tt alttrupalio.
The Great Eastern has moved from her station at Deptford, gone down the river, and steamed out to sea. Early on Wenesday morinng all hands were astir, making the necessary preparations. A number of addi- tional passengers and a crowd of assistant pilots also came on board. Half-a-dozen tugs were brought up and made fast to the huge vessel, four being lashed alongside and the remaining ' two attached by long hawsers to her bows. The whole of the arrangements were completed soon after seven. The time of high water was ten minutes before ten ; but it was thought that in the event of the ship's touching ground the rising tide would be of material assistance. At half-past seven Mr. At- kinson gave the word, "Let slip the moorings." It will be remembered that these moorings consisted of three huge chains passing through hawse-holes at the head, and a similar number passing through hawse- holes at the stern of the veasel; all six being mule fast to " bits " inside. When, therefore, the chains were cast off, their weight caused them to quit the ship with surprising velocity, and to emit not so much a shower of sparks as a perfect blaze of flame, accompanied by a roar that must have been heard almost as far as the tolling of the great Westminster bell. It is hardly an exaggeration to say that they announced, as with a salvo of artillery, that the Great Eastern was free. The tugs then began to make way, and the ship's own crew being put into requisition, the vessel glided majestically from the berth, for which she seems to have shown more than a sluggard's affliction. The spectacle appeared to afford the multitude who again lined both banks the liveliest gratifma- tion, for they cheered with a lustiness and a perseverance that have seldom been exceeded. After a short time, however, the awkward turn into Blackwell Reach was approached, and the plaudits of the spectators now gave way to a feeling of intense anxiety. There was a stiff breeze blowing S.S.W., and the force which this must necessarily exert on her huge broadside rendered it more than doubtful whether she would be able to round the corner without going ashore. Amongst the nautical men present, "e'en the boldest held his breath, for a time." Happily their fears proved groundless. The vessel, in the words of her pilot, "steered like a boat ; " and in the skilful hands in which she was, the danger was quickly passed. Another hearty cheer told how warmly the marine population sympathized with her happy escape. We overheard a rough waterman exclaim, with no small emphasis—" Well, I'm a poor man, but I would rather see that than have a present of five pounds !" The man appeared to speak only the sentiments of his class. The vessel was opposite Blackwell Pier at about half-past eight. Presently a new danger showed itself a-head. The harbour-master had on the previous day given strict orders that all craft should be moved out of the vessel's path ; but, lo, a large barque was found lying right in the middle of her course. At first a collision seemed inevitable ; but the coolness and skill of the pilot, who was ably seconded by Captain Harrison, the master, were once more equal to the emergency; and the barque did not become a ground of action before the right honourable the judge of her Majesty's Court of Admiralty. She continued her course, but Captain Harrison determined to stop at Purfleet; because the state and set of the tide presented great obstacles to further progress. About four o'clock the delicate manoeuvre of swinging her with the turn of the tide was per- formed, and when she lay across the river she appeared to bridge the Thames.
Of course great crowds assembled ashore and afloat to -witness the progress of the big ship, and to cheer her as she swept slowly on her way. On Thursday the Great Eastern resumed her progress. As she passed down the river everything afloat entitled to carry a flag, dipped it as she passed by. The shore at Gravesend rang with cheers ; the vessels off that place manned their yards ; the soldiers in the tarp-ships crowded the decks, and of course the British hurrah was heard m perfection. In Sea Reach the steam-tugs oast offi and the great ship went an her way without aid. Although in very bad trim she steamed fifteen miles within an hour. She anchored off the Nore Light, and yesterday fairly put to sea.
The Tories have organized a scheme for winning seats in the metro- polis. It originated shortly after the defeat of tho Derby Government, and at a meeting held at the Thatched House Tavern, St. James's Street, on the 25th of June last, the "Conservative Registration Association" was formed, the object of which was stated to be "to undertake the su- pervision of the registration of votes in the county of Middlesex and me- tropolitan boroughs, with such additions hereafter as may be from time to time desired.' The necessity of the movement was stated to have been proved by the last general election. "In the county. of Middlesex," it was said, "and the boroughs of the city of London Finsbury, Lam- beth, Marylebone, Southwark, Tower Hamlets, and London, pos- sessing near upon 150,000 registered voters, all the members were re- turned to Parliament at the late general election professing Whig or Radical principles, and, except in the case of the county (where from circumstances success was impossible), entirely unopposed." It was added, "It is believed that the whole of the above constituencies could be successfully contested by Conservative candidates if the registers were subjected to a strict revision and correction." Holding these sanguine views, the Conservative Registration Association sprang into existence, not as a mere local agency, but, as we find from a subscription-list printed for "private circulation," under the patronage of the heads of the Tory party. Lord Derby and Mr. Disraeli are both donors and an- nual subscribers to the funds. The annual subscriptions of the members range from 10/. to 5s. Many members of the Upper House and about sixty M.P.'s are already enrolled as subscribers to the association.
