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OPINIONS OF THE PRESS. THE GOVERNMENT AND EDUCATION. The Chancellor of the Exchequer said little at Edin- ourgh as to the future, either of politics or legislature, and that little was not altogether satisfactory to thought- ful men. He is disposed to extend education, but, apparently, through the existing scheme, and has no intention of proposing either compulsion in any form, 01 secular State schools, or a system uniform in its object for all three kingdoms. We suppose that an instalment of national education will be accepted, but it certainly will not content those who believe with Mr. Lowe, aJ^> indeed, with all thoughtful observers, that greatest danger which can befal any country dominance of the ignorant; that with house- hold suffrage we have scarcely time left us for the slow evolution of the voluntary system. One year of really ignorant rule might undo the work of centuries, and the country is longing for some rsally Wide and efficient measure, such as the Ministrj as yet appear not to have taken into consideration. All thoughtful men were in hopes that, with the new Par- liament, whatever its other demerits, halfheartedness Would disappear but it is difficult, after reading the paragraph on education, to think that Government quite grasp the magnitude of the task before them. Indeed, the single utterance of Mr. Disraeli at Edinburgh, which they will receive with unmixed pleasure, is, as usual with our present statesmen of both parties, a negative one. The Cabinet has no intention, said Mr. Disraeli to the workmen, of yielding to a momentary cry, and re- establishing the laws which prohibited combination.— Economist. FENIANISM AND POLICE SHOOTING. Whether or not the attempt upon the life of the policeman at Highgate was connected with Fenianism, it certainly adds another startling proof of the increasing frequency with which firearms are used for the commis- sion of outrages. The circumstances of the particular affair, indeed, seem to point to the theory that the men Were burglars, surprised in their preparations by the Watchful officer. A horse-pistol with the Tower mark upon it has been found in a pond close by, and also some caps, cartridges, and gunpowder. This is puzzling, if the pistol is really that which was used, because burglars would hardly carry such ammunition, and Fenians would not be found with a one-barrelled old-fashioned implement. The officer says that he saw a hat and wig falt from the head of one of the two men. A wig is not a disguise which a burglar generally affects, except as part of a more complete nocturnal equipment; Jet the idea of the police is that the scoundrels behind e haystack had nothing to do with political offences and we decidedly deprecate the idea of seeing Fenian incidents in all the stray outrages which are sure to happen in these long and dark nights. -Telegraph. THE ITALIAN CRISIS. ,^e think that the Emperor's project of a Congress Will fail. The Papacy neither can nor will submit a claIm, which it believes to be of spiritual importance, to the decision of a Conference, in which out of five mem- bers three are confirmed heretics and one a disbeliever. If, how °^er k&nd, the Pope's assent is not indispensable, an England, which considers the temporal power -el ? or. Italy> which holds it to be an insult, or Prussia, tn n ves worthless, guarantee an unwilling city ra« it detests ? What have Greeks and Luthe- 1?n<^sh Churchmen, or French Yoltarians to do With POme, that they should pay taxes in order that soli P should also be her absolute King ? That on 6?e' We Yenture to predict, will break down, and we and.8 10r ser^ous^y whether even the Emperor, astute wiHir?t as ]'8> can cmer-'e from the situation nowflp1 a Tar" ^le European house is filled with gun- powder, and rifles must be discharged amidst it. One intpro I v? an<^ ^'ie world will be on fire, and it is the TIWPB+S t Nono and Garibaldi, of the high °,. e Catholic Church and the high priest of the • 10?'. t!ie shot should be fired. If Garibaldi 0 w^at will hold Italy ? and how keep him from to S believes his death advantageous to the world ? Remember —we are ashamed to write 'Words apparently so superstitious, but our habitual readers at least will understand them-that "luck" has deserted Louis Napoleon; that the current of events, that current which is the expression and result at once of his own mistakes and others' successes has for two years set in steadily against him that if an accident can mar his plans, the broad probability is the accident will occur. It is useless, and worse, to pre- dict, but it is impossible to avoid a fear that if the worst comes to the worst, if Rome cannot be saved without war on Italy, Napoleon, old conspirator, old gamester, old Carbonaro, who loves Italy, detests the for^l2^' an^ un^ei stands France, who has been arming all" _months, and who in supreme moments can stake ■■to bio ^eaTe^ome.and Italy to themselves, announce hazard <1°^ e, Bismarck's hand is on his throat, and throw f +v .countlT> and Europe on one terrible reallv v,?r ■ .e 5 There is no question, if Prussia is nnf f .re< that Fi ance would respond, and it j When he is calling the nation to arms that Napo- n need embarrass himself about priests, or will care to ave behind him a hostile population in Paris. He may Win still in Italy, for the Papacy may give way but he also may not, and if he does not, then we half believe the hour so long predicted will have arrived at last, and ranee and Germany will settle once for all which is to ead the world.—Spectator. m^"b?Uti.the °ccuPancy of the Quirinar, the civil ad- „ °f Rome, or the diplomatic rank and recog- "*4,?°°™ 5i,,& Ym Bi™«rck • tradition's are 16 maxims of Hildebrand or the thro^r w the Vatican to him? He has played tmt f U • present interests, not memories of the for t\. °r ex. nS influences, not mediaeval recollections; nn«oi«e S^'on the long deferred dreams and assume 6 as.pira1ioils of European youth, not the re- alreadvin A 1^.<lecayi"g and decrepit age. He sees that centripetal fb ifnBavaria' inWurtemburg, in Baden, the manlv in m opinion is drawing all that is most working ™ f 'i,Unto llim- Tlie mere magic of success is HP RRM^4- i fin<is in the few hours he gives to sleep, him i st°ne"blind, instead of being, as we know thp Vi 11 and forsighted, if he did not discern in eaving of the popular bosom and the quivering of very popular feature in Italy, enough to feel that the ™e is at hand, if it be not already come, when the re scabbard of Prussia's sword will suffice to turn the a*e.-—Examiner. What scheme can France recommend? That things ledff ° aS are ^le Emperor himself acknow- is lit i an<^ therefore he must propose something which Italf* °„give some sort of satisfaction to Italy. The Whnli118^ D0^ tlley want, but they cannot be the lsaPP°inted. The time has long gone by when larisp £ Pen°r C°UM *elieve that the Pope would secu- almost °vernment, and adopt those reforms which, letter to^P? tS\the Emperor said, in his famous tompo £ l Ney' I6 Sh0uld insist on- The area of the governing in whatTai. cu^ail?d* If the Pope persists in may be compe^Vto d? Very bad The most obvious course is LnJlscllief .as possible, present, by taking away another*^ UP ttmSs for the territory. The Italia/ Go°f tbe Papal strain the revolution better if there °w!v certainly re" iarge extent of the Papal territory for reven1°?. s.uf ,a i„. It is trae that tMs '» the mam difficulty lor long, but it is perhaps the kind of temporary solution which would best srit the Em- ^er?r -?or the moment; and no solution seems more deel • Unless adopts the desperate expedient of fin Jjrin5 War' breaking up the ^Italian monarchy, and ,je determining to show himself the ally not of ocracy, but of the priests.—Saturday Review.
