The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

ALLEGED WIFE MURDER. Thomas Birch, fifty-three years of age, a very large- framed man, described as a bricklayer, was charged, at Worship-street Police-court, on Wednesday, with having caused she death of his wife by violence. Phoebe Mears examined: I am married. My hus- band is a painter, and we live at 74, Margaret-street, Haggerstone, immediately opposite to the prisoner. One evening about three weeks since I saw him stand- ing at the door of his house. His wife went up to him, and he struck her repeatedly in the face with his fist. She staggered into the passage, and shortly afterwards I saw her without a cap bleeding from the head. She went to a greengrocer's, and I did not see' iier again. Emma Roberts; I am thirteen years old, and live at 18, Margaret-street, next door to the prisoner. His wife has often complained to me of his beating and illusing her. On Monday evening last I was standing at my father's door when the prisoner came home. I noticed that he looked rather tipsy. I said to him, We have not seen your wife all day, Mr. Birch." He replied, I have not a key to get i-n with." A neighbour lent him a key, and he unlocked the street doer with it. He then asked me to lend him a candle. I did so, and he went upstairs, but returned directly. I asked him, Is Mrs. Birch in doors ? He replied, She is gone." I thought he meant gone out, and when I told him th",t I imagined so, he said, she is dead, lying on the floor upstairs." Upon hearing this, I ran and told my father, who immediately pro- ceeded up stairs, followed by a police-constable and other persons. On Saturday night last I-saw Mrs. Birch, and her face was bleeding; she complained that her husband had caused it. Police-constable 37 N, who has charge of the case, said that not any medical gentleman was present who 'could speak farther to the appearance of the body, and further, that the prisoner had told him he was absent from home after five on the morning of Mon- day, ot which hour his wife was alive, but witnesses were ready to swear that they had seen him there in -the interim. No evidence was given respecting the appearance of the room where the body was found. Mr. Nind, on the part of the prisoner, reserved his defence, and Mr. Ellison remanded the accused for a week.

SHEFFIELD CUTLERS' FEAST. The annual feast of the Cutlers' Company of Hallan10 shire was given by the Master Cutler elect (Mr. Chas. Atkinson) in the Cutlers'-hall, Sheffield, on Thursday evening. Among the chief guests were Lord Edward Howard, Lord Denman, Mr. Roebuck, M.P., Sir F. "Crossley, M.P., the Hon. J. S.. Wortley, Sheriffs Cave and Nissen, and the Master Cutler of London, &c. The feast was as elegant and sumptuous as usual. The loyal and patriotic toasts were duly honoured, after which Alderman Brown proposed, "The Duke of Norfolk and the House of Howard." Lord Edward Howard having replied, the toasts The Duke of Devonshire and the house of Caven- dish," "The Duke of Rutland and the house of Manners," Earl Fitzwilliam and the house of Went- worth," Lord Wharncliffe and the house of Wortley," and Lord Denman," followed. Lord Denman briefly responded. Lord E. Howard gave The health of the Master Cutler," who briefly responded. Mr. Bramley proposed The Members for the West Siding." Sir F. Crossley, in responding, said Sinee I had the honour to be elected as one of the members for the West Riding, Parliament, in its wisdom, has seen fit to separate this vast West Riding, for electoral pur- poses, into two, and as Sheffield happens to be in the southern division, and as my property and residence happen to be in the northern, I rejoice in this oppor- tunity of meeting my Sheffield friends once more be tore we part as representative and represented ■^cheers). I rejoice the more because Sheffield has made some wonderfully rapid strides in her commer- cial enterprise. This is called the Master Cutler's Feast, but I am inclined to think that if it were con- fined to cutlers Only I should not see so many here as I have the honour and pleasure of seeing to-night (hear, hear). The fact is that the enterprise, the -industry, the ability, and the wealth of Sheffield have grown beyond the bounds of the cutlers (hear, hear). Formerly we relied upon the "wooden walls of old 'England" to defend our shores, but now we hear of armour-plates; and if ever we should be called upon — which I hope we shall not be as long as any man in this room lives (hear, hear)-if ever we should be called upon to protect our homes, our sweethearts, and our wives, Sheffield will fill up a blank on that day. She will be of service, for she will hold forth something that is stronger than even the wooden walls of Eagland (cheers). As the last speaker told us, this is no political meeting; we must not talk party politics; but, since the opportuni- ties of a member and his constituents meeting to- gether are but seldom, I must touch a little upon politics (hear, hear); but I hope I shall not descend to party politics, or touch upon them in such a way that any person of any political party may feel in any wise aggrieved (hear, hear). I think we have lived to see the dawn of a brighter era. We have lived to see the day when we must be satisfied to rest upon defen- sive and not offensive warfare-when the principle of Eon-intervention is established. I recollect, when I was a boy, my father used to tell his sons that bought wit and bought sense are the best, provided you don't buy them too dear (hear, hear). I am sure we have bought our wit and sense too dear, for eight hundred m,l™aa is a large sum to have paid, or to owe, in addition to the sums we have paid off; and when we look: at the lives that have been lost, we may well consider whether England has, not in former times mA lai ln3 many wars in vvMch we had no right to dale, and that the time, Ss come when we must 1W satisfied that the interest or the honour of England are involved before we enter into war, and that it is only when our interest or our honour is at stake that we must draw the sword (hear, hear). I am sure