25 APRIL 1857, Page 2

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At the Court or Aldermen on Tuesday, the Lord Mayor notified the receipt of a communication from Sir George Grey announcing the Queen's accouchement on the 14th instant. The same communication was made to the Court of Common Council on Thursday ; and it was resolved that an address should be presented to the Queen. A memorial was presented from the Metropolitan Saloon Omnibus Company, praying for the privilege of ," stands" for their omnibuses within the City. The memorial was referred to the General Purposes Committee. Sir Robert Carden took occasion to dilate on the merits of the vehicles started by this new company, and upon the failure of the General Omnibus Company in the fulfilment of its large promises. The saloon omnibus, he said, affords every accommodation, comfort, and convenience and it is a most delightful mode of conveyance to travel by. Everybody who has once ridden in a saloon omnibus will be glad to ride in it again." He also stated that the old company have instructed their servants to drive one omnibus before and another behind every saloon omnibus. So strictly has this been carried out, that two of the Company's omnibuses followed a saloon omnibus into Drury Lane and waited in front and rear of it while its springs were repaired.

The case of Alderman Sir William Magnay came before the Court of Common Council on Thursday, on the bringing up of a report from the Law-officers of the Corporation. Sir William Magnay had been condemned by default, in a Belgian court, to three years' imprisonment and a fine of 3000 francs, on a charge of corrupt dealing in a railway company. Sir William had declined to appear before that court, on account of the barbarous treatment to which foreign prisoners are subjected in Belgium ; but he denies the truth of the charge. The Law-officers were precluded by the terms of the reference from entering upon the question of the guilt or innocence of the Alderman ; and they confined themselves to a categorical reply to the question, did the condemnation disquahly Sir William for the office of Alderman ? Their reply is, that the provisions of the 12th and 13th Victoria do not apply to a conviction by a foreign court, and consequently that Sir William Maguey is not disqualified from holding the office of Alderman. It was ordered that the report should be printed and circulated. Mr. Blake, the original mover in the matter, promises to take further proceedings.

It has been determined to present a testimonial to Mr. John Masterman, who sat in the House of Commons twelve years as Member for the City. A committee to carry out this object,—comprising men of all parties, and having Mr. Thomas Baring as chairman,—met for the first time on Tuesday, and resolved that no one sum subscribed should exceed five guineas.

The Metropolitan Board of Works held a special meeting on Tuesday, to receive a report from the Committee of Works and Improvements respecting two plans for the embankment of the Thames ; one by Mr. Lionel Gisborno, the other by Messrs. Loder, Jackson, and Bird. At the outset, the report states to what, in the opinion of the Committee, "every measure of Thamea-embankment should be mainly directed." "1. To improve the Thames as a navigable river, having due regard to the safety of existing bridges. 2. To increase the wharfage-accommodation, and improve the means for the shipment and delivery of goods. 3. To improve the Thames in a sanitary point of view. 4. To remedy the present unsightly condition of the banks of the Thames, and afford facilities, by means of architectural embellishment, for improving their appearance. 5. To open up a new thoroughfare between the Eastern and Western parts of London. 6. To facilitate the construction of a low-level intercepting sewer."

Mr. Gisborne's plan includes an embankment of the Thames on both sides of the river, between Westminster and London Bridges, leaving a width of 700 feet ; and having on the left bank a covered esplanade, a railway, road, cellars, docks, and floating basins : cost 2,000,0001. The other plan proposes the embankment of the left bank only: cost, 583,77 1. The committee are of opinion that there are good points in both schemes, but they do not decide in favour of either. They also think, "That the promoters of each of the designs under discussion have prejudiced the efficiency and value of those designs as works of public utility by seeking to render them commercially remunerative and they consider that the public advantage should be the primary object in a work of such magnitude and of so peculiar a character as the embankment of the Thames."

The report was adopted, after considerable discussion, by 25 to 3. It was then resolved, by 17 to 1,

"That as the control of the banks of the Thames is vested in the Crown or the Corporation of London, or both of them, her Majesty's Government and the Corporation of London be immediately communicated with, to ascertain if they will undertake to carry out the embankment of the Thames between Westminster and London Bridges, or if they will join with this Board in carrying out the s me." A number of persons met on Monday, in the Cowper Street Schoolroom, City Road, to express sympathy with the Radicals excluded from Parliament Mr. Samuel Lucas occupied the chair. Among the speakers were few known beyond the circle of local admirers ; the most conspicuous being Mr. Bronterre O'Brien and Mr. John Ingram Lockhart. A resolution regretting " the exclusion from Parliament of Messrs. Cobden, Bright, Gibson, Miall, Fox, and Walmsley," was adopted, but not without very considerable opposition. A large minority was willing to resolve that the exclusion of Cobden, Bright, and Gibson "was a just retribution for their opposition to measures for the social benefit of the working classes." The meeting further resolved, "That any measure of reform in the representation of the people, to satisfy the country at large, should at least contain—first, manhood suffrage ; second, a more equal distribution of electors to population ; third, no property qualification for Members of Parliament ; fourth, vote by ballot ; fifth annual Parliaments ; sixth, payment of Members." The meeting likewise declared in favour of "a scheme of national secular education, to be supported by the money now paid to the clergy."

