Take

are crushed and wounded, by the loss of a beloved husband or parent. The miseries of destitution are forthwith felt alsothere is a dependence on the too often capricious and stinted assistance of others, there is an end of the independence and the comfort of the whole household. such a case in the higher ranks, where a certain style and superior manner of living had been maintained; where certain luxuries had become, by long use, almost necessaries; where a higher education was imparted to the children; and where the well-directed efforts of the parent who has been taken away, provided the means of elegance and comfort for all. In a moment-and by an event, in itself, and independent of circumstances, most afflicting, the source of all this happiness is dried up; and the helpless mourners are made at the same time dependents, perhaps almost or altogether beggars. In the breaking up of the household, in the division of the members of it, in the parting with every superfluous article of furniture, however valued for the associations connected with it-in the feeble attempts to keep up something like former respectability, and the gradual descent to the lowest stage of poverty, there is perhaps as much of misery experienced, as under more substantial privations. The heart of the widow, in such circumstances, or of the orphan, knoweth its own bitterness-and none else. Surely it becomes him to whom the affections of that heart have been most devoted, to anticipate the possibility of such a season of trial and privation, and to provide the means of alleviating it." And if we dive into the lower ranks of society, the improvidence of that parent who has neglected to insure his life for a small amount, terminates in the direst calamity. Utter privation treads on the very heels of affliction itself-as soon as the parent is dead, there is no food in the house; a few shillings are all the poor widow has; what to do she knows not; her children soon cry for bread, and she has no alternative than to "make her case known to the parish;" this is sad, and might have been prevented; two shillings a week, or so, paid by the husband, who always had "constant work" (at "25s. a week," perhaps), could have provided a sum of £150, or £200, for this poor women, which would have been sufficient to ward off the worst, and to "set her up in a little business."Surely this was desirable, surely the principle of Life Assurance would have done good in this case-which is no fancied picture, but one that presented itself to the writer in its stern reality. On the death of the head of a family, where the facilities

afforded by the Life Assurance Companies, have been taken advantage of,-where what could not have been effected by the savings of one person, has been effected by this combination of individuals, I have seen the loss sustained, for some time, in a pecuniary point of view, more than made up; and, the grateful family, amid their distress of mind, rejoicing in the "little fortune" secured to them. The principle upon which this may be done shall be communicated in another paper. C. J. S.

CO-OPERATION.

To the Editor of the News Magazine. SIR,

As you have admitted into the columns of your first number an article, signed "B," giving an account of the origin and progross of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society, I imagine that you, too, are infected with the co-operative mania. This mania, at the present time, appears to be epidemical. I, however, feel considerable doubt as to the universal benefit to be derived ultimately from the developement of this system. I am very apprehensive lest this principle of co-operation should eventuate in an unseemly and disagreeable monopoly. I will not deny, that in certain localities-in large manufacturing districts, for instance, it may have been productive of some good to certain individuals. I admit that a few improvident workmen may have found this scheme the means of turning over a new leaf; some few of them may have derived a pecuniary advantage by becoming shareholders in co-operative societies; but looking upon it as a case of "robbing Peter to pay Paul"-I must put a few questions Mr. Editor, with your permission, to Mr. "B." I would ask him what is his opinion of the principle when extensively enlarged?

What will he do with, and for, our tradesmen-driven prematurely into inglorious retirement?

Is he in a position to prove there is nothing falacious as to the "division of profits" among the co-operative purchasers?

I shall also be glad if he can ascertain for me how the system is working at New England? "B" seems already on the threshold of an earthly Paradise. Perhaps he will honour me with a reply, which will guide me a little farther than Rochdale, and he will earn my warmest thanks for his courtesy and information.

Believe me, Sir, Yours very truly,
CIVIS.

Peterborough, July 13th, 1864.

To the Editor of "the News Magazine."

