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Roger Vaughan's U.K. History Pages
Pages from:
The British Almanac of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge
For the year of our Lord
1860
CHRONICLE OF OCCURRENCES.
Pages 256 - 263
From November 1858 to November 1859.
Nov. 1. 1858. Royal Proclamation issued throughout India announcing the transference of the authority of the East India Company to her Majesty Queen Victoria, and proclaiming a general amnesty, with exception of the leaders of the mutiny.
5. The artillery regiments of the militia to be embodied for permanent duty. The Funeral Car of Napoleon I. presented by Queen Victoria to the French nation. The car was formally delivered to Prince Napoleon at the Invalides by General Sir John Burgoyne.
6. A flock of 21 alpacas sent from England to Australia as a present to the colony from a few returned colonists and others interested in the progress of the colony.
8. The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., left London for Corfu as Special Commissioner to the lonian Islands.
11. A violent shock of earthquake felt at Lisbon and in the surrounding district.
17. The Bishop of London at his primary visitation delivered in St. Paul’s Cathedral, a charge, the reading of which occupied about five hours. About 1100 clergymen of the diocese were present, with a large number of laymen. Celebration of the Tercentenary of Queen Elizabeth’s accession to the throne.
20. Great Meeting at Edinburgh in support of Mr. Bright’s plan of Parliamentary Reform. Meetings with a similar purpose were held about this time in many of the principal towns in England and Scotland.
24. Trial of Count de Montalembert before the French Correctional Tribunal, for publishing certain statements contrasting English liberty of speech with French repression of opinion, in his pamphlet entitled ‘India and England.’ The Count was sentenced to be imprisoned for six months, and to pay 6,000 francs. This sentence was subsequently modified on appeal, and finally remitted by the Emperor.
25. Comrooder Tyabjee, a native of India, and a Mohammedan, admitted in London as an attorney. He was sworn on the Koran, the recently passed Oaths Act having rendered this possible.
28. St. Paul’s Cathedral opened for Divine Service on Sunday evenings, the nave being fitted up to accommodate upwards of 3,000 persons. The Bishop of London preached to a crowded audience. This course of special services was continued for about six months.
30. Discontent in Lombardy, especially at Milan, about this time. At a military review the King of Sardinia expressed himself as anticipating the probability of war. The City Commissioners of Sewers accept an offer made by Samuel Gurney, Esq., M.P., to erect some free drinking fountains on eligible sites in the metropolis. Numerous free drinking fountains were subsequently erected.
Dec. 10, 1858. Soirée given to Messrs. John Bright and T. M. Gibson at Manchester. The speeches of these gentlemen appeared in the 'Times’ of next morning, the report having been transmitted by electric telegraph. The ‘Times’ says, the first portion of the report was received at the Telegraph office at Manchester at 10.55 on Friday night, and the last at 1.25 on Saturday morning. The whole report, occupying nearly six columns, was in type at a quarter to 3 o’clock on Saturday morning.
12. Arrest of several persons in Belfast on the charge of being members of a Secret Society. The President of the United States, in his message to Congress, recommends that Cuba be purchased from Spain; a recommendation which gave great offence in Spain.
27. An unfounded alarm of fire at the Victoria Theatre, Lambeth, occasioned the death of 15 persons, and serious injuries to many others, mostly young persons.
Jan. 1, 1859. Warlike expressions of the Emperor Napoleon used in conversation with the Austrian ambassador gave rise to serious apprehensions of war in Italy.
9. A decree published by the Governor-General of India at Calcutta constituting the Punjab a Lieutenant-governorship. Another decree ordered the general disarming of Upper India.
10. The Prince of Wales presented a set of Colours to the 100th Regiment the Prince of Wales’ Royal Canadian Regiment of Foot at Shorncliffe Camp.
11. An attempt made to blow up a house in Sheffield, in which resided a Mr. Linley, in consequence, it is supposed, of his refusing to join the saw-grinders’ union. Happily none of the inmates were injured.
25. At this date the entire pacification of Oude was reported.
26. Celebration of the Centenary of Robert Burns’s birth-day at the Crystal Palace, Sydenham, in many of the principal towns in England and Scotland, and in the colonies.
27. Princess Frederick William of Prussia (Princess Royal of England) gave birth to a son.
29. Inauguration of Wellington College, Sandhurst, by Her Majesty the result of a public subscription in memory of the Duke of Wellington. This institution is for the training of orphan children of military men.
