Papurau Newydd Cymru
Chwiliwch 15 miliwn o erthyglau papurau newydd Cymru
13 erthygl ar y dudalen hon
€nrm\t fejics.
€nrm\t fejics. Mr. Hodgkinson's amendment is no departure from the principle of the Ministerial Reform Bill. On the contrary. it era bodies the principle in its most perfect form. The opinion characteristically expressed by Mr. Henley, that the practice of composition was a device invented by Old Nick," has gained ground. There may be, and there no doubt will be, some demur in a parish here and there to an alteration of a system of rating which has for some time prevailed, but the conscience of the nation has become satisfied that the principle which has been followed is bad in almost every point of view, and the objections of local ratepayers will prove in- effectual. The compound householder will be converted into a ratepaying householder, and will obtain his vote upon the condition of paying his rates, as has been already provided. We agree with the substance of Mr. Whitebread's motion, that the terms of the service into which they are about to enter should be explained to all recruits before enlistment. Nothing can be more unjust, nothing more shabby, than to tell a man he is to have a shilling a day, and then to give him only a part of it, the rest being stopped for jackets and trousers, and so forth. If here and there a recruit were repelled by being told the truth at the time, his loss would be a much less evil than the discontent and ill-will engendered by the present practice. There was abundant testimony in the debate that the raising ot the pay by 2d. a day would have a good effect in increasing the number and improving the quality of the recruits. Though our military expendi- ture is even now excessive, yet. if with the increase of wages there is a necessity or an increase of military pay, the nation will have nothing to do but to submit. No machinery of military schools, whether the boys be taken young or old, will remove the necessity of paying the soldier the market price of his labour. If the ex- pense he more than the nation can tolerate, the only remedy will be to ecerease the number of those who re- ceive :he country's pay. In the release of an unscrnplous and implacable enemy, one of the least excusable rebels who ever helped to plunge a country into civil war, after only two years' detention, the United States have once again given an example of magnanimity and mercy by which the Old Woi Id may well profit. They have given an example of political wisdom too. Jefferson Davis, executed on the scaffold as a traitor, might have left a bitter and even a dangerous memory behind him. Jefferson Davis, contemptuously dismissed to the obscurity of private life, will soon fade out of memory altogether. Already, indeed, the world had begun to forget him. One finds it hard to believe now that three years ago Jefferson Davis was a hero and an idol in the eyes of a large class of English society. While men in England, too, are crying out even now for the life- blood of some petty and powerless Irish rebels, it is right to remember how grievous were the crimes of Davis against the United States, and bow the United States have punished them. Another important decision has been given with regard to trades' unions. A notice by a union to an employei tILt they would call out all his hands on strike if he did not dismiss a non-union man has been held by the Court of Queen's Bench to be intimi- dation, and consequently an offence under the Masters and Servants' Act. Mr., Justice Blackburn remarked, with the assent of the other judges, Lush and Shee, that it was impossible to imagine a greater piece of tyranny than to insist that a master should have his work stopped unless he consented to dismiss a work- man for not belonging to a society, which he had a right in the exercise of his liberty, as a free subject, to refuse to belong to." The full text of the report by the Royal Commis- sioners on liailways is now before us, along with the in- dependent reports contributed by Mr. Monscll and Sir Rowland Hill. In opposition to the views of the ma- jority of the commission, Air. Monscll urges the pur- chase. in one form or other, of the Irish railways. Sir Rowland Hill, at considerable length, and in a most exhaustive manner, discusses the whole subject, and arrives at conclusions, the boldness and comprehensive- ness of whicii may be estimated from the first reconi- mendation he makes. It is to the following effect: That it is expedient that the State should gradually j purchase the railways, hue that it is not expedient that it should undertake their management." In our first notice we scarcely did justice to Sir Rowland's in- dependent and statesmanlike views, but we are glad to recognisc in his remarks a most valuable contribution to the right understanding of a difficult subject. He re- commends that Government should let each railway on a lease, as a landed proprietor lets a farm, and en- forces this idea by an enumeration of the benefits to be expected from it. He further advises that the plan should be tried experimentally by the purchase of one line, or of the Irish railways. Properly understood, the advertisements of attorneys and solicitors who take this mode of soliciting business may be turned to useful account. Persons in want of legal assistance would do well to take a careful note ot the names and addresses of those gentlemen, in order to avoid them. fr. Flowers at Bow-street on Tuesday, on being applied to for advice by a poor man who had been victimized by an advertising attorney, expressed his astonishment that people would employ attorneys who advertised in the newspapers. 4* That was, he added, a practice to which respectable solicitors did not resort, and those who did so ought to be regarded with suspicion from that very fac jus. like the adver- tising quack doctors. The day before, Mr. Selfe had Westminster found it necessary to warn people against a still lower order of practitioners—those who "tout" in the police-courts. Mr. Selfe had heard of such things at the Middlesex sessions and the Old Bailey, and they brought disgrace on an honourable profession." But he is determined not to let his court sink to the. level of those he mentioned; and all "touters" are therefore warned off the premises. If it be true that suitors at the Middlesex Sessions and Old Bailey are ex- Vised to the blandishments of these rogues, why arc no measures taken to prevent the mischief? There is also tnis further question do barristers actually accept briefs from" touters," and have the benchers nothing to say to it ? The Duke of Cleveland, the Earl of Derby, Earl lpencei-, and Lord Egerton of Tatton, have each sub- scribed jE500 towards the erection of a new church in St. James's, Westminster, the district for which has been carved out of the northern part of the parish and £ 3.000 having been raised for its endowment in 1865, it was in the course of that year constituted a Peel dis- trict, and placed under the charge of the Rev. W. Ed- wards. The population exceeds 5,000, and by far the largest portion is of the poorest class. For the present the Church services are held in the coiiser, atory of the Pantheon, which Messrs. Gilbey, the recent purchasers of that property, have lent for the purpose. It is under- stood to be the wish of the Rector of St. James's, who has set on foot this undertaking, to obtain a site for the new church in Great Marlborough-street. Towards iSt. Peter's Church in Great Windmill-street, which was also built by Mr. liernpe, the noble Premier contributed £ 4,500. Cardinal Cullen, during his stay in Longford, paid a visit to the Earl and Countess of Granard, at Castle Forbes. On his return journey by Edgeworthstown, laurel arches, hung with lights, were in one place sus- pended over the road, the houses of the peasantry were illuminated, and bonfires were lit on the hills. The town commissioners of Longford in their address praised the Cardinal's zeal for the right education of youth, ex- tensive learning, and widespread fame; and the pupils of St. Mel's College, headed by their preceptors, fomented that the monasteries, hospitals, cloisters, Ifhich pious generosity had founded, had been rifled, jsmantled, confiscated for the pay of some sacrilegious jobber, orto make a homesteadforsome fierceCromwellian trooper." The Irish Catholic people, however (the address added), "more ruthlessly crushed than the Helots of Sparta, multiplied under persecution, as the Hebrews in the bondage of Egypt. The remainder of the paper, which warmly welcomed "Ireland's first cardinal," was in the same strain.
