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BRITISH CHRONICLE.

11. HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY. -The Court this day proceeded to the trial of Alexander Guthrie, quarrier, in the parish of Pentcaitland, East Lo. thian, accused of the murder of James Newton, who had been in his employment as a labourer. Guthrie pleaded Not Guilty. It appeared from the evidence, that Guthrie and Newton, with four other quarrymen, had gone to the prisoner's house on the evening of Mon. day the 9th of February last, where they drank whisky till a pretty late hour, when the party broke up, leaving Newton and Guthrie together in the house. At that time there had been no quarrel betwixt them. Guthrie's mother also left the house, and went with a neighbour, Mrs Gowans, in whose house she stopped all night. In the course of the night, Mrs Guthrie becoming uneasy, requested Mrs Gowans's daughter to go to her son's house, and see what was going on. She went accordingly, and finding the window of the room open, went in by it, and saw a man, whom she supposed to be Guthrie, lying on the bed, and Newton lying on the kitchen floor, with his head cut, and the floor strewed with fragments of broken bottles, and covered with blood, vomitings, and other filth. Upon receiving this information, Mrs Guthrie, with her neigh. bour, Mrs Gowans, returned to the house. They immediately awoke Guthrie, who seemed astonished and sorry at the situation of Newton, and declared he knew no more of it than the dead in the grave. Newton's wound was washed and dressed, and he was put to bed, in which Guthrie assisted. Newton died two days after. The only circumstance which could attach suspicion to Guthrie, was, that his trowsers were stained with blood about the legs; but this was accounted for by Mrs Gowans, who stated, that while she swept the blood and filth from the floor towards the hearth, Guthrie was sitting by the fire; and that from the state of the floor no one could walk on it without having their shoes soiled with blood. All the witnesses, on their crossexamination, gave Guthrie a good cha racter, and deponed to his bearing no illwill to Newton; but, on the contrary, they had heard him speak frequently in praise of him as a servant. Mr Lloyd, superintendant of police for the county of Haddington, had examined Guthrie's

house, and found the door of the kitchen much shattered, and also the outer window-shutter split, seemingly by a blow from the outside. Mr M'Neill said, that he did not, under these circumstances, feel himself warranted in asking a verdict against the prisoner, and he there. fore gave up the case. The Jury returned a verdict of Not Guilty; and Guthrie, after a solemn advice to abstain from the use of spirits, was dismissed from the bar.

The next case was that of Alexander M'Farlane. The indictment charged him with having, on the 16th of February last, stolen from the shop of Richard Allan, grocer in the Potter-row, a kit of butter; and, when apprehended a few hours after, of having, in the Park-Place watch-house, seized a pair of large iron tongs, with which he assaulted James Stirling, grocer in the Potterrow, who kad assisted in his apprehension, and struck him a dreadful blow on the head, by which his life was endangered. M'Farlane pleaded Guilty of the assault, but Not Guilty of the theft, and the Jury having found him Guilty accordingly, he was sentenced to a year's hard labour in Bridewell, and farther till he find security in 500 merks to keep the peace for three years.

Benjamin Ross, shoemaker in the Lawn-market of Edinburgh, who had been out on bail, now appeared at the bar, to answer to a charge of assaulting, striking, and wounding Jean Williams, or Ross, his wife. He pleaded Not Guilty. His wife stated, that he had frequently abused and hurt her; but on the night of the 31st December last, they had some words, and Ross lifted the tongs and struck her on the temple with them, to the effusion of her blood. She went to a neighbour's house, and by his advice returned, and, having washed the blood from her face, went to bed with her husband. Next morning, being unable to rise, she refused when her husband commanded her to do so; and he then struck her with a large ellwand across the legs; and afterwards, when she got up and said, "Benjy, you're surely not going to murder me!" he struck her on the left side of the head, knocked her down, and cut her. As soon as she was able to rise, she went up stairs in her shift to a neighbour's, who wrapped a covering over her, and went for a surgeon. She was afterwards twelve days

throw upon the more prominent ground on which it first attracted the attention and indignation of mankind. But it will finally be effectually suppressed; for after its discomfiture on the great public stage, every succeeding defeat within its weaker entrenchments must hasten, with tenfold force, the great catas trophe. The insolence of office must be acknowledged to be something more than an injury which affects only the feelings of the mind: it is a component part of a general system of positive wrong and oppression, of a deprivation of right, as it affects both the happiness and fortunes of the injured party. It is never dispensed but by the vile and unfeeling, -it is never inflicted but upon the helpless victims of misdirected power. It is, therefore, of that class of evils which it is an especial effect of an advanced stage of civilization to overthrow.

