Huddersfield Chronicle (01/Feb/1868) - page 5

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The Chronicle

THE CHRONICLE, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1868,

Prospects of the United States, Commerical and Political

PROSPECTS OF THE UNITED STATES, COMMERCIAL AND POLITICAL.

Tidings from Ameri iri

'America ar i interest from the multiplying evidease eee L g evic rhich is beng Mfionded of the deplorable state of trade existing all over the Union, with the consequent des of the people. In the wamity is felt and feared in There, we are told, about of persons, mostly freedmen, are inter booe neeapentone » Tespecting the slapeing and discon «© 5 > oe ae ot these people, and about the necesthem, soe {comprehensive method of feeding In seme at avert a Sanguinary war of races. the phow tte cotton States, as in Mississippi, planters are unable to pa wages to thei freedmen — and the latt A ons ee, are deeply di e latter, in consequence, are Seply iscontented, and are forming organisations which threaten the public peace. The Project of soliciting advances to the planters from the Government has been started in Charleston The civil authorities in the South are not otherwise expected to be able to cope with the difficulties of the situation without increased military aid. Armed negroes are said to be committing excesses in the burning of property in the inteiors of North Carolina and Virginia. Negro conspiracies, looking to outbreaks, have been discovered in Alabama ; and troops have been Sent to several towns in the latter State for the prevention or repression of expected disturbances. The distress extends to all sections of the Southern people, and includes whites and blacks equally under its fell influence.

The scarcity vf employment in the Northern Atlantic States is also felt in perilous severity. An illustrative example of this is given by a correspondent of a London contemporary, in the case of a vacant clerkship lately advertised in a New York paper, as having brought no fewer than six hundred applications on the very first day of its appearance. Conventions of manufacturers are meeting variously over the North, to consider, with a view to remedy, the depressed condition of manufactures and trade ; and they generally direct their attacks against the existing burdensome internal taxation, which is crippling production by the limit it sets to the purchasing power of the great public of consumers, °

The repudiation of the public debt has been talked of by the notorious General Butier and some other public men; but a very prevalent feeling appears to exist, and found expression at a recent numerously-attended National Convention of Manufacturers at Cleveland, Ohio, in favour of consolidating the national debt, subject to a uniform and moderate interest ; that enough inland taxation should be borne to meet this obligation and the necessary Government expenses ; and that the heavy taxation of the war is unnecessary now, and should be reduced to the wants of an ecomomic administration. This inland taxation they set down at about £534,000,000 sterling — an amount which they regard as much more than there is any necessity for. They are opposed to the rapid reduction of the national debt as being fraught with danger, inasmuch as the country is not now in a financial condition to stand the taxation needed for that purpose. The drift of this agitation is obviously to remove all internal revenue taxation from domestic manufactures, with perfect willingness on the part of the movers in it to transfer the burden from the Excise to the Customs, so as in effect to give them closed ports against the foreign importer. This project is echoed in Congress ; and 4 there is at present before the Senate'a Bill with the ominous title, 'The Consolidated Loan Bill," which provides for the issue of bonds, payable, principal and interest, in coin — and bearing interest at six per cent. These bonds are payable forty years after date, but are redeemable in coin at the pleasure of the Government after ten years from date; and are to be issued to an amount sufficient to cover all outstanding obligations of the United States. It turns out, however, by other complications of arrangement, the bondholder is not to realise six, but only five per cent in cein on his investment, and the foreigner only four and a half; so that virtually the Bill aims at consolidating the public debt subject to the latter rates. This of course would necessitate the adoption of a proportionately lower rate of issue for the proposed securities than if the interest on them were payable at the nominal rates — and, consequently, the nominal capital would be so increased that no saving in interest would be effected. There is but one way to get rid of that — repudiation ; and nowhere is repudiation openly avowed by any party of importance. The knot of repudiators led by General BUTLER are too insignificant — (not more than forty-five members of the Lower House) — to be taken into account. On the contrary, homage to national honesty is loudly proclaimed by the very people who propose to reduce the pecuniary rights of all national creditors tu one uniform level, and that level considerably below the terms of their original bargain with the United States Government.

The political prospect in the United States is also exceedingly emergent, and a seriousness approaching the gloom of despair seems to haunt the operations of Guvernment, and cloud the discussions of the Legislature. The Republicans are eager for the reconstruction of the South after their own views, in order that their influence, waning in the country and in Congress, may be restored ; and in the hope also of extending the basis of taxation, through the restoration of the yet excluded States, and ef thereby enhancing the revenue of the country. With a currency still inflated by the existing paper issues, and corruption believed to be rampant in every branch of the public service, the utmost uncertainty and insecurity are felt throughout the community about all revenue matters — and the desperate expedients of financiers quicken these suspicions into intense activity, to the arrestment of all commercial enterprise and the ruin of legitimate industry. : ;

This is just the time to blow into a flame political discontent, and to give an external direction to already excited public passion. There is always in the United States some stock question to urge -or revive in relation to Great Britain ; and the one ready at hand is that about "the protection of the rights of American citizens abroad." As is well-knewn, ttc House of Representatives has passed a resolution, ordering immediate action on the maltreatment of American citizens by the the British authorities in Ireland ; and what happened there last week in regard to the incarceration of Mr. G. F. Train will not be without its influence on the ill-willed activity of this section of American politicians. Sometimes, however, we bear a voice of reason in reply to the men whose ravings resound through the Halls of Congress on themes calculated to excite the crowds out of doors; and Senaicr Surenman, to his honour be it known, lately replied in this manner to Mr. Connegxs, who, in the Senate, had read off a fearful indictment against this country. Mr. SuerMAN rightly contended, that if any naturalised citizen @ the Unitec States went abroad and committed an offence againet the laws of any foreign country, he was amenable to the laws of that country — and it was not the duty ef the Govern'nent of the United States to interfere. But, he also contended, the case of politieal offenders aveinst the laws of another country, who go abroad, and are arraignec for what they have done in America, was a diferent one, and called for. enquiry. We are of course aware that treuble of ihic nature has taken place between the United State. and Fcussia — the latter having refused to renounce her claim on a neturalised American citizenand che American Minister at Berlin admitted the lesality ef the claim made "pon the returned Prussian by his native Government. The aim of Mr. Conatess and his supporters i_opviously te <mbrui? this country with the Unite States ; an they are careless about listentng to "zeouverient references ta identical cases else 'herein Europe. For instazee, a late ona extion from tie Philadelphia correspondent of the Faves tells us that —

"The House Cemmitte2 of Foreign Affairs on Jan. 8th, reported a resolutian asking the President to intercede with her Majesty the @aeen @ Great Britain to secure the speedy release of the Rev. John M'mahon, now confined at Kingston, Canada, upon conviction of complicity in the its greatest intensit three millions in danger of from the Sou Government Canadien raids, There Was some debate on the subject, and on the Sth the Huuse unanimously adopted the resolution, which now goes to the Senate for conevrrence. During the deyate several members expressed a determination te inset on the rights ef Amvrican naturelized

"tizens being respected abroad, 2nd Mr. Orth, who resorted the reseluiion, stated that sue Foreign Comuiittee ol Leen ue: he any evidence connecting Father Tah th Tershuadem, and that when srrested after

4 . . ? asa ghtet Iidveway he wes acting as narse sha priest Tap find ar a4

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1868.

