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A Court of Aldermen was held on ;Wednesday, for the despatch of business. Aldermen Sidney raised a discussion on the state of the prisons within the City jurisdiction— They are lamentably defective in point of room; and in consequence there is the most extraordinary laxity of discipline. In the Borough Compter, but one fe- male warden is allotted to twenty prisoners, while one is allotted to every eleven iii Coldbath-fields Prison. Whitecross Street Prison is infinitely more like a tea-garden or an extensive tavern than a gaol. Visitors innumerable are ad- mitted; and there they sit, men and women, smoking, drinking, and carousing with the prisoners, upon the property of the unfortunate creditors. In justice to the latter, as well as for the moral benefit of the prisoners, the regulations ought to be more stringent (" Hear, hear!")

On the motion of Alderman Sidney, seconded by Alderman Challis, the subject was referred to a Committee.

The Commissioners of Sewers held a meeting in Guildhall on Tuesday; Deputy Peacock in the chair. Mr. Simou, the City Officer of Health, reported, that, with the official sanction and directions of the Commissioners, he was endeavouring to organize a system of weekly reports by the ten surgeons of the Poor-law districts, and by the officers of workhouses, prisons, and other public institutions. The paper was warmly approved, and was referred to a Sub-Committee, in order to be acted on.

The Governors of the Eastern Dispensary held a special general meeting on Tuesday, to receive Dr. Southwood Smith's resignation of office as Physician to the charity, held by him for nearly a quarter of a century. In his letter of leave-taking, the Doctor said- " I have the satisfaction of leaving the institution with more than double the patients that were relieved by it when I first became connected with it. It was chiefly in the field of labour which your institution opened to me that I perceived the full extent to which the causes of excessive sickness and premature mortality that oppress the poorer classes are removeable by proper public sanatory regula- tions; and, being now placed in a position in which I can assist in promoting measures of prevention, I trust! may benefit the poor more effectually than I have ever yet been able to do by my efforts to cure or alleviate their diseases."

The Professorship of German in the University of London has become vacant, by the resignation of the Reverend Dr. Bialloblotzky.

A special deputation from the Peace Congress, which sat at Brussels on the 20th, 2Ist, and 22d September, waited on Lord John Russell, by appointment, on Monday. The deputation was headed by M. Visschers, a member of the Belgian Government, who presided at the Congress; and was introduced to Lord John by Mr. Ewart, M.P., "the Vice-President of the Congress for England." Mr. Elihu Bunitt "was present as ice-President of the Congress for the United States"; the Reverend Henry Richard appeared for M. Francois Bouret, "Vice-President for France "; and Mr. John Scoble appeared for the Baron Suringar, "Vice-President for Holland." Lord John

Russell received the deputation with courtesy, and professions of deep in- terest and sympathy. He is reported to have expressed "his ready belief that such meetings as those recently held at Brussels might be well calcu-

lated to produce a temper of moderation and kindness amongst the various

nations of the world; but though to the full extent he admitted the desira- bleness of universal peace, he appeared to doubt whether, in the present circumstances of society, and whilst men's passions remained as they were, such an end would be easily attainable. The deputation withdrew, much gratified with the interview."

A meeting of the "Friends of Peace" was held on Tuesday night, at Exeter Hall, to hear a report of the proceedings of the late "Peace Con- gress at Brussels." Mr. Charles Hindley, M.P., presided; supported by M.

Visschers, Mr. Ewart, M.P., Mr. Elihu Burritt, Lord Beresford, Sir W. Lawson, and Dr. Bowring, M.P. Before the speaking began, a National

Guard, in fall uniform and wearing his side-arms, was recognized at the back of the platform. He was summoned from his obscurity by the au- dience, with goodnatured shouts and laughter at his arms; and, coming forward, was announced as M. Jousselin, Deputy of the Procureur of the French Republic. Mr. Scoble narrated the proceedings of the Congress. It had adopted resolutions, that the resort to arms for the decision of interna- tional disputes is condemned by religion, justice, reason, and the interests of the people; that the European Governments should be invited to put arbitration- clauses in their treaties; and that a grand Congress should he held for the purpose of framing a positive international code. It also urged, on financial grounds, a ge- neral and simultaneous disarmament of all nations. Addresses embodying these views had been prepared for presentation to the Governments and for publication to the people of all civilized nations. The one addressed to the British Govern-

ment was presented on Monday to Lord John Russell; who in receiving it ex- pressed himself in terms of the deepest interest, and stated that he considered the great meeting at Brussels would be a means of promoting moderation and mutual kindness among the people of Europe. Dr. Bowring, in seconding a motion of compliment to M. Visschers and the Vice-Presidents, alluded to the visit of the National Guards—