Having predicted the eventual decline of a species of wrong so hard to be assailed, because so generally overlooked, we are, in conclusion, to advert to the means by which that effect is to be accomplished. The Press will take the lead in this as in other salutary improvements; but its full attainment must be preceded by a complete reformation of the mode of conducting the public business. After all the multifarious discussions upon the subject of official abuses, it is astonishing how little has in reality been hitherto done towards this end: mismanagement of the grossest kind still prevails throughout the various departments; and there has not even an approximation been made towards an enlight ened system of official economy and regulation. Commissioners, comp

trollers, secretaries, the middle men between the great lords of office and the inferior workmen,-are still in possession of inordinate, but concealed, unobserved power: their respective departments are kept in expensive disorder, in subservience to their interested purposes; unnecessary business is designedly in constant course of accumulation; and as an inevitable consequence of a practice having its foundation in fraud and deceit, pride, partiality, and cupidity are engendered and encouraged, making altogether that complicated description of grievance denominated the "insolence of office." Where an abuse so deteriorative of public economy still subsists, after all the bustle and parade it has from time to time created, sufficient proof is shewn of the peculiar inadequacy of the means by which it has hitherto been attempted to be destroyed. The fact is, Parliamentary inquiries, upon matters of this nature, conducted, as they too frequently are, under the controul of a machinery impervious to the public eye, are altogether fruitless of good effects, and only serve to perpetuate the old system of deception and mismanagement. But it is impossible long to delude an enlightened age by expedients as shallow as they are iniquitous: a better day must at length arrive,-one less notorious for what in vulgar parlance is called political humbug, more sincerely favourable to improvement; and perhaps no surer means can be devised of hastening its introduction, than frequent and seasonable appeals to the Press, which are never entirely destitute of utility, even when they appear in the slight form of desultory Essays, of which the present is a feeble and unworthy example.

YPSILON.

WORKS PREPARING FOR PUBLICATION.

LONDON.

Speedily will be published, an Account of the Royal Hospital and Collegiate Church of St. Katharine, near the Tower of London, by J. B. Nichols, F.S.A. F.L.S.

The Second Part of the Modern History of Wiltshire, containing the Hundred of Heytesbury, by Sir R. C. Hoare, Bart. is printing.

The Czar, an historical tragedy, by J. Cradock, Esq. M.A. F.S.A. formerly of Gumley, in Leicestershire, will appear in a few days.

A Selection of the most remarkable Trials and Criminal Causes is printing, in five volumes. It will include all famous cases, from that of Lord Cobham, in the reign of Henry the Fifth, to that of John Thurtell; and those connected with foreign as well as English jurisprudence.

Shortly will be published, a Grammar of the Coptic or Ancient Egyptian Language, by the Rev H. Tattam, A.M. F.R.S.L. chaplain to the English Church at Amsterdam.

A Supplement to the London Catalogue of Books, published since October 1822 to the present time, will appear about August.

The Rev. T. Arnold, M. A. late fellow of Oriel College, Oxford, has been for many years employed in writing a History of Rome, from the earliest Times to the Death of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius. The first volume, from the Rise of the Roman State to the formation of the second Triunvirate, A.U.C. 710, B.C. 44, will soon be published.

The Butterfly-Collector's Vade Mecum, or a Synoptical Table of English Butterflies, illustrated with coloured plates, in a pocket volume, is in the press.

Shortly will be published, in two volumes, uniforın with the French Classics, and with an authentic portrait of M. Jouy, engraved by E. Scriven, Le Petit Hermite, ou Tableau des Mœurs Parisiennes, extracted from "L'Hermite de la Chaussé d'Antin," "Le Franc-parleur," "L'Hermite de la Guïane," and "L'Hermite en Prison," with explanatory notes, and an essay on the life and writings of M. Jouy, by L. T. Ventouillac, editor of the "Choix de Classiques Français."

A Diagram illustrative of the Formation of the Human Character, suggested by Mr Owen's development of a new view of society, will speedily be published.

VOL. XV.

Dr Forbes, of Chichester, will shortly publish his Translation of Avenbrugger, and a series of original cases and dissections, illustrating the utility of the Stethoscope and Percussion.

M. Laennec is preparing for publica. tion, a new edition of his celebrated Treatise on Mediate Auscultation, with considerable alterations and improvements. In consequence, Dr Forbes has postponed the second edition of his translation.

Speedily will be published, an Enquiry into the Duties and Perplexities of Medical Men as Witnesses in Courts of Justice, with cautions and directions for their guidance, by J. G. Smith, M.D.

The Scotsman's Library, announced in a former Number, will be ready in August.

The Mechanic's Oracle, or Artizan's complete Laboratory and Workshop, is in the press.

The Hermit in Italy, or Observations on the Manners and Customs of the Italians at the Commencement of the Nineteenth Century, will soon appear.

A Chronological History of the West Indies is announced, by Capt. Thomas Southey, commander, Royal Navy, in three volumes, octavo.