------_.."'-------THR DIGEST…
THR DIGEST OF LAW COMMISSION. t The first report of the Digest of Law Commissbn has been laid before her Majesty. It is divided under two heads. In the first the commissioners state what has to be done, as they conceive, in fulfilment of the com- mission entrusted to them by the Queen, and secondly how they propose to do it. They say It may be proper here to advert to whtt has recently been done in the State of New York. The laws of that State (as in other States also of the Union) rest gene- rally for their basis on those of this country as they existed when the States declared their Independence. Cases decided in our courts before that time arc still regularly cited before American tribunals, as they are in Westminster Hall; and, indeed, the reports of our courts up to the present da. are largely cited and relied on in argument in American courts. The work which has been lately accomplished by the commissioners for framing codes for the State of New York is, in form, a scries of codes, laying down prospectively what the law is to be, two of which codes have already received the sanction of the Legislature. But as a preparatory step to the formation of these codes, a complete collection, or what, after great examination, the commissioners believed to be a complete collection, under appropriate heads, cf the law on each subject, was formed by gentlemen employed for the purpose under the com- missioners. We do not desire to conceal that the task of forming such a digest as we contemplate would necessarily re- quire a considerable expenditure of time and money, though we arc strongly of opinion that the benefits that would result from it would amply compensate for any such expenditure. We think it clear that a work of this nature (regard being had especially to the importance of its earning wÍLh it the greatest weight) cou.d not be accomplished by private enterprise, and that it must be executed ty public authority, and at the national expense. With respect to the means of accomplishing it, we have considered various plans. Any plan must, we think, involve the appointment of a commission or body for executing or superintending the execution of the work. It is obvious that, whatever arrangement is adopted, a certain number of functionaries must be em- ployed, at a high remuneration, in the capacity of com- missioners, assistant commissioners, or secretaries, and that there must be a considerable expenditure on the services of members of the legal profession, employed from time to time in the preparation of the materials to be ultimately moulded into form by or under the imme- diate supervis:on of the commission or responsible body. We are anxious to avoid any recommendation that would involve the necessity of immediate outlay on a large scale and we therefore recommend that a por- tion of the digest, sufficient in extent to be a fair speci- men of the whole, should be in the first instance pre- pared, before your Majesty's Government is com- mitted to an expenditure which will be considerable, and which, when once begun, must continue fcr several years if it is to be at all efficacious. We are not authorised by the terms of your Ma- jesty's commission to undertake the execution or di- rection of such a work, but we are of opinion that it might be conveniently executed under our super- intendence. If this should be your Majesty's pleasure, we humbly submit that the necassary powers should be conferred on us to enable us to carry this recommenda- tion into effect, and tlat means should be furnished to us of employing adequate professional assistance for this purpose. In the progress of the work thus done, light will be thrown on the question of the best organization of the body to be constituted for the completion of the digest. A fair estimate will be formed of the time that will be required for the whole. Difficulties, not now foreseen in detail, will doubtless be encountered, and the best way to overcome them will be ascertained. The solu- tion of questions which have already occurred to us will be attained, or at any rate promoted. Some of these questions are the following :Vhat is the best mode of dealing with statute law in the digest—how should con- fiicting rules of law (if any) and doubts which have been authoritatively raised respecting particular cases or doctrines of law be treated—and wha; provision should be made on the important point of the nature and extent of the authority wiiich the digest should have in the c.;urts, and how that authority can best be conferred on it P "We propose, in this our first report, to limit our- selves to the conclusions and recommendations we have now stated. The consideration of other questions arising from the terms of your Majesty's commission, and a fuller treatment of some of the subjects here adverted to, we reserve for subsequent reports."
GENTEEL POVERTY.
GENTEEL POVERTY. None lint rhey who have themselves been poor gentry—gentry so poor as not to know how to raise a shidiug—can understand the peculiar bitterness of the trials which Fudl poverty produces. The poverty of the normal poor does not approach it; or, rather, the pangs arising from such poverty are altogether of a dif- feivnt sort. To be hungry and have no food. to be cold and have no fuel, to be threatened with distraint for one's few chairs and tables, and with the loss of the roof over one's head—all these miseries, which, if they (to not positively reach, are so frequently near to reaching the normal poor, arc, no doubt, the severest uf the trials to which humanity is subjected. They threaten life,—or, if not life, then liberty,—reducing the abject one to a choice between captivity and starvation. By hook or crook, the poor gentleman or poor lady,—let the one or the other be ever so poor,—does not often come to the last extremity of the workhouse. There arc such cases, but they are exceptional. Mrs. Craw- ley. through all her sufferings, had never yet found her cupboard to be absolutely bare, or the bread-pan to be actually empty. But there are pai-gs to which, at the time, starvation itself would seem to be preferable. The angry eyes of unpaid tradesmen, savage with an anger which one knows to be justifiable the tau-nt of the poor servant who wants her wages the gradual relinquish- ment of habits which the soft nurture of earlier, kindct Years had made second nature the wan checks of the wife whose malady demands wine the rags of the husband whose outward occupations demand decency the neglected children, who are learning not to be the children of gentle folk and, worse than all, the alms and doles of half-generous friends, the waning pride, the pride that will net wane, the growing doubt whether it be net better to bow the head, and acknowledge to all the world that nothing of the pride of station is left that the hand is open to receive and ready to touch the cap, that tho fall from the upper to the lower level has been accomplished—these are the pangs of poverty which drive the Crawleys of the world to the frequent enter- taining of that idea of the bare bo(lkiii.-The Last Chronicle of Barset.