that all present, of all party politics, will rejoice that since I have had the honour of representing the West Riding that has been the policy advocated. Great changes have taken place; great and stirring events have occurred on the continent of Europe and in America. We may differ in opinion as to the advisableness of Government having given so much advice as to what should be done with regard to Denmark or otherwise; but in looking over those papers I think I saw an in- tense desire to avoid the effusion of human blood (hear, hear), and to maintain peace; and if there was an error, it was an error on the side of peace, and in favour of the prevention of bloodshed. There was a marked care shown not to commit this country to any promise of taking any part in drawing the sword for Ithe.defence of Denmark, unless it should be by grave considerations, in connection with Russia or with France. Then, with regard to America. I have looked upon the history of that country for the last few years with deep commiseration and with horror (hear, hear). I recollect paying a visit to that country after the session of 1855, and as I suffered severely on the passage-as you will believe when I tell you that from the Sunday till the Thursday I did not touch a morsel of food (laughter)—I was determined to see as much of the country as I could before I returned, and I visited, with the exception of two or three, every town. both in the Northern and the Southern States (as they are now called) and in Canada, which con- tained 20,000 inhabitants. I took with me into the Southern States letters of introduction to slaveholders, for I was anxious to see something of slave life, but I was told it would be as much as my life was worth to introduce the subject of slavery ("hear," and laughter). But as soon as I had given up my letters of introduc- tion, the first word said was," We are very glad to see you here. We have heard of your name, Mr. Crossley, and we are very anxious to have a long talk with you about our domestic institution (laughter, and "hear, hear"). Mr. Crossley, it has been very much belied, and that our slaves are very much better off than your working peo- ple P." (laughter, and hear, hear.") My reply was, I really did not come prepared to enter into that subject, but, since you have put the question so pointedly to me, I don't avoid it. I think you are altogether upon a wrong tack, because you have to pay 1,200 dollars for a slave; you have to feed and clothe him he has no interest in working for you. We in England have nothing at all to buy for our men. They feed and clothe themselves we give them only what they earn, and if they don't earn it, we don't pay them" (hear, hear). The slaveholders replied, "Yes, we should be very glad to fall in with your views, if it were possible, but the fact is that our pro- perty is invested in slaves; our land is worth nothing, and we have no choice in the matter. We cannot engage any free labour" (hear, hear). You may depend upon it slavery was the beginning of that war ("no, no "), and slavery has been at the bottom of it since it began (loud cries of "no, no," and some cheering). I don't mean to say that the North would have gone to war for the sake of the slave (hear, hear). Don't misunderstand me; but I mean to say it is that accursed thing being in that country that has brought God's curse upon it (cheers and hisses). I believe that good will come out of evil, and that whether there be separation or whether there be reunion the doom of slavery is marked, and that it must come to an end (hear). If the South would meet together like men, seeing, as they must do, that slavery must be abolished, and would themselves pass a law that all born after this time should not be born slaves, but born free, and if they would allow those who are now in slavery to work out their own freedom, then there would be some hope of the thing coming to an end. Depend upon it that slavery must be abolished, that it cannot go on, and that that measure of goodwill come out of this great evil, whether the result be separation or reunion (hear, hear). I am satisfied of this-that, whatever be the result, whatever is for the benefit of the whole of the people of the United States is for the bene- fit of. this country (hear). They cannot suffer without our suffering, and they cannot prosper without our join- ing in their prosperity. When I look at the effect of the stopping the supply of one of the great raw commodi- ties of our manufactures; and wl.en I consider how the people of this country stood by the poor artisans of Lancashire, and would not allow them to starve, hut subscribed capital for them to exist upon until they could turn round, I say I am proud of my country (hear, hear). And when I look at the moral courage that those people showed in bearing up under adver- sity, how they worked upon their hard earnings, and have gone through this distress in the way they have done, and have rendered themselves now almost inde- pendent of America, and of relief, and of subscriptions, I say I am proud of the artisans of this country (hear, hear). I feel I have detained you already too long, but I must thank you again for the kind manner in which you have received the health of Sir John Rams- den and myself. We have felt it a great honour to represent this the largest constituency in the Empire, and if we had been able to render you more efficient service we should have been delighted to have done so (cheers). Mr. M. Hunter, jun., proposed The Health of the Members for the Borough" (applause). Mr. Roebuck, M.P., on rising to respond, was greeted with loud and prolonged applause. After some pre- liminary remarks, he said-Sir, on looking back on the long vista of the years in which I have been a member of Parliament, at the end of it I see myself a young man proposing myself to be a member of Parliament; and now, when I have grown an old man, I wonder, sir, at my own temerity and at my own audacity on that occasion. For when I recollect what a man has to do who represents England in the House of Com- mons, I am startled and