Current:

Leader (1850-1860), 6th July 1850, Edition Town of 1, Page 344, Untitled Article

Page 344
Page 8
8 of 24

On this page

  • Text (5)
  • Transcript

    • Note: This text has been automatically extracted via Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software. The text has not been manually corrected and should not be relied on to be an accurate representation of the item.

      Additionally, when viewing full transcripts, extracted text may not be in the same order as the original document.

      Untitled Article

      only wish was that he would leave her , and never came near her again . The prisoner was remanded for a week . The final examination of Mr . Page , a master bricklayer , and Mary Clarke , for bigamy , took place at Lambeth Police Office , on Monday . The court was crowded to suffocation by persons anxious to hear the evidence . The only new facts elicited were those establishing the fact of Page ' s having married first a woman named Ellen Regan , sixteen years ago , and next Mrs . Clarke under the name of Emma Smith , on the 10 th of February , 1848 . The first wife he separated from after several years on account of her ill behaviour ; nothing was said as to whether she was still alive or not . Both prisoners , Henry Page and Mary Clarke were committed for trial .

      Untitled Article

      GEORGE BIDDER OUT-FIGURED . In a report of the proceedings at a recent meeting of the members of the Institute of Actuaries , given in the Post Magazine , the following account is furnished of a German , at present resident in London , whose calculating powers seem to outrival those of the celebrated George Bidder : — " The remainder of the evening was occupied by the appearance of a German gentleman , named Daze , whose extraordinary talents for calculation , and the facility with which he performs the most tedious arithmetical operations , and answers the questions with equal ease , either verbally or in writing , are so remarkable , as to

      elicit the wonder and admiration of every one who hears or sees him . His answers are given with almost the same rapidity that the listener can write down the result , allowing nothing for the time spent in computing . The first question asked him was the product of a number , consisting of five figures , by another number of five figures , and the correct answer was given almost instantaneously . His friend , who acted as interpreter for him , stated that he had the most singular power of telling at a glance a great number of objects thrown upon the table—as , for instance , the total number of marks on dominoes , even to 100 or more . To test this quality the balloting balls , which had just been used for the

      admission of new members , were thrown from the box loose upon the table , and Herr Daze , after taking a single glance , and then turning away , declared the total number to be sixty-eight , which proved to be correct when the balls were counted and returned to the box . It should be remarked in this case that some were lying much nearer together than others , and that they would appear to an ordinary spectator to be so confused as to puzzle even an experienced calculator how to avoid reckoning some of them twice . He then gaye the product of two numbers to twelve figures , multiplied it by seven , and repeated the latter product backwards

      without an error in any figure . He was then asked the cube of 467 , which was correctly given , 95 , 443 , 993 , almost instantaneously . He will divide a number by another , consisting of two or three figures , and will write down the answer at once , in one line , without any apparent intermediate process . In as rapid a manner he gave the factors to 7421 , namely , 41 . 181 ; but it would take up too much time to state all the surprising proofs of this singular gift of calculation . We may merely mention , as one instance , that he multiplied a number , consisting of twelve figures , by another number of twelve figures , and gave the product correct in one minute and three quarters .

      Untitled Article

      A MANIAC INCENDIARY . A young man , aged twenty , very respectably dressed * but who refused to give his name , was brought up at Guildhall , on Wednesday , charged with making use of seditious language at the Queen Victoria public-house in King-street , Smithfield . Police constable Webb , of the detective force , stated that , in consequence of information he had received , he went to the Victoria publichouse on the previous day , where he saw the prisoner ; and , having adjourned to a private room , had some conversation with him , in the course of which he described himself as " a determined Chartist , and a physical-force man . " He also explained to him a short and easy method , as laid down in the following insane letter , of extirpating the aristocracy : — 11 June 2 !) .