The religious disturbances at St. George's-in-the-East continue with unabated violence. Last Sunday they were more marked than ever. The oongregation heard with decorum the service perthrmed by the Reverend. Hugh Allen, the afternoon lecturer. But when the Reverend Frederick George Lee appeared they became riotous. Writing to the Times that gentleman says- " At the conclusion of the lecturer's sermon three-fourths of the congre- gation remained in church, and a scene occurred which almost baffles de- scription. The people took possession of the chancel stalls, and of the pulpit and reading-desk stairs, climbed on to the edges of the pews clung to the gas-standards, and commenced hissing, groaning, and cat-calling in the Most unseemly manner. The approach to the e,hanoel being utterly blocked up by an excited mob, it was soon perceived that any attempt to perform the rector's service, as it is called, was quite out of the question. So, after some consideration, it was for a third time abandoned, and the churchwarden announced this fact to the crowd, which, unhappily, tended rather to increase than to allay the extraordinary excitement and tumult. It was, in truth, with the greatest diffionity that I afterwards performed the baptismal service, for the crowd refused to leave the north-west door, hustled me considerably, and severely maltreated several persons connected with the choir." In the evening matters were worse. "My sermon was continually interrupted. In fact, the groaning, hissing, cat-calls, exagge- rated coughing, scraping of feet, and slamming of doors, which took place at intervals, would have been regarded as rioting and disgraceful in a con- cert-room. Hear, hear !" 'Humbug,' 'No soft sawder, and other similar expressions were used continuously throughout, and the scene generally was one which few can have witnessed at all, and which I most heartily trust I may never see again."
As Mr. Lee complains that Mr. Thompson, the churchwarden, did not do his duty, that functionary has written in explanation, from which it appears that the "chancel stalls" mentioned by Mr. Lee, and appro- priated by him for devotional services, are the "free seats" of the church. As the persons sitting there declined, when requested, to leave, Mr. Thompson naturally did not feel justified in using force. An "old inhabitant" of the parish suggests that if Mr. Lee would preach in a black gown, like other clergymen, all would be welL The Bishop of London, having received complaints' from the contend- ing parties, has written a temperate and judicious letter from Llandudno offering himself as an arbitrator. He says that the legal power of the Bishop can do little in settling these "miserable disputes." He cannot interfere to fix another hour for the lecturer's service because a court of law has decided that the rector must do that. He is unwilling to bring the vestment question before a court because it would be derogatory to the Church ; but others may do so if they see fit. On the other hand he requires the churchwardens to maintain order ; he prohibits the wear- ing of unusual vestments, and begs to be informed when they are used; and he directs "a strange clergyman, designated the Reverend Frederick George Lee," to cease from preaching in the diocese of London until he has obtained a licence.
"If the case were voluntarily placed in my hands by both parties for friendly adjustment,—if the clergy of the parish, on the one hand, con- sented to follow my directions as to the ordering of the services, and the vestry with the churchwardens, on the other hand, were equally willing to be guided by my advice as to the best way of allaying the unseemly tumults which have arisen I am very hopeful that all might yet go well. There has I doubt not, been no lack of conscientiousness on both aides, but so far as I can at present judge, there has, I am bound to say, been a sad lack of kindly Christian consideration for each other's feelings. I earnestly be- seech all concerned, for the sake of the many ignorant and thoughtless souls in this parish of St. George's, not to allow another day tortes without taking such steps towards Christian reconciliation as may, by God's blessing, end the present miserable disturbances. Depend upon it none can feel any satis- faction in these church riots, but those who are the enemies of the Lord Jesus Christ and of all true religion. My advice to the vestry is formally to request the rector to join with them in submitting the whole case to my episcopal arbitration—both parties binding themselves to act as I direct. If this offer is not made or if being made, it is not acceded to, I do not see how I can aid the pariah in any other way than by such strictly legal inter- ference as I have indicated."
Two bricklayer's labourers, engaged in some buildings in Tooley Street, intended for the Fire Brigade preferred charges of assault against Michael Collins a labourer on strike. He interfered with them, struck one, threatened both, and endangered their lives. He said they were robbini him, and they would not do that if they belonged to the society. He sea he was not sober ; but this was denied. Mr. Seeker said, "What business have you or any other person to interfere with men in their lawful occupa- tions? They have a right to dispose of their labour as they please without being interrupted. You must pay a tine of 31., and in default you are com- mitted to prison for two months, and you must also find two sureties in the sum of 10i. each for three months." The prisoner was removed to gaol. The Lord Mayor has committed for trial Mr. John Nicol, charged with converting to his own use a bill of lading for 148 ehaldrons a coal entrusted to him as a bailee for Fowles and Co. Mr. Nicol declared in court that he acted under the advice of his solicitor in retaining the bills of lading, and had only protected himself against what he considered a common swindle; and he mdiguantly denied any intention of fraud. He was admitted to bail.