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410- OF ^AE PRICE OP MEAT IN LIVERPOOL.—Several dy .e ^iverpool butchers on Tuesday came to the con- to J^n reduce the price of beef and mutton about ^d. an Per lb. This reduction will, they allege, "cause they ^oss to them, but for the sake of the poor" beef "111 lower their prices. The prices of mutton and enterpri be from 9d, to 10d, per lb. One or two say Sq butchers are driving a rattling profit—they at J ileiHselves—by selling mutton at 6 £ d. and beef il 2 atQom,f ^er lb- 'rlleir shops are thronged, and the Qimiu .of meat cut llP is something great, while the H is prime. MSUPPOSED MURDER AT LEEDS.—Late on bank P nigbt female screams were heard on the keeper the riv6r Air6' at Hunslet> Leeds, by a lock- blorul an<^ bargeman. On Tuesday morning pools lock £ ,at and locks of bnman hair were found near the severe t and t3le bank of the river bore evidence of a seen atSj\U^^e" ^°bQ Sellers, a tramp, who had been hood o r?!*ta"e's Chemical Works, in the neighbour- acknowl1^ Qight before, with a female, and who in custod ^avj'n» been on the river side with her, is clothes nmi ?-he c^rcumstances against him are that his been «PPTI Were saturated with blood that he had the kiln t ^ttenipting to clean them with cinders from hat whpn chemical works that he was without a Was found aPPrehended, and that a hat, a wide-awake, tound on the river bank.
News
THE RIOTS IN EXETER. On Monday night a dreadful riot broke out in Exeter, a most complete and successful attack being made on the shops of the butchers and bakers, the windows of which were smashed, the shutters in some instances being taken down and thrown into the streets. A disturbance had been anticipated by the city authorities on Tuesday in consequence of the attempts to put down the prac- tice of holding a bonfire, and letting of fireworks in the cathedral yard, which is in the very heart of the city. The Yeomanry and the Enrolled Pensioners were communi- cated with, and a large number of special constables were sworn in. The rioters, however, commenced operations before the arrival of the Yeomanry, and the police force of the city proved totally inadequate to quell the out- break. The 20th regiment, numbering 300 men, under the command of Captain Gathan, came from Plymouth by special train, but up to the time of their arrival—two o'clock on Tuesday morning—the mob had carried on their work of destruction without interruption, visiting in turn every part of the city, and, when practicable, carrying away the provisions of the shops attacked. The riot commenced in the lower part of the city, where the police superintendent immediately despatched a body of officers. Of these officers, however, the mob, which gradually swelled till it reached near 3,000, took not the slightest heed, and worked their way through the principal streets, throwing missiles in the most reck- less manner. Wanton mischief seemed alone to actuate them. The staff of the 1st Devon Militia, under the command of Captain Savile, marched to the Guildhall shortly after ten, where the mayor and magistrates assembled. His worship called upon the citizens to render every assist- ance to quell the disturbance. Prevention he said was better than cure. He meant to show the city that there was a force prepared to put down the riot. At present he did not deem it prudent to read the Riot Act. The mayor, accompanied by Captain Savile and others, then left the Guildhall with a view of rendering personal aid in stopping the riot, but the crowd of people was so great that his worship deemed it prudent to return to the hall, from the windows of which his worship addressed them. He said he was exceedingly sorry that a city so obedient to the laws, as Exeter had the character of being, should have disgraced itself by these riotous pro- ceedings. He was informed that the riot was still going on. He much regretted that the mob had not been induced by the lovers of order to disperse and return to their homes. A discussion then arose as to the propriety of reading the Riot Act, and whether it was desirable for the militia and the special constables to act before the arrival of the military. It was deemed inexpedient to make anything like a demonstration until the forces were adequate to cope with the riotous proceedings. It was decided not to read the Riot Act, but the militia and the specials perambulated the streets, and succeeded in dispersing a great portion of the mob. On the arrival of the military the riot had been put down, and it was not renewed. The forces were divided into three sections, composed of the mili- tary, the police, and the specials. Having marched through the principal streets of the city, they returned to the Guildhall, and were dispersed, excepting a strong guard of 50 of the military and the night constables. There was no further damage. Bread is 8Jd. per 41b. loaf, and meat ranges from 7d. to 9d. per lb. The Western Morning News of Tuesday gives the following particulars of the riot A riot of formidable dimensions occurred in Exeter last night and this morn- ing. The commotion commenced between seven and eight o'clock, when a large crowd of men and boys (the roughs of the city) assembled in Bridge-street, when some crackers and other fireworks were thrown against the shop of Mr. Dann, baker at the corner of Prince's- road. Other missiles followed, the glass of the shop was smashed, and the shutters having been hastily put up, some of the upper windows were broken, and cries were set up demanding that the price of bread should be lowered. A strong body of police, under Mr. Superin- tendent Steel, made their appearance, and succeeded in separating the mob, one part of which went to the shop of Mr. Norton, baker and broke some of the first-floor windows with stones, and also the windows of Mr. Cbown; the hooting against the high price of bread being con- tinued, with threats that others should be served the same. All the bakers instantly closed their shops, and the excited mob wandered about apparently without any de- finite object. About nine o'clock a fire broke out in the corn stores of Mr. Frood, Exminster. Whether this was caused wilfully or not it is too early yet to ascer- tain, but it is the general belief that the fire is an incen- diary one, it being remembered that some years ago when there were bread riots the same premises were burned down, it being then alleged that Mr. Frood accu- mulated corn and would not sell it, but let the rats devour it. Advantage was taken of the confusion caused by the going out of the engines, and the