»

among the wounded. The House also, on motion of Mr. payne, of W inconsin, unanimously passed a similar resoution, asking the President to intereede for John Lynch of Milwaukee, another prisoner confined in Canada : and with equal unanimity a resolution, introduced by Fernando Wood, of New York, was passed, which requested the President 'to interpose his official authority to effect the release of Colonels John Warren and W. J. Nagle and any other American citizens who have been arrested in Treland and are now imprisoned without sufficient ground to charge them with the commission of any crime against the laws of Great Britain.' These resolutions all go to the Senate for concurrence. It is announced that the Foreign Committee is almost ready to report a law for the protection of American citizens abroad, and defining the status of naturalised citizens; and the public pressure on the subject is so strong that such a law will be passed with scarcely any delay."

On the same authority we are further told :- —

"The recent indications that Great Britain is willing to accept the doctrines with reference to the status of American naturalised citizens set forth in the President's Message are received with lively satisfaction in America. There is an universal demand that the Executive and Congress shall take measures for securing the protection of naturalised citizens. Reams of petitions, bearing thousands of signatures, asking for it are presented in both Houses, and political meetings to advocate it are being held in all parts of the country. The various political conventions of both parties now being held also adopt resolutions supporting the President's doctrine of the rights of naturalised citizens in the strongest manner; and the National Conventions of both the Republican and Democratic parties when they meet to nominate candidates for the Presidency, on whatever else they may differ, will be found in complete accord upon this question,"

American statesmen of weight and influence know well that Great Britain is ready to meet their country upon equal terms in the adjustment of the knotty question of naturalisation; and this we are glad to see Mr. Sumner admits when he says that " on this matter there would be very little difficulty between the two countries." It is not a quarrel with a foreign country that will remedy the sad state of affairs in the United States, but a pacific foreign policy and enlightened domestic statesmanship. The remedy, in fact, is in their own harids, in more senses than the ordinary one.

— — __ — —

Shareholders Looking after "Interest"

SHAREHOLDERS LOOKING AFTER "INTEREST."

Ir it be marvellous with how little wisdom the world is governed, it is surely not so to know with how little business tact and talent the most extensive undertakings are conducted. Four or five months ago the Directors of the Caledonian Rail. way, alarmed at the panic which the statements of a few anonymous writers were producing among the holders of their stock, asked three of the principal shareholders to form a Committee to investigate for themselves the state of the concern. The gentlemen selected were at first disinclined to undertake the task ; but, urged by a requisition from their fellow stockholders, they at length consented to do so. Their report must have cost them much anxiety and trouble ; and their recommendations, one would have imagined, should have constituted the chief subject for consideration by the shareholders everywhere, and especially by the meeting of proprietors of Caledonian Stock, held at Glasgow on Wednesday last. Instead of this being the case, however, so far as the meeting we speak of was concerned, those recommodations were practically ignored. The Committee were sneered at as men whose six weeks labour at the task they had in hand had only given evidence of theirown incapacity toformacorrect judgment; men who, even in selecting investigators to assist them in forming an opinion for themselves, had selected the men whom they should most have shunned ; and that they delivered over their Company, bound hand and foot, to the partisan accountants of opposition lines. Finally, the shareholders at the Glasgow meeting, appointed a Committee to consider and report upon the " reports" and " reccmmendations." " observations," and " replies," which have kept speculators busy and investors uneasy during the last few weeks.

There can now be no doubt that the true policy for the Directors to have pursued, instead of themselves appointing an Investigation Committee, would have been to have convened an extraordinary meeting of the Caledonian shareholders, and allowed them to appoint a Committee of Enquiry for themselves. Had this course been adopted, much ungrateful labour might have been spared, and many months of valuable time saved. As it is, acting as they did only on the solicitation of a shareholders' requisition, there can be no question but that the Committee have been treated very cavalierly. The fact is that shareholders, more than any other class of the community like to be deceived, when dividends are made " pleasant ;" and Directors are not at all backward in pandering to this taste; while, in the Caledonian instance, the report of the Investigating Committee savoured too much of the naked truth to be palatable. Another Committee may turn out something more agreeable — so, in the name of every thing " pleasant," let them have the chance !

At Wednesday's meeting, one or two of the speakers, indeed, appeared to be labouring under a temporary attack of " Capital on the brain ;" and in one or two other instances, " Revenue" had, for the time, got the upper hand of every thing else. But the great mass of shareholders, despising the dispute between capital and revenue. from the bottom of their souls, remained constant to their good old fondness for seven per cent dividends. One old gentleman, who exhorted the meeting to vote for the Auditors' Report, and thereby " do justice to capital, justice to revenue, and justice to thenselves," expressed the feeling of the great mass of the shareholders exactly. They have been deceived beforetime into buying the present Caledonian stock at a premium. In Justice to capital, let them have a chance to float the new forthcoming stuck as well as possible ; in justice to revenue, let the accounts be well 'f cooked ;" and in " justice to themselves," let Caledonian quotations be kept up on the share list, until that new stock is passed on to somebody else for what it originally cost, at least! And yet, with a humiliating spectacle of such a meeting as this before our eyes, and with a result grounded in the most intense selfishness, we, as a people, boast that our nation is the soul of commercial aptitude and honour; and we also Pharisaically thank Heaven that our traders are not men of " wooden nutmegs," like Cousin Jonaruan, who, as his own poet hath it —

" Does not believe in principal — But oh! he does in interest." a

French Finance: The New Loan of Seventeen Millions: What is it For?

FRENCH FINANCE:

THE NEW LOAN OF SEVENTEEN MILLIONS: WHAT IS IT FOR?

There is no subject in the world so simple as finance. Its rules are absolute — immutable — of universal application — and obvious to the meanest capacity. Mr. Guapsrone or Mr. Disrarli may speak for hours together on the finances of England, as M. Macne has just filled several columns of the Moniteur on the finances of France; but neither one or other of these very trustworthy statesmen can tell very much more of the matter than the simplest reader soon learns for himself. People who spend more than their income first vet into debt and then into difficulties. People who practice self-denial instead of self-indulgence escape these embarrassments, and generally find themselves in comfortable circumstances. That is the whole history of national finance, in its simple aspect, as it is of private finance.

