3 AUGUST 1844, Page 8

SCOTLAND.

The foundation-atone of the Public Baths at Edinburgh was laid on• Monday, with masonic honours, by Lord Glenlyon, Grand Master for Scotland. In the evening there was a soiree. At this entertainment a testimonial was presented to Mr. Simpson, the eminent lecturer, by his friends and admirers.

Lord Panmure has subscribed 501. to the public baths of Dundee.

The strike of the Lanarkshire miners continues, with no prospect of an early close. The number of men on strike is about seven hun- dred. It is said that they were so provident as to count the cost before they struck ; and they are now supported by the other workmen of Scotland.

An action for defamation, brought by James Smith, a farmer of Alves,

in the county of Elgin, against the Reverend Alexander Gentle, the minister of the parish of Alves, was tried at Edinburgh last week. The minister, from the pulpit, had accused the farmer of cheating : verdict for the plaintiff—damages, 1001.

A case of breach of promise of marriage was tried at Edinburgh last week, in which Miss Margaret Croall, daughter of Mr. Croall the coach-proprietor, (the victor over Mr. Peter Purcell in the Irish mail contract,) was plaintiff, and Mr. Joseph Hutchison, of Woodside, near Dalserf, Lanarkshire, was defendant. A verdict was given for the plaintiff-3501. damages.

A Stirling stage-coach broke down last week ; by which accident a farmer was killed, and several other persons were hurt severely.