the late Duchess of Orleans (godmother to Princess Helena) in her ccrbeil de; noces. From Princess Amelia of Saxe Coburg Gotha: A fan, with the portrait, surrounded by flowers, of Prin- cess Amelie of Saxe Oobarg Gotha, painted by the Princess. From the Prince and Princess of Lsiningen: A gold bracelet. From the Archduchess Clotilde An oval gold locket, with pearls and diamonds, containing the miniature j and hair of Prinoess Clofcilde. | From the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh: An elastic band bracelet, ornamented with pearls and rubies, the I centre composed also of rubies and pearls, with a large ruby in the middle. J From the Duke and Duchess of Roxbnrghe: A gold J band bracelet, the centre composed of a large aoae- j fchyat, surrounded by an openworked border of blue j and white enamel and pearls. | From Earl Granville: An oval gold locket, with j horse-shoe of diamonds and sapphires. 1 From the bridesmaids (Lady Margaret Scott, Lady j Caroline Gordon Lennox, Lady Laura Phipps, La&jr 1 Abertha Hamilton, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Lady | AlexaEdrina Murray, Lady Muriel Campbell, and Lady I Ernestine Edgcnmbe): A richly-coloured enamel Holbein locket, with pink, green, and straw-coloured I brilliants, a large black pearl centre, and a large white pearl drop. From the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Household': A Coromandel wood dressing case, with silver-gilt 'fit- tings, richly cut glass dishes and trays, mounted with engraved silver-gilt tops, and tho cypher and coronet i in raised letters, &c. A richly-chased five-light silver candelabra in the Queen Anne style.

Presents made to 3ELK.K, Prince Christian. From her Majesty the Queen: A silver service for the dinner table, comprising a large centre and two side pieces, the design representing tall clumps of bulltushes rising from clear peols of water, on which are placed figures of swans with groups of water lilies j and other aquatic plants. — Sis chased silver table | candlesticks.—Four small ditto.—Four hand candle- 1 sticks. | Presents from the Parents of H.R.H. Prince Chris- I tian to Prince Christian and Princess Helena: A richly traced silver oak-tree centrepiece, surmounted by a large silver-gilt dish for fruit, with a chased vase in the centre of the dish to hold flowers; round the base are deer, &c.-Two ditto ditto to match.—-Two smaller ditto.-Cow,-t Netvsman.

Deaths through Sunstroke. —Two deaths through sunstroke occurred on Thursday aud Friday last near Nottingham. A labouring man named Eyre, aged 60, was making hay in a field at Codnor on Thursday, when he was observed to fall, and died almost immediately. On Friday afternoon a man named Smith, while at work in the hayfield at Calver- ton, was sunetruok. He was conveyed home instantly, but died the same evening. Professor Agasslz says the general impres- sion in regard to the Amazon river is very erroneous, not only in regard to the climate of that region, which he had been informed was unhealthy, but also as to its fertility. He found the valley of the Amazon un- commonly fertile, and its climate very healthy. It is his opinion that it will one day become the mart of the world, supporting in comfort twenty millions of inhabitants. Importation of Eggs.—In the first five months of this year the enormously large quantity of 127 millions of eggs have been imported into this country; of this quantity, 56 millious were brought in the month of May. Compared with the same months of last year, an increase is shown of 39 millions. Pro- gressing at this rate, the next year's censumption of eggs produced abroad may be estimated to greatly ex- ceed 500 millions. The Public Health.—The births registered in London and twelve other large towns of the United Kingdom during the past week were 4,554; the deaths registered 2,519. The annual rate of mortality was 25 per 1,000 persona living. In London ths births of 982 boys and 937 girls, in all 1,919 children were registered in the week. In the corresponding weeks of ten years 1856-65, the average number, corrected for increase of population, was 1,991. The deaths regis- tered in London during the past week were 1,400. It was the twenty-sixth week of the year, and the ave- rage number of deaths for that week was, with a correction for increase of population, 1,263. The actual return is, therefore, higher than the estimated number by 137. Terrific Thunderstorm and Fall of Ice.- A violent thunderstorm visited Newcastle and the neighbourhood on Friday afternoon. The storm, which came from a north-westerly direction, com- menced about three o'clock, and lasted till between five and six o'clock—attaining its height about 20 minutes past five o'clock, when the thunder was terrifically grand as it burst over the town, and the lightning most vivid. Damage was done, especially in nursery gardens, where fruit trees were almost stripped with the heavy showers of hail and rain, the former being almost the size of a pigeon's egg. Three men, masons, were working upon the scaffolding of a new house at Gateshead, when, about 20 minutes past five o'clock, the lightning struck one of the .sup- ports, splitting a large spar into ribbons, so to speak. Ketond a mere shaking, however, the men were not injur d. Two men mowing in a grass field at Benwell, ut r Newcastle, were knocked down, but not seriously hUI I Later on in the evening the storm passed away it, an easterly direction. The storm was also severely felt in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Berwick, aed egaav of the c neighbouring districts.

THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXOHE- IQ UBB'S SPEECH ON THE HUSTINGS. On Friday Mr. Disraeli, having vacated his seat for Buckinghamshire by accepting the effice of Chancellor of the Exchequer, presented himself at the County Hall, Aylesbury, for re-election.—Mr. T. T. Drake nominated the right hon. gentleman, and Mr. P. Duncey seconded the nomination. No other candi- date was proposed, and Mr. Hoare, the high sheriff, deolared Mr. Disraeli duly elected. Mr. Disraeli, who rose amidst loud chears, said: It is not long since we met, I believe a year ago. Gene- rally speaking, I am not in favour of annual Parlia- ments (laughter), but I always make an exception for the county of Buckingham (cheers). The circam- stances which led to this meeting to-day are briefly these. The late administration having tried the new Parliament, and believing that they had not obtained its confidence, resigned their offices, and the Queen summoned Lord Derby to form a new administration. Lord Derby accepted the trust which his sovereign summoned him to fulfil, for in this country no man who is a candidate for power has a right to shrink from the responsibilities which that position entails. Having thus acceded to power in the spirit of the constitution, as universally admitted by a House of Commons not elected under our auspices, I feel confi. dent that our career as ministers will not be stopped by any factious proceedings, but that we shall stand or fall-t(o use a now familiar phrase-by the merit of the measures which we shall introduce (cheers). We have accepted our high position at an extremely critical moment, when all Europe is armed, and in a stata of war, or a condition menacing hostilities. Yet I am bound to say that, so far as we can form an opinion, in none of the issues now calling for a solution in Europe is there any necessity for the interference of England (cheers). I know that some look on such a doctrine as indicating on the part of England some decline of its former power and influence; but I take a very different view. The abstention of England from any unnecessary interference in the affairs cf Europe is the consequence, not of her decline of power, but of her increased strength. England is no longer a mere European Power, she is the metropolis of a great maritime empire, extending to the bounda- ries of the furthest ocean. It is not that England has taken refuge in a state of apathy that she now almost systematically declines to interfere in the affairs of the continent of Europe. England is as ready and as willing to interfere as in old days, when the necessity of her position requires it. There is no Power, indeed, that interferes I more than England. She interferes in Asia, because I she is really more an Asiatic Power than an European. She interferes in Australia, in Africa, and New Zea- land, where she carries on war often on a great scaie. Therefore it is not because England does not recog- nise her duty to interfere in the affairs of the continent of Europe that persons are justified in declaring that she has relinquished her imperial position, and has taken refuge in the otium cum dignitate which agrees with the decline of life, of power, and of prosperity. On the contrary, she has a greater sphere of action thasi any European Power, and she has duties devolv- ing upon her on a much larger scale. Not that we can ever look with indifference upon what takes place on the continent. We are interested in the peace and prosperity of Europe, and I do not say that there may not be occasions in whieh it is the duty of England to interfere in European wars. If the independence or vital interests of England were menaced—as in the six- teenth century by the Spaniards, and afterwards by Louis XIV. and Napoleon I.-the energy of England would not rest until the cause of its danger and disturbance was terminated (cheers). But no one, whatever may be his politioal vie ws, for a moment entertains the idea that the independence or the vital interests of England are now menaced, and my views as to the prevalence of peace, so far as our country is concerned, are sanguine, not- withstanding the present disturbed state of Europe (cheers). Oar relations with our allies, though they may not agree among themselves, were never more friendly and confidential than they are at the present moment; and therefore I hope that, consulted by all, we may ultimately prove of some advantage when the time arrives, which may be nearer—notwithstanding all this hurly-b-arly of war-than some expect, when a Congress may be called, and when England, though not a belligerent, will not, i am sure, shrink, if the appeal is made t-, her, from taking her seat in the Supreme Council (cheers). If our relations with Europe are friendly, they