That the expenditure of France has been for some time in excess of the revenue, large as that revenue has been rendered by heavy taxation, 1s pretty well known to all who have read the newspapers. Every year of the Emperor's reign told the same tale. At the commencement o each twelvementh there has regularly been a pro: mise of a surplus on the part of the Minister o FINANCE. At its close there has been, quite as regularly, a story of hopes disappointed, promises unrealised, and the blessing of retrenc met deferred, with unblushing confidence, to the year next to come. The debt of the Empire has been doebled since the downfall of Lous PuHiLipPE — and still swells in dimensions with each successive Budget. Yet the Imperial Government is superior to digappointment — and, though eften deceived, it continues tu cherish the illusions of youth.

Of course the present Finance Minister ivi France, M. Macne, is just as sanguine as i is edecessors were — though it puzzles server a 2 men to find a foundation for his hopes. It isc car that if France is to embark at intervals in grea wars ; if while great and little wars are going on together, the splendour of the Geverument is ° be enhanced by increased expenditure at rome ; if cities are to be rebuilt, and grand ae if the army and navy are to be doubled, anticipating in store for the The taxation 72

o. War <.34 qh in people than has been moet with in the past.

more onerous — and, in spite of heavier burthens, the public debt must continually increase.

About a year ago, the late M. Founp, by far the most honest and economical financier that has ever risen to power under the Empire, made a report on the finances of 1867. The first estimate of the expenditure of that year was fixed so long ago as 1865 at £66,300,000 sterling. Additional demands were afterwards made on the part of the Minister of War for £1,830,000 — by the Min1sTER of Marine for £1,200,000 — and by the Minister of AGRICULTURE and Purtic Works for £880,000 sterling. These sums raised the total outlay to £70,260,000 — and M. Fouxp trusted that this amount would really prove to be sufficient, and would be defrayed by the ordinary income. We now know a little more about the matter. M. Macne states that "in consequence of events beyond control," the revenue fell off to the extent of £1,040,000 as compared with the estimates. And, while the receipts diminished, the expenditure augmented to an enormous extent. An extraordinary credit" of £6,320,000 was voted during the year by the Legislative Body, for the purpose of supplying the army with Chassepot rifles and defraying the cost of warlike preparations occasioned by the Luxemburg question. A further sum of £200,000 is set down as the first instalment of the Roman expedition. Instead of £66,300,000 therefore, sufticing for the expenditure of the year, as expected, the amount reached £76,880,000 — or £10,500,0G0 more than the estimates ! And as the Budget of 1867 will not be closed for two years to come, there is no foreseeing the amount to which it may eventually be brought. At present the admitted deficiency is 189,000,000 franes, or rather more than £7,500,000 sterling — a deficiency magnificent enough, surely, even for Napoleonic ideas.

M. Macns, however, has not yet told the full extent of hisembarrassments. The original Budget for the current year estimated the expenditure at £67,660,000 — which was almost exactly balanced by the anticipated income. But this satisfactory prospect is already overclouded. M. Macye fihds that owing to various supplementary charges, the income of 1868 and 1869 may be expected to fall below the expenditure — or, rather, the expenditure rise above the estimated income — to the extent of £3,280,000. And, nvtwithstanding this large increase, it is declared to be necessary 'ip the interests of the defence of the country and of the national honour" to incur still a large extraordinary outlay. No less than £7,500,000 is asserted to be required to provide new war material. M. Macne says, 'it would be quite illusory to suppose that this sum will suffice to cover every requirement ' — but the remaining expenditure is remitted to the future. Even as the figures stand, however, no less than £10,750,000 sterling are wanted to balance the accounts of the current year — raising the total deficit of 1867 and 1868 to £18,250,000 sterling! It is obvious that in the present distressed state of France, a sum so enormous is not to be obtained from taxation. M. Mace, therefore, proposes a loan of £17,600,000, which will " make provision for existing exigencies." In the meantime the floating debt stands at £37,500,090 — almost the whole of which has been incurred since 1864 !

The statesmen of the Continent cannot fail to receive these explanations with anxiety and alarm. The Emperor Napo eon is perpetually announcing that France has no other wish than to live in amity with the world — whilst every action of his Executive is at variance with his declarations. Besides the ordinary expenditure on the French army and navy, no less asum than £6,250,000 was spent last year for extra military preparations, and £7,500,000 are demanded for 1868 for the same purpose. The new loan, in fact, isa war loan in time of peace ; and, — as if in dread that such a phenomenon would not excite sufficient attention, — M. Macne talks of the interests of the country and the national honour, and of the fully of supposing that even his prodigious requirements will suflice for the armaments in preparation both by land and sea. It is impossible for neighbouring countries to receive the declaration except as a menace to the future tranquility of Europe ; and thus the insane and ruinous system of armed peace is likely to still further augment the forces of all the Great Powers.

The future is, consequently, beset with danger and gloom. Even if excessive armaments do not provoke an outbreak, their social effects must be disastrous. The subtraction from industrial pursuits of thousands of the youth of France must of itself check the growth of the commerce and revenue of the Empire. Embarrassment will thus beget embarrassment ; deficits will be the parents of other deficits ; and obstinate policy is likely, eventually, to bring the wheels of the national machine to a dead-lock. France, it is true, isa wealthy country. It is wealthy in its soil — wealthy in the industry and thrift of its people — and wealthy in its genius and skill. But the taxation of its inhabitants has recently reached a height that cannot but awaken forebodings. The national debt, if this could be accurately ascertained, would be found to nearly equal that of England — while the power of the people, as a whole, to bear it is probably less than half as great. When the Emperor, without the least dread of consequences, persists in the policy he has adopted during the last ten years, we may suspect that he is preparing to make a terrible stake with fate sooner or later. At present Continental politicians must content themselves with the intimation that the payments for the new loan are to be spread over twenty months, and with the inference to be drawn from that statement that no immediate action can therefore be intended at the Tuileries. This is but a sorry kind of consgolation — but it is that the explanations and revelations as to French finance can convey to those who look beneath the surface of national affairs.


To Readers and Correspondents

To Readers and Correspondents, "Inquirer." — The letter, at present, would not be well-timed. The report for the time being is enough. Let us see how matters develop.


Local News

St. Paul's Church

St. Paul's Church. — February 2nd, or 4th Sunday in Epiphany. Morn. : Anthem, " Rejoice in the Lord." — Stevenson. Hymn 247. — Even.: Anthem, "The Wilderness." — Goss. Hymn 337 O.B.

New Drinking Fountain

New Drinking Fountain. — The Improvement Commissioners, we understand, purpose erecting a drinking fountain at the top of Chapel hill.

