Current:

Leader (1850-1860), 11th September 1852, Edition Town of 2, Page 867, Untitled Article

Page 867
Page 7
7 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

      the spirit was an essence uncontamraated by matter . The « nint" ia i ndissoluble ; it partakes of no other existence but its own , and we only know of a " spirit" by its gleamini ? through the aperture of its own organization . I would be very awful to see a spectre " raving , " because no tohvsician can heal the diseases of an invisible ; and I fancy that the most subtle philosopher would find his wits cracked in attempting to conceive of a " diseased spirit . " However we will let this matter rest , and earnestly pray that the journalist , may never have to witness the " rav" nffs" " spirit" this side of eternity , and I am sure I lope he never will on the other . Most devoutly would I tjrav that ho may realize in the invisible world what the so-called " diseased spirit" has an ecstatic glimpse of now . ' "• . .. .. ..

      ___ Dr . Matcham is " more than ever satisfied of the genuine nature of the case , and cannot imagine how persons can so belie a girl of such transcendant talent , and , as I believe , exemplary piety . " The Watch Committee have issued their report , and they are decidedly of opinion that Elizabeth is an impostor . They believe that she can see and hear , and that she takes food , though in small quantities . The use of the parasol , deniad by the mother , is asserted by these gentlemen . So here ia an end to the " miracle . "

      Untitled Article

      THE CASE OF THE POITEVINS . Me . Arnold has heard "both sides , " in the matter of the animal-balloon ascents at Cremorne Gardens . The ascents were made with horses , on the 23 rd and 26 th of August , and the charge was one of cruelty to said horses , by suspending them . The first witness , Mr . Daws , a veterinary surgeon , was of opinion that the " effect of hanging up the animal by these fastenings would be compression of the abdominal viscera , congestion of the blood-vessels in the hinder extremities , extravasation in the peritonium lining , the abdomen producing internal bruises , and giving a great deal of pain and suffering to the animal . The external appearances would be , violent perspiration , and symptoms of great exhaustion from continued pain . The excessive perspiration would be a sign of nervous distress , arising from terror , together with other causes . "

      But when he was cross-examined , he admitted that " a pony might be beat or bruised every day , but still might be in good health . Had not examined the horses very carefully , but believed them to be in good health . Thought if they were "brought to him as a veterinary surgeon , notwithstanding the compression of the abdominal viscera and the congestion of blood-vessels in the hinder extremities , and the extravasation of the peritoneum , he should certify that they were in good health . The compression and congestion of the blood-vessels would injure only for a time , for as soon as the cause was removed they would resume their former form . " It came out that Mr . Daws was a friend of Mr . Simpson ' s , that he was with him on the night of the ascent , and did not tell him of thp intended prosecution .

      Sergeant Underbill said ho witnessed the ,, descent , pn Wimbledon-common . The horso was exceedingly hot when it alighted , and perspiration was rolling down its shoulders , but it stood quiet . A gentleman jumped on it , and galloped away . He knew little of the ordinary habit of horses . M . Poitevin , having been cautioned by the magistrate that , by the law of this country , ho was liable to three months' imprisonment if convicted upon this charge , and need not answer any question that might criminate himself , said ho had had ono horso three years , and the other four or five . Ono had gono up 100 , and the other 150

      times . Ho had made altogether between 540 and 550 ascents . The horso started quietly on the 23 rd ult ., merely moving its legs onco or twice , as living animals would do . When it came down it always fed heartily . Tho horse was led when suspended for trial by fcho authorities , at Paris , between fifteen and twenty hours . In his opinion it did not Hufl ' cr any pain by the ascents . Witness had communicated to Mr . Simpson that ho had had tho permission of foreign powers to ascend , and that tho proprietors of another establishment in London had written him word that thts Royal Society for Prevention of Cruelty had given their sanction . Madame Poitevin confirmed hor husband .