Feb. 1, 1859 A new weight, equal to 100 lbs. avoirdupois, and called the Cental, adopted at Liverpool, Hull, and other corn markets.
3. The Prince of Wales arrived at Rome on a visit for the purpose of inspecting the works of art in that capital.
5. Mr. Gladstone communicated to the Ionian Assembly Her Majesty’s reply refusing the prayer of their petition to be united to Greece.
7. The Prince of Wales paid a visit to the Pope. - The staff of the Stirling Castle, convict hulk in Portsmouth harbour, broken up, this being the last of the convict hulks in use, the system being now abolished.
M. Couza, the new Hospodar of Moldavia, elected also to the Hospodarship of Wallachia, thus practically uniting the two principalities under one government.
11. Extensive damage at Hoyle Mill, near Barnsley, by the bursting of the canal banks. It was estimated that 50,000,000 gallons of water had been forced out upon the fields and roads in the neighbourhood of the canal.
12. Mr. Cobden left Liverpool on a visit to the United States and Canada.
26. Armstrong’s gun, a weapon of vast range and great power, introduced into the artillery service of Great Britain, after numerous testing experiments at Woolwich. Lord Cowley goes to Vienna as special Ambassador to endeavour to mediate between Austria and France in reference to the affairs of Italy.
March 7, 1859. Arrival at Queenstown, Ireland, of Baron Poerio and 68 other Neapolitan political refugees. They had been sent off in a vessel for New York, but compelled the captain (an American) to land them, on British territory. Large subscriptions were immediately raised on their behalf in London, Cork, and other places.
19. Frightful accident on the Great Western Railway of Canada, in consequence of the embankment having given way, owing to heavy rains which fell for several days previously. Seven persons were killed, and seven received serious injuries.
23. The Archbishop of Canterbury gave his decision in the case of the Rev. Mr. Poole, accused of introducing the practice of the Confessional at St. Barnabas, Pimlico; the archbishop’s decision was confirmatory of that of the Bishop of London, revoking Mr. Poole’s license. lt has been estimated that the Indian Mutiny will cause an addition of 34,000,000l to the East Indian public debt.
28. Remains of John Hunter, the eminent surgeon, and founder of the Hunterian Museum at the College of Surgeons, removed under the direction of the Royal College of Surgeons from St. Martin’s church, and reinterred in Westminster Abbey. At Malta, the custom hitherto observed of sentries carrying arms and presenting arms at the passage of the Host in procession, was discontinued in consequence of instructions from the home government.
28. Public meeting at Willis’s Rooms, London, in aid of an effort to purchase the premises in Southampton Buildings, Holborn, occupied by the London Mechanics’ Institution, so as to free that society from debt, and relieve the trustees, one of whom is Lord Brougham, from pecuniary responsibility. The Earl of Carlisle presided, and subscriptions to the amount of about l,800l were announced.
29. Serious riots in Galway, on account of Signor Gavazzi visiting that town and delivering there a lecture against Popery.
30. Seven persons killed by an explosion of gunpowder at Hounslow Powder Mills. Trial of Daniel Sullivan on the charge of being a member of the Phoenix Secret Society. After a trial which lasted three days, Sullivan was found guilty, and sentenced to ten years’ penal servitude.
April 1, 1859. The French government decided to send an army of 60,000 men to the frontier of Sardinia. This subject is treated in ‘the War in Italy, and its Antecedents.'
At the town of Holywell, North Wales, while Wombwell’s menagerie was being exhibited, a gust of wind overturned four of the carriages, including the lion’s van. The menagerie was crowded with spectators. The exhibitor, who had been twenty-five years in the employ of the Wombwell's, was killed. Three boys were likewise killed. Several other persons received serious injuries.
2. Two new bishoprics erected for Australia, the bishopric of Brisbane (Moreton Bay), and the bishopric of Goulburn (New South Wales). Towards each of these two new bishoprics the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts contributed l,000l.- M.Miani, who has been appointed to conduct an expedition in search of the sources of the Nile, sailed from Marseille on board the Tamise steamer, belonging to the Messageries Imperiales.
7. Assembling of the Conference of representatives of the European powers in reference to the Principalities of Moldavia and Wallachia. The Conference was held at Paris.
10. About two hundred ministers of the gospel in London and the vicinity preach sermons in favour of the early closing of shops, with the view of allowing assistants additional time for mental improvement.