Aspley Lecture Room

Aspley Lecture-Room. — This lecture-room, which has been so long unoccupied, is announced to be re-opened on Sunday next (to-morrow) when the Vicar of Huddersfield will preach.

Parish Church

Parish Church. — Two sermons were preached on Sunday: in the morning by the Rev. A. T. Mitton, and in the evening by the Rev. W. B. Calvert, vicar, in aid of the funds required for the lighting, warming, and insurance of the church, and the expenses incidental to the performance of divine service. The collections amounted to over £37. — On the Sunday previous, when collections were made, £90 were raised towards liquidating the expenses incurred in making repairs and alterations at the Seedhill Schools, and not, as was stated by us in error last week, to meet the expenses incidental to the performance of divine service at the Parish Church.

Huddersfield Naturalist Society

Huddersfield Naturalist Society. — A meeting of this society was held on Monday evening last, Mr. James Varley, in the absence of the president, occupying the chair. Taking into consideration the time of the year, a fair number of botanical specimens were placed upon the table, amongst which may be mentioned Erica gracilzs, Erica hyemalis, Ceterach officinarum, &c. Mr. A. Godward exhibited a number of lepidopterous insects, of which Liparis auriflua, Ennomos tiliaria, Acidalia bisetata, and Mamestra albicolon, were amongst the best of those which he had collected in this neighbourhood. An interesting paper, entitled " Window gardening," was then read by Mr. William Nettleton, who, in a few practical remarks, gave some valuable information respecting the best manner of sowing the seed, the best aspect, &c., for growing various flowers and ferns in the house. A vote of thanks to Mr. Nettleton brought the meeting to a close.

A Golcar Farmer Drowned in the Canal

A Golcar Farmer Drowned in the Canal. — The body of William Hinchliffe, aged 60 years, farmer, Bottom Hall, Golcar, was drawn out of the canal, near the foundry, Manchester Road, on Monday at noon. The deceased, it appeared, visited this town on Friday to pay his rent at the Zetland Hotel ; and it was intended that he should return home by train with some friends. However, when the time arrived for proceeding to the railway station, Hinchliffe was absent, and was left behind by his friends. About eight o'clock, the deceased appears to have called at the shop of Mr. Robert Hill, druggist, Buxton Road, and bought a quantity of liquid for a cow; and, as far as is known, was not seen alive afterwards. A search was commenced, and the canal dragged, by Joseph Taylor, Ley Moor, Golcar; Joseph Hinchliife, relative of deceased, Longroyd Bridge ; and John Ramsden, also of Longroyd Bridge. About one o'clock in the afternoon, with the grapuel irons, Was pulled out a blue rug, identified as one which deceased had been accustomed to wear; and directly afterwards the body was brought up, and conveyed to the Black Bull. It is supposed that, on reaching the bottem of Outcote-bawk, instead of proceeding straight alone the causeway, the deceased, who had partaken ct drink, had crossed the road and gone down the steep path leading to the foundry of Messrs. Bottom, Kirk per are tu be re-armed with more formidable we! then there is po reasonable ground for \ veticipati that the future has anything better yagtot tly become and Ramsden, and thus fallen into the water. On Wednesday forenoon an inquest was held at the Infirmary, befure Mr. J. P. Iagram, deputy coroner. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death," and recommended the owners of the funn lry te place a gate at the the aoblic

2 tetiyygy, + top of the Jane as 2 protection Lo

The War Office and the Volunteers

The War-office and the Volunteers. — A Waroffice circular regulates the further mode of distributing the Government capitation grant to volunteers, which is to be made by a finance committee of three in each corps, besides the commanding officer.

A Pony Bitten by a Dog

A Pony Bitten by a Dog. — A spirited pony, belonging to a tradesman at Marsh, while being brought from Marsh by a boy, on Tuesday afternoon, had one of its legs bitten by a dog at West Hill. The punishment disturbed the animal, and the boy, who clung to the harness manfully, was displaced, and dragged about 20 yards on the ground. The lad, who retained possession of the pony, received some slight injuries, but they were of no moment.

Mr. Arthur Lloyd's Concert

Mr. Arthur Lloyd's Concert. — The veritable author (Mr. Arthur Lloyd) of the popular song " Not for Joseph" gave concerts at the Gymnasium Hall, on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, and was assisted by Miss Minnie Lloyd, Mr. Louis Lindsay, Mr. Henry King, Miss Katty King, and Mr. W. B. Alexander. There was a scanty attendance at each concert; but those who did attend seemed thoroughly to enjoy the several humorous songs which were rendered with admirable taste, as well as the burletta scenes, which' were gracefully enacted. The sketches of Mr. Alexander, ventriloquicul comedian, were artistically given, the momentary transformation from one character to another causing much merriment. Mr. Lloyd, who met with a hearty reception, sang several favourite songs; and his impersonation of the "schoolmaster," and the fopping of Dundrearyism, in which he sings " Not for Joseph" took immensely.

Organisation of Special Constables

Organisation of Special Constables. — Up to the present time 836 special constables have been sworn in y the Huddersfield magistrates. Of the foregoing number, 40 men in the employ of Mr. Commissioner Aston, and 26 other inhabitants, principally tradesmen, took the oath on Thursday. The menare being organised, the town having heen divided into seven divisions, or rallying points, as follows : — A Division (head quarters), Town Police Station ; B Division, County Police Station, Princess Street ; C Division, George Hotel Yard, St. George's Square ; D Division, St. Thomas' Schoolroom, Manchester Road 3 E Division, Gasworks, Leeds Road ; F Division, National Schoolroom, Aspley; G Division, Voluntzer Armoury, Ramsden Street. The organisation scheme was laid before the Watch Committee, on Monday night, by Mr. Superintendent Withers ; and a committee has n formed to make arrangements for parading the men, should their services be required, and the superintendence of the men on duty at each rallying point.

The Church Institute: Discussion on the Irish Church

The Church Institute.-discussion on the Irish Church. — On Tuesday evening the first of a series of discussions which have been arranged to take place in connection with the Huddersfield Church Institute, was held in the reading room of the institute, the subject being " The Irish Church." The chair was taken by Geo. Armitage Esq., J.P., who, in opening the meeting, expressed his regret that there was not a larger attendance. He said that the Council had some years ago made a similar movement to the present one, but they were obliged to give-it up in consequence of the meetings being so badly attended. — The Rev. G. G. Lawrence said he could not open his remarks better than by quoting the text which said that we should not despise small things. The attempt to disendow the Irish Church evil thing, it would be irreligious, unjust and impolitic.