absence of some of the police, to redouble the dis- turbances in the city. The mob, which now num- bered between 2,000 and 3,000 men, collected with menaces around the principal provision shops, and used threats of the most violent character. The police authorities were paralysed in the presence of such a mob, and the militia staff quartered in the city were called out, but any interference only exasperated the mob, whose lawlessness rapidly increased. One after another the butchers' and bakers' shops were burst open, the glass destroyed, the contents, whether bread, meat, or money, abstracted, and every form of wanton mischief indulged in. After marching through some of the prin- cipal streets, the ringleaders met about midnight in front of the Guildhall, in High-street, where the defen- sive force of the city was assembled. About a dozen of the militia were armed, and the police and several of the special constables were sworn in. The Mayor, Mr. R. T. Head, who behaved with great coolness and courage, came forward, and, addressing the crowd from the Guild- hall, advised them to disperse and go to their homes. If their object was to bring down the price of bread, he could assure them they were going the wrong way to work; no disturbances could do that, but he had of late been in communication with certain parties, who, he hoped, would bring cheaper bread and meat to the city. Fish, as they knew, had been brought from the west and sold in the city cost price. The mob seemed undecided, but a large body of them, the youths especially, continued their disorderly course, and went through the districts of St. Thomas and Exwick, doing much mischief. The destruction of property already is very considerable. It is said that a loaf steeped in blood was carried through the low parts of the city this afternoon as a signal for a rising. A disturbance on the 5th of November bad been anticipated, owing to a determination of the authorities to suppress the usual fireworks and bonfires in the Cathe- dral-yaid," On Tuesday night there was a considerable disturbance in Exeter. The mob, however, was not engaged in bread rioting, but in insisting on its privilege of making a bonfire and discharging a quantity of fireworks in the cathedral yard in remembrance of the Gunpowder Plot. A bonfire was made and fireworks were discharged. The military charged the mob during the night. A provision riot took place at Torquay on Tuesday night and the Riot Act was read. Disturbances occurred on Tuesday night at Crediton, also on account of the dearness of provisions.
News
SOOTOH SCHOOLMASTERS AND THE PROPOSED EDUCATION BILL. A meeting of the parochial schoolmasters in the Pres- bytery was recently held in the Town-hall, Dundee. Mr. Malcolm Murroes in the chair-for the purpose of con- sidering the proposed Education Bill. On the motion of Mr. Duncan, Inchture, seconded by Mr. Tweedie, Abernyte, it was resolved that, in the opinion of the meeting, the recommendations of the Scottish Education and the bill founded on them, are in several f -,eir m.ain features highly obnoxious to the interests and Pn?iatf°n an<* the status of schoolmasters generally, intprp«tp^i °r strenuous opposition of all who are i.3? be course of education. The second resolu- } J, Was proposed by the Rev. Mr. Fraser, Auchterhouse and seconded by Mr. Robertson, Kin- naird declared that any system which weakens the security of the schoolmaster's position must hinder the prosperity Of the schools, and that to the system of he appointments, which has hitherto been the law, is chiefly owing the fact that the efficiency of our parochial schools has been main- tained, in spite of the inadequate remuneration given to the schoolmaster. The third resolution, which was moved by Mr. Menzies, Tealing, and seconded by Mr. Alexander, Momkle, objected to the pro- posal to place the schools and schoolmasters under the management of a committee of ratepayers in each parish, as calculated to destroy the comparative inde- pendence of the schoolmaster's present position, and to be the means of unnecessarily fettering him in the dis- charge of his duties." The fourth resolution, moved by Mr. Dickson, Liff, and seconded by Mr. Stuart, Fowlis, objected to the appointment of a General Board of Education for Scotland as unnecessary and inexpedient. A deputation was then appointed to wait upon the members of the legislature in the neighbourhood, and also to memorialise the Lord Advocate, or to obtain a personal interview with him. on the subject of the Education Bill.
News
GREAT TROTTING MATCH AT I BROMPTON. The trotting match in which Mr. W. Price, of Hackney 1 Wick, undertook to find a pony under 12 hands 2 in. to trot 14 miles in one hour, 13 stone up, took place on Monday afternoon, round Brompton race-ground, when the pony turned out to be Mr. John Smith's grey pony Kitty. The ground is a quarter of a mile in circum- ference, but thanks to the excellent management of Mr. Jones, the spirited proprietor, it had been got into splendid condition, and the two corners at the back stretch had been banked up to let the pony go easily round the abrupt turns. At four o'clock the pony came to the mark, driven by her owner Mr. E. Smith was referee, Mr. Westhall, timekeeper, and Mr. Izod looked after the pony during the three rests she made in the progress of the match. She started at the rate of 10 miles an hour, and increased it during the first mile. Time, quarter mile, 1 min. 3 sec.; half-mile, 2 min. 46 sec. three-quarters, 3 min. 8 J sec.; one mile, 4 min, 16 sec. At the completion of the mile she was slackened, and performed the next four miles thus :—Second mile, 9 min. 6 sec. third mile, 13 min. 29 sec. fourth mile, 17 min. 39 sec.; fifth mile, 21 min. 53 sec.-45 sec. behind. A rest of twelve seconds while her mouth and nostrils were sponged out, and then she flew away again in the fairest manner possible, doing the sixth mile in 26 min. 13 sec.; and the seventh in 30 min. 25 sec., or 25 sec. at least behind time. She crawled the next mile 34 min. 39 sec., but was let out during the ninth mile, in consequence of being so far behind the enemy." This, however, she completed in 38 min. 52 sec. and the tenth in 42 min. 45 sec. She had so improved that a long rest was taken, and she went to work brilliantly, performing the eleventh mile in 46 min. 37 sec. twelfth in 50 min. 29 sec.; thirteenth in 54 min. 37 sec. and walked in literally, doing the last in 59 min. 4 sec., winning by 56 sec. She pulled up fresh. There was no betting, although offers were made to back time at evens, which did not suit the pony school.