frightened by the result. The House of Commons forms the greatest part and the most important portion of the Government of England (hear, hear). That important portion influ- ences not only the interior government of the country to which we all belong, but it goes far abroad, and wherever the name of England is heard-and where is it not heard P (cheers)-the influence of the English House of Commons pervades (hear, hear). Wherever men are workingf or their liberty, there the English House of Commons is cited; wherever they are endeavouring to free themselves from the fetters which commerce has imposed upon them, there the English House of Commons is heard (hear, hear). The influence of that House influences mankind from the beginning to the end; and I say, sir, I am startled by the temerity which guided me on that occasion, as a young man, to propose myself as a representative of the people of England. If you will recollect that the commerce of England pervades every portion of the world, and, wherever the commerce of England goes, there ought to go, and there does go, the power of the people of England to protect her sons who are trafficking there. Well, then, all the peculiar points that arise-the difficulties that arise upon that state of things-are submitted to the House of Commons, and I, as a member of the House of Commons, had to decide upon those great questions. Well, sir, that being the case, I am now startled at the recollection of what I then undertook. England, as I have said, pervades the whole world. Her name goes to the very verge of civili- sation, and beyond it; 'and her laws, and the laws that are propounded by the House of Commons, go with the name of England. I have been taught to believe, and I think I am right in believing, that the business of a legislator is a matter to be learnt (hear, hear). A filemaker is submitted to an apprenticeship; lawyers and members of the Church of England go through certain forms; but it would seem that a legislator is like what I have heard a good gig driver is, he gets the art by instinct (laughter), and every man believes he is exactly in a position to make laws for the country which he inhabits. I believe very different (hear, hear). When I gave for myself a point at which I aimed—and I aimed at it very early, that of being a representative of the people of England in the House of Commons what I did was to study everything which conduces to make an efficient member of that House. And there were three things, sir, which I found requisite-at least, I fancied so, for a member of that House. The first is appropriate knowledge, the next honesty, and the third courage (cheers): Any one of these being absent nullifies the other two. You might have perfect knowledge, and the desire to do, well, but if you had not courage to face the difficulty, the the thing fell before you (hear, hear). And you don't know the difficulties which a member of the-House of Commons—and there is one there who will tell you I speak truly—has to, meet. Cajolery of every sort, temptation of every description; but the grand'thing is that that man should say to himself, I am here representing the people of England," for mind you, sir, though returned! by Sheffield I represent the'people of England (hean,, Sear). Mmd that: (heM) hear). There is no mistake about it. Though petty gentle- men who write in papers (laughter) may mistake that matter still that is the fact. I am a representative of the people of England, and in that great capacity you don't know the difficulties we have to meet. I will only state one class of difficulties. Do what I will I feel very much like the drummer boy, hit him where you will you can't please him (laughter). And I feel, sir, that, say what I like there are people determined to find fault with me (cheers). But, sir, I feel that these are like the buzzing flies of summer (laughter)-bred in dirt and nurtured in dirt (loud laughter)-and whose only object is to be uncomfortable to cleanly people (renewed laughter). Now, that is really the thing we have got to go through. Do what we will-and I am only answering, sir, to the toast of the Members for Sheffield (*' hear, hear," and laughter)—do what we will we cannot please them. I believe that we have before us, and we have had before us—and I speak in my colleague's name as well as my own—the difficulties of the task of thoroughly and fairly repre- senting, not merely the people of Sheffield but the people of England (hear). Great has been that diffi- culty, and when I began life the difficulty was still greater. A Tory of the old-fashioned stamp you can't find now ("hear, hear," and laughter). We are all Liberal-every man is a Liberal (hear, hear). I want to know where is tle man that is opposed to free trade (hear, hear) ? Where is the man that says the difficulties have happened that were predicted-and confidently predicted-upon Reform in Parliament P I would advise any man who catches a real old- fashioned Tory to put him under a glass and send him to the Geological Society (cheers and hisses) as a specimen of the past generation (laughter and hisses). Sir, those are my views. I have represented the people of England for some thirty-two years. I wish it was a shorter time, because I should be a younger man, but the fact is so; and I will tell any man who wishes to represent the people of England that he had better prepare himself for that great office,. he had better learn the duties of that great position that he designs to hold, for the world is before him, and the people of England influence the world (cheers), and that he, as a member of the British House of Com- mons,. is one' of those who are called upon to influence the determinations of England, which influence the world (hear, hear). The hon. gentleman concluded by repeating his acknowledgments for the honour that had been done him, and sat down amid loud cheers. The Visitors were next proposed, the toast being acknowledged by the Sheriffs of London. Several other toasts of a complimentary character having been proposed, the company separated a little before eleven o'clock.

