Monmouthshire Merlin

EXTRAORDINARY CAPTURE OF TWO THIEVES, James Lenning, alias Percival, and George Mills, two noto- rious thieves, belonging to the London swell mob, and formerly connected with Hackett, the expert thief, who is now under- going a long term of imprisonment in the United States, were brought before James Denne, Esq., at the Town Hall, Tun- bridge Wells, on Saturday, for final examination, charged with s'ealing a gold watch and appendages, worth £50, the property of Mrs. Maria Hollingiworth. It appeared from the evidence, which was taken at some length, that the prosecutrix lodged at Mount Ephraim Cottage, Tunbridge Wells, and on the morning of the 23d ult., she quitted the house for the purpose of taking a walk, leaving her watch on the table in the front sitting-room. She returned home a little after one o'clock, and missed it immediately. She then wen! and informed the superintendent of her loss. Mr. Mortoo, the head of the police, returned to the house with her, aod feeling satisfied that the robbery was committed by London 'bfeves, be procured the assistance of one of hit officers, and proceeded in a vehicle down the London road. When he arrived at Crowhurst, 23 miles from Tunbridge Wells, he per- ceived Lennox standing in front of a public house, aod, knowing him to be a London thief, he followed him into the house, and ascertained that both prisoners had just arrived from Tunbridge Wells, with an extraordinarily swift horse and chaise. He took the prisoner Lennox into custody, and Mills was appre- htnded in the stable by the constable who accompanied him. He (Mr. Morton) searched the prisoners and their chaise, after which he went into the stable where the horse was standing, aod ia a few minutes the watch and appendages were discovered. Other corroborative testimony having been given, the magis- trate committed them to Maidstone gaol for trial.

AWFUL MORTALITY ON BOARD A MERCHANT SHIP. For some days past the marine department of the Board of Trade have been prosecuting an inquiry relative to a fearful case of mortality, involving no less than 274 deaths on board the British ship Lady Montague," recently returned to the port of London, after a voyage of nearly four years' duration. The attention of the Board of Trade was first drawn to the deplorable occurrence, from the circumstance of an unusual amount of money being paid into the Merchant Seaman's Fund, as Dead men's money," by the owner of the Lady Montague," in accordance with the Mercantile Marine Act 0 and upon the ship's log being examined, the fearful amount of mortality was disclosed but the only information to be gleaned as to the character of the pestilence was, that portions of the provisions were unfit for use."

THE RIOTS AT STOCK PORT. The Sun says The inquiries already instituted into the Stockport riots, prove that these disgraceful outrages were of a more atrocious and formidable character than had been supposed on the receipt of the earliest intelligence. Every circumstance of the case appears to indicate that the destruction of the houses in Rock-row, and the wrecking of the Roman Catholic chapels, were not occasioned by mete temporary excitement, but that they were the results of previous organization, and of a de- liberate determination to drive the Irish Roman Catholic party from the town. There might have been trade quarreig-Eaglish workmen might have supposed that they could have obtained higher wagei, if they could have banished ;be strangers from their town. Such feelings might have led to casual encounters and occasional feelings of mutual irritation but the transactions of Tuesday and Wednesday, had their origin in a deeper source, and can only be ascribed to national and religious antipathies. The dwelling-houses broken into and destroyed belonged to Roman Catholics exclusively. There was co doubt or hesitation as to the places to be attacked they were at once pointed out to the rioters, and when a gentleman who happened to be pass- ing by,inquired the reason of those proceedings, he was told that they were b- rednecks," the soubriquet bestowed on Roman Catholics. The destruction at Edgefey chapel, too, was conducted in the most methodical manner, and the rio'ers had ample time to carry their intentions into execution. The large and valuab!e organ was dellberateiy smashed in pieces, rare pictures torn from their frames, and cut up, everything con- nected with the celebration of worship, according to the rites of the Church of Rome, wantonly and wilfully destroyed. It can searcely be asserted that these outrages were perpetrated by Irish Roman Catholics, and yet none others were taken into custody, or brought befl re themagistralts. The unfortunate young man, Michael who was so brutally murdered, was not in any degue^oncerned in the not- ing. He had been at the house of his uncle, a man named Riley, residing in Rock.row, endeavouring to obtain employ- ment. 00 returning to his home, he received a severe biow in the head, which appears to have injured him severely. He was with some difficjl y conveyed back to his uncle's house, while his brother-in-law went for surgical assistance. On the return of the latter, the house was attacked and broken into before anything could be done for the wounded man. Being uptairs, he was preserved from further injury, until the arrival of the police. He was then brought down to be taken to the doctoile, and while he was in that helpless condition, a ruffian who was passing by struck him a terrible blow on the head with a bludgeon, having first said, "Come, let us look at his head, to see if he is an Irishman." There was a ferocity about this act, striking a help- less and unresisting man, already severely wounded, that makes the blood run cold. II is to be hoped that the moniter by whom it was perpetrated, may not escape with impunity from the consequences of his alrocioui crime. The ruffians by whom the chapels were assailed, proceeded from Edgeley to S', Michael's chapel, singing Rule Bri- tannia," God save the Queen," and other national son* s; and yet, although they remained at the former place for mere than an hour and a half, although they proceeded deliberately along streets, to commence the work of destruction at another place, not a single one of these modern iconoclaSIS was arrested while committing felonies which, notwithstanding the great mildness of our penal code, and the diminution of capital crime, still subject the offenders to the extreme pe- alty of the law; and this, notwilhitandlng the fact that 600 sptcial constables had been sworn in, and a military party were at the disposal of the magistrates. This strange immunity of the party who committed the more serious ou,rages, while so many of the other side, of those who were attacked and severely injured, were taken into custody, cer- tainly bears a very singular aspect. It is deeply to be regretted that some of the wreckers were not captured, either during the continuance of the riots, or since the restoration of tranquillity. The absence of any such pritonerscertainl y warrantsa suspicion, which so far as the magistrates are concerned, is, we are con- vinced, without foundation, that the conservators of the peace were notaitogetherimpartia) and without bias in their proceed. ings. It willlDost probably be asserted by the other tide, that such has been the case, and the feelings of the Irish will be materially aggravated, if it should be supposed that they cannot obtain the protection and equal handed justice dear to every one of her Majesty's subjects, in any part of her Majesty's dominions. God forbid that such an impression should get abroad, that those who should be friends and brethren should be arrayed against each other until a civil and religious war, alike degrading to the British name, and destructive of the British strength, be the result. Measures must, then, at once be taken for the purpose of instituting the most stringent and searching investigation into the entire transaction, for vindicating the majesty of the law, and bringing the rioters to condign punishment. Murder has been committed, houses have been brokea into, their contents de- stroyed, and the inmates assaulted and seriously injured. Places of worship, duly registered, have been partially demolished. In the latter of these offences, for which the penalty of "death" has been incurred, many hundreds of persons are implicated. Such things can never be justified under any pretext, and the cause of Protestantism would only be damaged, if it could for a moment be identified with such atrocious conduct.