News
ACCIDENT ON THE NORTH LONDON RAILWAY. An accident, fortunately unattended by any fatal results, occurred on Wednesday morning, on the North London Railway between Dalston and Hackney. The 8.5 train from Broad-street to Poplar left Dalston to time, but on arriving about midway between that station and Hackney suddenly came to a stand, in consequence of the coupling rod which connects the wheels of the engine having given way. This happening whilst the train was in motion necessarily disarranged other portions of the machinery, and rendered it impossible for it to proceed upon its journey without assistance. A ballast engine was soon procured from Dalston, and attached to the rear of the disabled train, which it pushed slowly towards Bow, the breaksman being sent down the line to prevent anything passing. Considerable delay was of course occasioned by this, and in the meantime the 8.20 train from Broad-street had arrived at Dalston. The signal- man, it appears, gave line clear" to Hackney before he should have done, and the 8.20 train left the station as usual, and ran into the disabled train, damaging to I Z!1 some extent both the engines. The passengers were considerably shaken and frightened, but beyond that we believe they sustained no injury. The driver of the 8.20 engine seeing that a collision was inevitable, jumped from his engine, by which his leg was broken. The fault, it appears, rests between the breaksman, who was dispatched to protect the ballast engine, and the signal- man, who signalled "line clear." A thorough investi- gation will, no doubt, be made by the company. Both trains were driven on to Bow immediately after the collision, and the delay occasioned to the passengers of the 8.5 train was not more than 20 minutes.
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THE HEALTH OF LONDON. It appears from the return issued by authority of the Registrar-General, that in the week that ended on Satur- day, November 2, 4,416 births and 2,777 deaths were registered in London and in twelve other large towns of the United Kingdom. The annual rate of mortality was 23 per 1,000 persons living. The annual rate of mor- tality last week was 20 per 1,000 in London, 20 in Edin- burgh, and 24 in Dublin 27 in Bristol, 22 in Birming- ham, 29 in Liverpool, 38 in Manchester, 27 in Salford, 24 in Sheffield, 23 in Leeds, 25 in Hull, 30 in New- eastle-upon-Tyne, and 24 in Glasgow. The rate in Vienna was 22 per 1,000 during the week ending the 26th ult., when the mean temperature was 1.3 deg. Fahrenheit higher than in the same week in London, where the rate was 21. The high rate of mortality in Manchester is due principally to the registration during the week of nearly 50 deaths on the information of the coroner, the inquests relating to which had been held during many past weeks. Scarlatina was, however, fatally prevalent in many parts of the city, and in Ard- wick and Hulme townships alone caused no less than 19 deaths. In London the births of 1,041 boys and 1,054 girls, in all 2,095 children, were registered in the week. In the corresponding weeks of 10 years 1857-66 the average number, corrected for increase of popula- tion, is 2,106. The deaths registered in London during the week were 1,196. It was the 44th week of the year and the average number of deaths for that week i, with a correction for increase of population, 1,367. The deaths in the present return are less by 171 than the estimated number. The deaths registered from zymotic diseases were 282. Scarlatina caused the deaths of 54 children, and in the preceding week 36 fatal cases were recorded. The disease is most prevalent in the north and south districts of the metropolis. Twelve deaths from small-pox, 32 from measles, 30 from whoop- ing-cough, 51 from typhus, and 23 from diarrhcea were registered last week. No deaths occurred from cholera or choleraic diarrhoea. 143 persons died from phthisis, 127 from bronchitis, 80 from pneumonia, and 45 from diseases of the heart. The deaths of 143 persons killed by horses or carriages in the streets of London have been already registered in the 44 weeks of this year. It may be hoped that the numbers will be diminished in the future by the new Act, "making provision for the greater security of persons passing through the streets of London." A light on each street cab will tend to diminish the danger by night.
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TO SMART YOUNG MEN. The following correspondence, relating to our last re- ported feat of military muddling, will be read with great satisfaction by recruiting officers and by the country at large: September 11.—We lost men so fast in Nus- seerabad that on the 6th the doctor recommended us to be moved into camp, and we were ordered to go out on the morning of Sunday, the 8th. Such disgraceful arrangements were made that the tents were sent out on the afternoon of the 7th to a place some miles distant from where the sepoys, quartermaster, and our colour men had gone to mark out the ground. We were unable to march until nearly eight o'clock, the men being exposed until a quarter-past 10 to a very hot sun. Not a third of the tents were then up or on the ground the men had to work all day in a hot sun pitching them, and the hospital is now filled with men with fever, giving the hard-worked doctors unnecessary anxiety. Two men died of cholera in the doolies on the five or six miles march, only taken that morning, and a third died a quarter of an hour after arriving on the ground; two more died that day only one has yet recovered out of twenty-two attacked. Seven children died amongst the women and children in the cantonments on the 9th. So they were ordered out at once, but so badly were things managed, that it was ten o'clock before some left the cantonments, and past one before they were settled here. Three more children died on the road, and that night it was piteous to hear the groans, sobs, and hysterical weeping of those women who had lost children, or who first heard that they were widows. To-day, up to twelve o'clock, two men have died, and there are more cases. The men keep up very well in- deed. The doctors cannot make out the disease. Nothing seems to do good, and though the men have but little purging nor much cramp, they very often never rally from a state of collapse, and die in six hours from seizure. No one has pointed out what wells the men are to use for drinking-water, or given any hints as to the management of the camp. We have fires burning to wind- ward, medicines served out to the sergeants, and all pre- cautions taken. We have 49 men in hospital. All that can keep with their company only attend for medicine. Doctors, apothecaries, and all are worked off their legs day and night. Medicines are running short." Sep- tember 17.—It is some days since I have written, as I should have had only the same melancholy tale to tell, making you anxious to read, and me melancholy to think of. Death has followed us wherever we have moved until last night, when there were no fresh admis- sions, and those in the hospital are doing well. Since the 8th we have buried 28 men, about 30 children, and 4 women. Is it not disgraceful sending a young unac- climatised regiment into such a place ? The chaplains, both Roman and Protestant, behave splendidly, and are constantly with the sick. They live in our camp at present." We wonder what will be done to the officer- there must be such a person—immediately responsible for this monstrous waste of life. He is sure to be repri- manded, we suppose.-Pall-mll Gazette.