      A number of other witnesses were called for tho defence , including veterinary surgeons , whoso evidence went to show that slinging for a period of years was a common practice with norses , and attended with bonnfioial ro-Hultn . Tho general testimony in other respects was exculpatory of tho defendants . Mr . Arnold said ho should reserve his decision in this •¦ aso sino die , but would communicate with tho parties when h <> had gono through tho evidence . That although the evidence had been to show physical pain on tho one Hide , and to rebut it on tho other , another question arose to which Mr . Lewisho thought . might have addressed him-1

      , , H ( " that , of u horso being placed in u situation of risk , and deprived by his position of tho means of assisting him"' ' , ' in dillicitlty . It was a difloront matter if a rational iX'ing plcawd to do it . If a man worn to place a child in H h a position that in tho moment of danger it could not khhihI ; itself , it , wan ft question whothor it would not bo < TU ( ilt , y ; and the question aroso whothor an animal strapped u l > in case of anything going wrong it would not bo ( lushed ' <> pieces . . Mr . Simmon , against whom two of the summonses woro ' wued , said that' no more ascents would tako placo witli ll » iinals .

      " It has for several years been the practice of the company to transmit daily to their more important stations in the provinces , as nearly as circumstances would permit , the true . London time ; but it was felt by the Electric Telegraph Company that , possessed as they were of means so extensive , it would be possible , as well as desirable , that an accuracy mig ht be obtained , which would provo extremely valuable to the principal towns and sea-ports in the United Kingdom , and be available , not only for ordinary , domestic , and commercial purposes , but also . for the rating of chronometers , and for all scientific investigations , in which time forms an important element . " During the summer of last year a sum of money was accordingly voted by the Electric Telegraph Company for instructea to

      these objects ; and I , as then * engineer , was take all necessary steps for carrying them out . An application was soon after made to the Astronomer Royal , for his valuable and indispensable co-operation in the undertaking , which , it is needless to add , was instantly and most cordially afforded . He had , indeed , long contemplated a telegraphic communication between the Greenwich and other observatories , for astronomical purposes ; and he proposed at once to make arrangements for giving the company a daily signal from Greenwich . Wires were accordingly laid down for him between the Observatory and the Lewisham station on the South Eastern Railway , and thence to London-bridge along this line ; one of these wires was liberallv appropriated for the Strand time signal , and

      was continued for that purpose throug h the streets by the Electric Telegraph Company to their office in the Strand . The permission of the South Eastern Railway was necessary for this arrangement , and was granted without hesitation ; and the work along their line was executed by their able and well-known telegraph engineer , Mr . C . V . Walker . The ball at the Strand is liberated directly by a current sent from Greenwich through this wire . The ball , six feet in diameter , is made of zinc , and , with its attached piston , weighs about 2 £ cwt . When fully raised it is 129 feet above the level of the Thames , and it falls through a space of 10 feet . The rod which supports it passes down the centre of the column and carries at its base a piston , which , in its descent , plunges into a cast-iron air cylinder air

      ten inches in diameter , the escape of the being regulated so as to check at pleasure the momentum of the ball , and prevent any concussion from its weight . The raising of the ball half-mast high takes place daily at ± en minutes to one ; at five minutes to one it is raised to Its full height , and at one precisely , and . simultaneously with the fall of the ball at Greenwich , it is liberated by the current sent from the Observatory . The true moment of one o ' clock is therefore indicated by the first appearance of the line of light between the dark cross over the ball and the body of the ball itself . Should anything interfere with the operation , the ball will be lowered half-mast high , where it will remain until five minutes to two , and will bo liberated at two precisely by a second current from Greenwich , or will be slowly lowered to the base of the pole . " The illuminated clock now in course of erection in the

      centre of the crossing is moved by a voltaic current from a good regulator in tho office j and ie liable , therefore , only to the minute errors of this regulator jdur / nc twentyrfwr , hours ; as by an apparatus , attached to ft , it is daily set right by the fall of t \{ e ball ! The minute hand moves only at tho termination of each minute , and the instant of its departure from any minute indicates the commencement of the next minute . It will thus be found to move over the last minute before one o'clock , simultaneously with , the fall of the ball . The Telegraph Company is indebted to Mr . Clark , the extensive lamp manufacturer in the Strand , for the willingness with which ho gave up the prominent site selected . It is well known that the communication of time by means of voltaic currents , originated with Mr . A . Pain , who has lent his valuable assistance in the details .