The attempt to secularise church property either in England or in Ireland was irreligious. He could not understand how any man, calling himself a christian, could propose that property which for ages had been devoted to the services of God should be withdrawn from that purpose and devoted to secular purposes. If landed property, belonging either to individuals or public bodies, were attempted to be taken away, simply because the original owners did not get it quite fairly, the result would be to producegreat confusion. It wouldalsobe unjust to the Protestants of Ireland, especially those in Ulster and the northern parts, the ancestors of the people living in these parts being principally settlers from England and Scotland. They were assured that they should have a pure public Church service kept up and maintained for them, and for this purpose the glebe payments and tithes were established. It would also be unjust to the Roman Catholics, as they derived great social benefits from the Church establishment in Ireland. We should lose the good will of the Irish Protestants, and in no way tend to conciliate the Roman Catholics, and especially those who who had taken any part in the Fenian movement.

The disendowment of the Irish Church would not operate to put down the Fenian movement, but, on the contrary, would rather increase it. Referring to the present condi-

tion of the Irish Church, he qnoted the following statistics from Dr. Lee's pamphlet, to show how the Church had increased during the present century : — In 1730, there were 800 clergy; 1806, 1,253; 1829, 1,950; 1863, 2,281.

In 1730, there were 400 churches; 1806, 1,029; 1829, 1,307 ; 1863, 1,633. In 1861 (census return) the clergy of the Established Church in Ireland were 2,265; Roman Catholic priests, 3,014. In eonclusion, he considered that it was our duty to maintain the Church in Ireland, and do the best we could, under the circumstances, to bring the people of Ireland toa sense of their many benefits, A discussion then ensued on several points in connection with the Church in Ireland, in which Rev. G. G. Law-

rence, and Messrs. F. Abbey, Dore, Dyson, and Smith, <c., took part. Ultimately the discussion was adjourned until next month, and the meeting broke up about half-

past nine.

Literary and Scientific Society

Literary and Scientific Society. — On Monday an ordinary meeting of the Literary and Scientific Society, was held. Mr. John Hirst, jun., of Dobcross, read a paper on the geological agents which had formed the pre-

sent surface of the country around Huddersfield. Mr.

William Hastings, vice-president, occupied the chair.

There was a fair attendance of members. Mr. Hirst said he was much more familiar with the outline of this neighbourbood many years ago than he was at present, having taken great interest in the subject when he was young.

Of all geological subjects it seemed to be most studied by the geologists of the present day. He would not however take geological conclusions as absolute truth, in as much as these had been formed and abandoned by some of the greatest geologists, and since human conclusions were not to be relied on, he was disposed to accept the Mosaic cosmogony, notwithstanding all the arguments that had been brought against it. He believed that valleys were due to the eroding action of the sea, varied to a great extent by faults, &c., and probably also by the scooping out by fresh water. The forces of upheaval, tides, currents, rain, air, frost, and agriculture, had undoubtedly done a good deal, numerous local instances of which Mr.

Hirst named. There were two axioms from which all geological deductions were drawn, the first was that an alteration of the level of the land had taken place, and the second, that a considerable amount of time had been occupied in these alterations. He believed that there had been a time when the higher coal measures and the Permian formation had rested upon the present surface of Huddersfield, that these beds, of great thickness, had been swept away by the agents which he had named, principally however by sea action. Mr. Hirst then gave sketches of the country showing the effects of sea action, referring to several places in the district, he said that from Meltham to Marsden, he believed was the best dis-

trict in England for seeing old sea margins. The river Colne above Slaithwaite he considered to be the best example of a fresh water formed valley. The contour of the country was often due to landslips. There were numerous instances of change during historical periods, An old wood cut of Castle Hill, Scarbro', was exhibited which showed that great changes had taken place there during the last hundred years. Darwin gives a case in South America, where sea terraces, 1,600 feet high, with sea shells were to be seen. Mr. Hirst believed that glaciers had not been concerned in forming the present contour of this district. A very lively discussion followed the reading of the paper, showing that there was great divergence of opinion among the members concerning the various theories that have been propounded to account for the formation of hill and valley, some contending that the sea had almost exclusively done the work, others that atmospheric and river action had produced the results, whilst others thought that the comparative hardness of the rocks had had a good deal te do with the present conformation, and a minority contended that glaciers were sufficient to account for all the phenomena.

The Crossley Almshouses, Halifax

The Crossley Almshouses, Halifax. — Sir F. Crossley, M.P., and his brother, Mr. Joseph Crossley, we understand, have each of them increased the allowance to the inmates of the alrashouses, at Halifax, endowed by these benevolent gentlemen. The married couples have had their incomes increased from 8s. 6d. per week to 10s., and the single inmates from 6s. to 7s. a week. Each gentleman erected a few years ago a handsome pile of almshouses, about twenty in number, in a respectable part of the town, all of which are occupied free of rent and taxes, and the reason for the increase in the allowance is the advance made in the price of provisions since the endowments were effected.

Crowther v. the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway

Crowther v. the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. — This was an action heard in the Queen's Bench on Tuesday last before the Lord Chief Justice and Justices Blackburn and Lush, to recover damages for personal injuries received through the negligence of the defendants' servants. The defendants admitted their liability, and the case was tried at York before the UnderSheriff and a jury to assess the damages. The plaintiff is a wool and woollen waste dealer, residing and carrying on business at Elland, in Yorkshire. He is a married man, fifty years of age, and has a family of six children. It appeared that on the 7th of March last the plaintiff was a passenger from Bradford to Elland, and that the injuries complained of arose from a collision in Bowling Tunnel. Shortly after the train in which plaintiff was travelling entered the tunnel the engine broke down, and the engine-driver got off to repair it. While the disabled engine was standing in the tunnel another train, which had left Leeds owing to some unfortunate neglect of the signal man at the tunnel, entered it and ran into the other train with great violence, killing the driver who was repairing the engine, and injuring the plaintiff and many of the passengers. The plaintiff was ultimately removed te his home in a cab, when he found he could neither sit nor stand, and at once sent for his medical man, Mr. James Hills, of Elland. Plaintiff was much bruised and shaken. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff, damages £1,100. — Mr Pope moved, on behalf of the defendants, for a rule nisi, calling upon the plaintiff to show cause why the verdict should not be set aside and a new trial had on the ground that the damages were excessive. The plaintiff had been in partnership with his brother about eight years. His capital had been £50, and his brother's £300. His profits were about £200 a year. He had saved £1,100; andhe paid £25 a year rent. He had expended £250 in consequence of the accident. The plaintiff's actual money loss amounted only to £300; and it was submitted that the damages awarded by the Sheriff's jury were so excessive that the Court would grant a new trial. — Mr. Justice Mellor said it was impossible to say what really might be the effect of a railway accident upon the human system. He knew an instance where the injury did not develop itself until three years after the accident, and then it was of so serious a character that the gentleman died. The Court were inclined to grant a rule, but it must be at the defendant's peril. It was a question peculiarly fit for a jury. — -Mr. Pope said the company would submit to any terms the Court might be disposed to impose. The company would bring the money into Court. — Mr. Justice Mellor said the plaintiff ought to be paid some money and not kept without it until the rule could be disposed of. He thought the defendants should pay the plaintiff £500 xt once, but without prejrvlice. — Rule nis: accordingly.

