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REPORT OF THE MECHANICS^ INSTITUTE AND LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. The Sub-committee appointed by the Maiaging Committee to draw up a re- port of the origin, progress and present condition of the Richmond Hill Mecha- nic's Institute and Library Association, with the view of its being laid before His Excellency the Governor and Council, beg leave to report: 1st. That towards the close of the winter of 1S58 a weekly course of lec- tures on literary and scientific subjects was delivered within the Grammar School House of this village, which course of lec- tures was numerously attended, and highly appreciated by the inhabitants of this place ; and considered by many persons an excellent means of diffusing useful and entertaining information on a variety of subjects which could not otherwise be brought before the public mind, and as tending to create and foster a taste for the reading of such books as are likely to pro- mote the intellectual, moral and social well-being of a people. 2nd. That at the close of the last lec- ture of said coune on the 4th of May, 1858, a public meeting was convened for the purpose of considering the propriety and expediency of forming a Mechanic's Institute and Library Association for the benefit of this village and neighborhood.-- Amos Wright, Esq., M.P.P., was called to the chair, and II. Edwards was ap- pointed secretary. The chairman slated briefly the object of the meeting, when after some friendly discussion the follow- ing resolutions were submitted to the meeting. Moved by D. McNaughton, seconded by A. Law, and carried, that a Mecha- nics Institute and Library Association be formed in this village, to be called the Richmond Hill Mechanic's Institute and' Library Association. Moved by George McPhillips, and seconded by William 11 arrison, and carried,-- That a committee be appointed to draw up a constitution and By-law ; and that said committee consist of the Rev. Messrs. Boyd, Dick, G. P. Dickson, Esq., and the mover. The meeting then adjourned till the 18th inst, 3rd. That on the 18th of May, 1858, a public meeting was held, aecording to adjournment. E. Sheppard was called to the chair--H. Edwards was elected Secretary. The chairman stated the object of the meeting, and called for the report of the committee appointed at the previous meeting. Rev. J. Boyd on be- half of the Committee, reported that they ad not met, but that he had been re- quested by some of the members to sketch a draft of a constitution and By-law^ which if agreeable, he would now read to the meeting, paragraph after paragraph, the draft was then read, and commented upon ; when after some friendly discus- sion it was moved by Mr. William Har- rison, and seconded by Georgia McPhil- lips, and carried--that the constitution and By-laws now read be adopted, as the constitution and By-laws of this Institute and Association--and that the [lev. J. Boyd be requested to have said constitu- tion and By-laws registered at his earliest, convenience. Rev. J. Boyd agreed to see the document filed as soon as possible. It was then moved by IL Sanderson, and seconded by J. K. Falconbridge, and carried,--That the following gentle- men be appointed the Officers and Com- mittee of Management for the ensuing year.--Amos Wright, Esq., M.P.P., President; G. P. Dickson, Esq., Vice- president; J. Arnold, Treasurer j Rev. James Dick, Secretary, Rev. James Boyd, Librarian. Committee--George McPhillips, Parker Crosby, Dr. James Langstaff, Abraham Law, William Harri- son, II.Edwards, Edwai d Sheppard, Robt Mar*'n. The meeting being adjourned sina die. 4th. That the next meeeting of the Managing Committee was held within the Grammar School House, Nov. 5th, 1858- G. P. Dickson, Esq., m the chiir. II. Edwards, Secretary. The chairman stated that tbe objcct of the meeting was to arrange a course of lectures for the en- suing winter, and (or otner business. Rev. J. Boyd reported that he had got the con- stitution and By-laws registered, bearing date of the 19th of June last. Some new members were admitted--several gentlemen were named as lecturers, and at a subsequent meeting of committee a course was agreed upon, part of which has been delivered as follows : 1st. Rev. Jas. Dick, on the Duties of young Men. 2d. Alexander McLachlan, on Words- worth, Moore and Campbell. 