THE FIRST OF APRIL.
As long ago as the days of' ADDISON, the British essayists began to raise their voices against the vulgar and mischievous practical jokes of the First of April ; and yet the nuisance saer....ic to be increasing in- stead of diminishing. The number of unfortunate wights sent upon " sleeveless errands" yesterday, was probably greater than had been witnessed on any First of April since the practice of " washing the lions at the Tower "..:vas finally discontinued by the transference of the noble animals to the Zoological Gardens.
In Edinburgh, a great crowd was collected by an announcement that a public reconciliation and interchange of the kiss of peace was to take place between the clergymen and elders of the Intru- sion and Nonintrusion parties. In Dublin, the whole of the inmates of the Castle drove to the Corn Exchange to hear Mr. O'CoxiiELL's final and irrevocable ab- juration of Repeal. In Manchester, the whole population flocked to the railway-ter- minus to see the Member for Stockport bring down the repeal of the Corn-laws in his pocket.
In London, the day of hoaxes was celebrated with more spirit, if possible, than in the provinces. A number of members of the Reform Club were drawn to pay their respects at Downing Street, by a report that Lord MELBOURNE was again in office. A similar report had been sent to Lord PALMERSTON ; but his Lordship was too old a bird to be caught with chaff: it was observed, however, that in the course of his forenoon ride he accidentally passed along Whitehall. An effort was made to tempt the present inmates abroad, by rumours of county meetings ; but they found their new quarters too snug to be persuaded to leave them. Lord JOMN Rus- SELL was induced to open a communication with "the farmers who attend Reading market," by an intimation sent him from some wag in the office of the Morning Chronicle, that they had declared they preferred his 8s. fixed duty to Sir ROBERT Pas.t.'s sliding scale. Mr. Hums was nearly taken in by an intimation from Montrose that the Burghs wished him to succeed Mr. CHALMERS as their Representative. About five o'clock, the Re- form and Carlton Clubs were crowded, owing to rumours which had been industriously circulated that two eminent Members of Parliament had shaved that morning. One hundred and nineteen tradesmen were enticed to assemble in front of the Treasury, to see the Income-tax : but this hoax seemed to give general offence, the impression being, that though not there yet it was sure to come, and that the subject was too serious for a joke.
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