At the meeting of the Royal Geographical Society on Monday, Sir Roderick Murchison announced that the Government had agreed to propose to Parliament a vote for the North-west American exploring expedition; and that the expedition would proceed in about a fortnight, under Mr. Palliser, to its starting-point to the West of Lake Superior, for the purpose of surveying vast tracts of British North America, particularly the country watered by the affluent of the Saskatchewyan, and with the view of examining the Southern portion of the Rocky Mountains in our own territories and possibly of discovering a new practicable passage to Vancouver Island. Sir Roderick further stated, that the expedition would be accompanied by Dr. Hector, who had been recommended by him as a geologist, naturalist, and surgeon ; by Lieutenant Blakiston, R.A., F.R.G.S., to take magnetics' observations ; and by a botanist.

At the meeting on Monday next, Sir John Davis is to read a paper on China and the Chinese.

The twenty-first anniversary of the Society for the Protection of Young Females was celebrated on Monday by the usual rites—a dinner at the London Tavern. Sheriff Meehi presided. Mr. Talbot, the Honorary Secretary, read the report of the proceedings of the Society, by which it appeared that fifty-nine young females under fifteen years of age are at the present time fed, clothed, educated, and fitted for respectable service, in the Asylum at Tottenham : but he lamented to say that numerous applications are continually made which tho Society arc obliged to reject for want of funds. Later in the evening the Secretary announced subscriptions to the amount of upwards of 1100/.

The Jews have a General Literary and Scientific Institution in Leadenhall Street. It is furnished with a library of 6000 volumes ; is well supplied with newspapers and periodicals, classes, lectures, and a smokingroom for conversation. The anniversary festival of this institution was celebrated on Tuesday by a dinner at the Bridgehouse llotel,—Sheriff Mechi in the chair,—when 6001. was subscribed to forward its interests.

In compliance with the mandamus of the Court of Queen's Bench, Sir John Dodson heard the appeal of the Venerable Archdeacon Denison from tho Court of the Archbishop of Canterbury sitting at Bath, on the first four days of the present week. The only point that came before the Court was a technical objection to the whole suit, raised by Mr. Denison's proctors. When the case was before the Archbishop, they lodged a protest against further proceedings, on the ground that the suit could not be maintained, since it was commenced more than two years after the commission of the alleged offence, contrary to the statute. Overruled in the Bath court, this objection was renewed and argued before Sir John Dodson. The question was, whether the preliminary inquiry by a commission, or whether the service of a citation on Mr. Denison to appear at Bath, was the beginning of the suit. If the former, then the suit was begun within two years ; if the latter, then it was begun after two years from the date of the offence. Sir John Dodson gave judgment on Thursday. He held that the suit began with the service of the citation ; and he therefore reversed the decision of the Court of Bath. An appeal was alleged on behalf of Mr. Ditcher.

In delivering judgment on Wednesday in a suit for divorce, Campbell versus Campbell, where the evidence had been taken rive. voce, where the adultery was undoubted, but where the wife ought to establish a plea of condonation, Dr. Lushington made some observations upon the 17th and 18th of Victoria, chap. 47, which directed a particular mode of taking evidence in Ecclesiastical Courts that did not exist before. Ile was not surprised that there had not been a clear understanding as to that statute, because it gave no directions whatsoever as to the manner in which its provisions should be carried into execution. It was manifest that it embraced the whole of the case from the beginning to the end. The ease might be heard entirely viva von, or in part by deposition or affidavit ; and the Court was at liberty, even after there had beee depositions or affidavits, to examine the persons who made thorn viva voce. It appeared advisable under those circumstances that all the pleadings should be concluded before any evidence was received. With regard to the proof of adultery in the present ease, it appeared to him wholly unnecessary to enter into any detail of the evidence ; indeed, it was not and could not be contended that the proof of criminal intercourse was not clear and decisive. Mrs. Campbell prayed for delay in order to establish condonation. But, looking at the ease as it stood, had the Court good reason to believe that if the delay asked were granted the plea of condonation would be established He had not from the pleading on the evidence the least reason to conclude that the witnesses now vouched would give any evidence material to the only issue remaining. It was the duty of the Court to discourage these delays, and, unless justice most clearly demanded it, to prevent a wife putting her husband to expenses, which might in some cases be ruinous. It was the complaint arising from expense and delay which had rendered it probable that the matrimonial jurisdiction would be withdrawn from these courts, and probably this might be almost the last COW which he was called upon to decide. He was satisfied that justice required him to reject the prayer of Mrs. Campbell, which he did not think was well founded, and which if granted to a wife admitted guilty would impose a most onerous exense on her husband and procrastinate this ease to an indefinite period. He must conclude the cause and pronounce for the separation.