3d. Rev. J. Hunt, on the Common Origin of the Human Race. 4th. Rev. L. Griffith, on the Fine Arts. 5th. Mr. Charles McFadgan, on the Genius and Poetry oi Sir Walter Scott. The other lectures of the course are Bow being delivered. These lectures are well attended, the house being filled on each occasion. They are also much va- lued by the people. The Institute and Association consists of 64 members. It has a Library, counting 367 vols. of use- ful and entertaining works, on literary and scientific subjects, with a small sum of money in the Treasurer's hands, which constitutes all the property held and pos- sessed by said Institute and Association ; and in order to enable the committee to carry out more fully the objects for which such institutes and associations are foi med, this report is drawn up with the view and in the hope, that as this institute and as- sociation has complied with the statute 19 and 20 Vic. chap. 51, of the Provin- cial Parliament, it may be placed upon the list of such associations, and receive in this year, and each succeeding year the sum of fifty pounds Halifax currency, or any other sum which His Excellency the Go- vernor and Council, may see fit to appro- priate. All ot which ii> respectfully submitted. Signed, t*. McPHlLLIPS, ) H. ED VVA RDS, } Sub-Committee. J. BOYD, ) G. P, DICKSON, Vice-President. II. EDWARDS, Socrotary. TO CORRESPONDEDTS. No Communication of a purely personal character, and having no bearing ou tho gen- eral interests of the community, will be pub- lished in this paper. Communications, how- ever, on all interesting subjects will be thank- fully received aud willingly inserted. To in- sure attention, Correspondents must send their names and write in a legiable hand. Let each communication be as brief as the nature of the ubject will allow. ijark Cutiitnoiiwealii) RICHMOND HILL. MAR.. 11,1859. ■». i',; p, i .i r " ' j OUR DOMESTIC RELATIONS. Subsidiary to our editorial of last week, we feel called upon in the discharge of a public duty, to notice in our present issue, as briefly as may be, and with the sole view to the advancement of the interests of our locale, an ano- malous and unhappy phasis of so- ciety which exists amongst us.-- Our readers will easily conjecture what we allude to. Is it not a fact, patent to us all, thal our lead- ing men--men of iniellect and edu- cation, have hitherto held aloof from each other, whilst some have even dealt, in no very measured terms either, in personal invectives. We have constantly deplored this state of things ; and still, we hardly know how to apply a re- medy--notwithstanding ; the exi- gencies of the public welfare, require us to deal, in a measure, with this diseased state of society, and moreover command us to use our humble efforts, to re- concile these differences, as far as practicable, to " pour oil on the troubled waters around us," long enough in all conscience, seething with broils and heart burn- ings. It shall henceforth be our philanthropic duty to strive to cool them down to a bearable tempera- ture (occasioually through out co- lumns, if need be.) We expect doubtless to subject ourselves to some criticism, possibly reprehen- sion, for not closing our ears, and shutting our eyes, to such a sad state of things, nevertheless being of a venturesome turn, and albeit our motives of the purest quality, we shall lay on--not counting the risk. Our present observations have been called forth by circumstances which have occurred so recently, coupled with the receipt of anony- mous productions, some of them not of the most elevating charac- ter.--We detest and abhor the an- onymous system, and shall not swerve from cur already registered decision on this subject, whilst we may append a codicil lo our decla- ration, however, namely--that our paper shall be ever open to corres- pondents who pay due respect to public morality. For ourselves, we have the hardihood to advance our unqualified right to look into those rancorous animosities, pro bono publico. We hold that one of the multi- farious duties of a newspaper is to reconcile discordant elements, so as to bring them to bear (ac- tively) on subjects calculated lo advance the interests of lhat lo- cality from which it derives its chief! support. We have the story fresh within our own recollection, and were somewhat startled, we declare, at the lime, by the infor- mation--that from some mysterious incentive--parties who had by pe- tition called a large Educa- tional Institution into embryotic ex- istence, had e're long, absolutely before the ink was dry on the pa- per, striven hard to strangle their offspring, whilst yet swathed in its swadling garments. These gen- tlemen have outlived the motive, and to their honor be it told, regret the act, having ' since somewhat atoned, by the wholesome super- vision they join in exercising over the unsuspecting well nigh (vic- tim) of their misguided efforts.-- We rejoice to say, our favorite En- dowment has expanded into ma- turity, and shall flourish a lasting monument of the untiring energy of a few resolute individuals.-- We shall no doubt be asked, why we conjure up these reminisences? Our answer is to point out the ab- solute folly, nay, positive detri- ment to the Common Wealth, if the same system be persisted in.