The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

THE EXPLOSION OF A LOCOMOTIVE ON THE NORTH LONDON RAILWAY, The inquest on William Davis, a fireman in the em- plov of the North London Railway, killed by the explosion of a locomotive engine at the Camden-road station on the 16th of August, was resumed on Thurs- day at the St. Martin's Tavern, Pratt-street, Camden- town, by Dr. Lankester. The coroner and jury in the first instance assembled at the Camden-road station, and accompanied by Mr. Adams, locomotive superintendent, and other autho- rities of the railway, proceeded to the company's works at Bow, where the engine was in the locomotive shed, and where they made a minute inspection of the exploded fire-box and other damaged portions of the &aMr.0W. Campbell Sleigh, barrister, instructed by Messrs. Pain and Layton, attended on behali of the North London Railway Oompany. Captain William Tyler, B.E., was examined, and read a long report, which, after recapitulating much of what had already been proved in evidence, pro- ceeded:—" This engine has exploded in consequence of the failure of certain copper stays in the left of the fire-box; and these stays have been gradually broken through, or nearly broken through, during the ten years that the engine has been at work. The engine has been working for some time in a critical condition, and, for a considerable period, with a less margin of strength than ought to be preserved between working pressure and bursting pressure; and it would have r/one cm working but for the explosion, unless symp- toms of leakage or bulging had been observable m the interior of the fire-box. It becomes important, ,o consider, under these circumstances, whether this locomotive boiler should not have been subjected to more frequent tests by hydraulic pressure. The locomotive superintendent of the North London Railway does more than the officers of most of the great railway companies in thia respect, in testing his boilers whenever they. are stripped or brought in for a thorough repair. But still more is evidently required. This explosion shows that many of the f,opper stays required renewal within a shorter period, and it is not safe to wait for leakage or perceptible bulging inside the firebpx before renewing them in an old boiler. There is great difficulty in ascertaining the condition of these stays without taking the boiler to pieces. The space between the firebox and the outer shell is closed for a number of years, but no weakness is exhibited by the stays, nor can any defects be detected by the sound of the hammer until they have been actually fractured, while there may be a great many of them partially fractured, as has happened in this case, without its being known that they are in that condition. One remedy to which I would refer as being practicable and likely to prove efficient, is that of using hollow stays, which has been done, I be- lev"-3 for many years by Mr. Bekttie, on the London and Sou^k-WfsternBailway. Each stay would then leak, and shew its weakness when it was partially broken. The on! other remedies thatl am aware of are more frequent t *-t- bv water pressure, and earlier renewal of the stays T^c- strain upon each stay at 1201b. to the square fcch in the boiler would in this case have been 2,4301b., and its ultimate strength when new would havebeen about 5x times that amount, taking the tenacity of the copper 36 000 the square inch. The totaHtram upon the s de of the firebox, to be resisted by the ninety-six ctar s which supported it, would have amounted to up- wards of 100 tons. I may add, m conclusion, though V„s nothing to do with the explosion that I observed extensive symptoms of channelling in the iron plate at the back of the angle at which the explosion com- menced, and that there were no hanging stays in the boiler for connecting the outer shell to the roof stays of the firebox, such as there ought to be, in my opinion, for additional security in every locomotive boiler. In -epiy to the jury, Captain Tyler said he thonern.. the hydraulic test was the best that could be applied in order to ascertain the strength of the boiler and firebox. Some other evidence having been given, Mr. Sleigh said that he had several scientific gentle- men present, independent of the company, including Mr Craig and Mr. Kitson, both eminently practical men, and he should be happy to call any other evi- dence to assist in the fullest inquiry into this lament- able occurrence. • r The jury said they would not require any further evidence. The Coroner then summed up, and The iury, after consulting together for some time, coid they had agreed upon the fact that the death was caused by "misadventure," and that they had also eTv S V comotive engine that exploded and killed the said William Davis ought to have been more thorougMy examined considering the age of the engine and the abearance of the rivet heads. The said jury also, recommend to the North London Railway Compaq for the future a more strict examination of the^re- boxes, especially as the rivet heads of the atoys of the firebox which exploded show such evident signs of W^Sleigh said that those resolutions should be communicated to the directors of the company and Was sure they would receive the fullest considera- tion at their hands. He might mention that he had just been informed that m addition to the half- brother who gave evidence on the last oscasion, the deceased had a mother partially dependent upon him, and the company would take oare that she should be well looked after.