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A COLLEGE FRIEND OF CORNELIUS O'DOWD.—When I was a student of arts at Trinity. Dublin, in days of more lightheartedness than I am like to know again, I chanced to have for my chum a man of considerable ability, and who, but for a disposition to indulge in drink, would have swept college of all its prizes. After repeated acts of insubordination, originating in this un- happy fault, calls to the board," lines, &c., he only escaped formal rustication by a pledge solemnly given to his tutor, accompanied by a convention, that he was to have {he daily privilege of one tumbler of punch, never to be exceeded, except if wet through and thoroughly soaked, when a second might be taken. Now my poor friend, not having that confidence in the climate of his native country that he might have fairly possessed, con- ceived the idea of aiding nature and might be spied towards six of an afternoon standing on the steps of his chamber, while his servant, with a watering-pot, per- formed the part of Pluvius from a window overhead, after which he would return to the company, and beg them to note the condition he was in, and be able to bear testimony, if called upon, that he was in the pre- dicament specified in the act, and eligible for another tuiub ter.-Blctck wood's Magazine. THE EXD OF JULLIEX.—In 1857 his cornet-a-piston player, Koenig, died insane at Paris. The loss of one with whom he had been so long associated had a serious effect on Jullien, and from this period his energies seemed to fail him he was most anxious to return to France. His last concerts in London took place at the Lyceum in 1858. His last appearance in public was at the Free Trade-hall, Manchester, in the early part of February, 1859. After this he left England, broken in health and spirits. He went to Paris, where he was imprisoned for debt at Clichy. He was arrested as an Englishman, at the suit of an Englishman. This greatly increased his mental excitement, which had been for some time apparent. On being liberated, he arranged to give some concerts on a grand scale at the Cirque Imperial, in the Champs Elysees. The first was to have taken place on March 12, 1860, but it was found necessary to put him under restraint some three weeks before that time. He was sitting at the pianoforte one morning, when he suddenly rose, with a knife in his hand, and, addressing a young lady who was on a visit in the house, told her he had an inspiration from heaven to kill her. With wonderful presence of mind, she declared she was ready to die, but asked him to grant her one favour before fulfilling his mission. What is it ?" he replied. "I have power to agree to what you may demand." She begged that he would let her hear him play some of his own compositions on the piccolo. He consented, and went into an adjoining room to fetch the instrument. She turned the key upon him, and ran I for assistance. He was taken to Dr. Pinel's maison de sante, known as La Folie St. James, where lie died raving mad on March 14, ISGO.-Once a Week.
-'r' THE UUEEN'S VISIT TO…
-'r' THE UUEEN'S VISIT TO LONDON. THE HALL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES. In accordance with the announcement made some time since, her Majesty came to town from Windsor Castle on Monday to lay the foundation stone of the Hall of Arts amd Sciences, which is intended as a memorial of the Prince Consort. Her Majesty left the Castle at half-past ten o'clock. The weather which had been showery, cleared up as the Queen drove to the Great Western Railway terminus, where a number of spectators had assembled to witness her departure. A special train was in waiting at the terminus, which consisted of two state saloons. The Prince and Princess Chritian arrived at the station before the Queen, and awaited her Majesty in the private waiting-room. After a short interval her Majesty (who wore slight mourning), with Princesses Louise and Beatrice, and Prince Leo- pold, reached the station. The two Princesses were very richly attired, while Prince Leopold wore a High- land dress. The Royal party then entered the train, which arrived at Paddington at ten minutes past eleven. A vast crowd bad assembled at the termmus, where several of the royal carriages with postilions in scarlet and gold liveries were in attendance, together with a guard of honour of the 1st Life Guards, under Captain William Patten. Her Majesty and the Royal family on leaving the train were met by Sir Daniel Gooch, the chairman. Captain and Mr. Witham of the Great Western line, and escorted to the open carriages, the guard of honour saluting the Queen amid a flourish of trumpets. Fully ten minutes were occupied by the Q-ieen and suite in getting into the carriages, the mass or' spectators cheering heartily, and the trumpets sound- ing as her Majesty drove from the station. As the brilliant cortege passed through the streets the Qnccn repeatedly and most graciously returned the loyal salutes of the spectators who lined the route to the site of the hall. Her Majesty looked remarkably well, and much more cheerful than we have seen her for a long time past. The hall is to be built on the vacant portion of the ground behind the conservatory of the Horticultural Gardens at South Kensington, and almost facing the memorial cross to Prince Albert which is being erected in Hyde Park. The building has been designed mainly by Lieutenant-Colonel Scott, B.E., assisted by Mr. G. Townroe, and is based on the ideas suggested by the late Captain Fowke, R.E. The plan of the building is elliptical in form, and it is to be constructed of red brick, with tcrra-cotta enrichments of a buff tint. The roof will be of wrought iron, covered with lead, with a large central skylight. The rooms, stairs, and all the partitions will be fireproof. Internally, the mam feature of the building is a spacious amphitheatre, with two tiers of boxes. The central space occupies an area 103 feet long and 68 feet in width. Above the upper tier of boxes is a corridor 20 feet in width, which is in- tended to be used for the exhibition of pictures, sculp- ture. and other objects of interest, or it can, if occasion requires, be adapted to the accommodation: of an audience. There is also an upper corridor of equal width, and lighted from the top, which can be used for similar purposes. The estimated cost of the building is £ 200,000. It will be built under the direction of a provisional committee, of which the Prince of Wales is the chairman, and the management of the hall will be vested in a governing body under the authority of a royal charter. The site of the hall has been granted by the Commissioners for the Exhibition of 1851, and it forms a portion of the estate purchased with the surplus funds of the Great Exhibition. The funds for the erection of the hall have been obtained by the sale of the boxes, the freehold of those on the first tier being £ 1,000, and those on the second £ 500 each. The hall wiii accommodate 6,000 persons, and of the seats pro- vided 2.000 have been disposed of. The purpose to which the great building is to be applied is the holding of national and international Congresses on subjects connected with science and art. The hall will also be employed occasionally for performances of choral and instrumental music, and great organ performances, similar to those now given in the large halls of Bir- mingham, Liverpool, and Leeds. For the performance of the ceremony of laying the foundation-stone