Pp . + — Mr. Pope assentel.

mises.

bread doners.

are as follows : — From New South Wales and

34,004 bales. Willans, Overburn, and Co.

on Saturday last. the wind blowing very hard from the right.

Wright, 15; Corporal W. B. Clayton, 15.

advise:

T.

located. Mr. Orlando, we are glad appeared last evening.

In-pattieentts.

depositors paid in £4 2s. 8d.

three withdrew £4 17s. 1d.

the " Japanese wonders."

hearted spectator shudder. Japanese " butterfly trick" very prettily.

extravaganza, " The rigs of Mr. Briggs."

Pinder, but, as one of the indefatigable claims to a liberal patronage carry with t recommendation. of the public for Friday.

that, in May, 1859, James Armi viso.

to which there appeared to be some doubt.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3lsr, are ne unger a matter of discussion between and American Governments, 300 FEET ABOVE THE SEA LEVEL.

Attempt to Break into a Co-operative Stores

Attempt to Break into a Co-operative Stores. During the night of Wednesday, an attempt was made to break into the co-cperative storesin Westgate. The thief tried to force away a piece of wood at the top of the door; but he was foiled in the attempt to execute his plans. Had the thief obtained ingress, he would have found no money, inasmuch as the cash is never left on the pre-

The Distribution of Soup and Bread

The Distribution of Soup and Bread. — On Saturday 223 quarts of soup and 307 loaves of bread were distributed ; and on Wednesday 218 quarts and 334 loaves. The quantity distributed from the commencement is 2,321 quares of soup, and 3,039 loaves of bread. The soup and is provided and dealt out by Mr. G. Sims, proprietor of the New Market dining rooms, on behalf of the

London Wool Sales

London Wook Sales. — The first series of sales of Colonial wool, for the present year, will commence on Thursday, the 27th February. The arrivals to this date Queensland 6,399 bales; Victoria, 2,988; South Australia, 2,187; New Zealand, 566; Cape of Good Hope, 21,864; total, It is estimated that from 15,000 to 20,000 bales were held over from last sales. — From the circular of

Rifle Shooting

Rifle Shooting.-the second competition of No. 5 Company Shooting Club, took place at the Trinity Range, The weather was very unfavourable, There were twelve competitors, and the scoring was only indifferent. The following were the highest scores: — Sergeant T. Thewlis, 19; Ensign C. W. Keighley, 17; Lieutenant T. K, Mellor, 16; Sergeant H. W. Wrigley, 16; Sergeant J.

Sudden Death of an Aged Schoolmistress

Sudden Death of an Aged Schoolmistress. — Mrs. Emma Fawcett, schoolmistress, Hebble Terrace, was found dead in bed at five o'clock on Monday morning, The deceased, who was seventy years of age, had, it seems, been gradually sinking, under natural infirmities, for the last twelve months ; but she continued to impart instruction to the children who attended her school. For the last six or eight weeks Mrs. Fawcett had been unusually unwell, but apparently had acted as her own medical

Accident to a Gymnast at the Circus

Accident to a Gymnast at the Circus. — A painful accident occurred at the circus of Messrs. Pinder, and, it is feared, will be the means of disabling one of the Orlando brothers from performing on the trapeze for a few days. The mishap happened during the summersaults over the horses. Mr. Orlando performed the feat, but owing to an oversight, when alighting the force of the fall was not checked, and it resulted in his right shoulder being disto announce,

A Pluckey Ostler

A Pluckey Ostler.-the ostler at the Ramsden's Arms Inn, took out the other day a horse, belonging to Mr. Bernin, for exercise. "Philip" seated himself on the saddle, and the animal having proceeded a few yards, began to show restlessness and peevishness. It reared and plunged, and then, rolling over, fell on the top of the rider. The ostler, however extricated himself, and remounted, but the horse again threw itself down, one of the rider's legs being under it. The animal, mounted would, if successful, in his opinion, be a most serious and for the third time, was at length overpowered, and punished by a run of about seven miles.

Huddersfield and Upper Agbrigg Infirmary

HUDDERSFIELD AND Upper Acbrigg INFIRMARY. — Report for the week ending Friday, January 31th, 1868: —

Admitted 5 Discharged 5 Dead 1 Remaining in the house 40 OUT-PATIENTS.

Admitted during the Week : — Home Patients 19 attending at the Infirmary 40 Cases of Emergency 30 Total out-patients admitted during the week 89 Number of out-visits paid during the week 148

Penny Savings Banks

Penny Savines' Banks. — Huddersfield Mechanics' Institution: On Saturday and Monday nights 353 de sitcrs paid in £42 13s. 9d., and 63 withdrew £26 17s. 23d. — Almondbury Mechanics' Institution : On Saturday 60 r Withdrawals, 15s. 0d — Deighton and Sheepridge Mechanics' Institution: On Monday, 48 deposited £2 3s. 10d.; three withdrew 10s. 4d. — Lockwood Mechanics' Institution: On Saturday 126 depositors paid in £5 Qs. 63d.; three withdrew 15s. Od. — Netheroyd Hill and Coweliffe Mechanics' Institution : On Monday 20 paid in £1 4s. 4d.; one withdrew 4s. — Milnsbridge Penny Savings' Bank : On Saturday 28 depositors paid in £5 10s. 8d. Withdrawals, 12s. 1d. — St. John's, Hillthouse: On Monday 43 depositors paid in the sum of £1 7s. 1d., and one withdrew 3s. 0d — S. Thomas' Branch of the Yorkshire Penny Savings' Bank: On Monday 54 depositors paid in £26 153, 2d., and

Messrs. Pinders' Circus

Messrs. PINDERS' Cincus. — The most recent novelty introduced at the circus, St. Peter Street, is the entertainment given by the Brothers and Madame Nemo, styled The repository of these performers contains an inexhaustible stock of tricks, the majority of which are performed with artistic neatness and skill The Chinese impalement act, in which Madame Nemo appears, is a scene which makes even the stoutThey also perform the On Wednesday night the performance was for the benefit of " Little Bell," the funny clown ; and, as he has been an acquisition to the circus, it was gratifying to see his capabilities appreciated by a crowded house, and the frequent bursts of applause with which he was greeted. All the members of the company were well employed on this occasion ; and each, by strenuous efforts, enhanced the reputation which the establishment has acquired as a first-clasg place of amusement. The Hogini family performed a series of new acts ; Mr. Harmston, the eccentric clown, turned a double summersault ; Miss Ward introduced a highlytrained steed; the Brothers Orlando went through a series of gymnastic exercises; Mr. Pearson, the clever bareback rider, appeared in a new act ; the juvenile riders gave a display on horseback ; and other feats were accomplished, the performance concluding with the equestrian Last evening the performance was for the benefit of the Hogini family, whose drawing-room gymnastic display, and feats of horsemanship, have been justly appreciated during their engagement in this town. Next week will bring two benefit nights, Tuesday and Friday. On the first-named night the candidate for public favours will be Mr. G. prepeetens, his em their own Mr. W. Vokes solicits the suffrages

Mr. Superintendent Withers and Mr. Ex-Superintendent Hannan: Important to Licensed Victuallers

Mr. Superintendent Withers and Mr. Ex-superintendent Hannan.