He had been much struck by the circumstance, that while we disarm our own soldiery when not on duty, such was the confidence in our French brethren that they were allowed to walk the streets of the Metropolis with their swords and bayonets, and not a word of reproach had been uttered against them. M. Visschers and M. Jousselin addressed the meeting, in speeches of national sympathy. The former said he felt in the midst of personal

friends, although speaking in a strange tongue to an audience in a strange land. The latter vowed, in English, that the English were "capital good fellows "; that "Frenchmen love them all like brothers "; and that he would be an Englishman himself if he were not a Frenchman. Mr. Elihu Burritt spoke in a strain of poetical and religious fervour.

Mr. Joseph Sturge announced future plans. It is intended to have a far more effective conference next year—if possible—at Paris. One or two prizes, of 2,000 francs, are to be given for the best essay, in French, on the means of carrying out the objects of the Congress. An endeavour will be made to raise 5,0001. for carrying on the "warfare," in the next twelve months.

On the morning of the same day a meeting was held at the Hall of Commerce in the City, and a Committee was constituted to carry out the objects of the Congress.

A public meeting was held on Wednesday, at the Royal British Institu- tion, Gower Street, City Road, for the purpose of hearing explanations by Mr. George Thompson, M.P. for the Tower Hamlets, of his Parliamentary conduct during the late session. Mr. Thompson reviewed his votes, and placed himself in the hands of the meeting, as a Member who had been an industrious worker in his duties and a faithful keeper of his pledges. A resolution of full confidence was moved by Mr. &obeli, seconded by Mr. Brooks, and unanimously passed by the meeting.

At the Central Criminal Court, on Saturday, the trial of Mullins the Chartist was continued and finished. Witnesses examined for the defence somewhat addi- tionally defamed Powell, and somewhat impeached the evidence of the other ap provers; but no marked success in either respect was attained. The Jury delibe rated an hour and a half, and found the prisoner "Guilty," but strongly recom- mended him to mercy on account of his youth. After the verdict, Mr. Parry, the prisoner's counsel, requested liberty to offer evidence of his character; alleging that the course of giving such evidence after verdict was not unusual in cases of ordinary felony. The Judges after deliberation consented. Dr. Kingston, physician of the Westminster Hospital, deposed that the prisoner was his clinical clerk for two years, and during that time conducted himself with exemplary mo- rality and diligence. Other officers of the same public institution spoke similarly in his favour. On Monday, Mr. Justice Mettle passed the sentence of transporta- tion for life.

At the New Court, on Saturday, Arthur Pew], cattle-salesman, a person of gen- tlemaely appearance, was brought up to receive judgment for cattle-stealing, after conviction on the Thursday. Some oxen and sheep bad been driven, by a man not yet arrested, from a fielei in Plaistow to Islington; and the prisoner had them slaughtered and sold them as his own. Evidence was given that the prisoner was a man of respectable family and connexions, and that he had borne a high cha- racter till this offence. The Recorder sentenced him to be transported for seven years. On Saturday, Thomas Jones was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, with hard labour, for the manslaughter of Susan Coolidge; he having driven a cart 'along the Whitechapel Road at an excessive speed, by which the deceased was knocked down.