EXTRAORDINARY CASE OF FRAUD. At the Gloucester Court of Quarter Sessions, at the Shire Hall, William Fox, aged 20, and William Dick, aged 22, two students of the Medical College at Birmingham, each of them respectably attired and wearing moustachios, were brought to the bar before J. C. Hayward, Esq-, charged with having stolen three gold rings of the value of X40 from Messrs. Martin and Co., jewellers, of Cheltenham. Mr. Pigott was counsel for the prosecution, and, Mr. Skinner, instructed by Mr. Yearsley, solicitor, of Cheltenham, -defended the prisoners. The prisoners are the sons of highly respectable parties liv. ing at a distance. On Monday, the 29th March, they went to the house of a lady named Mrs. Eiizabeth Witts, of whom Dick agreed to take lodgings for a week, for thirty shillings. Believing Dick to be some other person, Mrs. Witts asked him if he wer not Captain Lane, and if he had not lodged with her before. He replied that he had, and that he was Captain Lane; where- upon Mrs. Wilts, in the course of conversation, inquired after the health of his mother, Mrs. Colonel Lane. Having answered the question, both of the prisoners went away, but previously to leaving Fox told the servant that if anything during his absence should come for Lieutenant Moreton, to keep it until he came back. They then went away together, but when they arrived at the shop of Messrs. Martin and Bas- kett, FOI went in, while his companion passed on down the street. Fox then stated to 1\11. Samuel Martin that he wanted to look at some rings, as he wished to make a pre- sent to a lady. Having selected three valuable ones from a number produced for his inspection, he requested the prose- cutor to send them, at half-past five, to Lieut. Moreton, at 88, High st., so that the lady who would then be there might choose one of the number. Mr. Martin accordingly gave the instructions to his porters, with orders to wait at the time he delivered the rings; he went at the appointed time, and was shown into the room were both the prisoners were. Fox told him to come again in a quarter of an hour, as the lady was not there at the time he accordingly left the rings, and returned home. Shortly afterwards Mr. Martin went himself, and found that both Dick and Fox had gone, but in conse- quence of something that was told him, he seemed satisfied- On the following morning, however, Mrs. Witts came to Mrs. Martin, and in consequence of what she said he went the same day to London to look aftfr his property. On the Wednesday he gave information at the Bow street Police Office. to Inspec- tor Field, who succeeded in apprehending Dick, whom, after some interrogations, he took into custody. The officer then said that he must search him, whereupon he pulled out of his waistcoat pocket a gold ring set with an emerald and on his person were found two duplicates, one for a ring which had been pledged that same day in the name of J. Smith, lodger, Pall Mall. Dick, when charged with the theft, said he pledged one ring for £ 8 at a pawnbroker's in the Strand, and that Fox had pledged one the day before and stated that he was en. tirely ignorant of the manner in which Fox had obtained the rings. On the 1st of April, from information received from Dick, Inspector Field apprehended For, while he was sleep8 ing at an inn, and took him into custody. He stated that he had pledged one of the rings, and had given the duplicate to Dick. The statement Fox made before the magistrates was then read, and was to the effect that his companion was entirely ignorant of the manner in which he obtaned the rings, and that he (Fox) had obtained them on credit, believing if he could get a fortnight's credit he should be able to pay his debts, as some friends of his would furnish him with money. He had had a quarrel with his father a short time pre. viously, and Mr. Dick called at his lodgings in Birmingham, and paid his fare to Cheltenham, where, alter the transactions referred to, he went to London, as his companion had to go there also. A gentleman named Buck, of Leices'er, -as called, and gave Fox a good character, and deposed to the respectability of his parents. Mr. Skinner made a most eloquent speech on behalf of the prisoners,contending that Fox had obtained the rings on ci edit, and that even if the jury did not believe ihat, thev could not convict his companion, who did not tinow how Fox had obtained the property alleged to be stolen. Some portions of the address, deep!v ;Ye, ted the elder prisoner. After the case had been summed up, the jury returned a verdict to the effect that both the prisoners were guilty of stealing the rings. The Chairman, in sentencing the prisoners, said that it was a most painful thing to him to pass sentence on two young men, in such a condition of life as they were, for such an offence. It had been represented to the court that their friends had suffered much from the position in which they (the prisoners) had placed themselves, yet it was necessary to carry out justice—to deal equally with all persons who offended against the law, and it was his duty to pass the same sentence on them as on the humblest person easting they had placed themselves in the same position as oidinary offenders, and they must expect a similar punishment, In passing sentence, lie must consider that they had already been three months in gaol he should accordingly sentence both of them to twelve 9. months' imprisonment.

