17 AUGUST 1844, Page 2

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A special general meeting of the Loudon Missionary Society was held on Wednesday, at Exeter Hall, to express the sympathy of the Society with the British missionaries in Tahiti. Mr. Frederick Smith took the chair ; and among a numerous party of the Society's principal supporters, was Mr. Pritchard, the late Consul and missionary in Tahiti. The business of the day was opened with prayer by the Reverend Mr. Thorney, of Cambridge. The Chairman, in his introductory speech, imputed the thin attendance to the very bad state of the weather. He proceeded to give an outline of the late events in Tahiti— To the attempted landing of some Jesuits in the island three or four years ago, Queen Pomare objected; but the Jesuits, by fraudulent means—that is, by stratagem—effected their landing. The object of those Roman Catholic missionaries, no doubt, was to subvert the faith of the people from the troth of the gospel, as taught to them by the Protestant missionaries. The Queen ex- ercised her undoubted right, and brought into effect the law, by ordering these priests off the island. They were cent away ; but not a hair of their beads was hurt. For this the French sent a ship of war, and demanded as a repara- tion the payment of 2,000 dollars. That sum was paid, not by the Queen, but chiefly by the English inhabitants of the island. A second demand was soon after made, under some plausible pretext, of a sum of 10,000 dollars. This it was impossible for the Queen to raise. The alternative put as to the 2,000 dollars was, that if not paid the town would be bombarded—that was to say, blown down. The alternative in the second case was, that if the 10,000 dollars were not paid, the French would establish a protectorate. The payment of the mosey was impossible ; and the result was, that a protectorate was esta- blished; which it was pretended was done by the consent of the Queen, but the whole was the effect of stratagem. Afterwards the protectorate became a sovereignty ; the Queen was deposed ; and she thought it necessary, for her personal safety, to seek refuge in an English ship-of-war, and there she found protection ; and, for the honour of England be it spoken, wherever an English flag was seen to fly, there was a certain refuge for the oppressed. Still the missionaries were interrupted in their labours; their personal liberties were infringed ; and in many cases they were not permitted to go on shore if on board, or to return to the shipping if they were on shore.

Mr. Smith denied the statement of Lord Aberdeen that the mission- aries had confessed to having no cause of complaint : the conversation with Lord Aberdeen on that point took place before any of the evils flowing from the protectorate had actually occurred. Mr. Freeman, the Secretary, read a long report from the Directors of the Society, in which they briefly related the recent transactions in Ta- hiti, and then the whole history of missionary labours in Tahiti from 1797 ; labours which have redeemed the islanders from "darkness and cruelty "—from," licentiousness, oppression, war, infanticide, cannibal- ism, and human sacrifices "; and have brought them to a state of high civilization, testified by people of all countries.

" The improved condition of the people, however, and the progress of Chris- tianity, have served but to awaken the ambitious and intolerant designs of France and Rome. In 1836, a portion of an arrogant priesthood 'privily crept in to spy out their liberty and to bring them into bondage'; to whom Pomard and her people gave place, no, not for an hour.' They felt that they needed them not ; and Pomard claimed (whether wisely or not) the same right to ex- clude them, as foreigners, as Louis Philippe claims in demanding a passport for every Englishman who sets his foot on French soil. Though several mis- sionaries of the Romish Church have been subsequently at Tahiti, and one or two remain there still, they have not succeeded in gaining any natives as pro- selytes. The offence of the exclusion of these two priests was treated gravely ; although it appears that an offering to Mammon assisted in appeasing the in- dignation of incensed France. The then Commodore (Dupetit Thouars) de- manded satisfaction, and obtained it at the cannon's mouth, in the shape of 2,000 dollars, paid Chiefly by Englishmen, a letter of apology, and a royal sa- lute in honour of the French flag. " In 1839, Tahitian kindness in aiding Commodore La Place to repair his frigate l'Artemite, that had suffered much damage on the reef, was repaid by menacing assaults on the independence of Tahiti, and forcing Pomard to abro- gate her law which excluded. Haman Catholic priests from settling in her terri- tories. The Directors Misr ms apology for such laws; they plead for universal liberty ; but they might pastalsly ask whether France or Spain, Italy or Aus- tria, can conscientiously commence a crusade to force the abolition of such laws among our Antipodes, and yet retain others equally hostile to religious liberty over the greater part of enlightened Europe."