an area had been enclosed about 200 feet long by 200 feet wide. A magnificent throne of crimson velvet bad been erected, and all portions et the ground on which her Majesty had to pass had been richly carpeted. In front of the throne was a second raised dais, on which stood the Ministers of State and chief officials. Near the throne itself were his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the Earl of Derby (who looked exceedingly well considering his late illness). In the centre of the lower dais, which was also carpeted, was the space for the reception of the founda- tion-stone. The lower portion, in which the cavity is cut to receive the copy of the charter, the coins, &c\, is of fine Portland stone; but the stone itself is of beautifully polished red granite, and has deeply engraved in it. faced with gold, the following-inscription :—" This stone was laid by her Most Gracious Majesty Queen Vic oria, May 20th, 1867." In front of the lower platform a large space had been reserved for the representatives of the City of London, and the members of the various corporations throughout the kingdom who had been invited to attend, and who wore their full dress robes and insignia of office. There was an immense company present, and the spectacle was very brilliant, marred in some degree, however, by the rain, which began to fall just before the conclusion of the ceremony. Her Majesty was received on the ground by the Prince of Wales (who left Paris the previous night) and the members of the Provisional Committee,-and con- ducted to the spot where the stone was to be laid. The National Anthem was then sung, and the Prince of Wales (after a short address) handed to her Maj jsty the report of the Provisional Committee recording the undertaking and the measures taken to carry it into effect. The coins and inscriptions were then handed to the Queen by Lord Derby, Earl Granville handing to her Majesty the" glass vessel in which they were to be en- closed. The Queen received the trowel from Mr. Lucas, the builder, and Lieut.-Colonel Scott having handed to her Majesty the line and plummet, the stone was duly laid, amid a flourish of trumpets and the firing of a Royal salute. A prayer was said by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Invocazione all' Armenia by Prince Albert, was sung, and the ceremonial was con- cluded w;th the National Anthem. The Queen left Paddington Station on her return to Windsor about half-past one.
[No title]
The Lynn Constitutional Association Tiui'^ctte tc give a grand banquet to Lord Stanley and Mr. Disraeli: at King's Lynn in the course of the month of July. At Warminster, in Wiltshire, the fat cattle market by permission of the government, was re-opened on Saturday, for the first time since the breaking out of the cattle plague. A contract for building a new iron vessel has been given by the Admiralty to Messrs. Harland and Wolff, of Belfast. The contract for seven other similar ves- sels has been given to firms at Glasgow, Stockton, Bir- kenhead, and on. the Thames. An ice storm was experienced at the village of Bottlesford, near Pewsey, in Wiltshire, a few days ago, which did much damage. Very large pieces of ice fell in the village. The weather was very sultry, and a rushing sound was heard just previous to the storm. Mr. Tidd Pratt, in dissolving, by request a friendly society at Trentham on Friday, said that of the 25,000 societies enrolled in his department he coull not recommend 20 as absolutely safe. The society had existed 56 years, and had been reduced to insol- vency by the large number of superannuated members. SUPPOSED MURDER.—On Friday morning, the dead body of Benjamin Black, a gamekeener in the service of Sir Hanson Berney, at Barton Bendish, Norfolk, was found near a gate leading into Barton Laws plantation. The death of Black had evidently been caused by gunshot wounds, although when he left his house no gun was in his possession, while no gun was found near him at the spot where his remains were were discovered. Under these circumstances there seems too much reason to believe that the deceased was wilfully murdered. Mrs. Palk, the wife of a Southampton physician, was taking a walk at Hythe, with three. of her child- ren and a servant, on Friday morning, when one of the children, a boy, about five years of age, fell into a gravel pit, in which there was ten or twelve feet of water. The servant jumped in after the child to save it, and Mrs. Palk, seeing the danger the servant and child were in jumped in after them. She tried in vain to save them. She by some means scrambled out, and in her agony she jumped in again; but she failed to render any assistance, and was scarcely able to save her own life. The servant and the child were drowned. SERIOUS EMBEZZLEMENT AT LIVERPOOL.—W. Owen Jones, lately bookkeeper and cashier in the service of Messrs. Sharpies, Jones, and Co., timber merchants, Chanel-street, Liverpool, was charged before the Liver- pool Magistrates, on Saturday, with embezzling 9100, a cheque for which amount had been given to him some time previously by his employers to pay certain bills on their account. He cashed the cheque, and then absconded to America. Shortly afterwards his wife called at the office and returned zC25 of the stolen money. The police were then set upon the alert, and when Jones returned a few days ago he was at once apprehended.—The prisoner was remanded, in order that the bookf might .be ,cav • £ "dlK wxamiued-
! SElilOUS ACCIDENT AT BLACKFBIAHS…
SElilOUS ACCIDENT AT BLACKFBIAHS BRIDGE. At half-past nine on Saturday morning a serious accident occurred at the works now in progress for the new bridge at Blackfiiars. At the time named, about a dozen men were employed in lowering one of the caissons in connection with No. 3 pier, and the machinery appeared to be in perfect order. The caissons used In the construction of the new bridge weigh, on an average, between sixty and eighty tons, and twenty of them have already been successfully placed. The machinery employed in lowering them consists of a powerful crab and chains made expressly for the purpose. They are placed on a strong stage supported by huge timber piles. At the commencement of lowering the caisson on Saturday nothing was observed calculated to occasion the least alarm to the men engaged. Suddenly, however, one of the chains gave way, and such was the force of the shock that the second chain (the only means of support) also broke, and the monster caKson fell into the water, thereby causing the stage, machinery, and piles to fall with a loud crash. The twelve men who were on the stage in the act of lowering were thrown iirtothe water amidst the broken timber, and it is a wonder that any of them escaped with their lives. A number of men engaged in other parts of the works went to the assistance of the unfortunate workmen, and eight of them were extricated with but slight scratches. The remaining four were so injured as to render their removal to Guy's Hospital necessary. One poor fellow had his arm broken, another had his leg broken, a third met with severe injury to the head, and the fourth is rppvesented to have sustained a complication of bodily injury. In each case tee nervous system has been much shaken. The cause of the catastrophe is slfpposed to be a defective link in the chain. The contractors have paid marked attention to the sufferers lying in the hospital. The operation of raising the caissons will be a task involving much labour.
