14 FEBRUARY 1846, Page 9

SCOTLAND.

The Honourable James Stuart Wortley, who had vacated his seat by ac- cepting the office of Judge-Advocate-General, was reelected for Buteshire, at Rothesay, on Saturday, without opposition.

The nomination of candidates for Selkirkshire took place at Selkirk on Friday. Mr. Pringle, the late Member, nominated Mr. Lockhart, of Borth- wickbrae, a modified Protectionist; and Mr. Grieve, a farmer, put in nomi- nation Mr. Murray, younger, of Philiphaugh, a decided Free-trader. A poll was demanded for Mr. Lockhart; but Mr. Murray retired. Mr. Lock- hart's election was accordingly declared.

A meeting at Haddington, on Friday, had an unexpected result. It was called by an advertisement which issued with the signatures of thirty-one gentlemen: they summoned the noblemen, landed proprietors, tenant- farmers, merchants, tradesmen, and others, of the county of Haddington, who were favourable to protection of native industry, for the purpose of considering the proposed measures of the Government. The room was crowded; but a number of persons adverse to protection attended—form- ing, in fact, the great majority of the meeting. Mr. Aitchison requested them to retire. Lord John Hay said, that in such case be should protest against the supposition that the meeting could represent public opinion in the county of liaddington•, adding, that there were two ways of support- ing British industry "—which was his object as well as that of the requisi- tionist.): he only wanted to do it in a way suitable to all the united in- terests of the empire. Sir George Grant Suttie and Sir George Warrender contended that the meeting was a private one of gentlemen favourable to protection: but the persons assembled refused to acquiesce in that view; and, at Sir George Smile's suggestion, the requisitionists and their adherents left the roon. Those who remained unanimously adopted this resolution-

" That while the meeting consider it would be desirable to have an immediate repeal of the Corn-laws in referenceto the proposed measure of Sir Robert Peel, yet they consider it inexpedient that this county should adopt any measure which can tend to frustrate or elay the settlement of the Corn-law question."

Meanwhile, the requiaitionists retired to another smaller room, held their own meeting, and passed their own resolutions in favour of protection.

Attempts are made in the North of Scotland to prevent by forcible means the shipment of potatoes. At Inverness, on Wednesday last week, the populace overcame the local authorities, and prevented potatoes from being taken on board a vessel; and the military had to be sent for. On the following evening, the townspeople were reinforced, and vengeance was wreaked on the windows of the persons who had assisted in preserving order. Subsequently, the attack was renewed at the port of shipment; a cart filled with potatoes was thrown into the river; and the parties in charge were put to flight, in the face of the local authorities, and the reading of the Riot Act itself. The military were again sent for. At Nairn, Cambeltown, and other places along the coast, similar scenes have occurred.

It is stated that instructions have recently been given bl the Lord-Ad- vocate to all the Sheriffs in Scotland, to the effect, that on hearing of any case of sudden death, they shall order an inquiry to be made into the causes which have produced it; and that when these have been ascertained, they shall be reported to his Lordship or his Deputies.