8 MAY 1869, Page 3

The Court of Common Pleas, on Thursday, delivered judgment in

the case of Mr. Birley, minority Member for Manchester. Mr. Birley's firm had held a contract from the Indian Secretary of State, the whole of the money for which he had not received. It was thought therefore that the contract was open, and that Mr. Birley could not take his seat. The Court, however, held that the contract having been performed before the election, Mr. Birloy was a simple creditor of the Government, and not therefore disqualified. A second cause of disqualification, that Mr. Birley's firm had sold some goods to Broadmoor Lunatic Asylum, was disallowed on the ground that Mr. Birley did not know that the goods were for Government, and the philanthropic manufacturer was declared entitled to the seat.