SIR,

Your "first number" struck me quite comical. Although I was born very young, and am, for my age, somewhat green, I confess I did not expect to be "sold" for the third time, by your printing my private letter. However, Mr. Editor, it seems you are a merry fellow, and one not easily discouraged or offended.

I now hope your Magazine will be considerably sold, and not your worthy self. I must confess, I like the appearance of it very much, and I feel some little ambition to have the honour of accompanying you "to favour and to fame."

Notwithstanding I am still wincing from the chagrin occasioned by your breach of confidence, I shall keep my promise.

I, herewith, send you another anecdote for your August number, and I leave you at liberty to insert this letter, or not, as you feel disposed, I should not like to be "sold" again!

I am, Sir,

Yours very truly,

Fletton, July 4th, 1864.

FAST COACH.

Some days before the battle of Ivry, Henry the Fourth arrived one evening, incognito, at Alençon, with but few attendants, and alighted at the house of an officer who had been much attached to him. The officer was not at home, and his wife who did not know the King, received him as one of the generals of the army; and when he said he was the friend of her husband, she became still more attentive to him. Towards evening, however, the King thought he discovered some signs of uneasiness in the countenance, and demeanour of his hostess." What is the matter, madam ?" said he; "I hope I am not the cause of any embarrassment to you; but, as the night has approached, I have observed that you are less cheerful.

Tell me frankly the reason, and I assure you, I will not put you to the least inconvenience."-" Sir," replied the lady, "I will not conceal it from you; to-day is Friday, and if you are at all acquainted with the locality in which we live, you will not be surprised when I tell you, that I know not how I shall be able to procure anything for your supper, that is fit to be set before you.

I have already made inquiry through the whole town, but in vain, I can obtain nothing, except that one of my neighbours tells me he has a fat turkey, ready for the spit; but this he will not let me have only on condition that he shall come and eat part of it; and as he is only a tradesman, though he has acquired considerable property, he does not appear to me to be a suitable guest to sit at table with you: he will not, however, part with his turkey, on any other terms."-" This man," said the King, " appears to be a merry wag.".

66

Yes, Sir," said the lady, "he is considered to be the wit of the town; and, besides, a very worthy man, in his way, and a good Frenchman."-"Oh, let him come then,” replied the King; "I am rather hungry; and even if he should be somewhat troublesome, it will be better to sup with him, than not to sup at all."

The tradesman being informed that his stipulation was complied with, dressed himself in his sunday clothes, and soon made his appearance with his turkey; and while it was being prepared by the culinary art, he entertained the King with so many pleasant sallies of wit, and recited so many amusing anecdotes about his neighboursfor he was very well versed in the private matters of the whole town--that the Monarch, though almost famished with hunger, waited for his supper without the least impatience. The pleasantry of the man increased while they were at table, and the good King laughed outright, and with full satisfaction of heart; which encouragement seemed to redouble the wit and humour of his homely guest. When the King was about to rise from the table, the honest tradesman suddenly dropped on his knees before him. "Sire," exclaimed he, "pardon my presumption. This day is assuredly the happiest day of my life. saw your Majesty pass when you arrived here; I was fortunate enough to know you; but I said nothing, not even to this lady, when I found she did not know you were our King. Pardon, Sire, a thousand pardons! I wished only to amuse you for an hour or two."

I

The lady was now also at the feet of the King, who bade them rise with that goodness for which he was ever distinguished.

"No, Sire," exclaimed the tradesman, still continuing on his knees, " I will remain thus until you shall have deigned to listen to me for a moment." "Speak, then," said the Monarch, whose curiosity was excited by this address. "Sire," said the man, with great gravity of voice and manner, the glory of my King is dear to me, and I cannot reflect without the most poignant grief, that it must be tarnished by your Majesty's having admitted to sit at your table such an individual as I am. And this, Sire, I see but one means to prevent." "What may that means be?" said Henry. "Grant me letters of nobility." "Grant you letters of nobility!" "Why not, Sire? Though I was once an artisan, I am a Frenchman; and I hope I have as honest a heart as any gentleman in France." "Very well, my friend, I grant your request; but what arms will you bear?"-"My turkey, Sire, which to day has procured me so great an honour." "Well said!" replied the merry Monarch. "You shall be noble, and bear your turkey in pale."