LAMENTABLE ACCIDENT.
LAMENTABLE ACCIDENT. On Saturday last an inquest was held at the Drum- mond Arms Inn, at Hythe, near Southampton, before Mr. R. Harfield, one of the coroners for Hampshire, on the bodies of Edward Lawrence Palk, aged five years, and Elizabeth Hiyward, aged twenty-five, who lost their lives on the previous day under the following cir- cumstances :—Last Monday Mrs. Palk, the wife of Dr. Palk, of Sussex-place. Southampton, with her children and nursemaid, removed temporarily across the water to Hythe while some alterations were being made in their residence, and the weather being fine and rather warmer on Friday morning than it had been during the previous few days, they all went out for a walk along the road to Beaulieu. About a mile on this road there are some gravel-pits, in which a considerable quantity of water had accumulated from the recent rains, and the children and nursemaid were amusing themselves by gathering wild flowers, while Mrs. Palk was seated on the grass a little distance oiT. An elder sister,named Rosina, ran to her mother, and on her return she saw her brother in the water, the nurse jumped in to save him, and they both disappeared under the water. The little fellow had slipped in through some of the earth giving way. The child called her mother, who rushed to the spot and into the water, to try to rcscne them, but in vain,"and Mrs. Palk with difficulty got out of the fatal pit. Some persons residing at a little distance in the forest heard screams for help, and went to the place, but before the bodies could be got out of the water life was quite extinct in both cases. They were ultimately lifted out of the mud by the aid of a hoathook and a wellcrook, about ten or eleven feet from the shore, and when they first rose to the surface the child was clinging tightly to the nurse. At the spot where the bodies were found a subsequent examination proved that there were about five feet of water and two feet of black mud. The jury returned a verdict of Accidental death" in the case of the child, and that the nursemaid was drowned in her attempt to save bim. This melancholy accident has cast a great gloom over the town of Southampton, where Dr. Palk aad his family are much and deservedly respected.
__--__-----ALARMING ACCIDENT…
ALARMING ACCIDENT ON THE BRISTOL AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY. An alarming accident happened on Saturday on the Bristol and Birmingham Railway at the bridge which crosses the river Avon between Defford and Eckington stations. A goods train left Worcester a-bout nine o'clock for Gloucester, and when within about half a mile of this place the "journal "of a wheel of one of the trucks broke, the consequence of which was that the pair of wheels belonging to it were detached, and the body of the truck dropped on the line. The acci- dent was unobserved by the driver, and the train was dragged in this state about half a mile, when it came to the bridge over the river. This bridge is built entirely of iron, and the broken truck dashed against and broke the iron plates of [be bridge flooring, and be- coming jammed the train was suddenly stopped, some of the trucks were piled on others and, running off the rails broke the side parapet rails, and fell into the river. Most fortunately, however, the engine, with the driver and stoker, had crossed the bridge, and the engine keeping the rails, they were unhurt. At this juncture the up express train from Bristol was nearly due. and as it does not stop between Cheltenham and Worcester, it was feared it would run into the debris of the broken down train, but In- the promptitude of the officials the express was happily stopped in time to avert what must undoubtedly have been a most fearful calamity. There were only a few minutes to do this, but happily it was accomplished. The express then returned to Ashehurst, and proceeded on its journey hy a detour through Tewkesbury and Malvern, running into the Midland line again at Worcester, and occasion- ing a delay of two or three hours. In the meantime boats were provided and the trains as.they arrived on each side of the river transferred their passengers across it, and thus the traffic was carried on until the evening, when the line was clcared. and the traffic over the bridge was resumed, the night usual train being punc- tual to its time. The cause of the accident, of course, was the breaking of the journal," which was literally cut through by friction. This, of course, must have been a work of time, and there appears to have been culpable neglect in permitting such a truck to travel. The truck belonged to the London and North-Western Company. This portion of the Midland line has hitherto been remarkably free from accidents, and the trains upon it are run with commendable regularity.
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Dr. Biber writes to the Guardian I am happy to say intelligence has been received that the Bishop of Capetown's appeal from the sentence of the Supreme Court of Natal, in the matter of the cathedral, has been allowed, and is to be prosecuted before the Judicial Committee of Privy Council. This will raise the whole question of the legal validity of Dr. Colenso's letters patent; and if their legal nullity, already incidentally affirmed by that tribunal, should—as it can scarcely be doubted it wi11-heformaIly and directly re-affirmed, the pretended authority of Dr. Colenso tq exercise episcopal functions and to enforce episcopal mandates by civil process will be for ever set at rest." WORCESTER CATHEDRAL.—Lord Lyttelton has just forwarded for exhibition at Worcester Guildhall, with the plans and drawings, the description by Mr. Gilbert Scott of the intended works in the cathedral choir. The alterations which are proposed aie to substitute an open for a close screen, to do away with the returned stalls, and by means of these changes both the nave and the aisles of the choir will be rendered available for con- gregational use, Though the stalls themselves are ancient and bèautiful their canopies and the desks and front seats arc of a much more recent character and in an incongruous style. The canopies are gene- rally to be replaced with light and open grille work, but it is proposed to reconstruct the desk fronts and the front scats in a style consistent with that of the stalls. The stalls of the dean and residentiary canons will have canopies. The bishop's throne will be entirely new. The organ is zo be placed on the floor level in one of the arches between the choir and the north aisle, and 'will be richly decorated, as shown in the drawing. The great choir screen wilt be an union of marble, oak, and metal work. It will be very open and unobstructive, and of very rich design. It will be seen that the present altar screen is unsuited to its position. It is to be replaced by a rich reredos of marble and alabaster, the gift of the dean. The floor of the choir will receive a rich pavement, probably uniting varied marbles with en- caustic tilei. The steps, &c., will be made of marble, and will retain their ancient position, as will the ancient scdilia and the tomb of King John. The choir will be provided with a Litany desk and lectern; the present pulpit will remain as a choir pulpit, but another will probably be provided in the nave. PARK-LANE.—After the demonstration last summer, in which the railings separating Park-lane from Hyde Park were levelled, the vestry of St. George's Hanover- square, passed a resolution apprising the Government tnat a great boon would be conferred upon the public if a portion of the Park running parallel with Park-lane were given up for the purpose of being converted into a roadway, in order to add to the width of the present thoroughfare. On Thursday last a letter was read at the vestry from the First Commissioner of Works, stating that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased, in order to facilitate this improvement, to authorize the setting back of the public/boundary fence." The per- mission is accompanied with the proviso that it shall not operate to divest or prejudice the Crown's right of soil in or over the portion of Hyde Park which may be appropriated for the purpose of the improvement." The cost of paving the portion of the Park thus given up will ..amount to about £ 2.W0,