FROM FRIDAY'S LONDON GAZETTE. BANKRUPTS. George Wocd Walter,and William Henry Walker, Silverdale, Staffordshire, silk-throwsters. John Mottram, Shrewsbury, hop-merchant. Richard Perry, Leeds, hatter. George Standerwick, and Charles Standerwick, and Thomas Barnes, Bristol, auctioneers. DIVIDEND. W. Wood, Bristol, provision merchant. CERTIFICATES. T. G. Phillips, Newport, Monmouthshire, grocer. J. Roberts, Aberystwith, draper. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED. S. Stokes and H. Trewolla, Bath, Plumbers. FROM TUESDAY'S LONDON GAZETTE. BANKRUPTS. J. Robinson, Nassau-street, Commercial-ioad-East, and Cannon-street-road, wholesale clothier. J. Bluck, Bucklersbury, wine merchant. S. Knight, Fore-street, Cripplegate, cheesemonger. E. Palmer, Ware, Hertfordshire, maltster. [IN THE COUNTRY.] A. Corken, Oswestry, Shropshire, watenmaker. B. Fisher, Gloucester, currier. J. R. Baskett, Cardiff", cornfactor. PARTNERSHIP DISSOLVED. Gee and Dix, Bristol, improved patent hydraulic lead pipe manufacturers.

FIRE CAUSED BY THE RAYS OF THE SUM.—Tha weather on Sunday was intensely hot. The thermometer in the shade to- wards the middle of the day, stood ashigb as blood heat. About half-past twelve o'clock, the rays of the sua became concentrated upon a small limber building, belonging to Mr W. Jones, of 77 Albany.road Camberwell SlId the heat was so great that the premises immediately afterwards ignited, when the flames shot forth in a great body. The engines of the London Brigade and Weitof England office were despatched to the spot, but the fire could not be extinguished until the building was nearly burnt down. Mr Jones was insured in the Alliance Fire Office.

SHOCKING MURDER NEAR SAWLEY, DERBY- SHIRE. Last Tuesday week, Sarah Wallers, a woman fifty-eight years of age, wife of a labouring man, living at a farm-house, called Wilne Barns," about a" mile and a half from Sawley, left home for Draycolt, where she purchased some groceries, and then returned home. About noon, a Sawley woman, named Kiiburn, went from the road to go to Walter's house, and when she got into the yard, she saw a man scattering something upon what appeared to be a heap of rubbish. Fearing there was something amiss, she returned to the road and created an alarm a number of men and boys from Wilne were speedily on the spot, and found the body of Mrs Walters, under the heap of rubbish in the yard. She was quite dead. Meanwhile the man Mrs Kilburn had seen in the yard retreated into the house and barred himself in. While the men were in the yard, he came out of the house armed with a besom and threatened to strike One of them, and was proceeding to do so when a boy threw a stone, which hit him above the left eye. The violence of the blow caused him to stagger, and several of the men rushed upon him and took him into custody. The prisoner is a miserable looking vagrant, his only clothing being a ragged pair of trousers, a duty striped shirt, and a cap. He says his name is Daniel Freeman that he is thirty-four years of age, and is a native of Glaston, Rutlandshire. It is supposed that on Mra Walter's return from Draycott, she found the prisoner in the house, at the doar of which he felled her with a poekr, for the door is, bespattered with blood. It is evident that she was struck many times, for a great number of wounds were found on her head and face, which were shockingly oautitated. It was impossible that any of the wounds could be made by decease herself. There is every reason to believe thai the prisoner is insane. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Whiston, coroner, held an in- kiest on the body, and the jury returned a verdict of "Wilful Murder''against the prisoner, who was conveyed to Derby the same evening, amid (he hootings of the populace. The mother and a sister of the deceased lived at Loughborough. Deceased was also related to Mr Sheffield, (late a police sergeant) of ■Leicester. The Derby Reporter adds, "When taken up deceased wse found to be quite dead, and covered wiih serious wounds. Sbr had a very deep cut on the forehead, penetrating the skull he, lower jaw was fractured in three places; her nose was broken, and there is a severe fracture under the ear, which, no doubtl was the immediate cause of death. There were also severas wounds at the back of the head. In fact, the poor creature's head was knocked all to pieces. In the hous. blood was be- spattered on every side, and also at the entrance-door. The fur niture was broken, and turned out of its place. The murderer resisted ail attempts at being taken, and kept them at a distance, until a youth, who was standing by, threw a stone at him, and it struck him on the forehead. This stunned him for a short time, and he let the besom with which he was aimed fall to the ground. A man then sprang upon him, and he was secured. The murderer 11 an entire stranger to the neighbourhood he has evidently been tramping the country for some years. He had scarcely any clothing upon him, his clothes consisting of a ragged checked shirt and trousers, and a small cap on his head. He had no shoes, stockings, coat, waistcoat, 3cc. Hia hair is very long, and his beard appears not to have been shaved for some months, He has rather a forbidding appearance, and a look of great cunning. He is about five feet seven or eight inches high, and his complexioo sandy. He had been seen in the neighbour- hooj begging, a short time previously to the murder. At the time of the murder, the husband of the deceased was hoeing turnips lo a field belonging to Mr Richard Thompson, of Draycott, by whom he is employed, and to whom the cottage belonged. The deceased, Sarah Wallers, was about 58 years of age, On being conveyed to Sawiey, the culprit told the constable that the deceased first attacked him; and ihe supposition is, that the unfortunate woman on her return home, found him robbing the house, and that she endeavoured to secure him, and no doubt Struck him ard that he then got hold of the poker, and com- mitted the diabolical deed. The poker v-. as covered with blood; Qnd Mr Jones, surgeon, remarked that the cu's were so severe that they appeared as if they had been inflicted with a sharper instrument than a poker. It was strongly rumoured that the mur- de!er was mad, but there are not any symptoms of insanity at present; there is more of cunning in his features than of mad- ness, though at different periods, during the inquest, he con- ducted himself in rather an eccentric manner. First, lying down on the floor, then getting up again, making faces, and laughing, but the universal opinion was that he nas madness. On being asked by ihe coroner what his name was,he replied that he had not got oue. He afterwards said his name was Casar, and stuck to that tale throughout the investigation. Pre- Vious to the inquest, however, he told a man, who was sitting with him, that his name was Daniel Freeman, aud that he came from Glaston, in Rutlandshire, and that he was thirty-four years or age. On being conveyed along the road. he used very aousive language at being compelled to walk on the gravel. II To show the state of mind of the culprit, we may observe that when the coroner asked the constable, if he had found any- thing on him, the constable replied that the prisoner told him he had got a farthing in h's walch-pocket, but that on searching him, he could not find anything. Upon hearing clie constable's statement, the prisoner smiled, and though handcuffed, he com- menced diving into his pockets, and at length brought out a watch-fob, at the extreme corner of which was found a farthing. He got hold of the coin and threw it on the table before the coroner."