The tradesman afterwards bought an estate in the environs of Alençon, which was erected into a manor, under his name, which he never would change. descendants long possessed it, and bore for their arms a turkey in pale!

MORE "MISERIES,"

By Sir Fretfull Murmur, Knt.

His

Upon returning from a Tour to the Continent, being asked by every one you meet for your private opinion of things in general.

Having your portrait finely painted in crayons, spoiled by your favourite Newfoundland dog, who struck with the resemblance, begins licking it whilst the servant is cleaning the glass and frame.

Soon after you have comfortably seated yourself in the drawing-room of a fashionable family in the country, where you hope to sleep for the night, having your comb and night-cap taken out of your pocket and laid on the floor, by a pert, spoiled, impudent child, and finding the room in a titter at your expense.

Being obliged to attend a very absent man to a party of prudish ladies, and being fearful that every moment he will say or do something highly improper.

Having a refusal to an offer of marriage sent by an inquisitive maid servant, before the wafer is dry.

Sending your hunter over night to cover, twenty miles off, riding your hack and to the anxious enquiry as to the state of your hunter's health, your groom informs you that he is dead lame.

Being a fag to a tyrannical boy, forced to get out of window at night, to procure wine from the inn for him, and discovered and flogged for it.

Being over-persuaded to stand up in a country dance, when, you know, or what is equally bad, conceive that a bear would eclipse you in grace and agility.

Mis-directing your letter to a man whom you have quizzed in it most abominably. Toasting a bit of cheese, and when it is more than half done, letting it fall into the ashes.

Sleeping in a room with a loose window in a high wind, at the same time the chim. ney board being too small, and flying backwards and forwards.

Carving for a large party with a blunt carving knife.

Hearing that a young lady to whom you are ardently attached, and who you flattered yourself regarded you favourably, is displaying uncommon vivacity and spirits, at a distant watering place, and that she is every where much admired,

In the country, going to a party to dinner, getting very tipsy, quitting the house in a dark night, and getting upon your horse with your face towards the tail, and wondering during the few minutes that you are able to keep your seat, amongst the jeers of your companions, what freak can have entered the brain of the beast to go backwards.

Going to a ball, becoming enamoured with your partner, procuring her name, and understanding that she was an only child, addressing the letter containing a tender display of your affections to Miss So-and-so, receiving a favourable reply, rushing to the house; being introduced to an elder sister whom you had drawn for a partner in the course of the preceding evening without knowing it, who feels no objection to your person, and who of course concluding from the superscription that the billet was intended for her, was disposed to receive your offer most graciouslythunderstruck at the mistake, and covered with confusion, being obliged in the most horribly awkward manner to explain. Ditto the Lady's sensations.

THE CHRONICLE-1864.

MAY 25th. Arthur, the son of Mr. John Davis, farmer, near Oundle, was accidentally drowned in a pond in his father's farmyard.

John Clare, the Peasant Poet, was buried in Helpstone church-yard, on the south side, near the chancel. The brass plate on the coffin bore this inscription: "John Clare, born July 13th, 1793; died May 20th, 1864." The expenses attending the funeral, will be defrayed by the Hon. G. W. Fitzwilliam.