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THE POOR OF "JAOK KETCH'S lVARREN." The following letter from Mr. Catlin, missionary, appeared in the Mornivg Star of November 6 :—" The demolition of the dwellings of the poor still goes on around us. Rents are being raised, landlords and agents becoming tyrannical and insolent, overcrowding fright- ful, stables and sheds converted into human habita- tions, and even rooms over reeking privies. The sanitary condition of these places are a disgrace to the parish of Clerkenwell, and now work is not to be ob- tained. Food is at famine prices. I see fire-grates getting rusty; mechanics and labourers wandering about without shelter. Lodgings cannot now be obtained. I know of homes where there are women and children in a state of nudity (clothes pawned last winter, and not redeemed during the summer months). Winter is upon us, and now comes into operation the new Streets Act, which will ruin and blast the prospects of some thousands of street hawkers. Already the cry is being raised, "Bread or blood," in the East-end, and I do not wonder at it. Night after night do I have to find a shelter for some of my destitute neighbours, not regular cadgers, or tramps, but honest mechanics and decent charwomen whom I have known in better circum- stances. Last night I paid for a lodging for two poor men who had to walk the streets during all last week. These men are brothers, and wire-drawers by trade. On Saturday I had to say nay to a poor applicant only, ask- ing for a loaf of dry bread-this was a girl of 15, with a child in her arms, a sick father at home, and a lame mother, and, I think, four children besides. Ollr only trust is in God-our funds are quite exhausted. We will immediately open our soup kitchen if friends will send us the means. We have every convenience in readiness, and my wife and others are ready and willing to work. And might I add, that I am prepared to deliver interesting lectures, illustrated with magnificent dissolving views, in any hall or room within ten miles of London, the proceeds to go for the benefit of the poor of the Cow-cross district, Clerkenwell, London."
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DISSENSIONS IN THE LONDON RIFLE BRIGADE. On Wednesday afternoon a special meeting of the Commissioners of Lieutenancy of the City of London was held in the Aldermen's Chamber, at the Guildhall, "to receive a report from the committee upon the reference to it respecting the letter of Lieut.-Colonel Warde, of the London Volunteer Rifle Brigade, dated 24th day of Sept. last, relative to the prometion of Major Sir William Anderson Rose, to fee second Lieut.- Colonel in that brigade." Mr. Alderman Hale presided, and there were also present, amongst numerous other commissioners Mr. Alderman Copeland, Mr. Alderman W. Lawrence, M.P., Colonel Alderman Wilson, Mr. Alderman Finnis, Mr. Deputy De Jersey, Mr. Deputy Farrar, Mr. Thomas Parker, Mr. Deputy Chaplin, &c. Mr. Henley Grose Smith, the clerk to the commis- sioners, read the report of the committee, which the court had been specially called to consider. It set forth a variety of circumstances which bad transpired in con- nection with the appointment of Alderman Sir W. A. Rose as secondLieut.-Colonel of theLondonRifle Brigade, which appointment had created a good deal of dissatis- faction amongst the members of the brigade. So great, indeed, was the opposition that the commanding officer, Lieut.-Col. Warde, had addressed to the commissioners a letter, in which he threatened to resign his position if the appointment were retained. He further submitted several reasons against the appointment of Sir William Rose to the vacant lieut.-colonelcy, the principal being the opposition of the general body of the members of the brigade and these reasons he asked should be trans- mitted to the War-office for consideration. The committee, after taking the whole of the circum- stances into consideration, recommended that the appli- cation of Lieut.-Col. Warde should not be complied with, thus confirming the appointment of Alderman Sir W. A. Rose as the second Lieut.-Colonel of the brigade. This report was adopted by a large majority. A letter which had been addressed to the Commis- sioners by Alderman Sir W. A. Rose, offering to with- draw from the appointment, if it should be thought necessary, was referred to the committee for consideration after which the court adjourned.