ATTEMPT TO MURDER A POLICE-COXSTABLE. Shortly before twelve o'clock, on Saturday night, great ex- citement was caused amongst the inhabitants of Lambath-wallc, in consequence of tiie following desperate attempt being made by a party of Irishmen to murder a police officer of -the L or Lambeth division. It will be remembered that several mcnths back, a policeman, named Chaplin, was murdered by a number of men in the same spot as the present unfortunate occurrence took place, and ever since, owing to the bitter feeling evinced by some of the parties towards the police, the constables have in- variably gone on duty in couples, so as to protect each other when patrolling that particular district. On Saturday night, at the above-named hour, a female Was Violently assaulted by one of the men, and having given an alarm, police-constable SI L ran to the spot, when he was in the act of taking into custodv the woman's assailant, but before he could do so a cry of Down wiih the police" was raised, and some eight or ten fellows immediately made a terrible onslaught upon the officer. Xot content with brutally beating and kicking him, they actually threw him down on the ground, and whilat some held him on the earth, the others jumped upon him, causing three of his ribs to snap asunder, and otherwise seriously injuring him internally. Police-constable 173, of the same division, on hearing the Qoise, went to the assistance of his comrade, when the mob attempted to serve him in a similar manner. The officer, how. ever, had the presence of mind to draw his truncheon, which he was forced to strike indiscriminately over the heads of the trowd-but in spite of which they continued to struggle with the police, and eventually the two truncheons were broken over the heads of the mob. When the pieces were found, they were covered with blood, and hair was adhering to them. Two of !he fellows were fortunately apprehended, but the others erfecled their escape. There is, however, no doubt but they will aii be taken into custody, as they hardly could have escaped being seriously wounded during the conflict which happened.

WRECK OF AX EMIGRANT SHIP. 1 he following is an account of the loss of 'he Isabella Watson, passenger ship to Port Philip, which sailed from Plymouth on the 3d of December last, as given in an extract from a private lelter Melbourne, March 27. My dear ■■We are all safe and well, but have been shipwrecked off Point Nepean, at the entrance of Port Philip Heads. After a most pleasant and prosperous voyage we made Cape Olway Light, on last Saturday night, and considertd our voyage as nearly ended. Sunday proved caim, and westood along the land, as happy as people could be about four o'clock, on Sunday afternoon, we had a squall of wind, and came along at a fair rate, about nine knots an hour between five and six we ran up our signal for a pilot, and shortened sail. We were all on deck talking and chatting when the ship struck on the point of the reef; the helm was put about, and the neces- sary steps taken to bring the ship's head to sea again she again struck, and apparenily passed over the danger. I hurried A and the children into the cuddy, and then went and secured my money belt the ship struck again, and, unfortunately, our helm was carried away she broached to, and drifted broadside on the rocks the masts were instantly cut away, and we ex. pected every moment to be our last theseamadeaciean breach over us, and we prepared ourselves for the worst. I cut away A-Is flionel petticoat, and the other two ladies in the cuddy followed my example. H- C- volunteered to take charge of the baby. My wife was my care, and H- clung close to me in the meantime the captain's gig was lowered, six persons descended into it-viz., three sailors, one cabin passenger (a Mr Gray), and two steerage passengers (a Mr and a little girl). It was the captain's intention to send a rope on shore by this boat, but she drifted off. We saw them land on a rock, aod the boat upset; they set her right again, and were saved; of this latter fact, however, we were not aware till Monday morning darkness increasing with the force of the gale and heavy sea, it was deemed imprudent to attempt any further landing. However, on the earnest entreaties of some of the passengers, the captain was induced to have the life-boat lowered. The word was passed for the ladies and women who might wish to go in her. A- was first asktd, but on her learning that I could not accompany her, and the children (as I, of course, refused to leave while there were women willing to go in the boat), she positively refused to leave me, stating she preferred being drowned with me to being saved and leaving me on board. Her courage and devotedneis s-tved her life, as every soul but one in the life-boat was drowned before our eyes. To resume. Seven women and one man got into the lifeboat, the captain standing in the boat to steady her, and using every exertion to place them in safety, when, dreadful to relate, the boat turned right over, and the whole were im- mersed in the water, and all save one (Mrs Patterson) drowned. There were drowned, Mrs Derrick, Mrs Hall, Mrs Langford, Mrs Orphelt, all young married women; Miss Allen, Miss < Patterson, Mr Orphelt, and Mr Langford in endeavouring tosave his wife. The captain was saved with difficulty. We remained in j awfu! suspeose till Monday morning at day light, the sea dash- ing over us, and expecting every moment to be our last but, j by God's mercy, once more, we were saved at daylight, and though wet and bruised, have not sustained any injury. Of course all our clothes and effects are lost."