26th. A fire occurred on the farmstead of Mr. Cooke, in Wigtoft Fen, near Boston. Several stacks of produce were destroyed as well as a steam engine, which was at work at the time. The fire was caused by a spark from the steam engine alighting on a straw stack. Estimated amount of damage 4007. Insured in the Sun Fire Office,

The will of the late Bishop of Peterborough was proved in the Diocesan Court of Probate by the two sons and executors, the Rev. Edmund Davys, vicar of Peterborough, and the Rev. Owen W. Davys, rector of Wheathampstead. It bears date December 21st, 1858, and there is a codicil added on the 23rd of July, 1861. The personality was sworn under 80,000l., and is equally divided among the late bishop's four children-Mrs. Pratt, wife of the Rev. Canon Pratt; Mrs. Argles, wife of the Rev. Canon Argles, and the two sons already named. The real estate, which includes several valuable farms, is bequeathed to the eldest son, the vicar of Peterborough, subject only to the payment of an annuity of 50l., to a widowed relative at Oxford. In addition to the income of his bishopric, which was 45001. a year, the deceased prelate possessed independent property, to the amount of fully 500l. a year. He lived a life of the simplest and most unostentatious character.

At Crowland, a Church rate of one penny in the pound, was unanimously agreed to. 27th. The 8th competition of the Sleaford Rifle Corps, for the Rev. E. Trollope's challenge cup, took place, which terminated in favor of corporal Ingoldby, who made 18 points.

At Epworth, Mr. George Pearson of Newland, was summoned by Sarah Slater, of Epworth, for assaulting her. He was fined, including costs, 27s. 6d., or 21 days in default.

28th. Early this morning, Mr. John Negus, farmer, formerly of Chatteris, but now of Long Sutton, left his bedroom, and, though the strictest search has been made, he has not since been seen or heard of.

He is supposed to have gone out in his night shirt and slippers only.

30th. The boiler of an engine belonging to the London & North Western Railway Company, burst at Orton Station; the engine at the time being attached to a passenger train. Fortunately no one was killed, and the only person at all hurt was Richmond, the driver. The cause assigned for the accident, is that the engine is a very old one.

The birth-place of the poet Clare, at Helpstone, was, with other freehold property, sold by auction this day, the purchaser being Mr. Bellars.

At the annual meeting of the Waterworks Company, Newark, it was mentioned that the shareholders were receiving 5 per cent on their investment.

31st. The ceremony of electing the Bishop of Peterborough, by the Dean & Chapter, took place during the morning service.

At Market Rasen, butter was sold at 7d. per lb.

JUNE 1st. The competition for a prize given by W. Wells, Esq., of Holme "To the Driver of an Agricultural Portable Steam Engine, who shall have shown the greatest skill and competence in the management of his engine, of which he shall have had charge for not less than 18 months"-took place at Boroughbury, near Peterborough. The prize was divided into two awards, of 61. and 41., respectively. William Thurley, in the employ of Mr. J. Edis, obtained the 1st prize, and the 2nd was awarded to John Townsend, in the employ of Mr. J. W. Edgson.

Mr. Edward Vergette, jun., of Peterbo rough, passed his final legal examination, at the Hall of the Incorporated Law Society, London.

The Duke of Manchester was installed by Col. R. A. Shafton Adair, Provincial Grand Master of Suffolk, in the office of Provincial Grand Master of Northamptonshire, and Huntingdonshire, rendered vacant by the death of the late Marquis of Huntly. The ceremony took place at the Socrates Lodge, Huntingdon. The Duke of Manchester in the course of his remarks after dinner, proposed that discussions should be held in the lodges, for the purpose of reconciling the apparent contradictions, "between the facts as related in the sacred writings, and the facts as discerned by scientific men." Such he thought was once the business of the lodges, and Masons now-a-days, "would enter on such discussion with becoming reverence."

2nd. A review of the R. N. L. Militia and the Rifle Volunteers of the Lindsey battalion, was held on the South Common,

Lincoln. About 1500 men in all, were under arms.

The Prince and Princess of Wales, accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge, arrived in Cambridge. The royal party became the guests of the authorities of Trinity College. The honorary degree of D.C.L. was conferred on the Prince, and on several members of the court party. The Vice Chancellor (Dr. Cookson), entertained the royal party to dinner, in the hall of Peterhouse.

3rd. The Prince and Princess of Wales and the royal party, took their departure from Cambridge.