Towards the close of their report- " The Directors appeal to the sympathies of all Protestant Christendom, confirmed in the conviction which they published to the world in March 1833, that the recent aggression on Tahiti is only part of an extended design for the forcible establishment of Catholic missions in all the islands of the Pacific in which the labours of Protestant missionaries have proved successful. "

The Reverend Dr. William Hamilton. of Leeds, moved a resolution

expressing the deepest sympathy with the missionaries and their fami- lies at Tahiti, and recommending to the sympathy of all the Protestant Churches of Christendom " their afflicted brethren in the isles of the Pacific." He assailed the French protectorate, as needlessly forced on Tahiti ; and asked if the missionaries had no cause of complaint ? They might not as yet have suffered personal outrage, but they were trem-

bling in a suspense which was fearful as the lull that precedes the storm : but he confessed he should not be surprised, if after all France were to concede and make some very fine and bland concessions. But a Government of con- cessions wars the worst Government upon earth ; for certain it was, that a Go- vernment which most easily made concessions would be most indifferent about the outrages it might perpetrate. But where was the use of the late apology ? The apothecary might as well apologize to the man he poisoned by mistake. Still he hoped that France would yet repair the disasters she had inflicted upon Tahiti, which were a shame to the land of the Gaul.

Had this country taken a proper—a manly and independent tone ? (" No, no!") Seventy four years ago, we were generally agitated on the case of the Falk- land Islands ; fifty-four years ago, on the Nootka Sound question; fifty-three years ago, on the doubtful right to possess a city of Catherine or of the Sublime Porte. Then a healthy tone existed among our statesmen, and they knew how to speak out. That was the true policy of peace. (Cheers.) He was not an ad- vocate for war—he hated it • but tyranny and oppression, falsehood and in- justice, he hated much more. (Cheers.) France had at this very day no less than five vessels at Tahiti, while this country, the queen of the seas, had—what ? A ketch ! (Loud laughter.) What was that ? They might think it some rela- tion of the worthy John of that name. (Renewed laughter.) Be could not minutely describe a ketch ; but it had one mainmast and wizen—glorious pole, from which to suspend " The flag that braved a thousand years The battle and the breeze."

He denied, then, that this country had taken a proper tone. He knew not if the representatives of other Missionary Societies were present ; but he claimed their sympathy ; their turn might be fast coming. The missionary stations in the Pacific were burning; but flame was contagious- " — Jam Deiphobi dedit ampla ruinam, Volcano superante, domes; jam proximus ardet Ucalegon."

He begged of them not to trust to politicians, or to the cause merely of civil liberty. Let them, likewise, not trust to Rome : she was as insatiable for power as ever, and never would pause in her career until she had either worked ber own downfall or made all the standards of the world cringe to her gonfalon. (Cheers.) Let them be prepared to give battle to this foe ; and then Rome would perish, hopelessly and abhorred, great in her cruelty as in her guilt. (Cheers.) The Reverend G. Smith, of Poplar, seconded the resolution ; de- nouncing Popish attempts to rob the missionaries of the glory of the reformation which they had effected in Tahiti—

They were called upon by the events that had occurred to put no trust in

kings, statesmen, or princes of the earth; they were called upon to denounce the Antichristian character of Popery, to lift afresh the blood-stained banner of the Cross, and to inscribe upon it, No peace with Rome." He would not deprive any man of the inalienable right to worship God according to the dic- tates of his conscience ; but the spirit of Popery could not be altered by the advancing enlightenment of the age : it was only by the diffusion of truth and the communication of the true spirit throughout the world that the supersti- tions of Rome could be quelled. A friend of his had told him of a meeting in the imperial city, at which were present individuals from nine-and-twenty pro- vinces of the earth, and speaking in as many different languages, who were going back to their various districts to preach the doctrines of Rome. This indicated vigour—it showed that the spirit of Popery was as rampant as ever; and Protestants ought to learn from it the necessity of sending out young men to preach the gospel of Christ, and to counteract idolatry and sin. He contended that they were entitled to the fulfilment of the pro- mise made by the British Government to the Sovereign of Tahiti—