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MUSICAL AjND THEATRICAL GOSSIP. As May is now rolling fast away, the season may be said to be at its height. We must not .vonder. there- fore. that .both the opera houses are displaying their best attractions and deligbting thc crowds and visitors who arc flocking to London—some to stay for the season, others 01 route for the Paris Exhibition. This hitter festival has had its effects on the operatic world. Mr. Gye has been cornnelled to look for another I- Doii Juan" in place of Mons. Enure, and if we are to be gladdened by the sounds of 's voice. re- port says it will not be till late in the season. Mr. j M inieson, though late in the field, wisely deter- mined to begin with a work of sterling value and an old I favourite, Le Nozze di Figaro." It has always appeared strange to us that the director kept this great nmpicnitreatcutthe end of the summer indeed until ihe season was in reality over. In former years, there- fore. those who wished to hear ibis masterpiece of Mozart have had to wait till soaie of the stars" have let London and though the work has gellerillly been effectively east, yet the audiences have been cheap ones, and consequently less select. Very wisely, therefore, has the lessee offered it early after Easter, while his forces are freshly mustered and not wearied by a long campaign of musical exertion. We have Mdlle. Titiens, of course, as the Countess, which part the great tragedienne acts with grace and dignity. The music is not so trying to the voice as that of Gisilda, and her air, Dore sono i bei momento," and the duet, 11 Still" Aria," were beautifully sang, and greeted with warm appla se. It is a part requit ing pathos and expression, and these Mdlle. Titiens possesses iu a high d gree. Mad tllle Smieo is creditable and artistic as Susanna, the bustling and intriguing waiting-maid. There is much brilliancy about this small lady, and she is a very piquante and sprightly actress. Practically, this character has more to do than her mistress, being tue bride of the hero, and the female factotum of the fun in which the piece abounds, and which culminates in the amusing Garden scene of the last act. Madame Sinieo's duet with the ALnaviva, Mr. Santley, is of course, deservedly encored. This latter gentleman has now, by his care and study, raised himself to a position second to none on the lyric stage. His voice is as powerful and resonant as any part re- quires; and if at times it is a little rough, this is the only fault we can find with this popular and satisfactory singer. Of late, too, he has visibly improved in his act and hus done much to conquer the awkwardness perceptible a year or two ago. The ClJeruhino was Madame Demeric-Lablache, who acted. pleasantly, while her voice is rich and evideiitly cultivated. But she scarcely looks the part or acts it as well as her more favoured Covent-garden rival. On the last representa- tion she was afflicted with a severe cold, and requested to be excused her famous air. At prescnt she is the greatest acquisition to her Majesty's company now that we have lost the incomparable Alboni. Comparisons, of course, are odious, but Mr. Gye has resolved not to be outdone, and has likewise produced the opera at his theatre. As a whole the performance is exceedingly good. His Cherubino is the prettiest and pertest of brunettes, and thoroughly enjoys the fun and mischief which she creates. The Count, Signor Graziani, is, as usual, polished and pleasing. His personal appearance to our mind was greatly improved by a short beard, and a costume remarkable for richness and taste. Throughout the evening he played with unusual force arid vigour. A great treat was the Susanna of Madimc Lemmens Sherrington, sparkling and natural in every way. Her style is smooth and her method pure. Nothing could- surpass her archness in "Crndelperchc," encored, of course, and her feeling in I- Sull Aria." Mdlle. Lucca's acting- WDS perfect. Witness the sc ne of kneeling on the stool, and her impatience at the de- livery of Figaro's adiiioiiitioll, LNoll piu Andrai." She gave the air, "Voi chi Sapete," a trifle slow it seemed to us, but with nice expression and feeling. Should she not rather turn herself a little, and address the ladies to whom she is reciting, rather than the audience ? But then, perhaps, her hearers would lose some of those exquisite notes, and nobody wishes that: we merely offer a suggestion. Mdlle". Fricci's Countess, despite a certain tameness, was a creditable impersona- tion, saddened rather than inspirited by the liveliness of her attendant; her music seemed to drag. Perhaps, however, the part is an ungrateful one. Mons. Petit (from the Lyrique in Paris), the new Figaro, sang and acted fi.irly: he lacks the burly humour and finished ease of Signor Gassier, the Haymarket Barber," and his air above named went rather flat, considering what a popular favourite it is. There is something harsh, we observed, in his voice, a metallic sound, perceptible in those of most French singers. Possessed of a good voice and well-made figure, he ought to succeed. Un- doubtedly his Figaro is better than his Wcpllisto- phcles." As a whole, the opera is too long. The four or five morceaux are excellent, but we feel somewhat the want of a tenor. Could nothing be done (we deprecate the accusation of heresy) to curtail the never ending recitatives, unaccompanied, which finish with a chord on the viobnccllo ? As a collection of pieces, it is immeasurably poorer than Don Giovanni. But the plot is sufficiently amusing, and while it is given as strongly cast as we have it at both houses, it will never fail to draw full audicnces. At the Italian Opera we have also had "Era Diavolo" reproduced. It is well sung and capitally put on the stage. Mons. Naudin's appearance is somewhat against his success, either as a captivating- Marquis or a dashing Brigand a certain appearance of woodenness has soon drawn for him from theSaturday Review-the epithet of "Lay figure." It is a pity that he does not forget for the time that he is Naudin, and try to feel the part a little more. No one, however, could doubt the refinement or success of Agnese la Zifella," the lovely seienade in the second Act and although his