are, I am glad to say, most cordial with the Government of the United States of America (applause). There never was a period in which, I think, s. better understand-ug existed between the two Governments of the United States and of her Majesty than the present. We have had a memor- able instance recently of ,the good feeling of that Government towards this country in the manner in which they have dealt with the Fenian insurrection in America. (cheers^ State of Ireland. The right hon. gentleman then referred to repressive measures rendered necessary in Ireland by the Fenian movement in that country, and said that the Habeas Corpus Aet had not been suspended in Ireland in consequence of the conduct of the Irish people, but in order to grapple with a foreign conspiracy, and to prevent foreign agents from tampering with the loyalty and destroying the interests of the people. The right hon. gentleman then proceeded— My opinion and that of my colleagues is that the condition -of Ireland is not one of satisfaction to this country. When I observe, year after year, the vast emigratiou that takes plaee from that country, it is impossible for me to conceal from myself that we are experiencing a great social and political calamity (ap- plause). I acknowledge that under some conditions, and even general conditions, emigration is the safety valve of a people. But, gentlemen, there is a differ- ence between blood-letting and hemorrhage. What I see in Ireland is sot the scientific depletion which reanimates health and gives fresh vigour to the con ditution, hat a wasting away of nature, which I think ought to be stanched, and the political styptic that is required in the circumstances it is the duty of states- men to discover (load cheers). I myself will never support measures, however plausible in theory, which may violate the great principles of political science; because I know these principles can never be outraged with impunity. Notwithstanding, I hope that the existing Government may find means of introducing measures with.-respect to Ireland, the general of which will be to check emigration. Gentlemen, I was in hopes that the rate of interest was not distress- ing the trade of our county town but although I have been only a very few minuted within its borders I have already received a communication upon the subject. Bank Rate of Interest. The right hon. gentleman, incommentmg upon trade, said: I regret very much that at the present moment the rate of interest in this country is so high. But when I am told that it only requires a word from the Chancellor of the Exchequer to absolve trade from these burdens, I regret also to say that my powers have been, I feel, unnecessarily magnified. It is no mora in the power of the Chancellor of the Exchequer to regulate the rate of interest than it is to regulate the direction of the winds" (laughter and applause). Mr. Disraeli then went on to state tbe results which, in all countries, govern the rate of interest, and then turned his attention to t Reform. There is a subject," said the right hon. gentleman, < £ which, I am sorry to say, does not appear to be so popular with Englishmen as it once was, and that is the improvement of the representation of the people, as proposed by measures which generally go under the name—though very erroneously—of Parliamentary Re- form Bills (laughter and applause). I hear very often, or perhaps I should say I read very often, that the subject of Parliamentary Reform is the great difficulty of the present Ministry, and will be their stumbling- block. I am quite of a different opinion (laughter). I see no difficulty in the subject at all, and if we stumble, rest assured we shall not stumble over the subject of Parliamentary Reform (hear, hear, and cheers). If Parliamentary Reform is to be dealt with, I consider the present Government have as good a right to deal with it as any body of statesmen in ex- istence (laughter and cheers). The great Reform Bill of 1832 was mainly devised by Lord Derby, and was entirely carried by his energy and, wrh regard to the only measure since the great Reform Bill on the subject of Parliamentary Reform ever mentioned with respect, why I my self brought it in (laughter). I have seen this during the recent campaign in the House of Commons, that every division that took place, and every strong manifestation of opinion which was expressed, ratified the principle upon which the bill of 1859 was founded (hear, bear). And, night after night, sitting in that, i house opposite to me, distinguished Liberals of all hues, and scarcely with one exception, rose, and in a tone of courteous penitence publicly avowed how much they regretted they had voted against the bill of 1859 (laughter). Gentlemen, I want to know under SEeh circumstances