He would remind the meeting, that on the 3d March 1827, a letter was

written by the Right Honourable George Canning to the predecessor of Queen Pomare in the government of Tahiti, in reply to an application from that Sovereign for the protection of Britain, and for liberty to use the British flag. Mr. Canning stated, on behalf of the King of Great Britain, that such request could not be complied with consistently with the established usage of Euro- pean nations ; " but," added Mr. Canning, " his Majesty commands me to say, that although the customs of Europe forbid his acceding to your wishes in this respect, he will be happy to afford you and your subjects all the protection his Majesty can grant to a friendly power at such a remote distance from his own dominions.'

The Reverend Dr. Morrison moved a resolution avowing sympathy

with Queen Pomare as an injured sovereign, a suffering Christian, and a member of the Mission Church at Papiti ; and applauding the con- duct of Captain Nicolas and other British officers engaged in the recent events. This resolution he backed with a speech not less fervid than the rest—

To deprive this meek and injured Queen of her just rights, was one of

the most dastardly acts of perfidy and oppression ever perpetrated by a nation calling itself great. (Cheers.) That Sovereign appealed to those who wield the powers of state, and who conduct the government of our beloved and youth- ful Queen, for succour and for aid ; and upon the succour of Great Britain she relied. He would ask a British audience, " Shall she appeal in vain ?" (Loud cheers and cries of " No !") Should her appeals for succour find no echo in the breasts of Queen Victoria's Ministers ? (Cheers.) Would Great Britain, by tacit connivance, set the seal of her approbation upon the cruelty and wrongs perpetrated by French officers ? (Cries of " No, no! ") Should the liberties of the civilized world be menaced in the Great Southern Pacific, to gratify the ambition, the vanity, and the priestcraft of France ? (Shouts of " No 1 " and cheers.) Forbid it justice ! forbid it Christianity ! forbid it British honour ! (Cheers.) Forbid it every consideration that can minister to the pacific re- lations of Europe, or of the world. (Repeated cheers.) It would be a perpetual stain upon the character of Great Britain if the wrongs which had been recently perpetrated in the South Seas were not, in some way, effectually redressed. Sir Robert Peel and the Duke of Wellington, as Ministers of the Crown, had de- clared, in their responsible characters, that a great outrage had been committed ;

and the civilized world would expect that a great outrage should be dealt with

by Great Britain as it deserved. (Cheers.) They were the ardent friends of peace—and far distant be the day when France and England should enter into hostile conflict : but, just because they abhorred and deprecated war, as one of the direst calamities that could afflict the human race, they maintained that peaceful relations must be upheld on principles of honour, integrity, humanity, and regard to mutual rights. (Cheers.) Seconding the resolution, Dr. Leifchild praised the conduct of Mr. Pritchard. He also alluded to the war— With the press on their side, the almost universal feeling of the country on their aide, and the principles of eternal justice and truth on their side, what had they to fear ? (Cheers.) He did not wish for war. He was for peace—

personal peace, sectarian peace, and national peace, if possible : but if not—if the principles of justice, of national honour, and of humanity, were to be sacri-

ficed for peace—(A coke, " What then ?")—why then, he would say, wo unto him from whom the offence cometh. (Cheers.) But he was assured that a proper representation made by the British Government to that of France would prevent war ; and that was the reason he advocated the expression of the opinion of this country on the subject.