MURDER THROUGH JEALOUSY. The Inquest. p Dr". Lankester, the coroner, held an inquest on the body, of the deceased at the Three Tuns, Hatton- garden„ The jury having -been duly sworn in proceeded to view the body. On their return, Dr. Clarke, M.D., said he was called to the deceased on Monday morning at two o'clock, when he found her insensible," and she died soon after. He had made a post mortem examination of the body in conj anction with Dr. Pollock. There was a bruise externally over the right eve. There was also a mark of violence on the abdomen. Internally there was a rupture of the spleen, which was the immediate cause of death. Besides the bruise on the deceased's eyebrow there was also a mark on the nose. The jury. expressed a wish to have the prisoner before them. William Chipperton said he lived at Shrewsoury- cottage, Ansyel-lane, Hammersmith. He was a sheer- ing smith, and had known the deceased and hev husband about six months. He met Wilkinson last Sunday about half-past two at the White Horse. They had some ale, and then the deceased's niece and Wilkinson came in the train to London. Wilkinson asked them to go to his house to tea, and they went. They were there from three to six, and had a pot of ale between them. Wilkinson had had a little drop too much, but was not intoxicated. They after- wards air four went to the station. They were all laughing and chaffing together, and when the train came up, they shook hands, and Wilkinson kissed the niece. He said, "Don't be jealous, old fellow; kiss ray old woman," which he accordingly did. He noticed nothing about Wilkinson when he kissed his wife, but she turned pale when her husband kissed her niece. He was not jealous of her, but she was very jealpus of him. He had never known him to ill-use her, but he had heard that he had. The conduct of the deceased was always moral and proper. Mrs. Sarah Collier said she lived at No. 9, Cross- street. She lived on the second floor, and deceased and his wife on the first floor. On Sunday evening Wilkinson came in about seven o'clock, and asked her if she had seen his wife. She told him she had not seen hsr since four o'clock. About half-past seven a person came and called her out to a lady," who turned out to be the deceased. She told witness that when they came out of the station he gave her a blow on the cheek, and she said it was because the young man who was with them had kissed her. She told me she would not come in for about a couple of hours because he would knock her about. At ten o'clock she sent for her, and as her husband had not como in she came up and went to bed with witness's aunt, having first looked at her children. About a quarter past twelve she heard Wilkinson on the stairs coming up from his room to her aunt's. He knocked at the door and asked if his wife was there, and on being told she was not he went to her aunt's room and pushed it open.. Witness then heard a confused noise of quarrelling, and went in. Deceased was on the floor on her knees on the left hand side of the bed. Wilkinson was standing near_ her, using dreadful language. He struck her three times on the head with his fist, and afterward kicked her in the side with his right foot. She appeared to be in great pain, and said, I am very bad he has given me my death-blow." She raised deceased on her arm, and then she vomited blood. He then seemed to be very sorry, assisted witness to bathe her temples, and also to remove her to her own room. He then expressed great sorrow, and cried much. He also went for a doctor. She lived from the kick to the time she diad about an nour. # By the jury: Before the fatal kick was given, de- ceased said, "For God's sake, don't kill me." Wil- kinson then got up off a box and said, I'll give it to you, you and kicked her. She vomited blood to the extent of about a teacupful. Her chemise was torn to pieces previous to the vomiting of the blood. The Coroner said that there could be no doubt that the death was caused by the rupture of the spleen, and the evidence of the last witness clearly showed how that rupture was caused. It would, however, be necessary to adjourn the inquest till Friday, when the prisoner would be before them, and would have the evidence then taken read over to him. The inquiry was then adjourned. The adjourned inquest was held on Friday, when Henry Wilkinson was brought up in charge of Inspector Potter. He is -a man apparently of about thirty-five or forty years of age-, slim, and by no means ill- °Theb>Coroner having cautioned the prisoner in the usual way, that any statement he made would be taken down and might be used against him, read over the. evidence taken in the case. Wilkinson listened attentively, and was apparently deeply affected. Mr. Lewis, solicitor, of Elv-plaoe, appeared to watch the case for Wilkinson. Ior The nrat witness called was Sarah. Turnbull, of 9, Cross-street, said: 1 h»e- known Eliza Wilkinson for ten months. She frequently quarrelled with her husband about sample things. He was- always sorry when it was over, and never quarrelled when he was sober. I have gone in and said, "I am sorry you do this and he has said, "Soam I; I wish some one would' come and knock my head off." I was very poorly last Sunday evening', and went to bed at about ten o clook. Sarah Collier is my niece, and she told me that she was afraid that Wilkinson and Ms wife would quarrel from what had taken place. I said, "If she is shut out to-night let her come to my room and she shall have half my bed." My niece brought her up. When I awoke at half-past twelve I found her in bed with me. Wilkinson came heme at about half-nast twelve, and he asked if his wife was there. He then came to the bed and pulled her out, and said she ought not to have left her home. He was in a great passion. I was not in a position to see what occurred. My niece having come in was between them and me, so I could not see My niece came in directly after Wilkinson, and tried to part them. I saw no blows, but I heard great scuffling. I had a lamp in the room, but it was burning very low. I saw deceased on the floor. Wilkinson and my niece carried her across the room to take her down stairs. Wilkinson was very much cut up. He told me to bathe her face, and do all we could for her. He ran for the-doctor, and said to us <e Oh do try and bring her round." I saw him after- wards. 