FRIGHTFUL COLLISION ON THE RIVER. The Ptavensbourne, General Steam Navigation Company's steamer, for Antwerp, was steaming down the river on Thursday afternoon, with full tide in her favour, immediately in the wake of, and just on the starboard side of the Meteor, Gravesend steamboat, and arrived nearly opposite Northfleet Point about two o'clock. On nearing the point, the Duchess of Kent, Margate steamer, was coming up the river, against tide, and hugging the southern shore—the tide running very strongly. The Ravensbourne was about three parts over the river on the Kent shore, and as she approached Noithfieet Point, appeared to take the starboard lack. As she neared the Duchess of Kent, the latter crossed, apparently tvith ttie object of passing between the Ravensbourne and the Meteor, when, in an instant, conse. quent on the heavy way on large and powerful steamers like the Rivensbourne, and on her having the tide with her, before the Duchess of Kent could cross her, she ran into her bows about tweaty feet from her fiaure-head, or just before the windlass on the starboard bow. The crash was frightful, and the Duchess of Kent was found to have her starboard bow stove in, and nearly cut in two. She immediately began to fill, and to commence linking, bows foremost. The scene among the passengers, a large number of whom were ladies, with children,is described as truly frightful. A rush was made to the after-part of the vessel, and women with children were seen clinging to various parts of the sinking ship. The captain of the Ravensbourne backed hts vessel, and the rush made by the passengers of the Duchess of Kent to get on board of her, was dreadful. Women with children in their arms became so frantic, that they absolutely rushed in their fright to the still sinking part of the ship. At this moment the Meteor arrived alongside, and the passengers and crew of the sinking steamer were literally dragged on board of her and the Ravensbourne, with one exception. This was a gentleman named Hale, a brewer, of Broadstairs, Isle of Thanet, who, being infirm, and remaining on his seat, went down with the vessel, which sank, bows first, almost perpendicularly, the keel being lifted, as she sank, twenty or thirty feet outof the water. The captain of the Duchess of Kent was, with the exception of Mr. Hale. the last to leave his ill-fated vessel. Mr. Hale, although unpble to assist himself while on board the vessel, the moment he reached the water, struck out, and kept afloat until rescued by one of the boats lowered from the Meteor. The scene of consternation which prevailed after the Duchess of Kent had sunk, both on board the Ravensbourne as well as the Meteor, can be better imagined than described. Mothers, fathers, husbands, and wives, who had become separated, some being taken on board the Ravensbourne, others on board the Topaz, which had also arrived at the moment the Duchess of Kent went down, were to be seen running about in the most frantic manner, making inquiries as to the safety of their rela- tives. One lady on board the Meteor was in a most frightful state of excitement, stating that she had left her two children asleep in the cabin, and was on deck at the moment the vessel struck, and had not seen or been able to glean any tidings of them. It is also stated that at the moment of the collision, nearly the whole of the passengets (about 70 in number) were on deck; but it is believed there were a few in the fore-cabin; and, as there are some slill missing, it is feared they may have gone down with the vessel. As soon as the consternation created by the catastrophe had in some measure subsided, the boats of the various vessels which had arrived at the spot, were stationed in the vicinity of the sunken steamer, with a view to pick up any bodies which might happen to be in and floating out of the wreck. The steamers having the rescued passengers on board, proceeded on to the Terrace Pier at Gravesend, where the affrighted passengers were landed and mustered. As the Duchess of Kent was rapidly sinking, a gentleman was observed rushing up one of the paddle-boxes with a little girl in his arms. The Meteor was then approaching to render aid, and so great was his debire to save the child, that, before the Meteor had reached within ten or twelve yardsof thesinking ship, he raised her up with the view of throwing her on board the Meteor; but at the moment, the shrieks of the passengers on board the approaching vessel restrained him, and thus the child was saved from inevitable destruction. It is admitted on all hands that the conduct of the captains o the Meteor and the Ravensbourne, as well as the crews of both vessels, was most praiseworthy. Captain Humphreys (of the Duchess of Kent) was below at dinner, at the moment of the collision, and the vessel was in charge of the mate at the time, who is stated to be fully competent, also a river pilot. The Ravensbourne was also at the time of the collision in charge of a river pilot, and having been examined and found to have sus. tained but little injury, after landing the passengers at Graves- end, proceeded on her voyage. The spot where the sad catastrophe happened, fa. now indicated by a boat moored over it with a flag. It 18 midway between the Rosherville Pier and the actual Northfleet Point, immediately opposite Northfleet church. and about one-fourih of the width of the river out from the Kent shore at high tide, At eight o'clock, when the tide was down ooly about two yards, one of tbe muts of the Duchess of Kent could be seen above water. At the spot where she sunk, the depth of the river is estimated at four fathoms and a half at low water mark, and ten fathoms at high water. Althoughitisstatedthat there was not any great amount of luggage on board the Duchess of Ken', much of it was of a very valuable description, and one gentleman stated that he had all the property he held in the world, ^>n board. From the fact that the Duchess of Kent is a very old steamer, and the extra- ordinary depth of the water, very considerable fears are enter- tained whether it will be possible to recover her. Mr. John Worrell, a passenger on board the Meteor, says he was standing on the stem of the Meteor, sdmiring the nicety" with which the steamer manoeuvred, and watching the Duchess of Kent advance to pass between the Gravesend boat and the Ravensbourne, when, in a moment, he heard a noise like a peal of thunder, and saw the s:ern of the vessel raised almost perpen- dicularly in the air. Mr. Jamison, superintendent of the Diamond Company, was on board the Topaz, ahead of the Ravensbourne the latter vessel passed, when off Erith, at a good speed, but being in the middle of the Thames, had the tide agains1 her. She passed at- Eriih and New Northfleet, having made such way that she was considerably ahead. At this point Captain Sheering, of the Topaz, perceived the Duchess of Kent in collision with the Ravensbourne, and the funnel of the former vessel disappeared almost instantaneously. The Sapphire, belonging to the same company, having her steam up, advanced to render any assist- ance that might be required.