      •' Sir , —Iii Kensington-gardens , of a Tuesday ami Friday ovuninar , about six o'clock , nearly the whole of the aristocracy in town arc congregated to hoar tho band play . A great number Boat themselves under the trees near the band , but a greater portion promenade upon tho gravel-walk . They are so crowded together that the dreBses of tlio ladies , which are ot the lightest materials , touch one another ; therefore , if we could set 11 ro to ono of the girls' dresses , tho flames would immediately extend over the whole . ' The scheme is this : —Go to tho Gardens Home very fine Tuesday or Friday evening , and take with you a piece of paper wlrepi'd in turpentine , a few matches , and some cigars . Screw one end of the paper in the form of a cigar-light , light it with a mutch , ami , after lighting a cig . r , drop the blazing paper upon a

      muslin dresa , which it . will immediately set lire to . The girl would hmtautly rush into the crowd , ami in the confusion , all the people ninniiiif together , they would push the persons near the girl ayainst . her : and the ladies' drouses being all in motion , the ( lames would rapidly extend to a great number . The people could noi easily <¦ *< :, mh > , an there are so ni . inv chairs and stools about , they would fall over tin-in . You could easily escape in the contu-ion ; and it . would be advisable to turn penny-a-liner , and report , the mutter to the newspapers as an accident , lor which you would get a good sum , mid as it would allay any suspicion that ini « ht otherwise arise . You would h . ivothe satisfaction of giillint : the greater portion of old Satan's representatives , behides saving him some trouble by sending them t . ) their llual residence hall-voasled .

      " ll ' yu could succeed in gottimr a light dress fairly on lire , Hucoess wotdd be almost certain , as persons on lire , especially ladies , naturally rush to anybody near at baud . It you do not like this scheme , I am acquainted with some others , out ; of which is to set the opera-house on lire on a grand night , in such a manner aw to cut oil' ihe retreat of the audience ; but this would require three or four persons . —Yours &c , " Addie 6 ued to a dt-termined Chartist . " •« a . B . On being questioned whether ho had any more such

      letters about him , he produced another , which was read in court , and which he admitted to be his : — " June 29 . " Sir , —Are you a determined Chartist ? If so , and you would not mind risking your life in assisting your party , I am acquainted with a scheme whereby you might do so by settling tne greater portion of the aristocracy now in London . " Although I do not belong to your party , yet the aristocracy have so misbehaved themselves to me that 1 should like to start 500 of them on their infernal journey . " If you would not like to undertake the business yourseli , can you inform me of a person who would ? I want a cool , determined fellow , who does not mind running some risk . « Yours , &c , "A . B . "

      Webb then asked him if he was determined to carry his plan into execution , and he answered that he certainly was , and if witness did not choose to do it he would go and get some Frenchman who would do it in no time , and he added that he thought no more of taking a man ' s life than he did of spitting . He was then taken into custody , and on his name being demanded at the police station he said he would rather be hung at Newgate than say who he was . On searching him , a piece of paper containing the following instructions was found in his pocket : —

      " INSTKUCTION 3 TO PERSONS ABOUT TO COMMIT SUICIDE . " You may as well be hanged as drown yourself . Break head of relieving officer . If none at hand , practise on that of a policeman . ( Note . —Operatives with starving families cannot get relief . ) , " Attend at Belgrave-square or Eaton-square about twelve at noon ; when a lady is passing from her mansion into her carriage , settle her with a crack of a live-preserver . If you killed a duchess it would be as good as a life insurance for your family . week

      ( Note . —Spitalflelds weaver is on 3 s . 6 d . per . ) " Fasten a cork on the head of a long bodkin—attend at . Regent-street , about three , p . m ., and as a lady is passing from her carriage into a silk-mercer ' s thrust th « bodkin into her temples and you will kill her instanter . ' If you had the luck to stick a countess you would do more for the distressed needlewomen than all the societies and public speeches have ever done . You would very likely escape being hanged on the ground of insanity , and if so be comfortably provided for for the rest of your life . ( Xote —Distressed needlewoman on slop wages . )

      " Attend at Tattersall ' s and shoot the first jockey you see . ( Note . —Jluined by betting on horseracing . ) " Kill some person of that class which has driven you to desperation ; if you are hanged for so doing you will depart to the future state easier and more respectably than if you had di owned yourself , besides being of some use to s -clcy in your death . ( Note . —All persons about to commit suicide . ) A second piece of paper found on the prisoner had written on it the following : — " National-hall , Holborn—meeting-house , bottom of Holbornhill , up yard—Sons of Fossell— Bonner ' s-fields , Cottages near there—Chartist leaders—French Republicans in London ; query , get one to come over Irom Paris . " The prisoner , who during the examination was smiling at everything that was said by the witnesses , when called on for his defence handed in the following paper : — " July 3 .

