Vrattiurial.
Mr. Charles Villiers, now President of the Poor Law Board, was re- elected on Saturday by his Wolverhampton constituents without op- position. In the course of a speech touching on the great topics of the day, neutrality, notional defence, reform, Mr. Villiers explained his po- sition in relation to Mr. Cobden.
The President and Fellows of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, have elected the Reverend Henry Hayman, B.D., late Fellow of St. John's Col- lege, Oxford, and now head master of St. Olave's Grammar School, South- wark, to be head master of the Cheltenham Grammar School.
When an important office is offered to a man he must have good reasons for refusing it. Had he refused, his constituents would have heard it with surprise rather than satisfaction. Before accepting, however, he had com- municated with Mr. Cobden to ascertain whether that gentleman had re- fused to take office on public grounds, and he collected from that gentleman, whom they all knew, that it was not upon any public ground that he re- fused to accept office ; on the contrary, he had urged his friend, Mr. Milner Gibson, to remain in office. He thought no charge of inconsistency could be brought against any Liberal Member for joining the present Go- vernment. It might happen that it would be desirable to withdraw, but he thought as the Government was formed it was calculated to afford hope rather than despair to the Liberal Party. He could say that in the Cabinet were associated men of ability and experience to administer the Govern- ment. The present Government was undertaken at a moment of no common gravity. There never was a moment when Government could exercise more delicate management. He did not believe that any one would suspect that Lord John Russell or Lord Palmerston were men to dis- regard the avowed convictions of the community that this country was bound to preserve that neutral position which she had upheld. (Cheers.) Mr. Milner Gibson was also reelected at Ashton-under-Lyne, on Sa- turday, without opposition. Indeed the proceedings took place in his ab- sence.
The Annual Show of the Royal Agricultural Society has been held this week at Warwick. The exhibition of implements included a wide range between steam ploughs, steam draining-machines, cradles for babies, and washing-machines ; but there was little novelty. The cattle horses, sheep, and pigs were good taken generally, while some among them were animals of extraordinary merit. Among the names of successful exhibitors are those' of Mr. Jonas Webb, Mr. Richard Stratton, Colonel Towneley, the Prince Consort, the Duke of Richmond, and others. Very large numbers attended the show-yard, and the meeting is described as the largest and most exciting the Society has yet held.
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