'He went and got some brandy for her. He said nothing afterwards. leawas too much cut up. At this period in the proceedings the Marquis of Townshend arrived, and was accommodated with a seat at the coroner's right hand.. Witness continued: I do not think Wilkinson was in my room more than ten minutes. By a Tnror I have known the deceased ten months. The re" son I "offered her half a bed was because Wilkinson, when be came home drank often shut her out, and she had to sit on the sta^s She never said she was afraid to go in, and stopped out on that account. He would, fall asleep and would leave her out till he got sober. He was very sorry then for having done so, 4,-u a -u a^otker tJiiror: Tbc dcceasod told me ttiatj siie Quar™ relled with her husband on the- preceding Friday, and he struck her in the mouth. Dr Clarke re-called: There was a slight abrasion on the upper part and right side of the-abdomen in the hypochon- driac region. The spleen is on the left side. Idonot tiunk that abrasion has any reference to the injury to the spleen. On the left side, near the spleen, there was no mark. A severe blow there would leave a bruise. In the diseased woman's spleen a very slight blow would rupture it. A blow not calculated to kill a healthy person would kiil her. By a Juror: I do not think the prisoner's ill-usage of the woman had any thing, to do with the diseased state of the spleen. The form of disease was fatty degeneration, and any amount of blows would not produce that disease of the SPAnn Chadwick, 13, Baker's-row, Coppice-row, Clerken- well I knew Mrs. Wilkinson two years. She has often told me of her husband's ill-usage of her She never said she thought he would kill her, but, on the contrary, that he always made it up, and was very sorry, and gave her all the money he could. She saw deceased on Sunday. She said she had quarrelled with her husband. He had struck her in the eve, so she had left him. She left me at ten o clock, and went to sleep with Mrs. Turnbull. She always told me he was a very good husband when he was sober. She seemed quite well when she left me.. A Juryman: May I ask the prisoner a question, Mr. C The^oroner (with great -surprise): The prisoner ? Cer- ^FraMisCook, police-inspector, C 116: OnSunday night I found the door open at 9 Gross-street. Went up stairs, and -aw the dead body of deceased. The doctor and the female witnesses were there. I asked how the woman came by the bruises, and I took the prisoner in charge. He said there were some blows struck on Friday night, but more since. I produce clothing, which I found in tl-i-e room torn. They consist of a chemise, a cloalc, and jacket There were snots of blood on the floor, and the mark of nails of boots Mrs. Collier examined: When I went into the room de- csasfid was naked# Mrs Turnbull re-examined: Deceased had on only a chemise when she was in bed with me; it was torn off her baGe'orge Baldock, police-sergeant G1, said: Prisoner was brought to the Clerkenwfell Police-station at half-past one on Monday morning. I told him he was ^charged with a very serious offence, and 1 cautioned him that what he said would be used in evidence agaiast him. He said, It is not what I have done to-night, it is what I did on Friday. He appeared sober, and not so much cut up as one would expect a man to be who had murdered his wife. Mrs. Collier (recalled by a Juror): Did you ever hear prisoner threaten to take his wife's life ?-Never. Was deceased sober on Sunday night ?-Yes. Inspector Potter said he had witnesses to prove that deceased was a sober, industrious, and very respectable womaa. The Coroner then summed up, and took the opportunity of drawing attention to the society founded by the Mar- quis of Townshend for the protection of women and chil- dren, to which persons might report cases where men and their wives were not living happily together, and ^the society would use its efforts to place them on a better foot- ing, the result of which might be to prevent these serious assaults. The jury retired to consider their verdict at a quarter-past twelve o'clock, and at a quarter to one returned into court and pronounced a verdict of Man- slaughter, on the ground that they did not think prisoner contemplated killing his wife. The prisoner was visibly affected on hearing the verdict. Throughout the morning the excitement in the neighbourhood seemed to increase. Several thousand persons congregated in Cross-street, and every window commanding a view of the Three Tuns had numerous occupants even the tops of some of the houses were tenanted When the unfortunate man was taken out to the cab to be conveyed to prison, there was a great rush to catch a glimpse of him. Indeed, the street presented the appearance, on a small scale, of what the neighbourhood of the gallows does when a convict it about being executed. It is stated that the prisoner's fathor has buried the woman, and done all that is possible to repair the in- jury his unfortunate son has done.