-- Gentlemen, we crave from you unanimity and cordiality towards the advancement of public in- interests. " Let that charity which covereth a multitude of sins, not be to us as sounding brass and a tinkling symbol." In conclusion, we fervently hope that our undisguised inten- tion in thus casually draw- ing attention to these diffi- culties, which we regret to say, beset our path as a public servant, will not be misconstrued ; but that our friends will earnestly recipro- cate our kindly intentions. Respice fmcm. MUNICIPAL COUNCILS. In another column will be found a report of the proceedings of the Municipal Council of Markham We purpose furnishing reports regular ly through our paper, of whatever interesting subjects may be brought up and disposed of at these meetings. We would soli- cit the earnest attention of the Rate-payers to such matters, inas- much as we are disposed to think that, a little vigilance, if it is not absolutely necessary, at all events will not be thrown away. We shall co-operate to the best of our humble ability in every well di- rected effort to reduce taxation, and expose looseness of manage- ment in those little coteries. We have an idea that the Rate-payers can do much towards helping us in this direction. Let, them be more disinterested in their selections of Councilmen--sink party and poli- tical feeling, and return honest men, regardless ol party strife-- by so doing they may be assured they will benefit themselves indi- rectly. Those that cannot help themselves deserve neither help nor sympathy. We congratulate tlie Council on the selection of Audi- tors. We have no fears but that the duties appertaining thereto will be fearlessly and efficiently performed.--When the report of those gentlemen come before us, we shall submit to our supporters anything in it requiring special notice. VVe shall have somewhat to say by and bye on the way the duties of Auditors have been car- ried out hitherto. MUNICIPAL COUNCIL OF TIIE TOWNSHIP OF MARKHAM. A meeting of the Council was held at Unionvilie on Saturday, the 5th inst.--the Reeve (D. Ree- sor, Esq.; in the chair. Members all present. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Two petitions were presented by the Reeve from School Section, No. 2, Whitchurch and Markham, pray- ing that the Union School be closed. * Petition presented by the Reeve that there be no change. Several petitions were presented by the Reeve, and Robert Marsh, Esq., (Deputy Reeve) ; some from Sparta and vicinity, Itingwood, Stouffville, and Victoria Square, all very numerously signed, pray- ing the Council to grant a Munici- pal Prohibitory Liquor Law. Petition presented by Mr. Marsh from the License Inspectors, pray- ing that the amount of Store Li- cense for selling liquor be raised to $80 dollars. Petition presented by the Reeve from the Hotel-keepers of Mark- ham, praying that the amount of their licenses be reduced. Petition presented by Mr. Marsh from Dr. John Duncumb, A. Law, and others, praying the Council to grant aid towards the support of Jane Ilasby, who is deaf and dumb. Mr. Marsh moved, and Mr. Fen- wick seconded, that the several pe- titions praying the Council lo pass a Prohibitory Liquor Law, be laid over until next meeting, to give time for an expression of opinion to be received (by petition) from other Wards.--Carried. APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS. Mr. Marsh moved, and Mr. But- ton seconded, that Archibald Barker be appointed one of the Auditors cf the accounts of 1858.-- Carried. On the nomination ef the Reeve, G. P. Dickson, Esq., was also ap- pointed as Auditor.--Carried. Mr. Fenwick moved, and Mr. Button seconded, that no action be taken on the petitions to break up School Section No. 2, Markham and Whitchurch, for the present.-- Carried. JMr. Marsh moved, and Mr. But- ton seconded, that the petition pray-1 i g for a grant towards the support of Jane Hasby, a deaf and dumb person, be laid over for the present, until some general provision is made for such cases of destitution.-- Carried. Mr. Marsh moved, and Mr. But- ton seconded, that the arrears of Union School Section Taxes on non- resident lands in Markham due to School Section, No. 4, of Markham and Whitchurch, be paid to the Treasurer ol said section out of the funds of the Municipality.--Carried Mr. Marsh moved, and Mr. But- ton seconded, and carried through three readings, that By-law No. 59 be repealed ; and that store-keepers in future pay £11 5s. currency as license to sell Wine, Brandy, and other Liquors, instead of £10 as heretofore. Yeas--R. Marsh, and W. Button.--Nays--J Bowman and A. II. Fenwick. Carried by the casting vote of the Reeve. Mr. R. Marsh introduced for first reading a By-law to regulate vari- ous Exhibitions. Read a first time. Mr. Button moved, and Mr. Marsh seconded, that it be submit- ted for second reading at next meet- ing.