THE QUARTER'S REVENUE. The Revenue returns for the financial year and quarter ending the 5th July instant, are of a very satisfactory charac er, afford- ing the most cc nclusive evidence of the general welfare and prosperity. It is true that there is a falling off in the ordinary sources of revenue, both on the year and quarter, but these are immediately explained by the reductions that have already taken place in the stamp duties ana the taxes on light and air, while the alterations ill those on sugar and timber ha ve prod uced no perceptible effect, or at least have not led to any diminution in the Customs' receipts. We may reasonably anticipate, too that these favourable indications will be continued for some time. Thanks to the gold discoveries in California and Australia, we have at length a circulating medium adequate to the wants and exigencies of the country. The industrial machine is there- fore continued in motion. Men able and willing to work are tolerably certain of obtaining employment at fair wages, and being through it enabled to provide for themselves and families the hurubte comforts which should always be within their reach. And as, after all, the working man is the chief contributor to the national exchequer, whenever.he is well off and inconstant remunerative occupation,the effectsbecomespeedily perceptible in the increased produce of the national taxation. In the Customs we find that there is an improvement on the year aud quarter—cn the former'of £ 296,702-,and on the latter of £ 183,946-, and this notwithstanding the reductions on the sugar and timber duties, already referred to. There lias also been a smaller quantity of corn imported, in consequence of the abundant harvest of last year, which nearly supplied the home markets with the home produce. The im- provement on the other items is, therefore, the more remarkable and a new illustration is afforded of the almost miraculouselas- ticity of the national resources. In the Excise there is a diminution on the year of £ 13,205., but on increase on the quarter of £ 23,706. The former may partly be accounted for by the fact that large arrears of hop duties were collected in the former year which could not fairly be considered as parts of the ordinary annual revenue. There is, however, nothing to abate the gratification which arises at the improvement on the quarter, of what has been most justly termed the index to the prosperity of the working classes, an improvement the more remarkable when we consider that the corresponding quarter of last year included the two first months of the Exhibition, and the month preceding that event, when the greatest activity was required for the necessary prepara- tions. r r In Stamps there has been a decrease on the vear of £ 37,359., but nn increase on the quarter of £ 101,034. ft must be borne in mind that after the Stamp Act of 1850 received the Royal assent, the several dist'ibutors suffered their stocks to run very low in order to take full advantage of the remission. The con- sequence was that the quarters ending the 10th October, 1859, and thebth January, 18ol, were exceedingly productive. There must have been gieat oc ivit} in trade and commerce to account for the very large improvement on the last quarter. In the Assessed Taxes there is, of course, a large falling off on both periods. It was estimated that the substitution of the house-duty for the window-tax would occasion a loss to the revenue of two-thirds of the receipts, or, in round numbers, about £ 1,200,000. This estimate proved more than usually accurate, as we find the falling off en the year to be £ 1,172.979., while that on the quarter—which, however, in this instance, may be regarded as the half-year—is £ 541,524. It will thus be seen that the compensating principle is already in operation, and we have no doubt that when the houses now building are assessed to the duty, the loss will be very consideiably reduced. In the Property-tax, there is an improvement on the year of £ l(fl85. This is the more satisfactory, as for some time past we have had to notice a steady reduction in the proceeds of this impost, which is the index to the prosperity of the middle classes, as the Excise is to that of the working-men. The tide is at length turned, slowly enough in the first instance, but it is beginning to run more rapidly as, the increase of no less than £ c)0,ll<\ a quarter will testily. Should a more equitable ap- portionment be sanctioned by the new Parliament, so as to remove the deep sense of injustice that induces many persons to evade the impost, we have no doubt that the flood will flow very rapidly in the right direction. The Post-office still flourishes, thanks to the care and atten- tion of Rowland Hill, and the judicious improvements introduced under his auspices. The increase on the year is no less than £ 150,000., and that notwithstanding the additional facilities that are almost daily brought into operation. There is a falling off on the quarter of £ 10,0C0., but we must recollect that the preceding period was that in which the opening of the Exhibi- tion occurred, and that the extraordinary correspondence thereby occasioned led to a very considerable augmentation of this branch of the revenue. In the Crown Lands there is an increase on the year of £ 70,000:, and on the quarter of f 30,000., and on Miscellaneous of JE140 615. on the year, and £ 110,948. onthe quarter. Of the extraordinary items, we find that there is, under the head of Imprest and other Moneys, a decrease of £ 60,392., but an im- provement of £ 72,918. on the quarter while the Repayment of Advances were so much more punctually rendered as to exhibit an increase of 4148.610. on the year, and of £ 93,243. on the quarter. On the whole, the results are very decisive as to the benefits of free trade, affording the greatest encourage- ment to a further advance in the same direction.