HARVEST-HOME AT THE PHILANTHRO- PIC SOCIETY'S FAIZM. Perhaps it might not be generally known that under the title of the Philanthropic Society there exists at Red-hill, Surrey, in a most picturesque spot, an asylum, the object of which is to snatch young culprits from the gaol. The word Reformatory" is one with which most persons are familiar, but few, perhaps, have very correct ideas of an establishment of the sort. The Philanthropic Society's farm is simply a reformatory. It is not a prison it is a home where, under strict, but affectionate superintendence, youths who have fallen into vice are kept and cared for; and heartily they seem to appreciate the kindness shown to them. The right man in the right place," is a phrase that may be most justly applied to the resident chaplain, the Rev. Chas. Walters, for he seems to have entered into all the feelings of his boys, and to have made them love him. But one feeling seems to prevail amongst them, and it was well expressed by an urchin to his neighbour the other day, when he said of the rev. gentleman (think- ing no one overheard), Don't he speak his mind out ? Ain't he good ?"-sentiment which, if uttered aloud, would have no doubt brought down an overwhelming cheer from his fellows. Acting on the principle that "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," those interested in this institution take care that the want of a little enjoyment shall not reduce their young charges to "dull boys," and their annual fete took place on Wednesday. The weather was not all that could be desired; still the rain ceased at times suffi- ciently to allow the lads to run some good races for small prises, do some capital jumping, amuse them- selves thoroughly, and delight those who witnessed the sports. Out-door amusements, however, have their effect on the inner man," and boys are not exempt from this rule, but a wise foresight provided for the emergency; they were not sent home, and as we have heard in a nursery rhyme, summarily treated and sent to bed," but they were provided with a capital supper to which ample justice was done." These boys like other boys have learned well the use of the "knife and fork," but they have learned lessons far more difficult than that—they have learned to be decent and well-behaved, to be sought after as useful servants, and to do credit to an institution'which has saved them from a life of worse than degradation. Everything they did showed the discipline to be as near perfect as possible. The songs they sang after supper were sung with a will, and when those who had acquired honours as the best agricultural workers came up and received their clasp knives, neckties, and other trifles as prizes for their efficiency, there was no feeling of envy apparent amongst the less successful lads, but a hearty cheer showed that goodwill prevails amongst this very mixed, and, as some persons might think, dangerous class of boys. At the supper Mr. Gladstone presided, and made a kind speech to the inmates, pointing out how merit would in the long run be sure to receive its reward. The Rev. C. Walters, of whom we have already spoken, also addressed the boys, concealing nothing, telling them of those who had respectably established themselves, and those who, as he expressively said, have disappointed me." The details he entered into were interesting, and from them it appeared that since the harvest home last year (and by the way it was the harvest home for the present year on this occasion) 81 boys had left; 9 had gone to Natal, 17 to Canada, 4 to Australia, and 48 were in the army and navy, all of whom were doing well; 2 had deserted from the school, and 1 died suddenly in the field the day after his admission.