Mr. Josiah Conder moved a resolution exulting in the intelligence that " the efforts of the Roman Catholic priests in Tahiti, to withdraw the people from the simplicity that is in Christ' to the corrupt super- stitions of Papacy, have been hitherto without success "; and protest- ing " against the whole scheme of the forcible introduction of Popery into these islands." He declared his belief that there was not the slightest danger of a war with France.

In seconding the resolution, the Honourable and Reverend Baptist Noel demanded a guarantee for the future— Let it be remembered, that all these outrages, except the last, had been per- petrated under the French protectorate: therefore it was no security to the

Tahitians or the English subjects to restore that protectorate ; and what guarantee could M. Guizot give against the renewal of these outrages ? If sincere, M. Guizot should protect them against the introduction of French brandy, against the unjust movements of French priests, against the em- ployment of French cannon, against the licentiousness of French soldiers, and the wicked conduct of the French officers, who permitted it. He should protect Tahiti from that lawless aggression which demanded money upon

a vain pretence, and punished an inevitable default of payment with the loss of the independence of the country. • • • * • Our own Govern-

ment bad brought this difficulty upon themselves, by not protesting against the establishment of this protectorate at an earlier period. It was, he conceived, their duty as Christians to protect their fellow Christians as far as they could from hardship and oppression. But he rejoiced in the con-

clusion drawn by a previous speaker—that the outrages which had today been brought under their notice, though they were calculated to interfere with the present comfort of their fellow-men, and to destroy, perhaps, for a time,

valuable rights, would tend to fix in the minds of the people of Tahiti a deep- rooted hatred of the Roman Catholic system. The two religions—Protestant-

ism and Roman Catholicism—were brought into conflict at Tahiti : all the comforts the Tahitians enjoyed were traceable to Protestantism ; and all he hoped was, that the two systems of religion might be allowed to continue the contest without fear or favour. He would give Roman Catholics every liberty to preach their own doctrines, but they ought not to be allowed to gag the de- fenders of the truth.

The Reverend John Burnett moved a resolution-

. . . . " That there is no security for the civil or religious liberties of Tahiti, no rational prospect of success to Protestant missions there, no possi- bility of avoiding misunderstanding, jealousy, and collision, but by the com- plete withdrawment by France of her assumed protection of the territories of Poniard. And further, that a memorial be presented to her Majesty the Queen,

founded on the resolutions of this meeting ; that the members and friends of

the Society throughout the empire be requested to adopt such measures as they deem most expedient to express their sentiments and feelings on this critical occasion ; and that the friends of Evangelical Protestant Christianity through- out the world be invited to sympathize with them, and to declare that sympathy in such way as they deem most effective and appropriate." He deprecated all war—for any island, even for our own ; but insisted that manly remonstrances from Lord Aberdeen would effect the desired object— He would ask Lord Aberdeen to correspond with the French Government on this subject in a spirit of honour and of justice, and to lay such correspond- ence before the British and the European public; and if at the close of the correspondence France should refuse to retrace her steps, he would leave her to the degradation she bad chosen.

The Reverend W. Ellis seconded the resolution. There were some calls for Mr. Pritchard to speak : but Mr. Freeman stated, that although Mr. Pritchard would have had great pleasure in addressing the meeting, yet as he was a servant of the Crown, and did not wish to give offence, or what in another place might even be construed into an offence, he was precluded from doing so. All the resolutions were carried unanimously ; as well as one of thanks to the Chairman ; which closed the proceedings.