Important to Licensed Victuallers.

A great many persons assembled in the Police Court, on Tuesday morning to hear the case against Mr. William Hannan, late superintendent of police, but now landlord of the Bull and Mouth Hotel, who was charged with keeping open his premises for the sale of beer and spirits between one and four o'clock in the morning, namely, between one anc half-past one — the house not being kept open for the supply of refreshments to travellers, The witnesses on both sides were, on the application of Mr. Superintendent Withers, requested to leave the court, — Sergeant Galvin said, at 25 minutes past one o'clock on the morning of the 17th inst. he visited the Bull and Mouth Hotel, Huddersfield. He saw six men in the passage, leaving the house, and about twelve men in the front room, Mr. Hannan told him he had filled no liquor after one o'clock. The whole of the company left about two minutes after he went into the house. — Mr. Superintendent Withers: State what you found? don't let us have half a case. — Galvin said there was one glass on the table contizining beer ; but noone was sitting on that side of the table. — In cross-examination by Mr. Hannan, witness said one or two of the company were seated, and the remainder standing ; but the defendant was endeavouring to get the company out. Only one officer, Police Constable Graham, was ordered to go with him into the house, but, when he came out, he saw Sedgwick in the passage. He did not know who ordered Sedgwick to goin. He reported the case when he got to the office to the sub-inspector, and it was entered in the "oceurrence book." — Mr. Hannan: I should like to see the book, Mr. Superintendent. — Mr. Withers: With pleasure, sir. — Mr. Hannan (examining the book): I see it 1s reported twenty-five minutes past one, and the information is laid at half-past. How does that happen? — Mr. Withers: I cannot tell. The information was sent down from Mr. Bradley's office. — Mr. Hannan : By the movement of a straw, you can tell which way the storm is going. Lask you now, sir — — The Bench drew Mr. Hannan's attention to the fact that the information stated "between the hours of oneand half-past one ;" and they held there was nothing in the objection. — Mr. Withers: I am fully entitled to a fair explanation. Just stand forward alvin. This officer makes a report in the book — I want you to see the position I am placed in — and now he comes forward and makes an additional statement to the report he has put in the book. He never uttered a single word to me that Mr. Hannan was endeavouring to get the company out — never mentioned such a circumstance ; and yet he comes here and says Mr. Hannan was getting the company out. He never mentioned getting the company out to me. — Sergeant Galvin: I beg your pardon, sir; I made the report when I came back. — Mr. Laycock: Was he getting the company out? Galvin: He was, sir. — Police Constable Graham said, about twenty-five minutes past one o'clock, on the 17th inst., he. along with Sergeant Galvin, went into the Bull and Mouth. There were eighteen or twenty people in the house. There was one glass on the table: it appeared to have something in it; but the parties appeared to have left it. Nobody offered to drink it, There were six men coming out at the inner door: the other door was wide open. Mr. Hannan was in the room. The company appeared to be ready for coming out. — In reply to Mr. Hannan, Craham said one or two of the company were seated, but they were principally standing. He had been on that "beat" for about six years — but had recently been removed. He never heard it reported in the town that Mr. Hannan made him drunk ; but he had been reported to the Watch Committee for being drunk. — Mr. Hannan: I ask you where you got the drink which made you drank. — The Chairman: I think you may put it in this way — Did he get it in your house ? — Mr. Hannan (to Graham): Did you get it in my house? Witness did not answer the question. — Mr. Hannan: I am perfectly satistied with him not answering, because there is something behind. — In defence, Mr. Hannan said, had he infringed im the slightest degree upon the Act of Parliament, he would have been delighted to have adopted the suggestion of the Bench last week, when a similar case was withdrawn on payment of expenses. Bat there was in his case more than appeared at the first glance. He left the police force to keep his present house, and to get shut of his tormentors; and, he thought after he had retired, he should he let alone; but his tormentors were still following him, and, at any cost, he was to be hunted to death. Mr. Withers had come here a perfect stranger, and, so far as report went, was an exceedingly clever man but, if a man in Mr. Withers's position went to a secret police office in the town — where there was a man who usurped the power of the Board ; and if he listened to this and that man's tales, and tried, aga paid servant of the public, to stop a man from getting an honest and fair livelihood, he (Mr. Hannan) was very glad he stood in a court before English gentlemen, where justice would be done between him and his accusers, and that he was not in Spain. If he had done anything wrong, he would ask the Bench to deal with it; and if ever a man was punished, he ought to be punished if he had infringed in the slightest particular upon the law. But, he would go further. On this particular occasion, it had been the pantomime ai the Theatre, and the benefit of Miss Lucette, It was a quarter or twenty minutes past twelve when the people came out of the Theatre ; and they came running into his house. He told the woman in charge — the wife of a police officer in the York force for 20 years — not.to fill anything for anybody in prohibited hours. She refused to fill anything 2t ten minutes to one o'clock, and they appealed to him; and he said he would fill nothing for anybody after time. If that was the case, why ought he to be paraded before a public court? He ought not to be treated as a common thief. A body of policemen were sent to his house, blocking up the passages. If he was offending, one officer was enough; or Mr. Withers, who was waiting in the office to receive the report, might have come across himself, and seen what he was doing. But the object was to hunt him down. He was perfectly satisfied, and would leave his case in the hands of the Bench to be dealt with according to law. — The Chairman: There i# ncthing of the kind you speak of. I think Mr. Withers has dealt with the case very fairly. — The Bench said they thought the case might be shortened. — Mr. Hannan: There is a case upon it. — Mr. J. I. Freeman: There is a case decided. — Mr. Hannan produced the book containing the case, which, though it was not read, we give as matter of public information. In the case, then, it appeared that

