13 AUGUST 1853, Page 11

The opinions of the Judges on the questions submitted to

them arising out of the famous trial connected with the Bridgewater property, devised on condition that the heir obtained a peerage, were submitted to the House of Lords yesterday. Eight Judges were of opinion that the condition was valid, three that it was invalid ; that is, the majority thought that the property should go in accordance with the Duke's will. Their Lordships took time to consider.

The famous Braintree case was finally disposed of by the House of Lords yesterday. It will be recollected that, in 1841, a rate of two shillings in the pound was proposed in the Braintree Vestry. The Dissenters moved en amendment, condemning church-rates in general and refusing that rate in particular. The amendment was carried by a large majority. It wes then asked whether any amendment was proposed as to the amount of the rate, and no answer was given. The rate was then produced, and signed by the Vicar, the Churchwardens, and several ratepayers ; the mover of the amend- ment, Mr. S. Courtauld, protesting. The question as to the validity of a rate thus made has been decided both negatively and affirmatively in several courts ; and now it came before the House of Lords on an appeal in error against thejudgment of the Court of Exchequer, which had sustained the rate. The House of Lords reversed the judgment of the court below, on the ground that the rate was made by the minority against the will of the ma- jority.