Peace Humours. A correspondent, writing from New York August 24, says:—The peace question is destined to receive a thorough discussion, but whether it can by any possi- bility be pushed so far as to result in an armistice remains to be seen. On Thursday last that section of the Democracy which is for peace unqualifiedly met in Convention at Syracuse. The most conspicuous individuals were Messrs. Vallandighara and Fernando Wood. There were delegations of considerable size in attendance from the villages and towns in the im- mediate vicinity of the place of meeting, but very few took the trouble to travel any distance to be present. At a meeting on Wednesday evening to secure an interchange of opinion and arrange the programme of business for the next afternoon, a series of resolutions were agreed upon which were much milder than the leaders of the movement demanded, but they were finally reconciled to them by one which was inserted calling for the appointment of an advisory delegation to attend the Chicago Convention and insist upon the adoption of such measures and the nomination of such candidates as should be acceptable to the party they assumed to represent. Two mass meetings were held on the afternoon of Thursday. The largest, which numbered perhaps 3,000 persons, was addressed by Mr. Vallandigham and Mr. Fernando Wood, and to this the resolutions previously agreed upon were sub- mitted. The first of the series declared that the country had been passing through one of those con- vulsions so "frequent in history, when violence at- tempts by force to undo the work of sages and patriots, and thus by resort to the brute power of physical compulsion, subvert the fundamental principles of free Governments, created by Divine inspiration, and acting through the genius of man." Then the resolu- tions express deep and heartfelt gratitude to God that we now behold a visible subsidence of the excitement and passion which has accompanied this convulsion; that we think we see that the political and moral tempest which has swept over our beloved land with such devastating effects has about exhausted its power, and that a season of returning calm and love of ceuntry is about to replace it, in which it will be the duty of the patriot to build up anew the splendid fabric which suicidal hands have attempted to de- stroy." They further declare- it to be the duty of the Chicago Convention to give expression to this benefi- cent spirit of peace, and to declare as the purpose of the Democratic party, if it shall recover power, to cause thia desolating war to cease by the sailing of a national convention, in which all the States shall be represented in their sovereign capacity, and that to this end an immediate armistice shall be declared, of sufficient duration to give the Stages and the- people ample time and opportunity to deliberate upon and finally conclude a form of union." Still further, they dedare that "if in the- platform and candi- dates of the Chicago convention the now per- vading peace sentiments of the country shall be disregarded, and that body shall place another wa,r candidate and platform before the people, making a third party of this character entering the canvass for the Presidency, there will be no real issue to decide at that election. Each party and each declaration of policy and principles will be alike on the fundamental question of "the day, viz., Shall it be peace., or shall' it be war ? Therefore we enjoin upon that convention the folly of aiming to obtain a portion of those who are already war-pledged. The candidates already nominated represent all wha cling to the war, and it is sound policy to gather together, under our banner, all who entertain the opposite sentiment, and are in favour of restoring the country to its former condition of prosperity and happiness, only to be obtained by the election of a peace Pre- sident, pledged to the support of a peace policy." The other resolutions denounce President Lincoln's ultimatum addressed to whom it may concern," and have a great deal to say about the suppression of the liberties of the press, &o. I

Operations on the lsTortli of the James. A letter of Aug. 21, dated in the field before Peters- burg, gives the following summary of the Federal movements oa the north side of the- James river:— The following is a synopsis of the week's work:—On the Biorning of the 14th, General Birney, having crossed the James,, above Four Mile Creek,, during the night previous, attacked the enemy's works and carried them by assault. General Foster's brigade led the advance, with the 1st brigade en 6c7bel0- the- whole supported by Hawley's brigade. Desultory skirmish. ing was maintained till about eleven o'clock, when the corps, moving along the Kingsland-road, crossed Four Mile Creek, intending simply to form a junction with the 2nd Corps, which had landed from transports, and had driven the enemy back into the country from this point. Finding the road obstructed and covered by a battery, the troops were quickly farmed for attack. The works were carried easily, and were found to contain four eight-inch siege howitzers, all of which were brought off. A junction was then formed with the 2nd Corps without trouble at Strawberry Plains. On the 15th the 10th Corps moved to the right of the infantry line. Picket and artillery fighting occurred. The day following was marked by a very sanguinary little affair. The position of the enemy not being clearly understood, General Terry was in- structed to reconnoitre and see what was in his front. General Foster's brigade was pushed forward, and dis- covered the approach of that front of the enemy's position to be unattainable, as it was beyond steep ravines