Armitage v. Armitage

ARMITAGE v. ARMITAGE. — The question in this suit, complaint had been made against a publican that which was heard on Monday last before Sir W. Page e 2 on Wood, was as to the construction of the will of Joseph certain Saturday night for the sale of beer and spirits. Armitage, Esy., of Milnsbridge House, Huddersfield, who The evidence was that when the police entered, some made his will in July, 1859, and died in 1860. By that short time after twelve o clock, they found company in will he devised lands in England and shares in the Lanthe house, with beerand spirits beforethem. The defence cashire and Yorkshire Railway upon trust for his sixth Was that no liquor had been served or sold after 20 minutes son, James, for life, and after his death, for all the chilto twelve, and the customers were only staying to drink dren and remoter issue, "born in wedlock," of James, i . vel "provided he should marry an English lady, or one The magistrates, however, convicted — and the conviction approved of by his" (testator's) "trustees, not being a ( ve. ew Zealand native," in such proportions, &c., as James Judges decided that the conviction must be quashed, should, by deed or will, appoint; and in default of ruling that though a landlord would not be justified in appointment, " before trust for aJl and every the children of said James," in equal shares as tenants in common ; in the Act — for selling was the essence of the offence — his and " for default of such issue," upon trust for his (the customers had a right to stay a reasonable time after the testator's) children, or their issue, born in the lifetime of 1 y James, as James should appoint. What happened was, they had been served before the period for closing arrived. tage married a native The conviction was therefore quashed. — The Chairman (to woman of New Zealand, een Eanes an Em who one of the offspring of the union of Samuel Ran a British subject, with Tuhi Tuhi, an aboriginal eer last remarks were hardly called for, because we think Mr. New Zealand. James Armitage died in 1863, having first Withers has been very straightforward. His witnesses by will appointed amongst all his children living at his might have been your own witnesses, because they say death and the issue of such as were dead, and then by a you were dving your best to keep good order ; but it might codicil revoked his appointment, and appointed all the i lands and railway shares to his brother Henry absolutely. company out; and, therefore, we discharge the case. The bill was filed by the plaintiffs, who were the infant children of James and Hannah Armitage, born in wed-

lock, claiming to be absolutely entitle? to the land and shares. One of the questions raised in the suit was whether Hannah Tuhi Tuhi fulfilled the condition of being " an English lady," which depended on the validity of the marriage of Samuel Randall with Tuhi Tuhi, the mother of Hannah Tuhi Tuhi; and the evidence on this point having been held by the court to be insufficient, the matter had been referred back to New Zealand for further evi-

dence, when it occurred to the plaintiffs to contend that whether the proviso as to James Armitage's marriage was fulfilled or not, they took under the gift in default of appointment ; and the question was, whether the gift in default to James's children was general, or whether it was confined to his children only in case he should marry an English lady. No claim whatever to the propertyin dispute was raised by the residuary legatees under Mr. Joseph Armitage's will and they had previously taken steps to release in favour of Mr. James Armitage ary claim they might be considered to have. Mr. G. M. Gifford, Q.C., and Mr. Nalder, appeared for the plaintiffs, and contended that the gift in default was general, and was not Jimited by the prior proi Mr. Buchanan appeared for the defendants, the trustees : Mr. Dunning appeared for Mr. Henry Armitage.

The Vice-chancellor said that the point was rather a nice one; but upon the whole construction he was of opinion that the very general terms of the gift, even in default of appointment, were not controlled by the prior proviso. The probable intention of the testator was this — that if his son James were to have children by a half caste and other children by another woman, he should not have power to appoint to the former. Be that as it might, the children of James born in wedlock must be held entitled to the funds. As to the other question, whether the children of James and Hannah born prior to their marriage in 1859 had been legitimatised bya New Zealand Act, it appeared that the Act was not passed until after one of the post-nuptial children was born. The Act, therefore, had not application whether or not it was intended to apply to land in England, or to personality, as he had kept his house open after twelve o'clock on a off what had been supplied to them before twelve.

was removed into the court above. After argument, the filling, serving, and selling liquor after the time specified hour named in the Act. to consume the liquors with which Mr. Hannan): Weare quite on your side of the question ; and we wont trouble you to eall witnesses. We think your take a quarter of an hour or 20 minutes to get the

(Loud applause.} — Mr. Withers addressed Mr. Hannan in a confidential tone of voice. — Mr. Laycock (to Mr. Withers): You have done your duty Mr. Withers; and the Magistrates have done their duty in discharging the case.


Correspondence

Correspondence,

State of Lowerhouses

State of Lowerhouses. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE, Srr, — As an old curate of Almondbury, will you kindly allow me a corner in your paper, to correct a statement which appeared lately in one or more of the Huddersfield papers. In the report to which I allude, Lowerhouses was spoken of as '" hitherto neglected." From a residence of three years at Almondbury, and from constant intercourse with the late vicar up to the time of his death, I can, of my own knowledge, affirm that Lowerhouses came in for more than its share of the vicar's anxious eare and attention for the last 15 years. The schoolhouse and teacher's residence may be named as a substantial proof of this care and attention ; and I have a distinct recollection that at least three masters and three mistresses have been employed at the school successively. Services have also been held there, and for a long time Mr. Jones was anxious that a church should be erected in the district.

Lam, Sir, yours faithfully, THOMAS WHITNEY. Marsden Parsonage, 30th January, 1868,

The Musical Services at Kirkburton Church

The Musical Services at Kirkburton Church. TO THE EDITOR OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHRONICLE, Sir, — Allow me to call attention to the disgraceful manner in which the musical part of the service at our parish church is carried out. On Sunday morning last the service commenced without any one to take the soprano part of the music. Some time after the commencement, the female singer, who takes the lead, came into the church and took ker place in the singing pew. Contrary to usual practice the psalms were chanted ; but what between the bad accentuation and the wretched voices of some of the choir, it was the greatest infliction that can be imagined, and must have been painful in the extreme to those who wished to hear the service carried out "decently and in order." The whole was shuffled through with equally bad taste, but especially the responses in the Communion. Were this an isolated instance T would not have troubled you, but as it oceurs Sunday after Sunday I think it is high time something was done to provide a remedy. It is outrageous to common decency to Near the noises that distress the ear on all occasions.

I am sure there is sufficient public spirit in Kirkburton to raise the necessary funds fora properly-organised and efficient choir. It there is not, by all means let the fact be known, and then we could throw ourselves in forma pauperis on the kindness of some surrounding charitable parish where fhings are ie Tanaged, when, no doubt, our unenviable position wou @ promptly a sedi attended to. Promnnry eae epencily Whilst on this subjeet — and anticipating better things — allow me to suggest that the orgxn be removed from its present lofty and Improper position and placed in the vacancy near the pulpit. It could be done at very little cost, and would tend to make the service what it ought to be, and much more agreeable, even with the present very inefficieat material the choir is composed of. There are numbers ready to subserive for these desirable objects if seb about is exrnest.- — -Yours respectfully ONE OF THE CONGREGATION, January 20th


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