The Directors of the East India Company gave a grand entertain- ment on Wednesday, at the London Tavern, to celebrate the return of Sir William Nott and Sir Robert Sale to their native country. At seven o'clock, one hundred and fifty guests sat down to a sumptuous banquet : among them, besides Sir Robert Sale, there were Sir Robert Peel, the Earl of Ripon, Mr. Gonlbarn, Lord Eliot, the Earl of Lin- coln, the Earl of Dalhousie, Sir George Murray, Sir Edward Knatch- bull, Sir Thomas Fremantle, Lord Granville Somerset, Sir John Mac- donald, Lieutenant Peel, the Lord Mayor, Sir John Pelly, Sir R. Campbell. Sir William Nott was prevented from attending by indispo- sition. The Chairman of the East India Company presided. Among the ladies in the gallery, were Lady Sale and Mrs. Start, her daughter. The toasts did not vary from the usual routine on such occasions, and the speeches were scarcely what might have been expected. The Chairman said that it was impossible to mention Sir Robert Sale's name without associating with it that of his heroic lady ; and he proposed "Long life and happiness to Sir Robert Sale and his distinguished lady." Sir Robert Sale said that he rose with extreme diffidence to re- turn thanks— Nothing was more gratifying to a soldier than the approbation of his fellow- countrymen ; and he could assure them that he was peculiarly gratified on that occasion by such a testimony of their approval. It had been his fortune to have served in India many years, and he had in the course of that service often had the command of the troops of the East India Company ; and he was happy to be able to state that they always had behaved to his entire satisfaction. In many instances which he recollected, no body of European troops could follow a commander more devotedly than those native troops. In the affair at Jellalabad their conduct was excellent ; and, in fact, there could not be a finer corps in the world than those were who were engaged in these operations. Colonel Monteith and his officers he looked upon as brothers ; and a more jovial and jolly set could not be met with. (Laughter and cheers.) They knew they were in jeopardy in Jellalabad ; but they were determined, if the enemy caught them, it should cost them dearly. (Cheers.) In returning thanks for the toast which included himself and his colleagues, Sir Robert Peel alluded with regret to the absence of the Duke of Wellington ; and, with modest adroitness as a civilian, did not venture to give his own approval of the military services rendered by Sir William Nott and Sir Robert Sale, but referred to the thanks of Parliament and the importance of that meeting as the best tributes to the gallant officers. He too, like every other speaker, alluded to " that heroic lady who had shed a double lustre on the name of Sale " ; and every such allusion was received with a burst of applause.

The Master, Wardens, and Assistants of the Clothworkers Company, waited upon Sir Robert Peel, at his house in Privy Gardens, on Wed- nesday, to present to him the livery and freedom of the Company, as a token of admiration for his statesmanlike qualities, and to mark the sense entertained of the great services which he had rendered to the trading community of London. Sir Robert took the oaths of a free- man, and duly acknowledged the honour. The freedom has often been conferred on Ministers before, but this is said to be the only presentation of the livery ever made in the City.

A meeting of the New Zealand Company was held, by adjournment. on Thursday. Sir Lyon Goldsmid, who was in the chair, said that since the presentation of the Parliamentary Report, he had had several interviews with Lord Manley; and he believed that a satisfactory ar- rangement would be come to between the Government and the Com- pany. A report from the Directors was read. It stated, that in con- sequence of unavoidable delay in printing the evidence taken before the Select Committee, the Directors abstained from calling attention to several points of interest ; but, anticipating that their claim to land would be ratified by Government on the basis recommended by the Commit- tee, they had determined to issue land-orders for land in any of their settlements ; such orders notifying that they would not guarantee any other title than such as the Company might obtain from Government.

" We have much satisfaction in acquainting you," adds the Report, "that a private letter from your Principal Agent, dated the 19th of February, which has reached us by way of Valparaiso and France, assures us that he expected a speedy settlement of the question as to land-titles, by means of his having consented to pay considerable sums to the Natives, at the instance of Governor Fitzroy; that he was about to send off almost immediately to purchase Port Cooper' from the Natives, with Governor Fitzroy's entire sanction ; and that he hoped to have the town and suburban land-survey ready for the first New Edinburgh ships,' which he must have expected to arrive about the present time.

" You will be pleased to learn that the Caledonia has sailed from the Thames with as many cabin-passengers as could find room in her, notwithstanding the short notice of her intended departure ; and that the number of cabin-passages alrbady engaged in the Slains Castle is such as to ter der it probable that another large ship may soon be chartered for the Company's settlements, on Mr. Earp's new system of conveyance for cabin-passengers."

The report was adopted unanimously.