what is to prevent us, if tha question is to be dealt with, dealing with it iu as effieient a manner as any other body of public man. We must understand it, or, at least, we understand it better than several who have dealt with it. I cannot, there- fore, at all agree that the subject of Parliamentary Re- form will be a source of trouble to the present Ministry, or that it will be one of the causes of their downfall, if it ever occur (loud laughter end cheers). Having said this, I frankly tell you that I am not going to give any pledge on the part of har Majesty's Government that when Parliament meets next year we are going to deal with the question of Parliamentary Reform. We hold ourselves perfectly free to do that which is best for the country. I see no downcast or disconsolate faces in consequence of the announce- ment (laughter and cheers). At the same time, it is my duty to assure you that if we do deal with the subject at any time, we shall deal with it in the spirit of the English constitution. (cheers). We shall not attempt to remodel the insti- tutions of the country upon any foreign type whatever, whether it be American or whether it be French (cheers). I attribute the failure of the late Govern- ment in dealing with this subject to the confusion of ideas which prevailed atnoug^t them upon the very principles on which they ought to legislate. It was impossible clearly to understand whether their measure was founded on the rights of man or the rights of numbers. We who oppose their views do not recognise that the rights of man should prevail in our legislation, or that, a numerical raa-iority should dictate to an ancient nation of various political orders and classes like the present (cheers). What we want to see is, whenever any increase in the electoral con- stituency of this country takes place, tbwt it should take place in unÜmn with the constitution of the country (cheers). What we wish to see is that the electoral power should be deposited with the best men of all classes (renewed cheero), and that is the principle upon which, if called upon, we shall propose to legislate (cheers). Many subjects have been for- gotten in that factious state of political excitement which it has been the interest of some individuals to stimulateof late years in this country (chesrs), and there are several questions whichcallfor our utsaestinstant at- tention when Parliament again meets for business. Tho revelations respecting the Poor-law Board in London have called forth a feeling of universal horror. There are also questions connected with the administration of the law, such as the law of bankruptcy, that cannot be any longer delayed, but which must be dealt with in a large and complete spirit (cheers). Other matters also there are of a similar nature which require im- mediate attention. My opinion is that if Parliament gives its attention to these questions it will Jay some foundation to the claim of the respect of the country (cheers). I am far from wishing that its time should be employed in mere discussions as to the best principles upon which political pawer should ba dis- tributed in this country, unless those who undertake thf office can come forward under the certainty that they can carry a measure whiah will give satisfaction to men of a temperate and rational spirit, and which may strengthen the existing interests of the country (cheers). We are sometimes taunted with not having a policy. Persons who say that are generally eccentric individuals (laughter), who are peculiarly in- terested in some particular fantastw scheme in which they think are involved and invested all the causes of national prosperity and popular great. ness (cheers). Gentlemen, we do not pretend to have a policy, if that is a definition of a policy. But our policy to our minds, is definite and distinct; it is to uphold our constitution in Church and State (cheers). It is to bring in all those measures and to pursue in every respect that policy which will seoure to this country the continuance of prosperity and peace (oheers). That appears to me to be the policy which ought to be pursued by an English Ministry; and if it be pursued in spirit and in truth it will entitle them to, and will obtain for tbem, the confidence and the respect of their fellow-countrymen (cheers). Gentle- men, I thank you most earnestly for the great honour which you have done me this day in electing me again your member in the House of Commons, and thereby popularly ratifying the choice of your Sovereign (loud cheers). On the motion of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, a cordial vote of thanks was given to the High Sheriff I for presiding, and three hearty cheers having been given for the right hon. gentleman himself, the assem- blage dispersed.