--Carried. Mr. Button moved, and Mr. Marsh seconded, that the Clerk be authorized to make enquiry as to the amount allowed for payment of witnesses. Carried. Mr, Bowman moved, and Mr. Marsh seconded, that the Treasurer be authorized to supply each Coun- cilman and Clerk with the Munici- pal Manual, edited by R. Harrison, Esq, and published by A. Maclear & Co., out of tlie funds of the Mu- nicipality ; said copies to be given 'to their successors.--Carried,. Mr. Button moved, and Mr.Bow- man seconded, that the Council do now adjourn till the last Saturday in April.--Carried. OUR PARLIAMENTARY SUM- M A R Y. Our Parliamentary recapitulation is this week unusually barren, if we only except a bill introduced by the Inspector General to amend an act of 1858, and to make more advantageous provision for the re- demption of Provincial Debentures, (God save the mark) and the con- solidation of the Public Debt. The same officer has moved for a Com- mittee to consider the question of Banking and Currency. This lat- ter is a step in the right direction, and we shall watch with much in- terest the action the Government purpose taking on this important subject. Banking in Canada is but another name for bill shaving, wTe sincerely believe. We promise our farming friends, ere long, some amusing criticisms on Banking as practiced in this country. Judg- ing by past and present experience, we shall have the warmest encour- agement, we doubt not, il we de- vote a column or two to some strictures on the facility with which the farming community are accommodated by tho Banking- Bill-Shaving establishments in this Province. Col. Prince has intro- duced a Bill for preventing individ- uals from carrying dead'y weapons, a good measure, loudly demanded by the recent sickening occurrences. VVe cannot lay too much value on the wretched culprit (Fleming's,) assertion, "that il he had no knife at the time of the murder about him, there would have been no bloodshed." It is our unfailing con- viction that the possession of dead- ly weapons invariably excites to deeds of blood. A Bill introduced by Mr. DeBlaquire to substitute Declarations for Oaths in the Di- vision Courts, passed a first read- ing. A motion by the. same party was referred back to a Select Com- mittee to consider the amendment of the Tavern License law of Up- per Canada. The above constitutes an epitome of this week's legislation at nine hundred pounds per diem, and farmers will con&idei the "value received." LECTURES. The usual lecture in connection w7ith the Richmond Hill Mechanics Institute and Debating Society, was delivered in the Grammar School on Friday, the 14th inst.. by Mr. McFadyen, who was introduc- ed by G. P. McPhillips, E?q.-- Subject : "The genius and poetry of Sir Walter Scott." The meet ing was very well attended, and a vote of thanks passed to Mr. Me Fadyen. On Tuesday Evening next, the 15th inst., the Rev. H. Wilkinson w'ill deliver a lecture in connection with the above Institute at the same place, at half-past seven--Subject: "The duty and advantages of punc- tuality in paying debts." $Cf=»We shall publish the pro- ceedings of the Council of the Township of Vaughan in our next. THE EXECUTIONS in TORONTO. Friday morning being appointed for the execution, hundreds of people trooped dovrn to the gaol at an early hour and continued to wait outside the building, tramping about in the mire and shivering irom the dampness of tlie weather. The many groups assembling in the vicinty shortly after six o'clock, remained outside watching with painful eagerness the con- cluding operations of the carpenters in fixing the gallows. Inside the gaol, all was dreary and sor- rowful. At the door, as one entered, sat O'Leary's sister, weeping and bewail- ing her sad lot, which, indeed, she has scarcely ever ceased to do since the trial of her brother. As the hour drew nigh, Fleming be- came much affected, and was so weak that he had to call for wine twice, when it was brought to him by Dr. Richardson. Thus the time wore on until nine o'clock. In the meantime the multitude outside tbe walls had swelled tc> thousands, males and females. Yet hundreds more poured along Front and King streets, to the scene of execution. Very many of the windows and house-tops in the vicini- ty were filled with spectators. Berkely street was not only impassible to pedestri- ans, but the road was also blocked up with carts, wagons and cabs, full of peo- ple. Even the wails of the prison in some part? were scaled by adventurous spectators. Altogether the number pre- sent must have been eleven or twelve thousand. Both criminals were pinioned shortly after nine o'clock. Fleming joined with the Rev. Mr. Marling iu prayer up to the moment of leaving his cell for the sea ffold. In O'L t;aryts cell the scene was b^art-rending in the extreme. His sister was admitted to a last interview, and her exclamations of grief were heard a long distance outside the cell. At length she was removed, and both prison- ers were led out Of their cefls, their arms pinioned, and wearing white caps on their heads. They wore neither coats nor vests. The hangman also appeared, wearing a hideous mask, and white clothes. To see that man shambling along was a ghastly and frightful spectacle. 