      " The time-ball already acts with the greatest precision . Tho internal arrangements of tho clock are , however , not quite completed , but will bo so in tho course of a fow days . Absolute reliance may at all times bo placed on the correctness of the signals whonover they are given , and it is hoped that tho arrangements made are so perfect thut few interruptions will occur . " Mr . Clarke also states that the Electric ; Telegraph Company intend to make similar arrangements for signalising time at their stations in moat of the principal towns throughout England .

      Untitled Article

      NLECTRIC TIME SIGNALS . UNOKit the signature of " Kdwin Clarke , " and dated '' Mleetrio Telegraph Company , Knginom-a' OIHce , " s « l > toml > er 7 , 1852 , tho morning journals have pub"Hlied tho following account of the Electric Tiiuo Signal lit Chttrinjr-crousi

      Untitled Article

      RAILWAY ASSURANCE . It was a happy idea that of assuring lives on railways ; and it has boon practically developed to an immeiiHe extent ; but Htill , as the following facts from tho Report of tho Railway Passengers Assurance Company will show , the number of travellers by railways who assuro their lives is quite insignificant compared with those who do not . Tho gross number of tickets issued by the company in 1851 amounted to 122 , 202 , divided as follows : —periodical tickets , 2 , 305 ; double journey tickets , 1 , 814 ; single journey tickets , 117 , 003 ; in 1852 the gross number bad increased to 127 , 015 , divided as follows : ¦ - periodical tickets , 2 , 30 ft ; double journey tickets , 7 , 0 ( 53 ; single journey tickets , 118 , 154 . The total receipts during tho Half Year amount to 3 , 0 ( 1 ( 5 / . Hs . Id ., and this with tho Balance brought forward , shows a total of 4 , 3847 . 8 » . \ hl . to tho credit of Revenue Account , out of which the amounts estimated as payable at tho oloso of last year , the claims adjusted , and tho working expenses , amounting in all , to 3 , 354 / . 5 s . 7 < f ., have boon paid , leaving a surplus of 1 , 030 / . 3 « . 2 r / . This mm , together with the amount duo from Clearing House and Agents , as shown by the statement of accounts circulated among tho Proprietors , forms a Balance of 1 , 727 / . 18 « . 11

      capital of the Company for the Half Year , at the rate of Four per Cent , per Annum . The amount paid as compensation during the last six months is 1 , 457 ? . 1 * . 4 d ., principally arising from claims unsettled in December last . The Claims on Insurances effected during the period under review , have been comparatively few , accidents having been , happily , much less frequent than usual , but the periodical recurrence of these casualties is remarkably shown by the number that have happened since the close of the Half Year , and which have been generally of a very severe des < % iption . One of the most serious of these occurred at Stockton , on the 21 st July , in which no less than three of the sufferers held Insurance Tickets , one of them being Mr . Grainger , the

      wellknown and much respected Civil Engineer , who was so severely inj ured that he died shortly after . The Company ' s Surgeon , Mr . Holt , proceeded to the spot immediately on receipt of intelligence of the accident , and at the request of the friends of the unfortunate gentleman ( who expressed themselves much pleased by the attention ) he remained to the last , to give the benefit of his great experience and professional skill in removingthe fractured limb , which unfortunately was found impracticable from physical prostration , so that mortification finally supervened . The amount insured , 1 , 000 ? ., is payable to Mr . Grainger ' s family , and although a heavy claim on the funds of the Company , and the first of such magnitude , it may be expected that this remarkable instance of the utility of the system will have a beneficial effect on the future business .