On Monday, the two women Lindfield and Dryden, and Richard Orpin, were tried on the charge of having wilfully murdered Eliza Wilson: it was alleged, that Miss Wilson had died from the effects of measures adopted by the women, with the cognizance of Orpin, to bring about the miscarriage of the deceased. The young woman's dying statement of the purpose for which Orpin sent her to the women, and of Lindfield's proceedings, was the chief evidence against the parties; for the other evidence was very inconclusive—nothing at all to prove the wilful - destruction of the woman; and a surgeon admitted that the cause of death might have been the result of accident while the midwife Lindfield was perform- ing a legitimate function of her calling. Mr. Parry thought it unnecessary to make any defence for Orpin. Dryden said she had nothing more to urge than she had told the Magistrate—that she had merely administered proper medicines. Mr. Ballantine, for Lindleld, pleaded that as the charge rested only on the dying declaration of Wilson, it was a dangerous kind of evidence on which to place

plicit reliance; and he suggested that death was the result of accident. The jury soon returned a verdict of " Not guilty."

Two other indictments against the prisoners were abandoned. The Recorder cautioned the women as to their future conduct.

Emma Beaumont and Mary Anne Fitzgerald were tried for arson, and James Fry for aiding and abetting. The particulars of this case have been noticed more than once; they were briefly these. Beaumont kept a coffeehouse in Long Acre; Fry was her sweetheart, and Fitzgerald her servant; Beaumont was in difficul- ties; she was insured for 4001.; a fire occurred, and a large sum was claimed from the insurance. office. It was alleged that the fire was wilful, and that hardly any property had been destroyed. The chief witness against the female prisoners was Joseph &tester, a porter in Covent Garden Market, who had lodged at the coffeehouse. He declared that Beaumont had offered him money to fire the house, in order that the insurance-money might be obtained, with which Beaumont and Fry would emigrate: Bagster at first appeared to assent: a large quantity of pro- perty was gradually removed from the place; Bageter received some money, and more was left one night when he was to set fire to the house in Beaumont's ab- sence; he pocketed the money, but told Fitzgerald he would have nothing to do with the arson: he left the place. Fitzgerald met him subsequently in the street, and told him that she was going to do the job, for 201.; and after the fire, this woman avowed to him that she had caused it. On other oc- casions, however, she contradicted this: Fry had advised that combus- tibles should be arranged, and the flames burst out while Fitzgerald was in bed. Cross-examination did not shake this witness's evidence or damage his character. After more witnesses bad been examined, Fitz- gerald's confession to the Magistrate was produced. Mr. Justice Wight- man directed an acquittal of Fry, as the testimony against him WRS merely that of the other prisoners. After hearing counsel for the women, the Jury re- tired, and returned in half an hour with a verdict of "Guilty." The Judge sentenced Beaumont to be transported for fifteen years; but Fitzgerald's term, as she appeared to have been a tool of her mistress, was only seven years.

Five Post-office letter-carriers, who had been convicted during this session of stealing money-letters, were severally sentenced to seven years' transportation.

On Tuesday, Shea and his wife, an Irish couple, were convicted of a most sa- vage attack on Mary Cox, their landlady, whom they beat on the head with ham- mers and otherwise maltreated; serving the woman's husband in the same way, and kicking him, when he came to his wife's assistance. Shea nailed up the door that he might not be stopped in his murderous pastime; and when an entrance was forced, the room "looked like a slaughter-house." The gentle pair were sur- prised to find that they were to be severely dealt with; Shea to be transported for ten years, and his wife to be kept to hard labour in prison for two.

Wynn, a young Irishman, was convicted of attempting to fire a pistol at a City policeman: the pistol did not explode, but it was loaded with powder and two bullets. The motive for the intended assassination was quite unfathomable; and the fellow said nothing in defence. He was sentenced to ten years' transpor- tation.

On Weduesday, the nine men charged with mutiny on board the Lion steamer at Harlingen were put on their trial. The particulars were given a few weeks since. The case broke down in limine: the master of the vessel not having en- gaged the men according to forms fixed by act of Parliament, they were not ob- noxious to a charge of mutiny against him—he had no legal power over them. A verdict of "Not guilty" was recorded; but the men were held to bail in their own recognizances to answer an indictment for misdemeanour, if it should be deemed advisable to press it.