      "I merely explained how an unlawful act might be committed , but did not incite the person to commit it , and expressly stated I should not do it myself . This is no legal oil' -nee . To save trouble I admit the papers are in my handwriting , but decline to state who I am . Should it be necessary to hear any punishment I am quite ready to do so , even to the sacrifice of my lifo upon political principles . " Mr . Alderman Finnis decided on remanding him till yesterday , in order to affird Webb , the officer , time to learn more concerning him .

      Untitled Article

      MISCELLANEOUS . The Queen held a court on Saturday afternoon , at Buckingham Palace , for the reception of addresses to congratulate her Majesty on the birth of a Prince . The Lord Mayor and Corporation of London arrived at the Palace at three o ' clock , accompanied by Aldermen Sir Peter Laurie , Sir James Duke , Sir George Carroll , a number of other aldermen , and about ninety common councillors , with most of the officers of the corporation , all in their respective costumes . The mace and the sword of the City were borne before tho Lord Mayor ,

      as emblems of his great authority . On the other hand the Queen was conducted to the throne with all the state pageantry common on such occasions , and , being seated , the Lord Mayor and Corporation were conducted into the royal presence , when the Mayor , kneeling , presented the address , to which she returned a gracious answer . The Lord Mayor of Dublin , and a deputation from the * corporation , was then introduced , and presented an address of congratulation also . In the evening the Queen , Prince Albert , and the Prince of Prussia wont to the Iloval Italian Opera-house .

      The Queen save a concert on Monday evening , at Buckingham Palace , to which the lloyal Family , the diplomatic corps , and between three and four hundred of the nobility and gentry were invited . The Queen and Prince Albert , with the Prince , of Wales , accompanied by his lloyal Highness the Prince of Prussia , went to the Scottish fete at Lord Holland ' s park , at Notting-hill , on Monday afternoon . Her Majesty ami the Koyal party , after having remained a considerable time witnessing the Highland games , paid a visit to Lord Holland at Holland-house .

      The Prince of Prussia occupied the Queen s box at the Italian Opera-house on Tuesday evening . In addition to the royal box orders had been given to prepare ? he box adjoining for tho use of her Majesty ' s parly on that , evening ; but in consequence of the alarming illness of Sir Hubert Peel her Majesty's carriages , which had been in waiting at the Palace , were countermanded , and the Prince of Prussia alone visiteil the opera . Toe Queen held her first and only leyec ( the two preceding ones having been held by Prince Albert ) on Wednesday afternoon , at two o ' clock , at Si . James ' s Palace . Her Majesty , accompanied by his Royal Highness Prince Albeit , and attended by her suite , arrived shortly before two , escorted by a party of the 2 d Life Guards . Her Majesty looked as well as usual , and was

      repeatedly cheered . The levee was attended by the whole of the foreign corps diplomatique , the Ministers and great officers of state , and a vast number of the nobility and gentry , and military and naval officers . On Thursday afternoon the Queen and Prince Albert , with the Prince of Prussia , went in an open barouche and four , to Dulwich , College , and inspected the gallery of paintings . The Duchess of Blent , accompanied by a numerous suite , is at present in Frankfort , where the spacious apartments of the first floor of the " Hotel d'Angleterre , " on the Rossmarkt , have been specially furnished and fitted up for her reception . She will remain there a fortnight , and then proceed to Soden , one of the numerous little bathing places at the foot of the Taunus mountains , about ten English miles from Frankfort .

      Untitled Article

      At the leve " e on Wednesday the chairman and deputychairman of the East India Company were received at a special audience , for the purpose of presenting to her Majesty the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond , brought home by Coionp ) Mackeson . Louis Philippe , we are gratified to learn , is fast improving in health , and is able to take out-door exercise daily . —Brighton Gazette . The Duke of Wellington is expected to visit Yesterhouse , Haddingtonshire , the seat of the Marquis of Tweeddale , in the course of the autumn . He will proT bably be accompanied by the Marchioness of Douro , his daughter-in-law . —Edinburgh Paper . Some of the papers stated that M . and Madame Drouyn de Lhuys were present at the Queen ' s ball . This was a mistake . The French Ambassador did not return to London till last Monday .