      Untitled Article

      EUROPEAN RACES IN THE UNITED STATES . ( From an American Correspondent of the " Times" ) ^ The predominance of the Anglo-Saxon race in numerical , as well as in intellectual capacity , in that part of North America comprised within the area of the Republic of the United States lias been generally admitted , or , indeed , scarcely denied , until within a very recent period . It now seems to have become important to political demagogues , in their anxiety to wield an influence with the numerous classes of the American population , principally from Ireland and Germany , who have swelled the ranks of emigrants to those shores within the last quarter of a century , to misrepresent and exaggerate the proportion of the Celtic and modern German element in the aggregate numbers of the American nation . An Irish-American writer of this

      stamp , I observe , is quoted as an authority in the last January number of the London Quarterly Review , and on that account deserves attention , for the purpose of correcting his gross misrepresentations . In the article referred to ( on " Highland Destitution and Irish Emigration , " ) the Quarterly says : — " But what will be the influence of the Irish exodus upon the destinies of the great American Republic ? The population of the United States is probably the most mixed and heterogenous on the face of the earth . The Slavonic element , which is entirely antipathic , is almost the only European one unrepresented there . The native German , the Anglo-Saxon , the Milesian , and the Gaelic sub-varieties of the Celtic race—to say nothing of the African—have all

      contributed largely to tho composition of that strange people . But , if any reliance can be placed on the accuracy of the following table , which seems to have been constructed with great care by a Mr . William E . Robinson , and read before a learned and statistical assemblage at Clinton , in New York , the Celtic blood even now predominates . The gross population of the Union was , in 1850 , a little above 23 , 000 , 000 , which ( says Mr . Robinson ) may bo thus appropriated : — Irish born 3 , 000 , 000 Irish by blood 4 , 500 , 000 German by blood or birth . . . 5 , 500 , 000 Anglo-Saxon by blood or birth . . 21 , 500 , 000 French , or other Celts , by blood or birth 3 , 000 , 000 Coloured , free or slavo .... 3 , 500 , 000 Total .... 23 , 0 < X ) , 0 O 0 "According to this table ( tho Quarterly gravely remarks ) , more than half tho white population of tho United States aro Celts ; more than a third Irish (' tilts ; more than a seventh actually of Irish birth . This increasing pretlominace of a race of ho strongly-marked a character , and of qualities ho opposed to those of tho Anglo-Saxon , may well give rise to considerable anxiety on the other sitlo of tho Atlantic , and to interesting speculation here . If tho Irish , enabled by their numbers to congregate together there as in the old country , and thus to withdraw themselves in a great measure from tho influences of a now scene and a superior race , ahull retain their national features unchanged or only [ slightly modified , they may affect greatly tho aggregate character and the political and social proceedings of tho Union . Tho stern and resistless energies of tho Anglo-Saxon may , and probably will , still enable him to retain tho supremacy , but oven then the destinieH and tho nature of tho American people , as a whole , must l > o affected by this inordinate infusion of Irish blood . " Ah I Khali bo able to show that the reviewer reasons upon fulso premises , founded upon the misrepresentations of tho Irish lecturer " before u learned ami statistical jwsoniblago ait Clinton , in New York" ( which , assemblage , by the way , was principally composed of young men and plain country people at tho commencement of Hamilton College , u minor institution in central New York ) , I think lit ; may dismiss hi . s apprehensions us to tho effects which « ui Irish Celtic emigration in lnrgo numbers may produce on the character of thin Anglo-Saxon Republic in its nociul or j > oliticul rotations . If I wort ; , however , to admit tho facts stated , such is my confidence in tho prodominunco of tho Anglo-Suxon intellect ! and governing powers und influence over tha

      Untitled Article

      September 11 , 1852 ;] THE LEADER . S 6 ? . ¦ . _ —— ' ' ""* — ' -- * - ' ¦ !_——— . M __ MM —^ mm —^

  • Citation
    • Leader (1850-1860), Sept. 11, 1852, page 867, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/l/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1951/page/7/