Robert Logan has been committed for trial by Alderman Allen on a charge of obtaining money under false pretences. His " dodge " was to advertise for "persons of both sexes to be employed in applying a new invention." They were to enclose three stamps—one for a reply, and one for each of two respectable referees. Several bit at the bait offered, and one young woman prosecuted.
Since "Captain" William Denbigh Sloper Harrison, alias Marshall, was committed for trial on a charge of bigamy, his foolish victim, Mrs. Hayes, has been in the receipt of shoals of letters from suitors for her hand and property. The letters Mrs. Hayes has received have been from tradesmen ". in proeperous businesses," tradesmen retired on "handsome oompeten- cies," country farmers with "well-stocked farms," country squires with nice "little prospects," gentlemen of the "law," professional " gentle- men," half-pay lieutenants in the navy, non-commissioned officers in the army, and others. One of them is a portly person, describing himself as a "doctor." He first appeared as the friend of her late husband, Dr. Hayes, and her friend, and attended her in the Police Court. When he found that her marriage with Marshall was invalid he offered his hand. He describes himself as married to a wife with whom ho disagrees. Ile is seeking a ju- dicial separation, and he proposes that himself and Mrs. Hayes should marry and seek a "more congenial clime." "It was not the intention of the Creator of mankind that the sexes should live alone; then why should you be doomed to an isolated life 1 I have sufficient pleas for a divorce, which I must seek where the marriage was consummated. I have not only determined to do so, but I am using every exertion to carry it into effect. It cannot be surprising whatever I may do. Is it consistent that, having sacrificed BC many years endeavouring to obtain domestic happiness, 1 should be compelled to endure misery? Possessing professional abilities of no common order, I contend that I am justified in carrying out my view.. My conviction leads me to conclude that it is incompatible with my disposition to lead the life of a misanthropist, blessed as I am with a strong physical constitution. Enjoying the inestimable blessings of health and strength of mind and energetic feeling, I tun determined to seek comfort in the confidence and affections of another. Accident has caused an unexpected introduction. Heaven appears to have ordained a meeting of hearts assimilated ; then why despair of terrestrial comforts and every enjoyment / Sorry should I be to offend or to be considered as offering you any insult, or to be thought to be taking an advantage of your afflicting position. I don't seek your worldly possessions. I am actuated by a purer feeling. I am sincere, and I believe you are calculated to make me supremely happy and comfortable. You require a benign protector to accompany you in this life. I shall wait the termination of this ease before I press my suit."
A Mrs. Hope applied to the Hammersmith Magistrate on behalf of an old lady, Mrs. Ridsdale, now imbecile from age and misfortune. She area the daughter of an officer in the Navy who died in 1795. Her husband, who held a situation in the Dublin Stamp Office, died fourteen years age, and their son died in California in 1862. The proceeds of funds bequeathal -to her by her husband maintained Mrs. Ridsdale until recently. Then this source failed because the persona holding the capital became insolvent. Mes. Hope has kept her for some time, but being herself unfortunate, is able to do so no longer. She therefore applied to Mr. Dayman in order that she might, if possible, save the poor old woman from the workhouse. Mr. Dayman gave 81., and some other relief was afforded.
Mr. Mark Lemon appeared at the police office at Guildhall, last week, and supplied some singular information. He placed before the Chief Clerk two letters which had been left at the Punch office, in one of which the writer iuolosed a Crimean medal with two clasps (showing he had served in the late Russian campaign), and 30v. in gold, which he desired might be placed to the account of Punch—a journal which he admired, and which by his pecuniary contribution he was desirous of permanently establishing. The rest of the letter intimated the writer's determination to put an end to his existence, as he wastired of this world, and had so many enemies to con- tend with that he found it impossible to retain any situation he got into. The second letter produced by Mr. Mark Lemon purported to be a sort of will, in which the writer wished his body to be given to one of the hospitals for dissection, and his clothes to some deserving Irishman. The Chief Clerk immediately sent a constable to make inquiries. It was found that the writer of the letters was one Daniel Leahy. He was discovered lying in an obscure lodging with a pistol wound in the body, and instantly carried to Guy's Hospital.
A fire in the Waterloo Road, close to the railway station, has been fatae to the lives of three persons, two women and a child. It broke out in th shop of Mr. Burton early on Wednesday morning. The flames ran up th staircase, driving the inmates before it. Burton, his eldest sou and stepson escaped by an attic window over a high partition wall into the next house ; but Mrs. Burton, her youngest son, and her eldest daughter were deetroyed in the gutter, passing along the front of the house, unable, it is assumed, to climb the high wall. Fire engines and two fire escapes were near ; but the latter arrived too late to save their lives.
Previous page