MURDER OF A SOLICITOR. On Saturday evening a most diabolical and out- rageous assault was committed on Mr. M'Crossan, the well-known solicitor of Omagh, which unhappily ter- minated fatally on Monday. The following are the facts connected with the melancholy event:—At the last assizes in Omagh, Mr. M'Crossan was solicitor for the plaintiff in the case of Doyle v. M'Loughlin," coach-builder. A verdict of X8 damages and 6d. costs was found for the plaintiff. M'Loughlin, the defendant, not paying the damages and costs, an execution was brought against him, and the sub-sheriff, Mr. Charles M'Crossan, brother of the deceased, was on Saturday about to proceed with the execution. M'Loughlin re- sisted, and had his place, which was situated in Castle- street, shut up against the approach of the sheriff and his bailiffs. The sheriff, seeing that resistance was of- fered, sought the advice of his brother, the deceased, who had been engaged all day at business in his own office, up till that hour (six o'clock). He thex went to give his advice, and while speaking to the sub-sheriff in the street at M'Loughlin's house, an iron rod, five feet eight inches in length, having a hook with a barb at the point, was thrust out of the window of the second storey, and plunged into the throat of Mr. M'Crossan, lifting him off the ground, and inflicting a dreadful wound. The blood gushed out in profusion, and Mr. M'Crossan was about to fall on the ground when he was caught by his brother the sheriff, and assisted to a chair. He became weak, and almost unconscious, and asked for Dr. Maxwell, who, we understand, is the family physician. That gentleman being at the time in Dublin, messengers were dispatched in all haste for Drs. Fleming and Thompson, both of whom were unfortunately out of town on professional duty. They were, however, soon on the spot, and applied all the remedies which medical skill could devise. During the night, and up to Sunday afternoon, some hopes, although very slight, were entertained of his recovery, but about one o'clock p.m. he was observed to go off in a faint, and a change for the worse set in, which became more serious, until he finally expired, after intense suffering, at five o'clock on Monday morning. A report of the brutal outrage was at once conveyed' to the constabu- lary, three of whom were-quickly at the scene of" the uufortunate occurrence. Constable- M'Caughan. im- mediately ascended the window, forced his way into the house, and arrested M'Loughlin. The courage and daring of the constable were most commen- dable; and too much praise cannot be given to him for the prompt manner inwhich^afc great, risk, the masd/arer w-as-captured. The murder of Mr. M'Crossam has created a most painful sensation in Omagh, where he was highly esteemed. M'Crossan was 45 years of age. He leaves a widow and seven children-four boys and three giris -the eldest of whom is only thirteen years old. The prisoner M'Loughlin has behaved with stolid indif- ference since the occurrence, even when informed of his victim's death. He is a married man, about fifty years old, and has hitherto borne a good character. The inquest on Mr. M'Crossan's remains was held on Monday, before Mr. W. Orr, the coroner. The principal witness was Mr. Charles M'Crossan, brother of the deceased, and sub-sheriff of the county. His evidence gives a complete history of the melancholy affair, and shows that the murderer cannot even plead the miserable excuse of harsh treatment in extenuation of his crime, as both gentlemen were disposed to give him the utmost possible indulgence. Mr. C. M'Crossan said:— On Saturday, the 27th ult., an execution had been placed in his hands against the goods and chattels of the prisoner, at the suit of Peter Doyle, a rival coachmaker, for whom deceased acted as soli- citor at the last assizes. Witness had tried to obtain a settlement between the litigants previous to the record at the assizes, but had failed. On making the seizure, witness told M'Loughlin he was sorry that he had not taken his advice. The prisoner then began to use abusive language respecting Doyle (the plain- tiff) and the deceased gentleman. The prisoner said that the deceased would have cause to regret his pro- ceedings. Witness then told the prisoner that even yet he was willing to serve him, and that if he would come with him to the office of the deceased he might maKe suon a,n arrangement as would admit of the prisoner's debt being paid in instalments. The pri- soner replied, I won't go near your brother; he's a bad man. I might expect a favour of yourself, but nothing of him.' After further conversation witness put a bailiff in charge of prisoner's house, but an attempt was made byawomanand boy to move some articles, which witness could not permit. Witness was afterwards shoved out of the house into the street, and he then sent to his brother, the deceased, to know what he could do under the circumstances. In the meantime the prisoner had taken out one of the windows upstairs in his house, and, speaking out, dared witness, saying he would get no goods there. Witness replied that he would send for the constabulary, and force an entry into the house. The prisoner then said he would give the wit- ness so many minutes to 'clear off.' The prisoner then had the bar of iron in his' hand, and witness said to him, 'Surely, you would not think of using that weapon (produced and identified) ?' The prisoner appeared jocular, and not very desperate-looking. In the meantime the deceased came up the street from his residence. He asked what all this was about. He was then standing with his back to the window where the prisoner stood. Witness went up to his brother, the deceased, and put his hand forward to push him away, as he did not consider him in a safe place. Almost immediately the prisoner thrust the iron rod out of the window across deceased's breast, and he was chucked up by the hook or barb on the end of the rod, and his head was jerked back. The blood then flowed freely from his neck, and he fell against the wall of the prisoner's house. He exclaimed, 'He (meaning the prisoner) has murdered me.' The deceased was quickly removed home, where he wrote on a piece of paper, I wish Dr. Maxwell to be sent for; but if I should die I charge M'Loughlin with my murder.' The deceased also-made his will, and when Mr. Coulson was about to remove it for the signature, the deceased remarked that it would not be legal, as the signature should be attached in his presence. In reply to Cap- tain Barry, the County Inspector, he said that M'Loughlin, the prisoner, had killed him,"