The Subscribers to the London Art-Union held a general meeting at Drury Lane Theatre on Tuesday, to receive the report of the Committee and witness the distribution of prizes. Pit, boxes, and stage were well filled ; and at eleven o'clock the Duke of Cambridge took the chair. The Chair- man congratulated the meeting on the removal of difficulties which had obstructed the distribution of prizes ; thanks to the assiduous attention of two Members of Parliament—Mr. Wyse and Lord 3Ionteagle. Two years ago, he remarked, the number of subscribers was 7,000 ; now it was 14,000. The report, a document of considerable length, was read by Mr. Godwin, one of the Honorary Secretaries. It stated that the subscription for the present year was 14,8481.—an increase of 2,5141. on the year ; the Provincial and Foreign Honorary Secretaries were 271 in number, and the Society had offers of cooperation from the Ame- rican Art-Union of New York ; the number of works selected by prize- holders last year was 236, including two pieces of sculpture ; the num- ber of persons who visited the exhibition, 200,000. The amount now set apart for the purchase of 283 works of art (including thirty bronze casts of a bust of Hebe) was 8,5901. Among a variety of details as to the disposal of prizes, the report makes an imposing announcement- " In order to insure a good subject for engraving hereafter, and to induce the production of a superior work of art, your Committee are about to offer the sum of 5001., under conditions which will be advertised, fur an original picture illustrative of English history. They propose that cartoons, the size of the picture, shall be sent in by the 1st January 1845, from which the selection shall be made; and that the artist shall undertake to complete the finished painting within twelve months after the decision."

Mr. Wyse was introduced to the meeting, as "the Mr. Wyse to whom the Art-Union is so much indebted " ; and he made a long and eloquent speech, dwelling on the social advantages to be derived from the culti- vation of the fine arts. He expressed a hope that religions subjects would be more frequently chosen by artists and patronized by the public. Lord Monteagle also spoke ; bestowing compliments on the Chairman and others. Soon afterwards, he himself was called to take the chair, as the Duke of Cambridge was obliged to depart for Bushy Park. The long process of distributing the prizes then commenced, amid much ap- plause and merriment ; two young ladies presiding at each of the two " wheels of fortune." Thanks were awarded to the young ladies ; to Mr. Bunn, for the use of the theatre ; and to the Chairman. In dis- solving the assemblage, Lord Monteagle exhorted the prize-holders to be careful in making their selections, for the credit of the Art-Union and the furtherance of its objects.

A meeting of Middlesex Magistrates was held at the Sessions-house in Clerkenwell Green, on Thursday ; when a variety of business was transacted. A Committee was appointed to consider the alterations necessary in the orders of the Court and in certain districts, in con- sequence of the new Metropolitan Buildings Act. A letter was presented from Sir James Graham, enclosing the report of the Metropolitan Lunatic Commissioners on Hanwell Lunatic Asylum. Mr. Sergeant Adams said that it was full of inaccuracies ; and it was referred to the Visiting Justices of the Asylum. A resolution was passed, that a Com- mittee already existing be directed to open communications with a view of securing twenty acres of land close to the Asylum, for the purpose of erecting a new building.

A Committee of Aldermen met again on Saturday, to hear objections to the proposed regulations for Thames steamers. Mr. Cruden, who appeared for the Star Company, objected to them, in a long address ; stating that the proposal to give the Watermen's Company the power of licensing steam-boats was peculiarly objectionable, and denying that the Company was entitled to exercise such a power : steam-boat proprietors might expect as much mercy at their hands as mice from a cat. After a lengthy discussion on this point, the Committee adjourned ; and as- sembled again on Thursday. On this occasion, Alderman Lucas made a speech in defence of the Watermen's Company, their conduct, and their competency to regulate steamers. Several persons were called on the part of the Steam-boat Companies, to object to the proposed regu- lations, and to express admiration of the present state of things. One of them, Mr. John Graves, master of Waterman No. 11, did not con- sider the plan of limiting the number of passengers advisable: he had had eight hundred persons on board his vessel, and he was of opinion the closer the passengers were together the safer they were I There was no necessity for restrictions at all as to speed below Cuckold's Point. The Lord Mayor announced, that the objections should be considered ; and the Committee would adopt a course which, he had no doubt, would be favourably received by the public. But as to when this course was to be adopted, he was silent.