4th. J. W. Pearce, Esq., was elected a medical officer to the Peterborough Union. A choral festival took place at Ely Cathedral, in which 1400 voices assisted.

A matrimonial hoax was played off on W. Boulden, of London, by several young men at Boston. The "victim" was tried by his "persecutors," for attempting to obtain a wife, &c. He was found guilty, and adjudged to pay for a dozen of wine. This he flatly refused. Consequently his face was painted, and he was turned into the street. He at length found refuge in the lock-up.

In the cemetery of Thorney Abbey, a fine laburnum tree is in full flower, bearing three different colored flowers. These flowers hang in distinct clusters of each colour, on the same boughs all over the tree, and not each on separate boughs as if by grafting.

5th. Sarah Ann Simons, cook in the establishment of Rev. J. Fawssett, Banburgh, Horncastle, committed suicide by hanging herself. It appears that the unfortunate young women was goaded into "an unsound state of mind," by the calumnies spread abroad concerning her.

7th. About 9 o'clock p.m., a fire occured at the Great Northern Works, Spittal, Peterborough. Several sheds used as workshops, and for containing stores, were destroyed. It was 3 o'clock before the fire was got under. Estimated damage about 15001. Cause unknown.

8th. Two brothers named Setchfield, were drowned while bathing near the railway bridge at Whittlesey.

9th. Mr. Topps, veterinary surgeon, discovered through the sagacity of a dog, the body of Mr. John Negus, in the river Nene, near Sutton Bridge. An inquest was held by Mr. Edwards, and a verdict of "found drowned," was returned.

13th. Ashby & Co., Stamford, obtained the first prize for the best horse-rake, and the first prize for the best haymaker, at the Zierikzee show, in Holland.

14th. An inquest was held at Godmanchester, on Ellen McIntire, a married

woman, who had died suddenly on that same morning. On the previous day she suffered from what appeared to be a bilious attack. On the next morning, her daughter rose at an early hour and gave her some tea, after taking which, she appeared to go to sleep. About an hour and half afterwards she was found dead. After two adjournments of the inquest, the jury found in accordance with the medical testimony of Dr. M. Foster, that the deceased died of inflammation of the stomach, produced by natural causes.

A rifle contest took place at the Milton Ferry butts, between the Peterborough, Wellingborough, and Whittlesey corps'. The following score was the result:WELLINGBOROUGH 491 points. WHITTLESEY

PETERBOROUGH

486

15th. A Reform Demonstration meeting was held at the Corn Exchange, Peterborough; Mr. W. Vergette in the chair.

16th. At Gosberton, a Church rate of 3d. in the pound was unanimously agreed

to.

17th. Martha Howell, schoolmistress, Springthorpe, attempted to take the life of Miss Johnson, music teacher of Gainsborough, at Somerby, near Lincoln, by shooting her with a pistol. The pistol was fortunately overcharged, which caused it when discharged to fly up and to this circumstance, Miss Johnson owed her life, the bullet passing over her head. Howell was afterwards arrested in her own house and committed by the magistrates to take her trial at the next Lincoln Assizes. She is about 45 years of age.

At Chatteris, a young man, for a trifling amount, undertook to run 10 miles within the hour, which feat he accomplished, having several minutes to spare.

18th. Mr. T. Holmes, of Whittlesey, has a white cockatoo, that has laid an egg after 15 years' incarceration.

Mr. C. H. Holdich, jun., scholar of Sydney Sussex College, Cambridge, was admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts, having obtained a first class in the list of ordinary degrees.

20th. An inquest was held at the White Hart, New England, on the body of Matthew Reynolds, railway labourer. The deceased had on the previous Saturday night, been drinking freely at a beer-house at Newtown, and left there to return home at 11 o'clock. His body was afterwards found on the Great Northern Railway, frightfully mutilated, the head being nearly severed from the body. A verdict of accidental death was returned.

21st. A Bazaar and Battalion Parade of the 1st. Cambridgeshire Volunteers,