voice is at times unpleasant, in the present dearth of tenors we could ill afford to lose him. Zerlina (Mdlle. Lucca), was as usual most nai've and coquettish able to change with wonderful rapidity from the gidÚy girl before the mirror to the passionate devotee before the shrine. But the two Brigands, Tagliafico and Cap- poni, surpassed themselves there was genuine huinftur in their byplay. What could be better than the imita- tion of Zerlina on the Tea Tray, and their duet in Fal- setto? To return to Her Majesty's. There the feature of the season has been the revival of Verdi's "I Lombardi," known in Italy as "Gerusnlemme." Signor Mongini, Tamberlik's only successor, was at first announced to uppear as Oronte Gisilda's heathen lover but illness prevented his coming over to the first repre- sentations, his place was filled by Mr. Holder, who may congratulate himself that he was heard before, and not after, the Italian silg-er. The first night, at all events, there was a decided improvement, the second, every note he sang only made us the more regret that it was not Signor Mongini. We must not be hard on emergencies; but nothing can excuse singing out of tone, or leaving out the prettiest part of La mia Letizia." A defec- tive intonation causes his voice to sound flat whenever lie sings the least above mezza voice. It is a pity when young singers will not practice, or take pains, and do not improve as they go oil. If this gentleman would take a lesson from Mr. Santley, it would do him good. His organ is not powerful, but he need not force it, and we presume the encore accorded to his cavatina was given by his indulgent friends to the few agreeable notes at the outset: afterwards the curious distances in the duet and trio, were extremely painful to a sensitive ear. But self-satisfaction is apparently the only claim to excellence, and young artists must learn to please themselves before they please the public. Mad lie. Titiens, as Gisilda, was very fine; the very high and difficult music seemed child's play to her. Her dresses were rich and becoming, and her dramatic energy and splendid voice find ample scope in her airs and preghiera." We have seldom heard anything so grand as her declamation of Non fu sogno," after the vision of angels, who so obstinately refused to leave the stage on the first night. The scenery and dresses are more than usually handsome, and the Messrs. Telbin deserve great praise for the beautiful view of Jeru- salem. Signor Tasca has a fine voice, and sang with power, but is wanting a little in softness. Signor Gassier had little to do as Pierro, scarcely as much as his good voice and talents deserve. We need not add that Mr. Santley, as Pagano, was most warmly greeted. As to concerts, we have had no lack of them. Madame Pazzi gave a charming Matinee d'Invitation the other day, and filled the St. George's Hall,'Lang- ham-place. This building is now fast becoming popular for concerts, if the number of placards announcing future events is any criterion. Its interior is prettily painted, perhaps a little too gaudy; but it seems well adapted lor sound, and as soon as a rather painful smell of paint wears off, it will be one of the nicest rooms in London. The position is a capital one, and very convenient for all the West-end. Nor did the room grow unpleasantly hot—no small matter during the late oppressive heat. As the entertainment was by invitation we must net, in. fairness, criticise. The pieces were for the most part well selected, and we had most of the musical notabi- lities of the dav. Amongst them were the names of Mdlle. F. Pazzi, Mrs. Bryer Lascelles. Mdlle. Euequist, Miss L. Pyne, Miss R. Hersee, Signor Ciabatta, Mr. Tre- lawney Cobham (a new tenor), Mr. Aptommas, Signori Blumenthal, and Mattic, MOIIS. Paviie, and Mons. Jules Lefort. By the way, why does not the nice French baritone appear oftener in public P His singing is the perfection of gentlemanly finish, and his falsetto notes are quite uncommon. Now that Mario is losing his, they are doubly previous, as the new tenors do not seem to possess them. Moreover you can hear every word he says. In the same room the New Philharmonic gave an evening concert on Wednesday last. There was a large and fashionable attendance. I We hadSpohr's Power of Sound," a wonderful piece of composition, and well played. Somewhat lengthy, 11 Y it is full of variety, and the march, en pi tally executed, struck us very much. Some oehcate passages, cleverly brought in by Mr. S. Pratttn. are very The singers were, Madame L. Sherrington, and Signor Ciampi, who acquitted themselves with great credit, especially the lady. A beautilul song, "Delia rosa il Vermcglio" (Hossini), met with a well-earned encore. It is one of the best specimens of the Italian school of passionate, love, song. and the si:.ger gave it with great feeling, and a clearness of voice quite refreshing. Du reste," we had Ilohillglmt Mozart. Dore Sono," and Ia Vendetta (La iNo/zel and Echo il Catalogo," "Don Juan." Of Signor Ciampi we have not much to say. He is a demonstrative and rather romping artist; a tolerable singer, with a powerful voice. Yet he is wanting in gracc. He sang Ecco il Catalogo" fairly but neither that nor I- La Vendetta" were much applauded. In the duet for L'Elisire with Madame L. Sherrington, he was more su' cessful. He is, doubtless, rapid and c'ear in his articulation, but there is too rollicking an air about the whole. A really gentlemanlike buffo ought to be amu- sing without citlier roughness or coarse humour. We have heard him lately in Fra Diavolo" as Lord Roeburg, an overdone performance. He gave the music, in a jumping style not As Bartolo in "LeNozzc" he appeared to more advantage, being much more quiet Dyd subdued. A young man he may yet acquire much by attention. He is neither as comic as Ronconi, nor as jovial and good natured as Bossi, But, the feature of the evening was Beethoven's Concerts in C. Minor, for Piano and Orchestra. Herr Jael was the performer, and we think him one of the best pianists of the day. Despite certain physical dis- abilities the lightness of his touch and the grace of flow in his runs were admirable. He overcame the almost impossible passages in this great work bravely. A shake in thirds, two bands crossed, a triumph of clever fingering was warmly received. Herr Jael does not play with C. Halle's crisp precision, but has more fire, and somewhat in Mail unc Schuman's style. Behind Thalberg in point of execution, he yet possesses a soft- ness and sweetness of touch delightful to listen to. Although he is a player of the highest order, and cannot fail to please, the overture to Semiramide was well played, and a Polonaise of Meyerbeer's brought this really gratifying concert to a close. Dr. Wylde's orches- tra contains many good performers, but they are not so perfectly dril!ed as Herr Mann's, whose concert some time ago at St. James's Hall was remarkably good. These latter performers played not only with one mind but one bow; pianos and fortes done with more than usual scrupulous nicety and attention. There is, however, some excuse for players in the excessive heat of the weather. Some of the players seemed quite- overcome, and the learned conductor himself seemed to feel the effects of so energetic an office.