and deep ponds. Foster, therefore, changed his front forward on his left battalion, so as to bring him against the flanks of these obstructions. Pond's brigade was formed in battalion columns, in mass, on Foster's right, with Hawley's brigade supporting. In this manner they charged the works, and carried all but a portion in the centre, whioh were on the verge of a steep precipice. Without stopping a moment at the works, they rushed on after the retreating enemy. Coming to a dense forest their foe again halted. Our troops were manoeuvred until they had been brought to face to the rear of their original position, and all were in one line of battle along the edge of the woods. Meanwhile General Birney moved his division up to and manned the works, as also did Colonel Craig, who had been. detached from the 2nd corps to assist at that part of our line. Under cover of the forest, the enemy concentrated from other points, when they should have been, but were not, attacked, and dashing against Foster caused him to retire to the works, the enemy following in turn. At the works our men fought them gallantly for some time, but the enemy, having occu- pied the portion of the works we had not possessed ourselves of, poured from it a galling, enfilading fire, forcing us to retreat to more tenable ground. The enemy did not follow from their works. Our loss in this affair will exceed 1,000, among whom are 51 officers. Colonel Craig was killed while cheering on his men. The rebel loss will not prove small. Among their dead was found General Victor Girardy, who, by the way, bad been recently promoted from a captaincy for successfully repulsing the late attack @f Burnside on Petersburg. Among our trophies were six stands of colours. Works were immediately thrown up com- manding the position, and until the attack of the enemy on the evening of the 18th but little more fighting was done. Then, as you are aware, the enemy were badly repulsed wherever they attacked. On the 17th General Birney's brigade was sent out to rein- force Gregg's cavalry, who had been attacked in force. Birney moved by way of Charles City Court-house road, and, striking the enemy in flank, compelled him to retreat precipitately. We have had plenty of rain lately, and the roads are quite soft.

SHOCKING CASE OF OHILD BURNING. Emma Milkham, 29, a most deplorable-looking woman, was charged at Worship-street Police-court, on Saturday, with concealing the birth of an illegiti- mate female child. Late at night, on the 23rd of July last, Police-eon- stable Gully, 97 H, was called to No. 5, Miring-place, Friar's-place, Friar's-mount, in Bethnal-green, and on entering the house was immediately assailed by a stench described by him as "overpowering and awful," increasing in intensity as he opened the door of a front upper room containing only one small table, an old chair, and a miserable bed, with scant and dirty clothing, on which lay the prisoner in an apparently enfeebled and most emaciated state. Not any food, water, or coals was there; and the woman said all she had eaten since the previous Tues- day—a lapse of four days—was an egg. Beneath the bedstead was a box, on opening the lid of which something wrapped in dirty linen was seen, and from this the horrifying smell evidently proceeded. Mr. Profit Dukes, surgeon, of 182, Brick-lane, was sent for, and that gentleman, on unrolling the parcel, dis- covered the decomposed remains of an infant that had been subjected to the action of fire over nearly the entire body, which was greatly discolourea thereby. The bowels on one side were protruding, and the left thigh was nearly severed from the body. It was utterly impossible to state whether the child had been born alive, but, from the firmness of the bones, he believed it was a full-grown child. Prisoner said that she had given birth to it on the Tuesday before, and that it was still-born and illegitimate; also, that her husband had deserted her and her two children some time previously. Nourishing food was supplied to the poor creature by the workhouse authorities, and two days afterwards she was carefully removed to the Union. A post-mortem examination of the infant had been made, but all the organs were in such a condition as to render it futile. A Mrs. Finn recognised the prisoner as a person who had worked for her; and she knew that she supported her two children until very recently, when her sister took them away. Not any one appeared to help her in maintaining their wretched home, except a little boy, her brother, it was believed, who was in the tabifc of going out during the day with a little box containing, it might be presumed, trifling articles for sale. Mary Stevens, living two doors from the prisoner, remembered the night of the 23rd July. A fearful moaning was heard, and on procuring a light prisoner was seen sitting on the stairs with one of her children in her lap, and his little arms twined round her waist. She was conveyed to her room, and information was forthwith given to the police on duty in the street. Not any baby linen or aught indicating preparations for a confinement could be found. The prisoner was spoken of generally as a fond and kind mother, and particularly so by her sister-in-law, a Mrs. Miller." Evidence of all this having been taken at length, Mr. Cooke asked the prisoner whether she was de- sirous of saying anything, to which question she very feebly replied, "I offered no violence whatever to my baby; it was born dead." Mr. Cooke You are charged only with concealing the birth; there is not any imputation against you of anything else. The depositions were then completed, and the- priso- ner, who wept abundantly, was fully committed to Newgate for trial.