A QUARREL ABOUT A GARDEN The following letter from a gentleman has been published in the Giomale di Napoli ;— Being united by ties of friendship to one of the actors in the late drama, I proceed to give you some details of a really accurate Character. Charles d'Avalos, Duke de Calenza, and his brother the Chevalier Francis, possessed in common the princely Palace del Vasto, situated at Chiaja, and surrounded by extensive gardens, on which the apart- ments of the duke and those of the chevalier have each an entrance. At the commencement of the summer the duke pressed Ms brother to take on himself the expense of the gardens and the exclusive enjoyment of them, which was acceded to, and an agreement signed to that effect. Four days before the late event, the chevalier, while walking in the, grounds, met a party headed by M. Quarto, who, as the betrothed husband of the duke's daughter, thought he had a right to introduce whom he liked. The chevalier, who is said not to have any friendly feelings towards the yougn man, told him that he alone was master of the gardens, and that no one had a right to gather flowers and fruit without his permission. M. Quarto, who felt much humiliated at this proceeding, left the place and made use of threats. Two hours after he returned and told the gardener to go and tell his master that he was waiting for him. The persons of the house, fearing some catastrophe, observed that the chevalier was taking a bath and could not come. In order to prevent any fresh invasion of the grounds, a lock had been placed on the gate which led into them from tke duke's apartments. In the afternoon of the 16th, JYI. Quarto, accompanied by his affianced bride, her sister, the Princess de Tevra, and other persons, came on the terrace to descend into the gardens, and finding the gate locked broke it open. Then going to the part of the building where the chevalier lived, he uttered threats and used very violent language. The chevalier, taking a, whip in his hand, descended, and going towards the garden gate found it open. Perceiving M. Quarto he hastened towards him, when the latter, in order to intimidate the chevalier, drew a pistol from his pocket and levelled it at him. The ehevalierrushed forward and striking him with the whip over the face and hands, en- deavoured to disarm him, but the other fired the pistol. The chevalier, although finding himself wounded in the side, hastened to his apartment, and arming himself with a double-barrelled gun came back to the garden in search of M. Quarto. Seeing that gentleman about to enter the duke's apartments he fired at a distance of 200 yards, but missed him. One of the balls glancing from the balcony struck the cheek of the duke, who, on hearing the report of firearms, was coining out to ascertain the C2"use. The wound, however, was very slight. The chevalier was equally fortunate, for although the pistol was discharged point blank at him, the four balls with which the weapon was loaded only inflicted a slight flesh wound. This is the true state- ment of the unfortunate affair, of which I was an eye-wit- ness; the other details which have been published are pure inventions. The judicial investigation is yet far from being terminated.

THE DEATH OF BUCKINGHAM. t There was a stir among the guards and officers that lined the hall; everyone had business of his own; and as Carlton and others pressed through to mount their horses waiting at the gate, no one noticed a short thick-set figure, in tra.vel-stained dress. whi;h crossed quietly to where the press was thickest, "near the issue of the room," anA took its place in the shadow of the narrow entry intervening. When Buckingham appeared he was talking to an English colonel and great favourite, "honest little Tom Fryer," who hardly stood as high as his shoulder. Stooping t@ speak to him as they crossed the passage, the duke suddenly staggered backward, flung some- thing from him, as he cried cut "Villain!" and, placing his hand upon his sword as with desperate effort to recover himself, stumbled a few paces forward against a table in the hall, and, through the arms of those who now rushed to his support, while blood rushed from his nose and mouth, sunk dead to the ground. They thought it apoplexy, till the truth glowed on them from the flowing wound and the knife plucked out and cast away. He had been streick heavily over Fryer's arm through the left breast, and the knife had entered his heart. The Earl of Cleveland was following, and said afterwards he heard a "thump," and the words God have mercy on my soul." But no man could be trusted for what he heard, or did, at the moment of universal dread and horror. There was nothing, says Carlton, but noise and tumult, shouts end cries and lamentings, every man drawing his sword, and no man knowing whom to strike nor from whom to defend himself. In the midst of it, Felton had plushed out into the kitchen, losing, as he did so, his hat, which fell into the hands of Ed- I ward Nicholas. And while some started out to keep guard at the gates, and others ran to the ramparts of the town, the few who had witnessed in the breakfast room the ultra lively agitation of Soubise and his friends, and, ignorant of their language, had mistaken it for a personal difference with the duke, set up the cry of "A Frenchman! a Frenchman!" Upon this the murderer, who stood quietly at a window of the kitchen looking into the hall, taking this cry for his own name, which he supposed to have been read from the paper in his hat, drew his sword and went out into the court, saying, I am the man; here I am." His- drawn sword, not less than his confession and his uncovered head invited the fate which would then have silenced him for ever, but for the instant interference of Carlton, Sir Thomas Morton, and Lord Montgomery, who dragged him from the throng, of whom not the least furious was the cook, who had "run at him with the spit." Most piteous is that which remains to be told. Ths- hall had been emptied- by the rush which filled the. 2aurt, and the body ca the murdered duke, lifted from the ground upon the table, lay there alone. There was not," says Wotton, "a living creature in either of the chambers, no more than if it were the sands of Ethiopia." Bat the solitude could have lasted only an instant, when upon the gallery-landing stood two distracted women, whose appalling shrieks rent the air; The wife of the duke's brother was stay- ing with them, and, at the first shoek- and confusion, had rushed out of her room into that of the dachess, and fallen on the floor. The duchess, who at the time was pregnant, was still in bed; but as her women lifted Lady Anglesea, she started up with some hor- rible perception of the truth, and, in her night gear as she was, ran out into the galleiy followed by her sister, where they might behold the blood of their dearest lord gushing from him. Ah! poor ladies!" continues Carlton, "such were their screechings, tears, and dis- tractions, that I never in my life heard the like before, and hope never to hear the like again.Biography of Sir John Eliot.