'IIIE EXECUTIONS. At five minutes to teno'clock the crimd- inals were brought out of the jail, into the back yard and conducted to the scaffolr. Fleming was attended'by the Rev. Mer Marling, who engaged with him in pram' as they walked along the yard. O'Leay, was attended by the Rev. Mr. Roone o Homan Catholic clergyman, and they als>e joined in prayer as they proceeded to the scaffold. O'Leary was the first to break the death sil.anee which had pervaded the; mass of people ^ho had crowded outside the w.ill and every available place to view the execution. lie stepped for- ward to ilie front of the gallows, and in a li .in, unfaltering tone read from a paper in tbe following words i My dear friends,--As reparts are <roin°' i 1 • 1 £5 © abroad in tne newspapers that I have not expressed contrition for my sins--neither have I, they say, made any confession--I beg leave to contradict it before you all. W ith my whole heart I do feel contrition for my sins, and particularly for that crime fot which I ain now going to offer up my life, and would a thousand lives if 1 had them, for what use is this life to lhat in the world to come. I also tell you, dear friends, that 1 have made my confession with as good a disposition as I was capable ol. And besides, I would not change my situation lor that of the Queen of England ; because I f;el confi dent that I am prepared, I hope, lo meet my Creator with a clear conscience, and therefore I trust in His great mercy that I will participate in His glory before the setting of this day's sun. I humbly beg, therefore, my dear friends, that you will pray to the Lord to have mercy upon my soul. The priest then told the criminal to humble himself and make an open con- trition. The prisoner knelt down with a cruci- fix in his hands. He said that he felt perfectly satisfied that he was a lioman Catholic, aud made other statements which could not be heard. After awhile he addressed the crowd aaain and said, I forgive the world and I hope the Lord wili forgive me. I hope you will pray the Lord to have meicy on my soul. Several voices responded, "May the Lord have mercy on his soul." lie then continued in prayer with tbe tier. Mr. Rooney, and attention was di- rected to the other criminal. Besides the Rev. Mr. Marling, Mr. Davey, the city Missionary of the Wes- leyan Church, took a place near Flera- ing, giving him spiritual consolation. Fleming uttered nothing; he had in- tended reading his confession which we publndied yesterday morning but as the document had already been made public, he was advised by his attending clergy- man not to read it He met bis end calm- ly and cooly. When the clergymen bad concluded prayer, the nooses having in the meantime been adjusted to the necks of the crimi- nals, and at the given signal of tbe Sheriff just as the clock struck 10, tbe bolt was drawn, tbe trap lowered, and the bodies fell to the distance of about eight feet. O'Leary died without an apparent strug- gle. Fleming seemed not to go off so easily ; his legs moved, and a slight writh- ing was visible about the shoulders. The bodies were allowed to hang for half an hour, and by which time every spark of life bad fled ; they were then cut down and placed in the dispensary in the gaol for some time, and afterwards given to their friends for burial. The London Times says that a single mes- sage over the cable when first opened, by which the embarkation of tho Canadian Regiments for fndia were countermanded, saved the go vornment at least ^250,000. THE TAX ON BOOKS. From the Globe. The sympathies of the Government are evinced unmislakeabiy by sundry items in Mr. Oalt's tariff, Tiie duty on brandy is diminished; tiie tax upon printing paper is increased. Th*- duty upon common cigars is reduced ; and a tax of ten per cent, is to be levied upon printed books. The parallel might be extended, but these illustrations are sufficient. They prove that whilst reductions are made upon ar- ticles which might most properly be sub- jected to the heaviest taxation, new bur- thens are placed upon the food, so to speak, that nurtures and strengthens the intelligence of the land. Drink brandy and smoke tobacco, and the Government befriend your pocket. Buy books, and forthwith the Inspector General pounces upon you as a fit subject for financial ds pletion. By one measure newspapers are lo be taxed. By the tariff books are to be taxed. Could we have stronger evi- dence of the hostility of tlie Government to the diffusion of knowledge among the people 1 Last session, tbe Protectionist Associ- ation excepted books from the application of