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SINGING AND MUSIO LESSONS. In the London Sheriff's Court, on Wednesday, the case of Wordsworth v. Spearman was heard. This was an action to recover a sum of money for professional ser- vices as a music and singing master to Lady Maria Spearman, defendant's wife, and for services rendered to defendant, one of the choir of Hayes Church. Mr. Willis appeared for the plaintiff, Mr. Metcalfe represent- ing defendant. It was stated on the part of the plaintiff that he was a professional musician, and in October, 1865, he was engaged as the organist of Hayes Church at a salary of £40 per annum. He also agreed to teach Lady Maria Spearman at five shillings per half-hour les- son. After he had taught Lady Maria for some time, defendant personally asked him to give him lessons, so that he might be more efficient in the choir, of which he (defendant) was a member. The choir was paid by subscription. The choir consisted of men and boys, and plaintiff taught them. Plaintiff had not been paid for five quarters' lessons. Plaintiff was dismissed from his post of organist in consequence with some dispute with the choir. In cross-examination plaintiff said he had been paid money for certain concerts, and he had paid Mr. Chaplin Henry, but he had not as yet paid Miss Banks or Mr. Stanton. He dined at Mr. Spearman's, and slept at that gentleman's house upon the days he went down to Hayes to teach the choir and Lady Spearman. In re-examination plaintiff said he claimed for piano- forte lessons given to Lady Maria Spearman. Some correspondence was handed in, which led his Honour to the conclusion that the lessons to Lady Spear- man were gratuitous, but Mr. Willis contended that the letter referred only to the singing, and not to the piano- forte lessons. Mr. Willis then called defendant as witness for the plaintiff, and defendant deposed that he expressly told plaintiff that his services would not be required so far as Lady Maria Spearman was concerned after the early part of 1866. Plaintiff suggested that defendant should practise, as he would then be more efficient in the choir, but the defendant said he should take lessons. He did practise. Mr. Willis, after some further answers, elected to be nonsuited, and said he should take the case into another court. Plaintiff nonsuited, and defendant allowed costs.
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a THE SUSPECTED CHILD MURDER AT WOOL- WICH.-On Tuesday, Mr. J. Carttar, coroner for West Kent, held an adjourned inquiry, at the Royal Oak Tavern,. New-road, Woolwich, into the circumstances attending the death of an infant named Mary Golden, who expired recently at 11, Collingwood-street, and returned a verdict That the child died from the result of: certain injuries, but how such injuries were caused there- was no evidence to show-
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ELKTAACTS FROM OUR COMIC PAPEB6. (From Punch.) IN RE BUTCHER (Song by a Solicitor.) Thou who six-and-eightpence after Six-and-eightpence lopp'st away, Often with unfeeling laughter, From the bills that clients pay, Faster goes the cash and faster, Our insides with meat to fill Taxing-master, Taxing-master, Tax, oh tax my Butcher's Bill Oh, the price that beef and mutton Cost me for my humble board Butchers never care a button Veal that we can scarce afford. When we lay it on like plaster, Thou dost take the thick off still: Taxing-master, Taxing-master, Tax, oh tax my Butcher's Bill. Fish with meat hath risen in measure, Poultry out of reach far fly, Game is a forbidden pleasure, Being more than ever high. Dearth of food's a dire disaster Would thou could'st avert that ill, Taxing-master, Taxing-master, Tax, oh tax my Butcher's Bill. MORE NEW NOVELS. In fiction, as in fact, it is often very profitable to follow up a success. But we rather fancy it would be doubtful policy for novelists to spend their time on sequels which may merely be suggested by the title cf a preceding work. We have little wish to see among our publishers' announcements such notices as these Never Flirt: a sentimental novel, written by the author of Hever Court. Goeth clovjii like an Oyster: a meditative novel, by the author of Cometh up as a Flower. Six Penn'orth of Ha'pence a realistic novel, being a sequel to Half a Million of Money. He who Breaks, Pays: a domestic novel, written by the author of Other People's Windows. Less than a Lucfer: a sensation novel, written as a sequel to More than a Match. Do you remember the epigram on Bishop and Pick- pocket Barrington ? Very well, then. Here's its com- panion, by a stupidisb, old-fashioned fogy:— Two Aliens, this year, on our rules did encroach, And in different ways to not'riety ran One* was Prais'd for his Wish to keep out of a Coach, Onet was Tried for Attempt to break into a Van. [This would have been wit a hundred years ago, you old idiot.-P.) Our worthy Lord Mayor Elect. t The execrable Manchester Fenian. THE LORD MAYOR'S LOTTERY.—The Athenceum says, with reference to the City feast at Guildhall, that the Chief Magistrate is presented with forty tickets, for which there are four hundred expectants. Of course all but forty of them are disappointed, and perhaps also offended. The Lord Mayor might, however, avoid giving any of them offence by a very easy expedient. He should have three hundred and sixty blank and forty prize-tickets put into and shaken up in the Cap of Main- tenance, and invite the four hundred expectants to draw them. VERY APPROPRIATE.—The Edinburgh public dinner to the Chancellor of the Exchequer took place in the Corn Exchange in the Grassmarket. The Corn Exchange would remind Mr. Disraeli of the alteration in his views on the question of Free Trade the Grassmarket might make him wonder whether his hearers were green enough to believe all he told them. EUPHEMISM EXTRAORDINARY.—A lawyer of our ac- quaintance, who has aquired great skill in conducting an election, declares that in the course of his canvassing ex- perience he never heard a bribe even distantly alluded to excepting by the synonym of a "votive offering." A THOUGHT ON THE KNIFE-BOARD.