SERIOUS CHARGE AGAINST A SOLICITOR. At Westminster Police-court, on Saturday. Mr. I Minshull Veal, solicitor, 12, Abisgdon-Etraet, West- minster, appeared to a summons charging him with' conspiring with others to defraud Mrs. Lncy Broad of divers sums of money, and farther with forging certain receipts and powers of attorney in reference to the. same. Mr. George Lewis, jun., prosecuted, and Mr. Sleigh (instructed by Messrs. J. and C. Rogers) de- fended. Mr. Lewis said that Mr. B'»rry Spencer, who resided in Great Russell-street. Bloomsbury, died in May, 1769, leaving property producing X25,000 per annum. He bequeathed his estate for life to hia son,. Harry Fowkes Spencer, and if he died without issue,. then to his daughter Mary and her issue, of whom the present prosecutrix, Mrs. Broad, claimed to ba the great granddaughter. In default of issue by either of the testator's children, the property was to go to his nephew John Hammond. Harry Fowkes died without:issae, and the property should have descended to the great grandmother of the prosecutrix. John Hammond died during the life of the testator, leaving one son, Harry Hammond, of St. John's College, Cam- bridge, where he went in 1785. He took his degree of Master of Arts in 1794, and it would be shown that he continued to pay to the college until 1821. Harry Fowkes died in 1817, and at that time his sister, thegre&fc grandmother of prosecutrix, was also dead. The pro- perty should have gone then to her issue, but they were resident in the country. Then the frand waa perpetrated they were passed over. A Mr. Dodd, a solicitor, and Mr. Veal, the father of the present de- fendant, were at that time the collectors of the estate, and when Harry Fowkea died without issue, and the persons to whom it belonged were not there to claim it, it remained in their hands. The property, after pass- ing over the issue of the testator's daughter, should have gone to Harry Hammond, who was at college. Without his knowledge, in August, 1817, the usual petition was presented in his name, as heir to the property, to take, according to tha testator's will, tho surname of Spencer, and then the death of Harry Hammond, now Spencer, waa feigned, and a will in hia name leaving the estate to his son was forged and proved on the 18th of November, 1818. There wag bnt one Harry Hammond on the hooka of St. John's Col. lege, and there could be no dispute that he died ia 1840. He had been many yoars curate of Horsell, near Woking, Surrey. The will bore the signatures of James Veal, of Abmgdon-street, and Jase learsley, of Mill- baiik-streefc, but tuere was an erasure, and it appeared to have been James Years!ey, of Richmond, surgeon. A boy four years of age was, agreeably wi-th the will, turned over to the guardianship of the Rev. George Morton Maber, at Swansea. e nr °o- Was T|^S6-y represented to ba the eon of Mr. Harry Hammond Spencer. Mr. Maber had been at college with Harry Hammond, and being im- posed upon, received the eupnosed son of his friend. and brought him up. In default of his living till 21 the estate was to go to Mr. Maber, who in 1840 saw for the first time thedea;th of his friend. He died two or three years after the alleged son of his old friend had got, married. Immediately after the real death of Mr. Harry Hammond the pretended son waa sent from this country to Australia, where he remained. He was keeping a small publie-honpe p there, in extreme poverty, while the smallest amount;- was remitted to him from time to time to prevent hio- return to England. The defendant came upon the; scene in 1840 acting in concert with his father. Ever since he had been receiving the rents and putting them into his own pocket. He was charged with conspiring with his brother David, with Spencer in Australia, with his late father, and with a person named Dodd. Several documents having beeE produced, and witnesses examined for the prosecution, without establishing tho identity of Harry Hammond, ef S. John's College, with Henry Hammond of Hotsallj Mr. Lewis said tfeia would be done en a future occasion, Mr. Sleigh said there was not, as would be shown, the slightest Ground for the present charge against bis client. It ought to go forth to the world that in 1819 a bill in Chancery was filed by Mr. Woodv the maternal grandfather of John Harry Hammond Spenesr, he being a minor, and Mr. Maber, on his behalf, and his claim was fully esta- blished, The case was adjourned for a week.