their principle. Mr. Galt is not so scrupulous. He insists upon ten per cent. And by tbe exaction of that duty, if Parliament concur, he will do much to break down bookselling as a trade within the limits of the Province. As a people, we submit to enormous taxation to sustain a Common School system ; we have a pampered Educational department ; we grant money to Mecha- nics' Institutes; we are thorough spend- thrifts under the pretence of enlightening the people. And having taught people to read, we are now to tax books to keep ihem from reading. Having helped to build Institutes, we are to swell the cost of books by a percentage out of all propor- tion to publishers' prices. Even h«re, however, there is to be liyersonian jugglery. The Doctor is still to be secured in bis " casual ad- vantages." For Mr. Galt provides that books shah be admitted free provided " the same be imported by or for the "use of philosophical societies universities. " colleges, public schools, or institutes." So that, whilst booksellers, catering for the pulbic taste,are to suffer by a limita- tion oi demand ; whilst the mechanic or the farmer, buying a book, must pay a tribute of ten per cent, to a brandy- cheapening, cigar-cheapening Govern- ment ; Dr. Ryerson's bookselling shop will be privileged to import books free from duly. Were Mr. Galt's aim to drive the legitimate trade from the coun- try, he could not go more effectually to woik than by tlie proposed arrangement. It is tiie very thing which is wanted to strengthen the monopoly, f heady intoler- able, and to choke th* channel on which the general reader, rich or poor, relies for liis, supply of literature. it has been ur^ed iu Mr. Gait's be- half that the tax will operate beneficially by preventing the importation of the cheap, yellow-covered literature which does so much to demoralize our youth.-- But tbe eonti ary is the fact. The trashy romance affords to the importer a profit of forty per cent, and upwards; the standard book, tbe desiderated educa- tor, yields but twenty five per cent, profit Evidently, therefore, the seilei of worth- less books will be able to pay the tax, and still have a good margin lor profit; the respectable bookseller, meanwhile, having no such advantage. This, how- ever, is in harmony with the principle of Mr Galt's scheme. Making brandy ami cigars more accessible, it is to be expect- ed that he will give the preference to Eugene Sue, Reynolds, arid authors of the blood-aod-tlnmder school, over those who write only to inform and improve. What an army of customs' officers will be required, too, to enforce tlie tax.-- Fancy every carpet-bag, from east or west, ovei hauled--every reticule peeped into--every pocket ransacked ; all to prevent the handling of books. The ab- surdity of tlie tax as a source of net re- venue, will only be lost sight of, by rea- son of its unreasonableness and wrong.-- As a source of profit to the Government, the tax will be too inconsiderable to be noticeable. But it. will nevertheless suf- fice to check the importation of books aud put a button on the pocket of readers.-- So we go--backward !. A Lion at Large on Board Skip. --The llivnluya, screw troop ship, Com- mander John beceomhe, arrived at Spit- head yesterday morning from the Mediter- ranean. She left Ma'ta on tbe 2-llh ult.. and Tangiere on the 30th, having proceed- ed thither to ship a number of presents to her Majesty the Queen of Great Britain from the Emperor of Morocco. Those presents consist of one lion, one leopard, one buffalo, one antelope, ten Arab horses, and six ostriches, together with several cases of valuable shawls, silks, and curiosities. An alarming incident occur- red on the Himalaya's passage home. On the 2nd instant, owing to some care- lessness on the part of his keeper (a Moor), the lion, a full grown animal, burst through his cage door and speedi'y cleared the main deck of iiuman beings. As may be imagined, tbe utmost consternation was occasioned on board the ship, and the pas- sengers and crew took tbe speediest mea- sures for their safety, the latter taking re- fuge in the riggino: of the vessel. The king of the forest (and pro tern. of tbe ship also) condescended in his short per- ambulation to ' smell'the buffalo, who was tied up in an adjoining stall, and the latter showed fight by naking a vigorous butt at bis majesty, who resented the attack by flooring his opponent with one stroke of the paw. The lion, it is said, had com- mand of the deck for some time, until a rope was thrown over bis bead and hauled taut. The animal struggled to free him- self, but his legs were secured, and he was hauled back to his den. But for the energy and courage thus displayed some mischief might have occurred ; as it was the lion was not secured until he had ie- ceived some heavy blows on the head with a marlingspike. WHO IS HE] Frem the Leader. We are a