INAUGURATION OF THE STATUE: OF SIR G. C. LEWIS. On Saturday the memorial statue, recently erected in the city of Hereford in honour of the late lamented Minister for War, was publicly unveiled by Lord Palmerston, the political chief under whom he had successively filled three of the highest offices of the State, said a vast assemblage of the citizens and in- habitants of the county. The statue originated in the unanimous desire enter- tained by men of all shades of opinion in the county of Hereford, which the deceased' statesman repre- sented for several years in Parliament, and with which he remained locally connected till his untimely death, to unite in a common tribute of respect for the memory of one so distinguished alike for his- profound scholar- ship and his eminent public services, and so highly esteemed as a country gentleman and a neighbour. It was generally felt, also, that no more fitting person could be chosen to inaugurate the memorial raised to a colleague lost too early for his country, though-not for his fame, than the Minister who was the first to recognise. his varied abilities and rare aptitude for public business. An invitation was accordingly sent by the committee to- the Premier, who promptly ac- ceded to their request, and Saturday was the day appointed for the ceremony. His lordship arrived on Friday afternoon at Hereford, where he was received by the Rev. Archer Clive, of Whitfield, whose guest he was for the night. Saturday is usually a busy day with the inhabitants of Hereford, as well as with those of most other towns, but for once thoughts of business gave place to, holi- day keeping. Excursion trains from all the surround- ing districts brought in a large influx of strangers, who overflowed the hotels, and even blocked up the principal streets. The churches and other public buildings, all the inns, shops, and many private houses exhibited flags, floral deviees, and other tokens of jubilation, largely interspersed, with complimentary mottoes and words of hearty welcome to the Premier. The great centre of attraction, however, was the front of the Shirehall, in St. Peter's. sq mre where the statue stood, screened by a white cloth from the public gaze until the right moment came for uncovering it. Here a space had been enclosed, and a temporary platform erected for the accommodation of the principal spec- tators, while the open square beyond, from all parts of which a sight at least of the proceedings could be commanded, was left available for the multitude. At an early hour both of these enclosed and unenclosed spaces were well filled with persons who -gave up the pleasure of taking part in the procession in order to make sure of good places for the more- interesting portion of the ceremonial. Meanwhile, the civic authorities and other local bodies went a short dis- tance from the town to receive Lord Palmerston at Wye-bridge-gate. Hero his lordship arrived at twelve o'clock in an open carriage, with the Rev. Mr. Clive, the chairman of the Memorial Committee, and also aeeompanied by Lord Somers. The proces- sion was then formed, and proceeded through the city amid the enthusiastic acclamations of the crowds who lined the entire route and filled every available window or balcony, the bands at the same time playing lively airs, and the chureh bells ringing out their merry peals. The first business was the presentation of an address from the Corporation to the Premier. This took place under the spacious Doric portico of the Shirehall, in the presence, though certainly not in the hearing, of the vast concourse. The Town Clerk read the ad- dress. L.ord Palmerston, in responding, said-Mr. Mayor and gentlemen of the corporation of the- city of Hereford, I beg to thank you most sincerely for the address which you have been kind enough to present to me,. I feel, gentlemen, par- ticularly interested in the ceremony of to-day, because, inde- pendently of the great value to be attached to the services rendered to the country by the man whose loss we all de- plore, I had the happiness of enjoying the private friend- ship of the late Sir Gr. Lewis. Indeed, I may say that I had a hereditary right to that friendship, because I had the good fortune to possess the friendship of his distinguished father. Between his family and mine there has always subsisted the most intimate acquaintance. Therefore, upon every ground, both public and private, it is most gratifying to me to have been invited to attend here to-day, and to take part in a ceremony which is not only interesting to those who were privately and publicly connected with Sir G. Lewis, but which reflects so much credit on the town which has erected this memorial of his distinguished services (cheers). Lord Palmerston, having again thanked the corporation for their address, then advanced to the platform on the left of the statue, which was the signal for another burst of cheering. The Rev. Archer Clive, speaking on behalf of the com- mittee, said: My Lord Palmerston, it may be known to your lordship that the friends and neighbours of the late Sir George Cornewall Lewis have endeavoured to commemorate the great services which he rendered to this county, and to England in general, by his distinguished public conduct, by perpetuating the recollection of them, as far as they can, by means of a public memorial and tribute. As chairman of the committee of subscribers I have been requested to ask your lordship to do us the honour to be present at the inauguration of this statue. It has been the object of tl e, subscribers to this memorial to raise for our departed friend a monument formed of materials the most imperishable which the quarries and mines of our common country can