ROBBERY AND MURDER IN VAN- COUVER'S ISLAND. By the arrival of her Majesty's surveying steamer Beaver we have a full account of the melancholy but not unexpected murder of Alexander M'Donald and several of his party while on their way through from Bentinck-arm to Fort Alexandria. On the 17th of May M'Donald and his party started from NewAberdeen, at the head of Bentinck-arm, for Fort Alex- andria, on the Fraser. They had forty-two pack animals, twenty-eight of which were loaded with goods for the mines, valued at between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars. On arriving at jSTaneootloon Lake, about seventy-five miles from the Arm, they met with a party of Indians, composed of part of the Cliilcoaten, Tatla, and Sitleece tribes, among the number being two of the murderers of Mr. Waddington's party at Bute. M'Dougall's jsquaw, who was a daughter of one of the Chilcoaten chiefs, here learnt from one of her old tilli- cums that the Indians intended to rob and murder the whole party, and at once informed the packers, who, becoming alarmed, began to retrace their steps, when they were at- tacked by the savages. Two of the number, M'Dougall and Higgins, fell from their horses at the first fire, the latter shot through the breast; M'Donald's horse was shot under him, on which he at once mounted another, which was also soon shot down; he then took to the bush, and when last seen was standing behind a tree shooting at the Indians with his re- volver. Barney Johnson was badly wounded in the face and breast by heavy shot, and a ball passed through his horse's head, killing the arumal and tearing open the rider's cheek Malcolm M'Leod was wounded with shot, and his hand badly torn by a ball. Grant got a ball through his arm and his side filled with shot. Frederick Harrison was also con- siderably cut up. Farquharson was the only one who escaped unhurt, although his horse was shot under him. He escaped into the bush, where he was four days, wan- dering about without food, except berries, not daring to return to the trail for fear of being seen by the Indians. He at last made his way back to the head of the Arm. nI'Dougall's squaw was also shot by the Indians and all the horses and property carried off. Grant found his way to Mr. Hamilton's ranch, about twenty-five miles above the settlement, at the heltd of the Arm, and burst in upon the family, his face and body streaming with blood, telling them of the massacre. They at once packed up a tew valuables, and, taking their arms and ammunition, hastened down to the river and embarked in a. canoe. They had hardly got afloat when the blood-thirsty villains appeared on the high bank above them. They did not fire, however, being intent' on plundering the house, and the little party for- tunately made their escape unhurt. The New Westminster Volunteers landed at Bentinck-arm on Sunday, the 19th, and started at once after the murderers. They were ac- companied by thirty Bella Coola Indians, who had been supplied with dresses and arms by Governor Seymour. A force of Marines, probably sixty or seventy in number, would be dispatched by Admiral Kingcome, to follow the Volunteers and render all the assistance in their power. Governor Seymour started across for Fort Alexandria on the following Monday.