fast people. Everything de- notes it. Bankruptcies, sudden transitions' to power and as sudden overthrows are' not uufrequent occunences. Fast youn£ men, who sport fast horses, dog-carts, peg- tops, bank-robbers, church-breakers and dog-fighters we number among our inhabi- tants. Even murderers and executions are things not unknown to us. A falling, off in the importations--a decline in the customs' duties, do not at all affect these' tilings. They flourish in all stages of ad- versity as well as prosperity. Such was the subject of our discussion yesterday wilh some friends on King Street. Suddenly, however, the train of our cogitation was knocked from off ita> equilibrium by one of our friends exclaim- ng in a somewhat surprised tone--' Who- is this approaching ] Who is this officer *o- richly dressed 1 What a display of gilt Uce and tinsel1 What a splendid mous- tache ! What exquisite whiskers I What grand peg-tops ! What a hauteur prevades his countenance,' and then, as if suddenly catching a new idea he utters itv a tone of surprise, ' O tempora! O mores ! It is our new Chief of Police/ We were somewhat surprised at this change in our friends tone and manner* l'he revelation struck us as startling. We could hardly believe our eyes. It was a fact. Our surprise, however^, speedily vanished at the recollection that our worthy Chief was lately introduced ta- the public through the medium of a com- munication from the Police Commissiouer as ' William Stratton Prince, late of the list.' Military discipline aud military dress was therefore to be the order of the' day. Men were made to be walking aur- tomatous--bow at tbe presence of the ' commanding officer,' bow when he com- menced to speak, bow at his retiring- We do not desire fo. be cynical. By no. means. VVe only note I he fact as chroni- clers of current events. The public; should be made aware of all changes in our metropolitan force as in every thing else,, and we luslen to gratify their desires.. And it is really refreshing these dull times to be able to record such a sign of our go- aheadutiveness. We only hope lhat such-, an elaborate outfit may not be incompati- ble with the duties of a Chief of Police-- lhat it will not prevent the wearer from, rushing in among a crowd of peace break- ers when the necessity may require it, and uphold the majesty of tlie law which he is sworn to defend. If so why the good na* tured public will look admiringly on, so long as they do not feel the ruthless hands of their rulers thrust too deeply in their pockets y if not--not. Shortly after our little surprise in thi*. matter had cooled down we also happened to see the Deputy Chief in a somewhat similar rig. It is exceedingly pretty,,and quite a novelty ! The good natured De-. puty--who stands 6 feet 7 in his boots-- is a sight to admire, dress and all, and we- hope lhat nothing will occur to deprive him of a long lease of his really handsome, uniiorm. A fire occurred in Hamilton on Tuesday evening, between eight and nine o'clock, by which the stable in the rear ol Dr. Roseburgh's resi-- dence on York street, was speedily, consumed, and we regret to say that a valuable horse perished in the flames. By the exertion of the firemen the conflagration was pre-- vented from spreading. The pro- bable loss was about $800.-- Globe.. Drowned.--A melancholy and fatal acciden. occurred in the vicinity of the G. W.. R._ Bridge, across the Grand River aa Saturday- evening last, to a young girl fifteen year* o age, daughter of Mr. Jacob McCall. She had been subject lo fits for some time past, and on going to the river for a pail of wa^er, is suppoa-. ed to have had an attack, and falling into the stream to have been carried away by the cur- rent. The empty pail was found by the bank of tho river, but although diligent search has been made for the body, it has not as yet been, found.-- Paris S tar. Ioquest.--An inquest was held on Thursday,, the 3rd inst., on the body of John Hogan, an intemperate character, resident in Bradford, who was found dead in bed that morning. The^ verdict of the jury was to the effect that de- ceased came to his death by rupturing a blood vessel, caused by the free use of intoxicating jiquors. --Chronicle, Sheep.--The Galt Reformer states that fifty sheep were sold lost week by a celebrated breeder in Wilmot, for $300, to be sent to the New York market. Similar purchases are made in this country almost every day, and, althought.ee market is well supplied at present, there is munifestly a scarcity impending, both of sheey and cattle, and before June prices will 1 bo very high. The 100th Regiment.-- Yesterdoy, Wfdnes-. day, was a glorious day, and the Captain Of 100th toak advantage of it to march his men through the city. They were accsmpanied by the Royal Canadian Rifle band, whose splendid music, as usual, attracted a large concourse ft k people.--Leader.