—The truth is sometimes told unintentionally. For instance when one sees Poor Humanity on an omnibus (From Fun.) A CASE FOR THE S. FOR THE P. OF C. TO A.—We beg to call the attention of the active and energetic Society for the Suppression of Cruelty, to a piece of barbarity recorded in the Standard. That paper, in its impression of Tuesday, the 8th October, says :— Madame States and Mr. Rigby have been singing un- interruptedly since Thursday evening." The managers of the Covent Garden Concerts were guilty of the most heartless cruelty to compel two people-one of them a lady-to sing without stopping for very nearly a week, This ought to be seen to at once. BAGGED. A correspondent writes to complain of the growing tendency to slang, and instances the following advertise- ment as a proof of what he alleges Bags Bags! Bags Cormack'ei Great Bag Warehouse. He asserts that the word trousers should be used in- stead of the vulgarism bags." Our friend is quite mis- taken as to the articles referred to. They are not such as one thrusts one's legs into, but the kind of bag into which (after making such a stupid mistake) he had better put his head! WINES AND SPIRITS.—The Paris correspondent of the Morning Star announces the approaching marriage of Home, the spiritualist, and Madame Moet, "the champagne widow." We are glad to hear that Home has adopted so respectable a trade, and that henceforth his dealings in Cham "-with a c instead of an s "—will be of a nature we need not deprecate. AN EARLY TEA.—An enterprising grocer advertised for sale teas brought by the ship Taeping about a fortnight before that vessel arrived in the Thames. We suppose he was determined on Taeping Time by the forelock. COMMENDED to the notice of the Board of Inland Revenue.—How did Mr. Thomas Carlyle shoot Niagara ? With a poetical license. (From Judy.) WHEN, AND OH, WHEN To my Sweetheart. When trains keep their proper time When fools cease the Alps to climb When our cabmen honest grow; When milk is not lait et Veau When friend Beales shall grow more wise; When the papers tell no lies When the New Law Courts are done When balloons go to the sun When the Thames is pure and clean When folks say just what they mean When they've cleared out Leicester-square When girls cease to wear false hair Then, not till then, shall it be That I cease from loving thee. GOOD NEWS INDEED !—A correspondent in the Times of the 30th October writes Sir,—The Times having taken up the subject of cheap food, it is now in everybody's mouth," &c.—This is the most wonderful evidence of the power of the Thunderer ever recorded. QUERY.—May a speech on board ship be called a deck oration ?—Possibly. In some conditions of weather a speech well delivered would entitle any one to a decoration. ZOO-LOGIC.—The weight of the great elephant at the Zoo. may be ascertained by simply putting your toe under the animal's foot. A GRAVE JOKE.—Why is a sixpence the most profit- able coin to possess !—Because "A tanner will last you nine years.Hamlet, act v., scene 1. DOUBTLESS.—The police now, in several localities in London, walk-for better security, we suppose-two together. There are, doubtless, many "parties" who would prefer to see them "walk" altogether. IRELAND should henceforth be described in maps as one of the S(c)illy Isles. WHEN prize-fighters meet they generally strike for wage(r)s. PAPER collars have had a fair trial, but they won't wash." A QUESTION of Time—What's o'clock. ENGLISH Government Securities—Handcuffs.
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— ♦ A FEVER-STRICKEN HOUSE.—At the Marl- borough-street Police-court, on Tuesday, Mr. James Buckingham, owner of No. 2, Streets buildings, Mount- street, St. George's, Hanover-square, appeared to answer the complaint of the medical officer of the parish, of having the house named infected witn fever, and unfit for human habitation. The house in question seemed to have some singular fatality attending it, which all the exertions of the owner, under the direction of medical men and others, had failed to remove. In September five children, suffering from scarlet fever, were taken from the house to a hospital; in the middle of October two children died in the house from the same disease; and again another child, fever-stricken, was removed to the hospital. Mr. Tyrwhitt directed the house to be closed until the parish medical officers should certify that it was fit for human habitation.
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THE LATE MR. WEISS. The respect entertained for this lamented artist was fully proved on Wednesday, when, despite of the falling rain, upwards of 500 Jadies and gentlemen, more or less connec-ted with music, the drama, and literature, assem- bled in Highgate Cemetery, wherein, under the shadow of that old ch-.rch, were interred the mortal remains of Willoughby XVeis,. The Rev. Mr. Galloway, a friend of the deceased, officiated, and the service, which was musical—that of Croll and of Purcell-was under the direction of Mr. F. Walker, the tenor of St. Paul's Cathedral. The choir included singers (with the boys) of the Westminster Abbey, Lincoln's Inn, and Temple Cho'rs. The singing of the touching strains, "Man that is born of a woman," as the oak coffin was lowered into the grave, created a painful feeling. Amongst the artists and amateurs as- sembled to do honour to the memory of Mr. Weiss were Messrs. G. Macfarren, J. F. Barnett, Arthur Sullivan, J. L. Hatton, Santley, Sainton, Howell, Cummings, G. Perrin, Dorrell, H. Selous. MacSwinney, Gruneisen, Steggall, Aguilar, H. Joachim, B. Chatterton, Lyall, F. Romer, Turle, S. Lucas, P. Corri, Donald King, Lawler, Lewis Thomas, Pullick, Peck, Sherrarcl, Hanheart, Lidel, Paque, Hutchins, Neville, Hopkins, &c. Amongst the numerous mourners was Lady Thompson, wife of the eminent surgeon, formerly Miss Loder, a composer and pianist. Mr. Costa was unavoidably absent from indis- position.