12. Great meeting at Willis’s Rooms, in support of the Drinking Fountains movement, the Earl of Carlisle in the chair; among the speakers were the Earl of Shaftesbury, Lord John Russell, Earl Ducie, and the Earl of Albemarle.
15. Tantia Topee, one of the leaders of the Indian mutineers, tried by court-martial at Seepree, and sentenced to death. He was hanged on the 18th.
A large boiler at the extensive spinning-works at Scouringburn, near Dundee, belonging to Messrs. Edward, exploded while the mill was full of people. Nineteen persons, mostly young women, were scalded to death or buried in the ruins, and fourteen persons were severely injured. A woman passing along the street at the time of the explosion was killed by a blow from a portion of the building. Statements copied into the English newspapers from Russian journals intimate that in several parts of Russia the peasants had formed societies having for their object the prevention of drinking ardent spirits in public-houses. A considerable falling off in the revenue followed, in consequence of the diminution of the quantity of spirits consumed. :This alarmed some of the officials, who discountenanced the movement, but the Emperor subsequently gave it his sanction.
17. Destruction by fire of King’s Newton Hall, Derbyshire, which was built about four hundred years ago.
21. The first public drinking fountain, erected under the superintendence of the Metropolitan Drinking Fountains Association, at the expense of Samuel Gurney, Esq., M.P., opened this day by Mrs. Willson, daughter of the Archbishop of Canterbury, in presence of a large number of spectators. It is situated at the corner of St. Sepulchre’s Churchyard, at the junction of Giltspur Street and Skinner Street, Snow Hill.
23. Important remains of the Roman town of Uriconium discovered in excavations made on the site near Wroxeter.
24. By the explosion of the boiler of the steamer St. Nicholas, during the passage between New Orleans and St. Louis, upwards of thirty persons lost their lives.
May 1,1859. Public thanksgiving, by authority of the Queen, for the success of the British arms in suppressing the Mutiny in India.
16. Her Majesty reviewed the troops at Aldershott, in the presence of several thousands of spectators. The Queen was accompanied by the
Prince Consort, the Princess Helena, and the Duke of Cambridge.
17. Forty-third anniversary of the Peace Society held in Finsbury Chapel, London, Joseph Pease, Esq., in the chair, Mr. Joseph Sturge, of Birmingham, who had been announced for the chair, had suddenly died three days before.
19. A reciprocal money-order system has been adopted between Great Britain and Canada.
25. A deputation from the City of London, headed by the Lord Mayor, presented a memorial to the Earl of Derby, Prime Minister, against the intervention of England in the Italian quarrel. About this time many public meetings were held in favour of non-intervention.
June 2, 1859. Departure from England of Princess Frederick William of Prussia, on her return home after a visit of ten days to the Queen and Prince Consort.
2. Meeting of Liberal Members of Parliament in Willis’s Rooms, London, to consult in reference to the position of political parties and the prospects of the Liberal cause. About three hundred Members were present. Lord John Russell, Lord Palmerston, and others, addressed the meeting.
3. The Eastern Monarch, troop-ship, burned to the water’s edge, when seven persons lost their lives.
8. A submarine telegraph cable having been laid down in the Red Sea, telegrams from India will be accelerated by about seven days.
The freedom of the City of London presented to the Earl of Elgin for his services to commerce in the treaties recently concluded by him with the Chinese and Japanese governments.
14. Ten excursionists drowned in being conveyed from the shore at Watchet to the steamer, the boats being leaky.
15. A negro insurrection took place at Puerto Cabello in Veneznela, which was suppressed after a sanguinary struggle. Mr. Bruce, British ambassador to the Emperor of China, left Shanghai for the Gulf of Pechelee, on his way to Pekin.
22. The King of the Belgians arrived in England on a visit to the Queen.
In consequence of the washing away of an embankment on the line of the Michigan Railway, a train of carriages was precipitated into the river at the South Bend, India, and about eighty persons were killed or injured.
25. The English and French forces, accompanying the English and French ambassadors to the Emperor of China, being obstructed in their passage up the Peiho river, on their way to Pekin, attempted to force their way, but were repulsed with the loss of about 450 men, and were compelled to withdraw.
29. Mr. Cobden arrived at Liverpool from his visit to the United States and Canada. He was offered by Lord Palmerston a seat in the Cabinet as President of the Board of Trade, but declined it on account of fundamental differences between Lord Palmerston and himself on the subject of the warlike expenditure of the country.