      A diplomatic dinner was given at the Elysee last week in honour of the reconciliation of the French and English Cabinets , at which Lord Normanby and General Lahitte were present . The members of the Reform Club have determined to invite Lord Palmerston to a dinner at the club on such a day as may be most convenient to his lordship , as a testimony of their respect for his character and their approbation of his policy . The requisition was commenced on the evening of Friday , before the division , and was immediately signed by nearly 100 members . The banquet will be held in the largest building suited to the purpose that can be found in London . At present the intention is to give the entertainment in Drury-lane Theatre , where tables may be laid for 1100 or 1200 persons .

      In anticipation of a general election , we hear that a requisition is handing about among the Liberals of Leeds for signature to invite Lord Palmerston to become a candidate for the representation of this borough in the new Parliament . —Leeds Intelligencer . Now that the harassing Greek affair has been settled , French and English diplomatists are able to take a little relaxation . The Post announces the arrival in town of the Marquis and Marchioness of Normanby from the British Embassy at Paris . The Hon . Richard Edwardes is acting as Charge d'Affaires during his lordship ' s absence . Mr . Gladstone is said to have been formally installed as the protectionist leader in the House of Commons , after shaking hands with Mr . Disraeli , who consents to act under him , as his second .

      Sir Launcelot Shadwell is convalescent , and it is now probable that he will be able to resume his public duties before the vacation . Garibaldi sailed , on Thursday week , from Liverpool , in the packet-ship Waterloo , for New York , leaving on the minds of all who had the pleasure of meeting him a very favourable impression . Mr . Robert Dillon Browne , M . P . for the county of Mayo , died suddenly on Monday . Up to Sunday evening he seemed to enjoy perfect health . The attack which caused his death was so rapid that he expired next

      morning about ten o ' clock . By this event a vacancy has occurred in the representation of the county of Mayo . Messrs . William Forster , Josiah Forster , and Pau-Bevan , three members of the Society of Friends in Engl land , waited on the President a few days since at the Elysee for the purpose of presenting him with an address from the yearly meeting of that body on the abolition of slavery and the slave trade . The deputation was very courteously received , and the President entered with much apparent cordiality into the subject matter of the address . Mr . Forster has recently presented a copy of the same address to most of the sovereigns of Europe .

      It is not generally known that when Government proposed a pension to the widow of Lieutenant Waghorn , of £ 25 per annum , tho burst of indignation expressed by the press at the offered insult , compelled the Privy Council to increase the amount to £ 40 a-year . In addition to this , we are glnd to learn that the East India Company have handsomely granted Mrs . Waghorn a pension of £ 50 per annum , " in consideration of the unwearied exertions of her late husband in advancing the interests of commerce throughout the whole world , " but more particularly the British possessions m the East . inent scul has ived order

      Mr . Gibson , the em ptor , rece an for a colossal group , in marble , of figures of her Majesty , supported on either side by Justice and Clemency . The figure of the Queen will be ten feet in height , tho side figures eight ft et . This group will occupy a place in the new Houses of Parliament . The following lines have been inscribed upon a stone recently placed by the Karl of Ellesmere over the grave of Addison in Westminster Abbey . Tho lines are by Tiokell . The Montague alluded to was Charles first Earl of Halifax : — " aduisox . Ne ' et to these chambers where the mighty rest , Since their foundation , came a nobler guust ; Nor e ' er was to the bowers of bliss conveyed A fairer spirit , or more welcome shade . Oh , gone for ever ! take this Ion ? adieu , And sleep in peace next thy lov'd Montague . 1 Born 167 ? . —Died 1710 . " Egerton , Earl of Ellesmere , l \ C . 1849 . "

      Untitled Article

      344 SMfre JLtUtftV * [ Saturday ,

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), July 6, 1850, page 344, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1845/page/8/