produce. We have endeavoured that in some respects it should, like him whom it commemorates, be simple and unpretending. We have not to ask your lordship to sanc- tion the exaggerated praise of a lying epitaph, for we have placed nothing on the base of that statue but that which every person here who is qualified to judge can say is the truth, and nothing but the truth (hear, hear). We have said upon the base of the statue that he was a wise and honest statesman; and for confirmation of that part of our epitaph we may appeal to your lordship, who first called him to the very important office of. Chancellor of the Exchequer of this great country. Your lordship s political experience discovered in tKe man, wlio had worked with remitting attention and with great ability in the somewhat subordinate but still important office of Commissioner of Poor Laws, tbose talents which afterwards shone forth more brilliantly in the high position of Minister of Finance, and which secured to him from the greatest commercial population of the world-the City of Lonaon-a degree ot confidence and respect which I will no c say S cellor of the Exchequer has equalled, but which -ertamly no other man in that situation has ever yet exceeded (cheers). We have, therefore, your lordshrp s testimony that be was a wise and honest Minister. We know him ourselves to have been honest, because we_ are well c that he might have continued until his dying day in t position which he so ardently struggled to obtain thepos- tion of a representative of the county of Hereford, had been a less honest man—had he chosen to disguise the opinions which he held, and which were then unpopuia (hear, hear). But he was an honest man, and he assertea n1' opinions. I don't blame those who rejected him; not at au. They acted according to their opinions, and he acted accord- ing to his. All I claim for him is the merit of thorough- going honesty of purpose (cheers). Gentlemen, you do not want to hear me any longer there is one here who is far worthier to address you. But I beg you to remember that we are assembled to-day not to do honour to any living per- son or statesman, however great his talents or however trvan.k ttie cmifirlence we repose in him. We are here to honour the dea*; and over that grave, for oneway at, least, I would say let every feeling of political asperity be hushed. Let us remember, as we do remember, because this statue is raised by contributions from political opponents as well as from political friends, that he who never made a single enemy would regret-most deeply and bitterly, if be were permitted to be conscious of what we are doing, that any other sentiment than good feeling, neace, and love should prevail among those who met to honour his memory. Let us do all we can to hand down to posterity the knowledge that one great and eminent statesman has risen up among us-that among the gentry of England one was found, as I believe many more will be found whenever they are wanted., to serve his country well and fill the highest and most im- portant offices of the State (cheers). My Lord Palmerston. I have now to request you to uncover the statue of your former colleague, and kindly express to us your sentiments on this subject (cheers). Lord Palmerston then drew aside the curtain which had hidden the statue from view, amid the deafening cheers of the multitude, the troops simultaneously presenting arms, salutes being also fired, and the militia band playing a slow and solemn march. Meanwhile all eyes were fixed upon the statue, which was at once instinctively pronounced by all who knew the deceased to be a striking likeness. The calm and mild features of the original are faithfully reproduced, and the artist, Baron Marochetti, ias also been singularly happy in catching his characteristic expression. Sir George is represented standing with his arms folded, as if in the act of addressing a public assembly, and his whole bearing and attitude is pleasing and life-like. The dress is not that of an ancient classical orator or statesman, but the plain frock-coat and trousers, worn by an English gentle- man—a costume which, if it in any degree impairs artistic effect, has at least the redeeming merit of truthfulness. The figure is cast in bronze, and is 7ft. 6m. high. The plinth which supports it consists of a block of unpolished Penrhyn granite, upon which rests a moulded polished pedestal; the total height of the memorial being 14ft. On the pedestal there is this appropriate inscription&ir George Cornewall Lewis, a wise and honest statesman a profound scholar, a kind and fan friend; M.P. for th county of Hereford from 1847 to 1853; chief steward of the city; Chancellor of the Exchequer from 1855 to 18a8; Home Secretary from 1859 to 1860; Secretary for War from 1860 to 1863. Born, 1806 died, 1863." After a brief interval' spent hi examining this admirable work of art. Lord Palmerston stood forward, when he was again en- thusiastically cheered. He sa.id-La.dies and gentlemen, X must, before I make any observations upon the occasion which has brought us all together, thank you from the bottom of my heart for the kind and flattering reception which I have met with from the people of Hereford (cheers). I know well that the multitude which I now see before me has assembled for the same object which has brought me also among you. As my friend Mr. Clive has truly said, that object is not so much connected with the living as to do honour to one whom we have lost. And in- deed you must all feel that there seldom, if ever, has-been an occasion upon which it is more natural, more befitting, and more becoming for the citizens of a great community like the people of Hereford to assemble to do honour