A Compendium of Medical Theory and Practice, founded on Dr Cullen's Nosology, which will be given as a Text-book, and a translation annexed, is in preparation, by D. Uwins, M.D.

Tales of a Traveller, by the Author of the "Sketch Book," and "Knickerbocker's New York," will appear in a few days.

A Tale of Paraguay, by R. Southey, LL.D. &c. is announced.

Speedily will be published, Memoirs of the Rose, comprising botanical, poetical, and miscellaneous recollections of that celebrated flower; in a series of letters to a lady.

Patmos, and other poems, are in the press, by James Edmeston, author of "Sacred Lyrics."

Specimens (selected and translated) of the Lyric Poetry of the Minessingers, of the reign of Frederick Barbarossa and the succeeding emperors of the Suabian dynasty, with historical, critical, and biographical remarks, are in the press.

Elements of Algebra, compiled from Garnier's French translation of Leonard Euler, and arranged so as to form a complete System of Elementary Instruction in the First Part of Algebra, by C. Tayler,

N

Downing College, Cambridge, will soon appear.

Muscologia Britannica, containing the Mosses of Great Britain and Ireland systematically arranged and described, by W, J. Hooker, F.R.S. A.S.L. &c. and T. Taylor, M.D. M.R.I.A. and F.L.S. &c. is preparing, in octavo, with plates.

EDINBURGII.

Speedily will be published, Rothelan, a Tale of the English Histories, in 3 vols. 12mo. by the author of "Ringan Gilhaize," "The Spaewife," &c. &c.

Nearly ready, in one volume post Svo., a Practical Guide to English Composition; or, a comprehensive System of English Grammar, Criticism, and Logic; arranged and illustrated upon a new and improv. ed Plan; containing apposite Principles, Rules, and Examples, for writing correctly and elegantly on every subject; adapted to the use of Schools and of Private Students. By the Rev. Peter Smith, A. M.

In a few weeks will be published, 8vo. Mathematical Tables; containing improved Tables of Logarithmns of Numbers, Logarithmic Sines, Tangents, and Secants; together with a number of others, useful in Practical Mathematics, Astronomy, Navigation, Engineering, and Business; preceded by a copious Introduction, embracing their Explanation, and Rules and Formulæ for their application, with a Collection of appropriate Exercises. By William Galbraith, A. M. Lecturer on Mathematics, Edinburgh.

Mr J. P. Wood has nearly ready for publication, in one volume 12mo., a Life of Law of Lauriston, Projector of the Mississippi Scheme: containing a detailed Account of the Nature, Rise, and Progress, of this extraordinary Joint-Stock Company, with many curious Anecdotes of the Rage for Speculating in its Funds, and the disastrous Consequences of its Failure.

OLD MANUSCRIPT. The Rev. William Kell, B.D. has in the press, "Practical Discourses upon Sinceritie," written in the year 1656: now first printed from the Original Manuscript. In one volume 12mo.

A Stereotype Edition of Sallust, for the use of Schools, with English Notes at the foot of the page, and a Historical and Geographical Index at the end of the volume, by Mr Dymock, Glasgow, will be published in a few days.

Preparing for publication, a Guide to

the Lord's Table, in the Catechetical Form; to which are added, an Address to Applicants for Admission to it, and some Meditations to assist their Devotions. By the Rev. Henry Belfrage, D.D.

Nearly ready, in post 8vo., a Second Series of the Scrap Book. By John M'Diarmid.

Mr John Malcolm, late of the 42d Regiment, has nearly ready for publication, a volume of Poems in foolscap 8vc., entitled, "The Buccaneer and other Poems."

Shortly will be published, in post Svo., the Life and Administration of Cardinal Wolsey. By John Galt, Esq. Third Edition, greatly improved.

Mrs FRAZER, who some years ago published several popular works under the name of HONORIA SCOTT, has a work nearly ready for the press, entitled "Sweden, or the Counts of Rosenvien; dedicated to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge." We are authorized to state, that the Hermit in Edinburgh," recently advertised in London, is not the work of this Lady; the manuscript she had intended to bring forward for publication under that title having, in consequence, been changed to that of "The Hermit in Scotland."

The Editor of "The Cabinet, or, The Selected Beauties of Literature," is preparing a Second Edition of that work in one volume, crown octavo, which will speedily appear.

Preparing for publication by subscription, the Historical Works of Sir James Balfour of Kinnaird, Lord Lyon King at Arms under Charles I., from the original and hitherto-unpublished Manuscripts preserved in the Library of the Hon. the Faculty of Advocates. This publication will form three large octavo volumes; will be embellished with a Portrait of the Author from an original Picture, and illustrated with a Prefatory Memoir. The first two volumes will contain the Annals of Scotland, which embrace the extensive and important period of our National History, from the Accession of Malcolm III. to the 2d year of the Reign of Charles I. or 1640. The third volume will consist of the Minor Works of the author, illustrative of Scottish History. The impression will be limited to 500 copies, printed with a new set of Types, on Wove Paper of the finest quality. The Work will be sent to press so soon as the names of a sufficient number of Subscribers are received. The price to Subscribers will not exceed L.22s. Fifty copies will be struck off on an Extra Fine Paper.