July 1, 1859. Much dissatisfaction has prevailed for some time among the troops lately in the employ of the East India Company in India, in consequence of their having been transferred unceremoniously to the Queen's service on the late transference of the Company's dominions to the Crown. A general order was in consequence issued offering the men the option of retiring from the service and being sent home to England; or re-enlisting with a bounty, and remaining on service in India. About 10,000 soldiers in consequence embraced the opportunity of retiring from the service.
The island of St. Juan, in the strait between Vancouver's Island and the Washington Territory, taken possession of by General Harney, in the name of the United States Government, an assumption protested against by Governor Douglass of British Columbia on behalf of Great Britain.
9. In the Court of Common Pleas, a point of considerable importance was decided in reference to English companies and individuals who hold slave property in foreign countries. The plaintiff in the case was a Brazilian, and the defendants were British subjects domiciled in Great Britain and members of the Imperial Brazilian Mining Association. The Court held that, even previous to 1843, British subjects were forbidden from purchasing slaves in any part of the world, certain British colonies excepted. The result of the judgment is, that the negroes purchased by the many Anglo-South-American Mining and other Companies, which sprang up about thirty years ago, are declared to have been illegally acquired.
12. Orange riot at a village near Paisley, in which one man was killed, and a number of men were severely wounded.
16. A luggage train overtook and ran into, with great force, a passenger train in a tunnel near Port-Glasgow, by which, out of 500 passengers, about 100 were more or less injured, four of them very severely. A daring attempt at burglary and murder took place on the premises of Messrs. Dewey and Dale, founders and lead merchants, Shoe Lane, London, about nine o'clock in the evening; but two of the workmen being in the factory, the burglars fled, one of them being captured when running through St. Bride's passage.
Death of the young Queen of Portugal of diphtheria, after an illness of five days: she had been only a few months married.
18. Dreadful storm over a great part of England. Several persons killed by lightning, and much property destroyed in and near London, throughout Lancashire and Yorkshire, and in other districts.
22. A deputation of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, with Lord Brougham at its head, waited on the Secretary of State for the Colonies, to remonstrate against the continuance of the immigration of Coolies to the West Indies, as being only another form of slavery.
25. Close of Vauxhall Gardens as a place of amusement, the site being about to be covered with lines of streets and terraces.
28. The 'Moniteur' contained an official statement that the Emperor has decided that the army and navy shall be restored to a peace footing with the least possible delay.
August 1, 1859. The Federal Assembly of Switzerland has adopted a law prohibiting the enrolment of Swiss in foreign service under a penalty of imprisonment for one to three months, and loss of civil fights from one to five years. Twenty-fifth anniversary of the abolition of slavery in the British dominions celebrated by public meetings in the Metropolis and elsewhere. At the London meeting in the Music Hall, Store Street, Lord Brougham presided and delivered an address.
6. A strike in the building trades of the Metropolis, in consequence of the workmen demanding that the hours of labour shall be reduced from ten to nine per day, without any reduction of the rate of wages. The strike was directed in the first instance against Messrs. Trollope and Sons, whose men struck in a body. The large employers generally made common cause with Messrs. Trollope, and closed their establishments till Messrs. Trollope's firm resumed operations. The masters also resolved that previous to re-entering their employment, the men should be required to promise not to connect themselves with any society which should interfere with the hours or wages of labour. This was repudiated by the workmen on strike, who received large contributions from trades' societies in London and the provinces in aid of their support while on strike. The erection of many public works was in consequence suspended. An arrangement was come to in November, and the strike ceased.
6. The Sultan sanctions the double return of Prince Couza as Hospodar of the Principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia, on condition of the prince visiting Constantinople to render homage to the Sultan. The Prince of Wales took up his residence for a few weeks at Holyrood Palace, while attending classes at Edinburgh University.
12. Queen Victoria paid a visit to the Channel Islands.
16. The foundation stone of a spacious Tabernacle for the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon was laid by Sir S. M. Peto, Bart., M.P., on a site near the Elephant and Castle, Newington, Surrey. The building is to accommodate about 5,000 people, and is estimated to cost, including the site, nearly £30,000.
17.The Emperor Napoleon published an amnesty to Frenchmen undergoing imprisonment or exile, or subjected to surveillance for political offences.
19. Dr. Smethurst, of Richmond, after a lengthened trial, found guilty of the murder, by poisoning, of Miss Isabella Bankes, and sentenced to death; but subsequently reprieved during pleasure. On the 12th of Nov. He was committed for trial for bigamy, a free pardon being given to him in respect of the capital sentence.