to the memory of one of their departed members. The practice ot celebrating by posthumous honours the distinguished services of men engaged in the cause of their country is one which has been observed by all civilised nations and in all historical times, and it is founded upon two principles equally deserving of recognition and respect. Such acts tend to invigorate in 'the living those feelings of affection and regard which are the most ennobling sentiments that can animate the human breast (hear, hear). Well, you are now assembled to confer posthumous honour on a great and distinguished statesman, who by the inscrutable decrees of Providence was taken away from us prematurely and at a moment when, in the full vigour of his age, we might have expected from him the continuance of long and useful public labours (hear, hear). All you can do now is that which you have met here to perform-viz., to commemorate by a last- ing memorial the respect and esteem which his contempora- ries felt for him, and to hold out to future ages an instruc ive and inspiring example to induce them to emulate that career which he so honourably and usefully followed. There has seldom been any man in a great public career who so entitled himself to the respect and admiration of his fellbw- countrymen as the late Sir George Lewis (cheers). I may say that the whole active part of his life was devoted, in one way or another, to the service of his country. But not only was Sir G. Lewis most distinguished as a public man. As was well observed by Mr. Clive, he contrived, in a way which excited not only the admiration, but the astonish- ment oi*'those who knew him—he contrived, while engaged almost all the active part of his life in the performance of public duties of greater or less importance, and all requiring great devotion and time, to acquire more varied, more extensive and deeper knowledge of all kinds than has often fallen to the lot even of those who have Rothing else to do but apply their minds to its acquisition. He was one of the most learned men in private life as well as one of the most active in public duties. The great and, I may say, the leading quality of his mind was a thirsting after truth (hear, hear). It was that quality which endeared him as a public man to those with whom he *had to enter into communion. But in his private relations of life there was a warmth, of heart, a steadiness of affection, a total unselfishness of feeling which rendered him dear to all his friends, which made him invaluable to all his family connections, and which inspired in those who came near him in the exchange of domestic intercourse sentiments deewr even than those which can be entertained by any now assembled to do honour to his memory. I hope that those whom I am addressing, and those who may follow them, generation after. generation, when they pass this statue, will say, "This is a statue of a man dear to his country, who rendered important services to his country, who served his Sovereign and his fellow-countrymen with honesty of purpose, and with successful results." I trust, gentlemen, that this memorial will not only prove in the present day the respect and admiration which the people of Hereford felt for Sir G. Lewis, but will be a perpetual lesson to them and their posterity, teaching them the course they ought to follow in order to benefit those among whom. their lot is cast, and secure for themselves the esteem and approbation of their fellow-men. Gentlemen, I beg again to thank you for having been allowed to, take part in this most interesting ceremony, and to congratulate you on having brought it to so successful an issue (cheers). The concourse then dispersed and Lord Palmerston immediately drove off amid voeiferous cheering with the Bishop of Hereford, to partake of luncheon at the palace. The weather throughout the early part of the day was bright and beautiful; but the ceremony was hardly concluded before the sky began to lower, and a heavy thunderstorm, accompanied by torrents of rain, speedily followed. The thousands of holiday folks who had been leisurely parading the streets or loitering round the statue were compelled precipitately to seek for shelter; and so keen was the competition and so limited the accommodation that many of them sought it in vain. The storm had but slightly abated when the 2.55 p.m. train, by which Lord Palmerston was to travel to London, was preparing for its journey, and his lordship drove up to the Hereford station in the midst of a heavy shower. He was accompanied thither by the Rev. Mr. Clive, and a considerable number of the townspeople had congregated on the platform to witness his departure. Here he remained for some time engaged in conversation with all and sundry who pressed forward to shake him by the hand—a privilege which some enthusiastic parents not only coveted for themselves, but sought to have ex- tended to their tender offspring. One ardent mother introduced herself and her hopeful to the great states- man, and seemed immensely gratified when he kindly patted her child on the head. This good lady's example was likely to prove contagious, and the dis, tinguished visitor might, on very short notice, have formed an extensive acquaintance with the juvenile population of Hereford had not the starting of the train abruptly terminated the scene. Lord Palmerston was loudly cheered as he left the station; and at various points along the line, where it was known that the train would stop, similar demonstrations greeted him. +

A coal-laden ship, lying at Belfast, has been lauchdamaged by an explosion, through the not uncommon occurrence of an accumulation of gas in the hold. The deck was destroyed; but no life was lost.