At Lambeth Police-office, on Monday, Mr. John Darden was charged with having been concerned in a robbery of plate and jewels from the house of Mr. Pierce, in the Brixton Road. A Mrs. Sneid was in charge of the house; on Sunday, she incautiously left it unprotected, and went to spend the day with Mrs. Darden, her niece, in Beresford Street. At the very moment that the party was about to Bit down to tea, Burden went out, saying he was going to look after a man who owed him money: Mrs. Snekl was surprised; on Burden's returning, in about twenty minutes, she expressed her apprehensions about the safety of Mr. Pierce's property, and soon after she and the Dardens hurried off to the Brixton Road. The door was found open, and the plate-chest had been rifled, while Mrs. Pierce's jewellery had been taken from her drawers. Mrs. Burden was the only person out of the family who knew where the property was kept. The police arrested Darden. When asked to account for the time he was absent from home, he said he had been "to look after a man who had a writ against him"; but could not say who that was, and refused to tell the name of a man who was with the holder of the writ. Protesting innocence, Durden was remanded till next day. Charles Chappel was then placed in the dock with him. The police had discovered that both were gamblers; gaming instruments were found at their houses. It was proved that Darden and Chappel were in a public-house opposite Mr. Pierce's house for some hours on Sunday, apparently watching. Both were remanded for a week.

Henry Bramall, the polygamist, was reexamined at the Mansionhouse on Tuesday, and committed for trial. All three wives appeared against him. It was stated that he had got appointed surgeon to a ship by some kind of fraud with respect to a certificate from Apothecaries Hall.

Edward Martin, the young man who obtained a large sum of money from Mrs. Gregory, of Barking, on pretence of securing for her property to which she con- sidered she was entitled, has been committed by the Clerkenwell Magistrate for trial.

The congregation at Stepney Old Church have recently suffered much from thieves; and last Sunday afternoon three of the "swell mob" were captured in the building. They were produced at the Thames Police-office on Monday. Ed- wards had not been seen committing any suspicious act, and he was discharged; but Hawkins and Davis were less fortunate. Two policemen who had watched them saw the fellows try the pockets of several ladies; one wore a smart shoot- ing-coat, and the other a taglioni, the front pockets of which had no bottoms, so that the thieves would appear to have their hands in their own pockets while they were really exploring their neighbours. Hawkins and Davis had been previously convicted of thefts. Each was sent to prison for three months, with hard labour,

Early on the morning of the 24th October, Mr. Peter Rogers, an old gentleman hving at Haverstook Hill, Hampstead, was awakened by a noise in his bedroom; he discovered a man in a cloak, who made a threatening exclamation; Mr. Rogers rose and grappled with him, but was worsted, the man escaping, and locking the door. It was found that the burglar had broken into the house at the rear, and that several sums of money had been stolen. One Lacey, who had lived with Mr. Rogers for a month as footman, but was then discharged on suspicion of theft, was arrested for the burglary. He was brought up before the Marylebone Magis- trate on Monday. Mr. Rogers declared that he knew he was the thief from the sound of his voice; but nothing was found at Lacey's lodging to implicate him; and two men swore that the accused was in bed at the time of the robbery. The Magistrate discharged him.

The large brewery at Camberwell Green, belonging to Messrs. Fleming and Co. was destroyed by lire, with some adjacent houses, on the night of hurt Friday. The fire was discovered in the counting-house by Mr. Dance, the head clerk of !he establishment; who was awakened by a stifling smoke, and had much difficulty in getting his wife and children safely from the flames. There was an inadequate supply of water, and a high driving wind; so that for some time the fire threat-

ened a very wide extension. The extent of the actual damage is estimated at 4,0001.

At Latnbeth Police Court, on Saturday, Mr. Samuel Smith Mecklenberg Ina charged with wilfully causing the fire by which the brewery was burned down. Mr. Mecklenberg was the confidential clerk of the establishment till very lately, when he left the place with a good character. But after he went, it was found that his accounts were irregular, and he was summoned by his late employers to explain apparent embezzlements of some 1001. An interview with him on the evening of Friday ended in his engaging to return with adequate explanations next day; but the fire broke out on Friday night, in the counting-house; and evidence of the prisoner's proceedings during Friday evening countenance a pre- sumption that he got access to the brewery and raised the fire in hopes to destroy the account-books containing the evidence of his embezzlements. He was remanded for a week.