21. Disturbances at the Church of St. George's in the East, London, in consequence of the Rector, the Rev. Bryan King, adopting a ritual, and using vestments similar to those of the Roman Catholics, and his refusal to allow a suitable time for the Sunday afternoon Lecture by the Rev. Hugh Allen. About ten weeks later the Bishop of London undertook to arbitrate in the case, and propounded an accommodation: this proved ineffective, for after the church had been shut up for several Sundays, on its being reopened, the disturbances were recommenced.
Sept. 1, 1859. Considerable excitement on the subject of religion in the north of Ireland: many meetings held for prayer, and preaching the gospel on week days as well as on Sundays: many ministers and others from England and Scotland visited the district and took part in the proceedings. Similar excitement about this time in the north and west of Scotland, in the United States of America, and in Sweden.
Public attention drawn to the subject of flogging in the army, in consequence of the frequency and severity of punishments of this nature at Woolwich. A man named Davies was flogged nearly to death, and the public agitation which ensued led to a modification of the rules of military discipline, which was announced in an order of the Commander in Chief in November.
6. The Emperor of Austria granted the free exercise of religion to the people of Hungary. Some of the conditions of this toleration were not acceptable to those for whose relief it was professedly granted.
7. The 'Great Eastern' steam-ship, left her moorings at Deptford for Portland-roads. On the voyage, which was otherwise satisfactory, an explosion took place off Hastings, owing to some imperfection or neglect in connection with the casing of one of the boilers, when ten firemen were killed, and several other persons seriously injured. The Grand Duke Constantine of Russia left England after a visit of several weeks.
15. Foundation stone of the first public drinking fountain in Sheffield, laid by Mr. Horace Mayhew, of London. It was erected at the cost of Messrs. Levy and Sons, clothiers.
16. Meeting at Aberdeen of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, the Prince Consort taking the chair, and delivering an address as President.
18. The Shock of an earthquake felt at New Quay, Cornwall. The shock lasted for about a minute. A tremendous gale, which did much damage in the metropolis, and was severely felt by the shipping in the Channel.
Arrival of Capt. M'Clintock, in the 'Fox' yacht, bringing intelligence of the death of Sir John Franklin in 1847, and the presumed death of all the officers and men of the expedition under Sir John's care. Capt. M'Clintock brought home numerous relics of the expedition. Engagement between the French and the Moors in Algeria.
21. Upwards of two hundred persons, some of them high in office, arrested at Constantinople, on a charge of conspiracy against the Sultan.
22. In connection with the Established Church, the whole metropolitan circuit is to be divided into twenty districts; and it is proposed that an annual general meeting of the several incumbents shall take place in each separate district, for the purpose of appointing as consulters sixteen laymen resident therein, to adopt measures for the defence of the Church against attacks in and out of Parliament.
27. About 20 persons lost their lives by an explosion of gunpowder in a percussion-cap manufactory in Birmingham.
28. Freedom of the City of Aberdeen presented to Lord John Russell.
Oct. 6, 1859. Colonel Anviti, late President of the Military Commission of the Ex-duchy of Parma, being discovered in Parma in disguise, and suspected of getting up a conspiracy against the popular liberties, was attacked by a mob and murdered. The provisional government took measures to bring the perpetrators of this outrage to justice.
10. Meeting of the Association for the Advancement of Social Science at Bradford, Yorkshire.
14. Queen Victoria formally opened the works by which Glasgow is supplied with water from Loch Katrine.
I7. The Prince of Wales commenced residence at Frewen Hall, Oxford, as a student. Negro insurrection at Harper's Ferry, United States.
18. Sixth Annual Meeting of the United Kingdom Alliance for the Suppression of the Liquor Traffic, held in the Free Trade Hall, Manchester, Sir W. C. Trevelyan, Bert., in the chair.
20. Hostilities commenced between Spain and Morocco.
22. Sir John Dean Paul, and Mr. Strahan, the convict bankers, released from prison, after having undergone four years' penal servitude.