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A SAD STORY. Captain Wood, a benevolent gentleman, brought the following sad case under the notice of Mr. D'Eyncourt, at the Marylebone Police-court, on Monday. He stated that one of the London City missionaries of this district had his attention drawn to a lady whom he found living, with her three children, in a most abject state of poverty. Her husband was the pay-master of a regi- ment stationed in one of the colonies (Jamaica), and they had lived very happily together until suddenly she found that he had eloped with the daughter of a brother officer, holding a civil P ppointment. At this time it was found that he had embezzled the large amount of X2,000 of the public money committed to his care. A subscrip- tion was started to send this unfortunate lady and children home to England. In the spring of this year they landed at Southampton without a friend to help them. This lady, through her husband's mis- conduct, had no claim upon Government for aid. She was without relatives to appeal to, her husband being a foreigner-an Hungarian noble refugee-and, she having passed her life out of England, there was no one to look to for assistance. What little money she landed with was soon exhausted, and then, in order to procure food and shelter, she had to pawn and sell every avail- able article of dress, &c. During this time she went from shop to shop in a fruitless endeavour to get some needlework, or other employment, to do. It may be mentioned that she is a good linguist. Her state of health is most dedicate, and for seven weeks past neither she nor her children have lain upon a bed. The gallant captain said he had made careful and searching inquiries as to the unfortunate lady's statement through the army agents (Cox's) at Charing-cross, through the War-offioe, and other sources, and found it quite cerrect, and that she is in every way worthy the help which might be afforded her. His desire was, if the charitable should be so disposed, that a sum of money might be raised, and so secured by means of a protection order that her husband could not touch it, and place her in a way of business to obtain a livelihood for herself and three young children. He (the gallant captain) said he should be most happy to answer any inquiries, and gave his address-13, Cambridge-road, Kilburn. Mr. D'Eyncourt said he thought it was a very painful case, and one which was deserving of all sympathy. Applicant thanked the magistrate, and retired. The Duke of Cambridge has forwarded 210 for the benefit of the above lady
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ACCOMMODATING APRISONER. On Tuesday, at the Middlesex Sessions, before Mr. Payne, Charles Clarke, 20, was indicted for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of James Joel Bennett, and stealing therein five forks and other articles, value XIO, his property. Mr. Starling prosecuted. Mr. Warner Sleigh defended the prisoner. Elizabeth Maria Gale, servant to Mr. Bennett, of Richmond-road, Hackney, said that about three o'clock one afternoon in the last month she heard the silver rattling in the parlour, and on going into the parlour found the prisoner picking the silver out of a basket which was on a chair. She raised an alarm, and the prisoner got out of the window.. The window where the prisoner had effected an entrance was safe a short time before this occurred. The prosecutor said he heard an alarm raised, and fol- lowed the prisoner, whom he gave into custody. A forcible entrance had been made at the window. The jury found the prisoner Guilty. Former convictions were proved against him. Mr. Payne sentenced him to seven years' penal servi- tude. Prisoner applied to his lordship to give him 10 years, as he should never do any good in London. If he came out it would be the same thing. It would be a mercy to send him away out of the country, for then he might do some good. Mr. Warner Sleigh supported the prisoner's applica- tion. After some little discussion the prisoner was charged upon another indictment, to which he pleaded guilty. Mr. Payne then acceded to his request, and altered the sentence to ten years' penal servitude, remarking that it was not his practice to accommodate prisoners, but in the present instance he thought it would be advantageous. The prisoner was a young man, and he hoped he would do good for himself. The prisoner seemed pleased with the result of the case.
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THE DISASTER IN A COAL-PIT. It was briefly announced on Friday that the water had broken into a pit at Cramlington, and that it was feared all the large body (200) of men employed there at the time were drowned. Happily such an awful calamity has been averted, as will be seen by the follow- ing details of the accident :—Great excitement was occasioned in the pit districts of Northumberland, on Thursday, by a report which was current that the water had broken into the Shank-house pit, Cramlington, and that 150 men and lads were confined in it. It appears that four of the Cornish miners, a number of whom have been employed in the pit since the late strike, were driving in towards the Plessy old workings on Thurs- day afternoon, and by some accident one of them made an opening into the old pit, and the water rushed in upon them. The Willington Way, where the occurrence took place, is at a depth of about 40 feet from the mouth of the shaft, and from it to the bottom, which is a depth of 80 feet, there is a gradual, yet steep, gradient. When it became known that the water was accumulating in the sump as well as the bottom of the shaft, a man, named Robert Allen, descended in order to alter the scaffolding and to afford extra facilities for drawing out the water, which was rapidly accumulating, but he was overcome by the flood and drowned. The men and lads, about 150 in number, took refuge in various parts of the pit until they were drawn up. Several of them were hurt by the coals which were hurled at them by the rushing in of the water. It is believed that a good many ponies will be lost by the accident, and the pit property is much damaged.
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A CELEBRATED AUTHOR IN DIFFICULTIES. In the London Bankruptcy Court, on Wednesday, George Augustus Henry Sala (commonly known as George Augustus Sala) presented his petition in con- sequence of insufficiency of income and payment by him of heavy travelling expenses. Mr. Sala, who is so well known in literary circles, describes himself as of 94, Sloane-street, previously of Paris, previously travelling on the continent of Europe, previously of Guildford- street, Russell-square, and formerly of Mexico, the United States and the West Indies, newspaper corres- pondent and contributor to a daily newspaper. The debts are stated in the preliminary list of creditors at zC2,959 16s. 10d., but the statutory accounts in which the figures on both sides would appear have net yet been filed. The proprietors of the Daily Telegraph are entered as creditors for X500. This was a sitting for examination ani discharge. Mr. Reed, on behalf of the bankrupt, asked for an adjournment. The accounts, he said, had not been filed in consequence of the bankrupt having been in com- munication with several of his friends by whose assist- ance a proposition had been made to the creditors which they had unanimously agreed to accept. It was intended shortly to make an application to annul the bankruptcy. Mr. H. B. Dunn appeared for a creditor, seeking to prove. The claim stood over for further consideration, and There being no objection to the application for a postponement, the sitting was adjourned for six weeks.
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MR. LOWE, MP., ON EDUCATION. On Friday evening Mr. Lowe, M.P., delivered an address on "Education, Primary and Classical," to the members and friends of the Edinburgh Philosophical Institution. In his introductory remarks he said that the question of education divided itself naturally into two branches-the education of the poor, or primary education, and the education of the upper and middle classes. The first of these branches he considered to be most important. It was agreed by all that it was a part of the duty of the State to educate the poor but at present, in England, the Government did not occupy such a position as enabled it to discharge that duty. Government money was spent in giving assistance where private enterprise or denominational aetivity had founded schools, but nothing more. What was wanted now was that in England there should be carried out the great thought of the Scotch Reformers, who insisted on the build- ing of a school in every parish. The State should con- fine itself to secular education, and should give no aid to schools in which a conscienee clause had not been adopted. He suggested that there should be an educational sur- vey of these islands, and a report made to the Privy Council of the educational wants of the different country parishes, of the number of children, and of what was wanted in order to place a sufficient amount of education within the reach of the people of the parish. When that was done, he would have notice given to the parish that it should found a school, and if it failed there should be power vested in some great responsible officer to order a compulsory rate, out of which the school should be founded. He thought that such a simple machinery would in a short time alter the whole face of the education question, and place education within the reach of every one of her Majesty's subjects. Mr. Lowe then proceeded to speak of the second part of his subject, the education of the middle and upper classes.