The case of the Romford Bank was again gone into at the Bank- ruptcy Court, on Monday ; when the bankrupts, Alderman Thomas Johnson and Mr. Mann, were examined. Nothing came out in favour of Mr. Johnson. He was compelled to admit that he had overdrawn (bnt "he could not call it overdrawing ") his private account with the Romford Bank to the extent of some 15,000/. When he drew checks in the names of Johnson and Mann, he did not ask Mr. Mann's appro- bation—he didn't know whether Mr. Mann knew of these transactions. He began business as a banker with 22,0001.: he had been in the oil- trade both before and since he was a banker ; at one time clearing 5,0001. a year by it ; but latterly it was a losing concern. Mr. Mann was examined ; and said he was not aware that Johnson was drawing money out of the Romford Bank by means of deposited checks and bills : he placed implicit confidence in Mr. Johnson, and did not know of a joint account opened at the bank in his and Mr. Johnson's name. An application was made to the Court for an allowance for Mr. John- son. Mr. H. George, one of the trade-assignees, said that the opinion of the creditors as to the very improper conduct of Mr. Johnson re- mained just as it was before : they considered that he came down to Rumford without the necessary capital to take up the high position of a banker ; and as they still thought that his conduct was unsatisfactory, they could not consent to his receiving an allowance : they would allow him nothing till he gave satisfactory accounts. The case was then ad- journed to November.

At Bow Street Police-office, on Monday, Larkin, a supernumerary letter-carrier, was charged with stealing two letters containing checks and bills for 700/. He opened the letters in a private closet at the Ge- neral Post-office, and on perceiving the nature of the contents put them where he thought they would be destroyed; when he was seized by persons who had been on the watch. He has been remanded. On Tuesday, the wife of the prisoner was charged with being concerned with him in stealing fifty-five sovereigns from a letter. That amount had been found at their lodgings; but as there was no proof that a letter containing this sum had been stolen, she was discharged ; the money, however, being detained.

The Police entered a gaming-house, in Bennett Street, St. James's, on Wednesday night, and captured five persons. No gambling imple- ments were found ; because, it was supposed, the porter had recognized the Police, and had given notice to the gamesters above stairs; so the Marlborough Street Magistrates were obliged to discharge the pri- soners.

Mr. Smith, who was shot by the Honourable Mr. Touchet, is now declared out of danger ; but, as he cannot yet be removed from the hospital, Mr. Touchet has been again remanded by the Magistrate at Bow Street.

Burton, the keeper of a toll-bar in Whitechapel, has killed a lad, by striking him with his fist on the ear. The youth and his companions had been in the habit of annoying Burton by gibes and practical jokes ; and one day lately, they jerked a track of lime so that particles of the lime flew into Burton's eyes : this irritated him, and he struck the fatal blow. A surgeon said at the inquest, that death was the result of a blow or a fall ; and a verdict of " Manslaughter " was returned against the tollman.

Mrs. Mills, a lady seventy years of age, residing at Bethnal Green, committed suicide last week, by stabbing herself in the throat with a knife. She had latterly been in a very depressed state of mind.

A Deptford shipwright has been killed, this week, on board the steamer Phcenix, by a piece of oak timber which he was about to lower into the hold of the vessel, and which swung round, crushing his head against another piece of timber : his head was completely smashed.

A small vessel laden with bricks ran against a brig at anchor near Gravesend, on Saturday week, and immediately went down ; by which disaster the master of it was drowned. A verdict of " Accidental Death" has been returned on the body.

A soldier of the Scots Fusileer Guards has been seriously hurt by falling from the pedestal of the statue of George the Third at the end of the Long Walk, Windsor Park ; which he was foolishly attempting to climb.