25. The Morocco government energetically protested against the harsh and precipitous conduct of Spain in commencing hostilities. The protest, which is addressed to the representatives of foreign Powers resident at Tangier, and is signed Mohamed le Katib, the Morocco Minister for Foreign Affairs, concludes thus :-" Our desire is to keep up the most friendly relations with all nations; but we renew our protest against the unjust conduct of the Spanish nation, which does not know how to decide on what it demands, or to respect its promises. We appeal to Almighty God and to the great and powerful Governments of Europe and America; we appeal to all men who in this world follow the path of justice, and who judge the rights of others without having recourse to force. We put our trust in God, praying Him to regard us with a favourable eye. We calmly await the course of events, and we shall act in such a way that no one shall be able to reproach us; all the evil will come from our enemies. Peace be with you
26. Terrific gale, causing extensive loss of life and property over England and on the coasts. 'The Royal Charter,' homeward bound from Australia, was wrecked off the Isle of Anglesey, and of a crew and passengers numbering 500, more than 450 perished.
28. Lord Brougham elected Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh.
Nov. 1, 1859. The Great Eastern steamship left Holyhead to Southampton to be there exhibited to the public for a time.
A mason, named William Pereham committed to prison for two months for intimidating workmen, in connection with the builders' strike. Pereham appealed, and was admitted to bail.
3. This day appointed by the Governor-General of Canada as a day of public thanksgiving for the abundant harvest.
5. In the week ending this day 18,441 passed through the Thames Tunnel, and paid £76.16.9d
It was stated, in a discussion at a meeting of the Mersey Dock Board, by Mr. Bushell, one of the members that the docks at Liverpool now comprised 240 acres of water area, and 15 miles of lineal quay space. The docks at Birkenhead, when completed would furnish a water area of 170 acres, and a lineal quay space of 9 miles, at a cost of £3,000,000. The Liverpool Docks represent an amount of about £7,000,000.
9. Eighteenth anniversary of the birthday of the Prince of Wales, after which he is eligible, should the emergency arise, to assume the sceptre. His sister, the Princess Frederick William of Prussia, with her husband, came to England to be present at the celebration of the Prince of Wales's birthday as well as her own, which occurs on November 21st.
Overflowing meeting at Exeter Hall on occasion of a demonstration of a body of Teetotallers formed into Societies called Lodges, under the designation of the Sons of the Phoenix the leading features of the organization being those of benefit societies. The assembly was addressed by working men, one from each Society or Lodge.
10. The centenary of the birth of the German poet Schiller celebrated in various parts of Germany, also in America, and in England. At the Crystal Palace upwards of 15,000 persons assembled, the majority of whom were Germans, who concluded the celebration with a torch-light procession; a novelty in England, which was both singular and effective.
12. A. decree of the Sultan imposed a limit upon the luxury of the Turkish women of high position, and ordered certain changes in their costume. The new Grand Vizier has originated certain measures of reform in financial matters, which have been acquiesced in by the other ministers.
A county meeting, held in the Shire-hall, Worcester, 'to consider the best method of improving the system of hiring agricultural servants.' Lord Lyttelton, the Lord-Lieutenant of Worcestersbire, presided, and the meeting was addressed by Sir J. Pakington; Mr. Bull, a tenant-farmer; Sir E. A. H. Lechmere; the Hon. F. Lygon, and other magistrates. - Resolutions were adopted in condemnation of the system of hiring servants at statute fairs and 'mops,' and in favour of establishing a system of registration in districts, with a central office at Worcester.
In the week ending this day, the visitors to the Museum of Patents, South Kensington, numbered 2,472, namely, mornings 1,093, evenings 1,433. The total number of visitors since the opening of the Museum free daily, May 12, 1858, is 161,308.
13. In accordance with a suggestion made by Dr. Miller, the rector of the parish of Birmingham, a general collection was made in the churches and chapels of all denominations in Birmingham and the vicinity, in order to relieve the General Hospital of the town from a debt of between £3,000. and £4,000., which greatly crippled its usefulness. The result was very gratifying, the total amount of the collections being about £3,500. The Jews held a special service for the object, when Dr. Baar, of Liverpool, preached, and £105 was collected.
14. About this time numerous volunteer rifle corps were formed in various parts of the United Kingdom.
At a meeting of the Royal Geographical Society, Sir Roderick Murchison in the Chair, Capt. M'Clintock read a memoir of his voyage on board the yacht Fox, in search of the survivors of the expedition of Sir John Franklin. The meeting is said to have been the largest, perhaps, ever held of the Members of the Royal Geographical Society. A vote of thanks was unanimously passed to Capt. M'Clintock for his memoir.
16. The tribunal of the Inquisition abolished by the Provisional Government of Tuscany.
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