PITIABLE CONDITION OF THE CEll- CASSIANS. The following is an extract from a private letter, dated Tocat, July 16 to see by the papers which have just come to nand that there is a movement in generous England for the relief of the Circassian emigrants. Having seen a good deal of these people, and of their extreme suffering, I should be glad to aid in giving an impulse to this work of Christian benevolence. You are aware that the emigration com- mences some five years ago, and up to three years ago it was computed that about 100,000 souls had come into lurkey. But tke movement was then voluntary, and on a moderate scale. But during my absence from the country the emigration has assumed a very different character. The Eussian authorities forcibly charter every vessel they can lay hold of and send it across the sea to the nearest ports on the Turkish coast, crowded to its utmost capacity with human beings, with wholly inadequate provisions for the voyage. I have it from the Italian consul at Samsoon Mr Caraveili, who saw hundreds and thousands of those athletic forms landed there so emaciated and feeble that they could not walk a step and they all told him the san-e story. Then- only trouble was hunger. While in that city, in the middle of last May, I saw about 45,000 of these people on i tne shore, lying about in mud and wretchedness, and they vere dying at the rate of 500 to 700 per day. At the same time a vessel lay in the harbour, the deck of which and rigging were crowded like ants, waiting for room to be cleared ashore. They lay scattered about over hill and val- ley, some in tents, but many without any kind of shelter. Some of them work on the new road for a trifle, but the greater part are forwarded to the interior as fast as possible, beasts and carts being impressed for the purpose; but they die in great numbers as they go, and their rude graves are scattered all along the road. Some of the survivors have told ine.that they have buried all their relatives, wives, and children along the road, and are now left alone. I heard of one man who. in despair, buried alive his sucking child by the lifeless remains of its mother. We have at least 10,000 to 20,000 in town here on the move for other places. They die in large numbers, apparently without disease. The town is surrounded with their fresh graves, and the emaciated forms of the living stalk about our streets, exciting jrity in the heardest hearts. The Turkish Government are nobly and generousiy doing all in their power for their relief. Land is given them gratis, and ,eJ are scattered throughout the villages, where the wuolesome mountain air enables them to repair their con- stitutions. But the authorities cannot do all that needs to be done, nor are their efforts always wisely directed. If the Russian Government cannot be induced to carry on this business in a more Christian way we ought to await every arrival on the Turkish shore with good doctors, medicine, provisions, and clothing, and, by restoring their physical energies, prepare them for the battles yet in store for them, before they can settle down as farmers and obtain from the soil the supply of their wants. Many of them have money, and when they are in need they sell the children of their slaves, both male and female, and thus supply their necessi- ties. The Mussulmans readily purchase but it is a pitiable sight to see boys and girls sold like cattle in the streets. They fetch £ 20 and under little ones, two years old, have been sold for 10s. each. Any attempt to reach their case after they have left the seaboard is not likely to produce any good or adequate results. Your agents would not know the language nor the people; they would be easily imposed upon, if they did not themselves impose upon you. As for our missionaries, I do not think they would be suitable agents, most of them not knowing Turkish, and when they do, not having sufficient experience in matters of this sort to keep them from imposition. Your (British) consular agents might do, and would be the best agents where they have been settled for some time. I believe the sure course is the one I mentioned above. Let good physicians be stationed at all the landings, wholesome quarters, food, and clothing be furnished with a lavish hand; it will arrest the evil before it has had time to go too far, and blessings will come down upon old England for her deed of Christian benevolence. Nor should time be lost. Winter is coming on, when suffering will be increased tenfold." •»- Death of Sir Charles Knightley.-We have to

announce the demise of the above baronet, which lately took place at his seat, Fawsley-park, Northampton- shire, in his 83rd year. The deceased was eldest son of the Rev. Charles Knightley, by the only daughter of Mr. Henry Boulton, of Moulton, Lincolnshire; born at Preston Capes, Northamptonshire; married, in 1813, eldest daughter of Mr. Felton Lionel Hervey, of Englefield-green, who died in 1856. The deceased baronet succeeded his uncle in 1812, and was M.P. for South Northamptonshire from 1834 to 1852. Sir Charles is succeeded by his eldest son Rainald, born in 1812, and has been M.P. for the South Division of Northamptonshire since 1852. A Tiger HuntThe Journal cLes Chasseurs states that Si-Abdalah, a famous lion-hunter of Bona (Algeria) has just presented to the museum of that town the skin of a lioness, in killing which he nearly lost his life. Some time since Si-Abdalah, who en- joyed great reputation among the Arabs for his skill and courage in hunting lions, of which he had already killed eleven, was informed that a lioness had com- mitted dreadful ravages among- the cattle of a neigh- bouring tribe, and he accordingly went in pursuit of it, armed with a long single-barrelled flint gun. He soon found the animal, and wounded her; but as it 'was night he could not trace her through the woods. The next morning he went to look out, and having found her in a thicket, wounded her again, but not mortally, for she sprang on him, and tore him dread- fully with her teeth and claws. She would certainly have killed him had not some Arabs who heard his cries, hastened up and shot her dead. The sub-prefect of Bona immediately had Si-Abdalah conveyed to the military hospital, where he received every necessary attention, and has since completely recovered from his injuries,