MONTHLY LIST OF NEW PUBLICATIONS.

BIBLIOGRAPHY.

Part I. of Longman and Co.'s Catalogue of Old Books, comprising a Collection of Works in various Classes of Literature, in all Languages, including some recent importations from the Continent. 2s.

BIOGRAPHY.

Life of the Right Rey. Jeremy Taylor, D.D. with a Critical Examination of his Writings. By Reginald Heber, D.D. Lord Bishop of Calcutta. 2 vols. post 8vo. with portrait. 15s. boards.

Biography of Celebrated Roman Characters, with Anecdotes illustrative of their Lives and Actions. By the Rev. William Bingley. 12ino. 7s. boards.

The Life and Remains of Edward Daniel Clarke, LL.D. Professor of Mineralogy, Cambridge; Author of Travels. By the Rev. W. Otter, A.M. 4to. £.33s.

The Life of Shakspeare; Enquiries into the Originality of his Dramatic Plots and Characters, and Essays on the Ancient Theatres and Theatrical Usages. By Augustine Skottowe, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo, lls, boards.

BOTANY.

A Catalogue of the Indigenous Phenogamic Plants growing in the Neighbourhood of Edinburgh, and of certain species of the Class of Cryptogamia, with reference to their Localities. By James Woodforde, Esq. 12mo. 3s. 6d. boards.

CLASSICS.

Herodoti Historiarum Libri IX. Codicem Sancrofti Manuscriptum denuo contulit necnon reliquam Lectionis varietatem commodius digessit, Thos. Gaisford, A.M. 2 vols. 8vo. £.14s.

A Literal Translation of Drakenborch's

Text of the Twenty-first Book of Livy,

with the Text, Ordo, Notes, and variæ

Lectiones: to which are added, a Map and an Appendix, showing the route actually taken by Hannibal. 8vo. 8s. 6d. Questions on Herodotus. is.

DRAMA.

Parts I. II. III. of the London Stage: a Collection of the most reputed Tragedies, Comedies, Operas, Farces, MeloDramas, and Interludes. 8vo. Is. each.

Parts I. and II. of the London Stage Edition of the Plays of Shakspeare, from the accurate Text of Johnson, Steevens, and Read, with Shakspear's Life, and a Glossary. 8vo. 1s. each.

The Brides of Florence, a Play in Five Acts, illustrative of the Manners of the

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Part I. of the Etymologic Interpreter ; or an Explanatory and Pronouncing Dic tionary of the English Language: to which is prefixed an Introduction, containing a full Development of the Princi ples of Etymology and Grammar, &c. By James Gilchrist.

8vo. 8s.

'The Child's Monitor; or Select Rules for Spelling the English Language, with a few simple Questions in English Grammar and Arithmetic. Is.

The English Spelling Book, arranged on a Plan entirely New; by which an Accurate Pronunciation of the English Lan guage may be more easily acquired, and the Formation and Construction of Words more indelibly fixed on the Minds of Youth, than by any other work of the same kind. By W. Eley, master of the Free Grammar School, Rolleston. 12mo, 1s. 6d.

HISTORY.

Historical Sketch of the Progress of Discovery, Navigation, and Commerce, from the earliest Records to the Beginning of the Nineteenth Century. By William Stevenson, Esq. 8vo. 14s.

The History of London : or interesting Memorials of its Rise, Progress, and Present State. By Sholto and Reuben Percy, 3 vols. 18mo. 16s. extra boards.

MEDICINE AND SURGERY. Observations on Acute Rheumatism and its Metastasis to the Heart, &c. By T. Cox, M.D. 8vo. 4s.

An Essay on Mineral, Animal, and Vegetable Poisons; in which the Symp

toms, Mode of Treatment, and Tests of

each particular poison, with the general concisely detailed, with coloured plates, Morbid Appearances on Dissection, are

32mo. 3s. 6d.

Observations on the History and Treatment of the Ophthalmia accompanying the Secondary Forms of Lues Venerea, illus. trated by Cases and a coloured plate. By T. Hewson, A.B. 8vo.

The Surgical Anatomy of the Arteries of the Human Body, designed for the use of Students in the Dissecting Room, By R. Harrison, A.B.S.C.D. 12mo. 5s bound.

An Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology, for the use of Medical Students and Men of Letters. By T. Sandwith, Surgeon. 12mo. with plates. 9s. boards,

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