ART NOTES.
ART NOTES. Punch has secured the services of Ernest Griset, the artist—in place, we suppose, of the late Mr. Bennett. The bar of Paris is organizing, it is said, a grand banquet in honour of M. Jules Fa.vre, on the occasion of his election to the French Academy.. At the meeting of the members of the Institute of Civil Engineers, on the 14th inst., the president, Mr. John Fowler, announced that the late Mrs. Locke, the widow of Mr. Joseph Locke, M.P., past president, had bequeathed to the Institution of Civil Engineers the full-length portrait, by Grant, of her late husband, to- gether with a sum of 2,000L, free of legacy duty. The current expense? connected with the National Gallery amount to an suinual sum of 15,S941., of which the director receives 1,000! and the keeper and secre- tary 7501. The establishment at Trafalgar-square costs 1,5231., of which 3271, is given to curators, and 786t. to police. A sum of 6211. is spent at South Kensington 2,000,1. is allowed for travelling expenses, agency business, &c., and 10,0001. for the purchase of pictures. The publication, in the advertisement columns of the Times, of the Universal Catalogue of Art Books com- piled by the Science and Art Department at South Kensington, has provoked some discussion in Parlia- ment. In answer to a question, Lord Robert Montagu explained that the publication referred to had been authorised by the late Government under a Minute of the 12th of October, 1865. The reason for the step of publishing the Catalogue piecemeal by way of advertise- ments in the Times was stated to be that if it were published in a book it would be very inaccurate, and there would be a great number of editions, and the circu- lation would be very small; but if it were published in the Times, it would at once get a circulation of 65,000- and it would include not only all the books in the- library, but also all the books which had been received up to the date of publication, with the latest notes, corrections, and additions." It appeared that the estimated cost of printing the whole Catalogue was 5,0002., to be spread over three years. The explanation of his lordship is stated, to have been received by the House with expressions of disapprobation which appear, however, to have been partly due to a misunderstanding as to the meaning of a note that £ 2,400 of the sum referred to would 'be returned to the country in the shape of stamp duty on advertisements.' There is, as is well known, no stamp duty on advertisements; but the meaning of Lord Robert Montagu, or rather of the department on which he is dependent for his facts, was simply that these ex- tensive advertisements in the Times, occupying on each. occasion no less than six columns, necessitate the pub- lication of an additional sheet of that paper, which re- quires an extra halfpenny stamp; for which, of course, the Times receives an equivalent in the carriage of the extra weight through the post. The chief object of the publication of the Catalogue in a newspaper appears to have been to obtain suggestions for additions and im- provements from the learned in various parts of the world. Mr. Millais has commenced a picture from As You Like It,"—Rosalind, Celia, and the Clown in the forest. The Curators of the Oxford University Galleries have reported that, under the advice of Messrs. W. Box a 11 and G. Richmond, they have been occupied, in re- arranging the galleries, and putting the pictures in order, with a view to their better exhibition and service- ablencss. It appears that the curators arc entitled to an annual sum of 3271. from the University; of this, when expenses are paicl, a small balance is annually left, and has now accumulated to 8191. this is not suffi- cient for the works before referred to, and they there- fore seek further aid, amounting to 3501., from the University, without which they must suspend operations for the present. A number of the principal manufacturers of Birming- ham and other gentlemen recently combined together for the purpose of presenting to Mr. S. C. Hall, F.S.A., the projector and editor of the Art Journal, some token of their appreciation of his "unceasing labours for the advancement of art in connection with manufactures, extending over a period of thirty years." The form which the testimonial assumed was a richly chased and parcel gilt silver dessert service, in the Pompeian style, by Messrs. Elkington—a repeti ion (with the ex- ception of the enamelling) of a very beautiful service, which formed one of the leading features in the con- tribution of the firm to the International Exhibition of 1862, and was described in our columns at the time. It was accompanied by a valuable cameo brooch, mounted in gold, set with rubies, and a pendant chain made by Messrs. Randel, for Mrs. Hall. The presentation was made on Thursday last, to Mr. Hall, at his residence, Essex Villas, Kensington. In an illuminated address, signed by the Mayor on their behalf, the subscribers alluded to Mr. Hall having, under discouraging circum- stances, successfully taught the doctrine that utility should be allied with beauty, and to his having also stimulated the manufacturers of England to compete with their continental rivals, not only in the quality but in the taste of their productions. Ascribing to him in a great measure the succession of industual exhibitions, they observe—" At a very early period you pointed out the value of these periodical competitions, and showed that they served a purpose far wider and higher than the gratification of individual or national vanity. Twenty-three years ago you indicated, both by pen and pencil, the lessons which the Paris Exhibition of 1844 conveyed to the manufacturers of Great Britain. In 1849 you heralded and recorded the success of the Birmingham Exhibition—the first really Indus- trial Exhibition held in England. You earnestly advocated the International Exhibition of 1851; and the Illustrated Catalogue of that collection—due solely to your exertions --Will ever remain a monument of your persevering industry and taste. You performed similar services in connection with the Dublin Exhibition of 1853, the Paris Exhibition of 1855, and the second Great International Exhibition of 1862, and now, with nnabated ardour, you propose to crown these labours by illustrating and recording the contents of the Paris Ex- hibition of 1867." In his reply, dated on Saturday last, Mr. Hall says :—" I feel very proud and very grateful that my services to art, and especially to art manufac- ture, have been thus recognised and rewarded in the town where, above all other towns of England, they have found their most liberal, most indefatigable, and most successful promoters. I have been as in- strument by which the great mmds of all ages are teachers of an existing generation. But I had to create a public for art literature which. when mv task was commenced, did not exist; and I" had to encounter and overcome prejudices that impeded progress. My sole merit is, that- I per- severed with my woik, in spite of many disheartening^ difficulties; U loved and had faith in it, and it has largely prospeied."
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The officers of the Royal Dragoon Guards will dine together on Monday next, at the London Tavern 1 Bishopsgate-street. The officers of the armv and navy who have served in New Zealand during the late war will dine together at Willis's Rooms, on Friday, be 24th inst. Sir Dun- can Cameron will take ttie cba,r.