BRISTOL DISTRICT COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Commissioner Mr, Sergeant Stephen J July 9, Thomas Swift, Monmouth, timber merchant, final dividend, 11 E. Fowler, Pontypool slid Bristol, tailor and draper, audit, 11; Robert Hazard, Bristol, separate estate, dividend, 12. July 14, George Dover, Cheltenham, builder, last exam., 11; E. Gaudall, Bath, exam. of witnesses, 11; Joseph Jones, Newport, banker, last exam, 12 Thomas Jenkins, Tredegar, banker and inekeeper, last exam., 12. I (Before Mr. Commissioner Hill.) July 13, Thomas Francis Miller, Bath, music seller, last exam., H Robert Harding, Road, near Beckington, certificate, 11; Richard Budgen, Llanhilletb, exparte official managers of Monmouthshire and Glamorganshire Banking Company, sitting for proof of debts, 11.

SIR JOSEPH BAILEY, BART., M.P. The circumstance of the member for Brecknockshire being chairman of the Birkenhead Dock Trustees, and otherwise largely connected with the trade and commerce of both sides of the Mersey,will probably render interesting to our reader, now that the Earl of Derby has just conferred upon him the dignity of a baronet, the tollowing genealogical particulars, which we extract from Burke's Landed Gentry :— Bailey, Joseph, of Glanusk-park, county Brecon, son of the lale John Bailey, Esq., who was descended from a family long settled in Yorkshire, married 1st of October, 1810, Maria, fourth daughter of Joseph Latham, Esq., by whom, who died 27th May, 1827, he has issue, 1st. Joseph, born 9lh February, 1812, of Easton-court, county of Hereford, late M.P. for that county, and recently de- ceased married 22nd June, 1839, Elizabeth Mary, only child of William Cougreve Russell, Esq.. and had issue, Joseph Rassell, born April 7,1840 Wm. Latham, born 27th February, 1843; Elizabeth Anne, born 8;b November, 1S41; died 10th March, 1843. 2nd. Richard, bom 19th Sep'emher, 1816. 3:d. John Cransliay, born 22nd -May, 1818. i 4th. William Latham, born 14th October, 1820. orh. Henry, born 31st October, 1322. His daughters are, Maria Susan, marfied 25th January, 1838, to the Rev. T. J. Ormerod, eldest son of George Ormerod, Esq., of Sodbury-park, county of Gloucester. 2nd, Margaret,mar- ried 22nd June, 1S39, to James Greenfield, Esq., of Rjddgaer, county of Anglesea. 3rd, Jane. Sir Joseph married, secondly, 19th August, 1830, Mary Anne, daughter of the late John Thomas Hendry Hopper, Esq., of Wilton Castle, couuty of Durham, by whom he has issue, Mary Anne Betha. He was let! a handsome fortune by his uncle, Richard Crawshay, Esq., of Cyfartha Iron Works, Glamorgan- shire, who died in 1810, which he has increased by his exten- sive iron-works at Nantyglo,and is possessed of considerable landed property in the counties of Brecon, Radnor, Glamorgan, Monmouth, Hereford, Bucks, and Essex. He has represented the city of Worcester, in the three parliaments preceding the last; was High Sheriff ot Monmouthshire, in 1S28 is a Deputy- Lieutenant for that county, and is in the commission of the peace for the counties of tirecon, Glamorgan, Monmouth, and Here- ford. lie is patron of six livings. Doa's Parliamentary Companion adds, that Sir Joseph was re- turned for Brecknockshire in 1847, on the Conservative interest; voted for agricultural protection in 1846 is opposed to the en- dowment of the Roman Catholic clergy; and is in favour of a commutation of tithes. It is worth noticing, perhaps, that the baronetcy was conferred upon him the same day that the Bir- kenhead Dock Trustees Bill was carried in the House of Com. mons, after one of the most protracted and vexatious oppositions probably ever offered to any measure of the kindLiverpool Albion.

THE LIVERPOOL ORANGEMEN. A second edition of the Liverpool Journal, dated Saturday, 8, has the following — At a quarter to two o'clock this afiernoon, the police, from information they received, went to the workshop of Mi. Jarvis turner, Williamson-street, Williamson-square, and there found prepared, and in the course of preparation, 400 of the most for- midable description of weapons. These weapons were seized and were brought to the police-office. They filled a spring cart: Each weapon consisted of two pieces of seasoned ash, of about two feet long, tamed like a constable's staff, so as to have a firm hold to the hand. Each of these lengths could be used as a con- stable's staff is used, but they fitted iuto each other by a screw, and when united, constituted a pike-handle four feet long. That they were intended as a pikestaff is obvious, for one end fitted into a ring, and in that end was an indent, into which a pike blade or spike could be driven. We are assured, and we have no doubt of the fact, that the order for these weapons was given by an alderman of this town, and we ha\e no doubt whatever that these weapons were intended for defence or aggression, or both, at the election. e are also told, and have no doubt of the fact, that weapons equally formidable, but on a different principle, are being manufactured in other places. These weapons are all made alter the model suggested by an Italian refugee, some yeais ago, to the Chartists. The weapons being- at the police-oiffce, Irs worship the mayor hasthe subject under consideration, aod we have no doubt, that he will at once call the magistrates together, and take such effectual measures to prese:Te the peace as the exigency of the case urgently .emands."

