Zbe .ftletropolts.
hi the Court of Aldermen on Monday, Mr. Alderman Challis brought up the report of the Gaol Committee; and after some discussion, it was adopted. The report described the various tenders which had been made of plots of ground in different places, but recommended the City's own ground at Holloway as the most eligible site. In answer to a question put by Mr.- Alderman liumphery, the Lord Mayor stated, that he declined calling a Committee of the whole Court to draw a bill for the extension of the fran- chise. The Court was broken up by being counted out.
At another meeting of the Court, on Thursday, Mr. Alderman Copeland repeated Mr. Alderman Humphery's question, as to whether it was the intention of the Lord Mayor to call the Committee. A conversation en- sued; but the inquiry remained unanswered.
At a most numerous meeting of the Common Council, on the same day, the squabble was renewed: again it ended in the Lord Mayor's refusing to put the Franchise Bill to the vote.
The members of "the Irish party" met in considerable numbers on Saturday, to consider the Ministerial measure for making "further pro- vision for the relief of the destitute poor in Ireland." Lord Monteagle pre- sided. The clauses of the bill were read over and discussed. The meeting was unanimous in favour of an ample provision for the relief of the aged and infirm; but there was much difference of opinion on the clause for giving out-door relief to persons not disabled. On the question of rating, a great majority declared themselves favourable to a continuance of the present system of assessment on the electoral districts, in preference to rating in unions.
Another meeting of Peers and Members of the Lower House interested in Irish affairs was held on Monday, at the offices of the Munster Railway Company in Parliament Street; Lord Moantcashell presiding. The Go- vernment measures were discussed; and it was resolved not to oppose the second reading of the Rum-duties Bill, but to propose amendments in the new Poor-law Bill.
We have mentioned in our Parliamentary intelligence the meeting on Thursday, and deputation to Lord George Bentilfek.
There was; also a meeting of Irish Members at Lord John Russell's house on Thursday; and the Premier addressed them much to the same effect as his speech in the House of Commons a few hours later.
A soup-kitchen to relieve the distressed poor was opened in Leicester Square about three weeks since; and since that time, three hundred persons liave daily received a supply of soup and bread.
The Royal Humane Society held their yearly festival on Wednesday, at the Freemason's Tavern; Lord Lincoln in the chair. After some toasts had been duly honoured, about thirty persons saved by the Society's exertions passed in procession round the hall. The presentation of the medals succeeded. Amongst the recipients were, Mr. George Clifford; a French sailor, named Pierre Victor Trotel; Mr. Edward P. Green, of Exeter College Oxford; Mr. Michell; Lieutenant Fisher, R.N.; Captain Finch, R.N.; Lieutenant Newman, R.N., of the Coast Guard; and John Wright, of Brighton. The subscription of the evening amounted to 810L The Short-time delegates met on Wednesday evening, at the Craven Hotel; Mr. Fielden in the chair. Resolutions were agreed to, declaring that the question as to the effect of the Ten-hours Bill on wages has been fairly put to the working classes at twenty-one meetings held in as many large towns, and they are prepared to abide by its results; and that Mr. Bright's declaration on the subject was untrue. The meeting decided on sending Mr. Mathew Bohn to Halifax, to get up an answer to the statements of Sir Charles Wood. They also passed a special resolution thanking Lord John Manners for his "unanswerable speech ": thanks were also voted to Mr. Fielden and Lord Ashley. The delegates decided to remain in town over next Wednesday, to promote the passing of the second reading.
In the Court of Exchequer, on Saturday, two actions were tried on bills of ex- change. The cases were of the ordinary kind; but the absence of the counsel for the defence led to results of some importance. In the first case of Baker versus Lack, the counsel for the defendant, Mr. Corrie, not being forthcoming, a verdict was at once given for the plaintiff. Mr. Archbold applied for speedy execution; but the Chief Baron suspended his decision until after the result of the next case of Baker versus E. J. Lack. Mr. Corrie being still absent, Sir Frederick Pollock told the solicitor he might call his witnesses. Mr. Arch- bold, for the plaint:A objected; observing that it was idle to say there was any defence. The Judge, however, directed the witnesses to be called, and the case proceeded,. The defendant's solicitor proposing to call Mr. Cornwall Baron Wilson, the iolicitor to the real holder of the bill, Mr. Archbold warmly interposed; saying it was "a most disgraceful proceeding." The Chief Baron observed that he mast do justice in the matter, and get the real facts pre- sented to the Jury. Mr. Wilson not answering when called, his clerk was allowed to give evidence, in spite of a remonstrance from Mr. Archbold. The clerk proved that the plaintiff was not the holder of the bilL (Witness was complimented by the Court for his straightforward conduct in giving evidence to facts although they told against his employer.) The Chief Baron summed up; directing the Jury to find for the defendant, on the ground that the plaintiff was not the holder of the bill when he commenced his action. The Jury instantly gave a verdict for the defendant.
Mr. Archbold applied for speedy execution in the former case. The Chief Baron—" Certainly not, Mr. Archbold." The solicitor said. he should move the Court to set the verdict in the former case aside. The Chief Baron-0 Yes, you can, if you think proper, next term." At the Central Criminal Court,on Saturday, Alexander M`Leish, a baker, was tried for striking Mary Elizabeth Woods on the head with a poker. The assault was committed in-mistake,--that is, the accused meant to inflict the blow on his wife, but struck Woods, who was in the room while he was quarrelling. The prosecutrix did not appear; but the man was found guilty, and sentenced to one year's imprisonment, with hard labour.
Francis Olifieres, the man who obtained jewellery under the pretence that lat was commissioned to do so by the Queen, has been sentenced to seven yeane transportation.
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