A Jury in the Court of the Sheriffs of Middlesex has been called u to assess damages in an action for criminal conversation, which

been allowed by the defendant thereto to go by default. The story is a painful one. The plaintiff is Mr. William Frederick Baring, a nephew of Lord Ashburton' the defendant was Mr. George To me Gordon, a Militia captain and Nottiegharashire squire. Mrs. Baring was the daughter of Sir Richard Jenkins. The Baring; had two children; the Gordons four; they lived not far from each other in the country near Retford. Mr. Baring and Mr. Gordon were most intimate friends riding, hunting, shooting, and visiting together. In March last Mr. Gordon anti Mrs. Baring came to London together. They were followed by Mrs. Gordon, and Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman, friends to whom she appealed in her distress. The guilty fugitives were discovered at breakfast in the Great Western Hotel. Here Mrs. Gordon, then near her confinement, fell on her knees before her husband, Mrs. Barmg being in the room, and begged him to choose between the two. They were left alone, and when Mr. and Mrs. Huntsman entered the room, Mrs. Gordon was still on her knees preferring her prayer. He refused ; his wife was earrical away ; and Mrs. Baring was afterwards sent to her mother. The adultery was not denied. The Jury assessed the damages at 3000!.

The Court of Common Pleae, sitting in Banco, gave judgment on Wednesday in a suit respecting Royal British Rank shares. Messrs. Taylor and Aston, stock-brokers, on the 28th August were commissioned by Mr. Stray, a regular client of theirs, to buy shares in the bank ; they bought them for the settling-day, 15th September; on the 8d the bank stopped, and no transfer to Mr. Stray was executed "with the consent of the Directors." He refused to pay for the shares; but Messrs. Taylor and Aston were obliged to pay the Jobber of whom they had bought, the amount being some 1. They brought an action against Mr. Stray, and obtained is verdiot; but leave was given to Mr. Stray to move for is nonsuit. He obtained & rule for a nousuit, on several grounds. This was the matter argued on Wednesday; when the Court gave judgment, deciding against Mr. Stray, and ordering the rule to be discharged. The plaintille had conducted the business in the usual way; Mr. Stray know what was the customary course. in such dealings, and had given the plaintiffs authority to pay money on hie account. Is to the Directors not having granted a transfer, the bank "still existed and might resume payment." The defendant liad got what he contracted for.

In the Court of Queen's Bench, on Thursday, judgment was given in another of the bank eases. Mr. Fell, a depositor, sued an individual share holder, Mr. Burchell, for the amount of his debt, and obtained a verdict,

but a question of law was reserved. Mr. Burchell sought to enter a nonsuit, on the ground that Mr. Fell should have proceeded against the com

pany in the first instance, and, if he obtained a verdict, then issue execu

tions against individual shareholders. Though much puzzled in outstriping the words of the ill-drawn act of Parliament—Judges are at times' maid Lord Campbell, "required to make sense out of nonsense "—the Court pronounced in favour of Mr. Burchell, declaring the action not mainteinable, and ordering the rule to be made absolute for entering a nonsuit.

Mr. Stapleton, Deputy-Governor of the British Bank, was again examined in the Bankruptcy Court on Wednesday. His evidence wits of a

similar tenor to that given before, and equally damaging to himself. Mr.

Linklater read long extracts from articles which appeared in the Joie/Stock Journal in May last, attacking the bank, without expressly naming

it, and unmistakeably hinting at many of the most importent instances of mismimagemeut which have now come fully to light. Mr. Stapleton admitted that the directors had seen these attacks, and had been advised by counsel not to prosecute for libel. When alarmed shareholders made inquiries, they were told that the statements were not true, and wore the malignant effusions of a discharged officer of the bank.

Complaints having been made that the Police interfere with shoe-blacks in the streets of the City if they do not belong to a society, Commiseionee Harvey and two gentlemen from the Ragged School Shoe-black Society attended before the Lord Mayor on Monday to give explanations. It was stated, that non-soeiety boys crowd together in public places, often with it view to picking pockets rather titan blacking shoes—hence the interferenceof the Police. The Lord Mayor suggested that a brigade of crossing-sweepers should be organised; and he was informed that the scheme is about to. be tried. [The non-regulation shoe-black boys are really a nuisance, from their numbers insolence, and importunity.] Alderman numbers, Robert Carden has committed Robert Watson on three charges of utteriug counterfeit money. The statement is, that Watson picked up children in the streets and sent them to shops to Purchase goods, in each case giving a bad half-crown.

John Jones, his wife and son, have been committed by the Greenwich Magistrate on numerous charges of fraud. The accused have long been plundering tradesmen in and around London. Jones acted as a" gentleman," his wife was used as a "reference ," and the son figured as groom to the gentleman. They got possession of good houses, and then gentleman, reference, and groom acted iu concert to obtain goods without payment.

Louis Leroy, a Frenchman has been remanded by the Bow Street Magistrate for uttering a forged draft for 92/. on Coutts and Co. The draft purported to be signed. by M. Trognon, secretary to the Prince de Joinville : it was at once detected as a forgery. Leroy said he was sent to the bank by a M. Moreau, but no such person can be found at the address given by the accused.

Early on Sunday morning an extensive fire broke out in Westbourne Street, Pimlico. It originated on the premises of Mr. Newsom, a builder and steam saw-mill proprietor; and not only swept away nearly the whole of the buildings in the yard, but greatly damaged a number of surrounding houses.