Hereford Ju!y fair, on Wednesday last, was well supplied with prime stock, especially sheep seldom or never have so many been on offer at our fairs. The demand for cattle was brisk, at a slight advance in price. Fat stock fetched from Sid to 6d per lb. Fat sheep aod lambs 5id to 6d. Ewes with lambs were in re quest, and at fully late prices. Pigs alto sold well. In the boree fair considerable business was done, good draught horses especially being freely caught up. The wool fair was not largely supplied, but a great number of our farmers sold without first bringing it to markc-t, and much business was transacted, vary- ing from Is to 13!rl per lb a few fine samples reaching id per lb additional. The people of Bath Lave presented to Lord Duncan a. massive silver candeiatirum, in acknowledgment o\ his valuable services in promoting the repeal of the Window Tax. MENDICANCY.—The following statement, lately made by Thomas Cook, a child oniv ten years old, to one of the re- lieving officers of the Baih Union, will serve again to point out to the public that alms indiscriminately given are not only wasted, but often contribute to uphold vice and intemperance —" I and my mother get our living by begging. I never knew my mother work at anything. When I go begging, mothec generally goes to a Tom and Jerry shop," while I go the round, I tell the ladies and gentlemen, my mother i. very ill, and I want to get a bed and some food. I don't tell them where she is. If I told them she was at a torn and jerry"they wouldn't give me any thing. My mother is drunk every day, if she has money. I have only been drunk twice mystlf, the last time at the Red Lion. I fell down then. We do very well by begging. Ihe most we got in one day was nine shillings. We get about thirty shillings a week. Sometimes we get lots of food, more than we can eat, then we sell it in pennonhs, at the lodging houses. I have been in Battersea Rsgged School, but I did not like it. I would ralher go a begging than be there, or in the workhouse. Windsor i. a good town for begging we can do well there, but we must not go there often &c.,&c. Themotherwasimpritonedforashorttinseasaa incorrigible vagrant, while her unhappy child found refuge in the L^nion. No doubt they soon will resume their old way of life. A case like this shews very plainly that while it is a duty to help the poor, it is equally incumbent on those who can give, to take care that their charily is rightly bestowed. THE CRYSTAL PALACE.—The building in Hyde-park is being rapidly pulled to pieces. The glass roof and framework is to a great extent removed, and nothing remains standing along the north and east sides of the building, but the tall taper iron columns. There are between two and three hundred workmen employed in the work of demolition, which will probably not be completed till the end of August. COMMISSION OF LUNACY ON A CLERGYMAN.—On Thurs- day, E. Winslow, Esq., concluded a commission of lunacy, held at the Roebuck Tavern, Turnham-green, to inquire into the state of mind of the Rev. W. E. Hume, perpetual curate of White Colne, Esse2f. The Rev. gentleman was disappointed in a love affair in 1834, and is supposed to have been deranged ever since, and eventually formed a violent attachment for the popular actress, Mrs. Nisbett, and under this influence he went one evening to that lady's house and wished to intrude, but was expelled by Mr. Feargus O Connor. The juty found that he had been insane since January last. A heartless rumour was on Friday circulated throughout this city that the Deborah, which vessel recently sailed from this port to Australia, with emigrants, was lost. We are happy to be able to give the report the most unqualified and authoritative contradiction. A similar report was, maliciously it is supposed, circulated with respect to the Surrey, belonging to the same parties, a short time ago, which was equally unfounded.- Bristol Gazette. The Railway Market has undergone a wonderful change for the better, and consols are being freely sold out for investment in these stocks. Great Westerns, once down at 48. are now quoted at par; and all other bona fide share securities seem to have advanced in like proportion. It is not unlikely, with such a rapidly accumulating eapital from the gold discoveries, that much speculation will occur in the approaching autumn, ia the promotion of new schemes of railway communication. This impetus in the share market will also have the good effect of facilitating the borrowing of loans, so as to secure the com pIe. ion of works already in progress. At Boston, the other day, large pink placards were posted about the town, announcing that Mr. Cabbell is the only one of the three candidates, in favour of an immediate repeal of the income-tax." In the course of a short time, a strip of paper was appended to the placard, having the following pithy rejoinder, And the only one who is in favour of whipping in the militia." DEPLORABLE SUICIDE.-Last night, a young man named Richard James, only twenty-two years of age, living in Chelten- ham, put a period to his eoistence by hanging himself. He had been nway from home all day, and returned about five o'clock in the evening in a state of intoxication. He was assisted to bed by his mother, who, about half-past siz o'clock, found him suspendid from the banisters up-stairs. He was immediately cut down, and every assistance rendered, but life was found to be quite eitinct. An inquest was held on the body on Monday. SUDDEN DEATH.—An inquest was held by Mr. Coroner Love- grove, on Saturday evening, at the Bays Hill Inn, on view of the body of Ann Hall, aged 64. The deceased was the wife of a working gardener, living at Cold Bath-cottage she was takem unwell at balf-past ten o'clock on Friday night, and died about one in the morning. The evidence went to show that death was occasioned by natutal causes, and a verdict to that effect was ac- cordingly returned.—Cheltenham Paper. ROBBERIES.—One night last week, the residence of Mr. Parkin- son, Link-lodge, Prestbury-road, was forcibly entered, but the burglars did not take possession of more than a few bottles of wine and some eatables, which they consumed on the premises. They then paid a visit to Spring-lodge, (the residence of Mr. Lane), which adjoins, and there made equally free. They after- ward* proceeded to Mr. Bate's garden, where they committed consideniole damage.- Ibid.: