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Northern Star (1837-1852), 15th March 1845, Edition 2 of 3, Page 6, THE HEIR-AT-LAW SOCIETY SWINDLE. Last we...

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      Fr The Northern Star. . . | Mttqh - . 15...

      fr THE NORTHERN STAR . . . | MttQH - . 15 ,. 1845 . ^

      The Heir-At-Law Society Swindle. Last We...

      THE HEIR-AT-LAW SOCIETY SWINDLE . Last week a correspondent wrote ns , asking for information respecting a ^ p riety , o ^ ensibly . formed to aidparlaarwho may be ^ oovand yet"tlunk they have c a ^ - ^^ dencej ^^ wiUestoblishthemasheirsat-law ] to certain properties ., - When we received the letter allud ed Jto , ; we . cqpld'do no more than state that such a ^ j Sppietyjj ^ ensJ ^ for . of its nature and constitution . $ p i $ f ^^ e ^ egree . ^ reliance to be placed on it , we mad nojh ^ aps ^ ofjuiowing . At the very time , Loweverit ^ y ^ w ^ penning a notice to that effect anexaminaUbn ^ jwasgoingon before Sir J . Duke , at the GuiTdhafl ^ . wMck calls in no common degree , on those gjxrat " tos jjlace themselves in the hands of the said society to ^ jc autious and wary , else . they may happen to nmi themselves the victims of an arrant swindle . '"' ito put such on their guard we give the examination referred to . It took place on Thursday ast ' -r ^ v * < ¦(« .. - -

      Hngh'Traiiams , the : clerk of the Heir-at-Law Society , again appeared before Sir J , Duke to answer the COmplaint . of . a poor . man . named Brid ger , who nas come to Xocdon to prosecute a claim to an estate in the country worth £ 40 , 000 . Thecharge was , that the society had receivedj £ 2 . 4 s . fid . iorthe special purpose of taking counsel ' s opinion , and in violation of good faith had not so appliedif . Williams had attended on a previous day , when he stated fljat the manager , Mr . G . Boss , was out of town , and that in fact , Mr . Ross knew nothing of the matter , as the complainant ' s money had been embezzled by a late cleric . The complainant having ascertained that the manager is a prisoner in the Queen ' s Prison , and not a visitor in the country , renewed his application . Sir J . Duke asked if Ross was now in attendance ? Williams answered he -was not ; but he was there on behalf of Ur , Ross and the societv .

      Sir J . Duke said he had received letters from parties who complained that they had paid money , and received no service from the society . If this was the practice of the society it bordered on swindling . Williams said he was ready to answer any eharge . Sir J . Duke asked who Watson , the chairman of the society , was ? Williams replied , he was a gentleman . Sir J . Snkesaidthatwas no answer . If Mr . Watson was really a respectable man he need not shrink from publicity . Williams replied , that the proceedings were too publie , and that was the reason he should not give names . Sir J . Duke said , Mr . Boyle , of the Temple , had come forward to disclaim being what Williams had represented , the standing counsel of the societv .

      Williams stated that he was the society ' s standing counsel now . Cases were drawn , and submitted for his opinion . He produced the hook in which the cases and opi-Ii ' onS were entered , and said the society ' s early CaSEB had iHD submitted to Mr . Barker . It was very easy to cast imputations . Sir J . Duke asked who Mr . Barker was f Williams replied , he was a barrister of long standing . Sir J . Bnke said , he was astonished the public could he led astray by a society which had attracted the notice of one of the Queen ' s judges , and pointed out as a fit object for prosecution by the Attorney-General . The alderman asked if Mr . Boss was still out of town ? . Williams said he was . He had gone to Brighton . Sir J . Duke asked when he saw him last ?

      Williams said he should not answer that auestion . There was no complainant in court , and was he to be examined and to make a defence where there was no charge ? Sir 3 . Duke said if he-would ten who were the seven directors of the society he should feel obliged . waiiams said he would not tell , for the reason he had already given . Sir J . Bake hoped the public would be cautious in their dealings with a society , the directors of which shrunk bom ihe disclosure of their names , Williams said , of course they would be ashamed to see their names in a police report . Surely the case was not to be entered upon ex parte . Who accused the society ! Had Sir . J . Duke any right to examine him ( the clerk } at all ? Sir J . Duke said the complainant had taken out the summons , and " perhaps Mr . Williams could account for his absence !

      Williams declared that he had not compromised with the complainant , and if he now came for his money , * perhaps the magistrate would order it should not be paid . The Alderman called for Mr . Toole . Mr . Toole said he would state his case . He had not exactly a complaint to make . He was at Hull some months ago , and he undertook to obtain an opinion on ihe claim of a poor man named Doughty . He obtained the opinion of a respectable practitioner , which was adverse from want of certain papers . The poor man got more papers , and , as a last resort , placed them in the hands of the society . Upon paying- the money , he obtained the following receipt : — "Heir-at-law Society , Xo . 358 . " Office , 14 , Chatham-place , Blackfriars . "Beceived , the 13 th of August , is « , of Mr . Joseph Doughty , the sum of S 3 . 4 s 6 d , being the fee of counsel for bis opinion and advice herein . Geobgk Roes . "

      Williams , interrupting the complainant , asked . what was the charge * Toole said he did not make a charge . Williams observed that he had no right to be heard at all ; he was not to cast imputations on the society if he had no charge . He protested in the strongest manner against anything further being heard , as he had no charge to make . Sir J . Duke said it was for him to judge whether there was ground of charge after hearing the circumstances . Williams again formally protested against Mr . Toole being heard . Mr . Toole , however , continued . —Such a society , honestly conducted , would be a great benefit to society . "Williams said he was willing to return Mr . Toole the papers .

      Sir J . Dufce said he would not allow Mr . Toole to be interrupted ; the time to reply - was when he had finished . The complainant continued . —After paying the fee the lient received a letter promising that his case should be -ubmitted to counsel in its turn , bnt from August to March that turn had sot arrived . A great many applications had been made at the offices in Trafalgar-square and Chatham-place , but no information had been obtained . Sir J . Duke asked if an opinion had been taken on this case ? - ' Williams referred to his hook , but could not find one . Sir J , Duke remarked , that it would not have been uificult to manufacture an opinion and affix any counsel ' s name to it He asked Williams if he should read the opinion of the society expressed by one of the Queen ' s judges ! Williams protested energetically against any ex-parte proceedings—any expression of insinuations against the society .

      Sir J . Bake said , it did not appear that the society had done anything in the case mentioned by Mr . Toole but give a receipt for the money . The gentleman sitting at his left hand , and whom Williams did not appear to know , was Mr . Boyle , whom he had misrepresented as being the standing counsel of the society ^ Williams denied that he had so represented Mr . Boyle . Sir J . Bake said he gave the society credit for engaging a man of Williams ' s ingenuity and boldness . Mr . Boyle begged to state that he was not the standing oWniel of Ihe society , nor in any way connected with It . His opinion of certain cases had been obtained through a solicitor in the ordinary manner . He had s list of the cases in which he had advised , and would show it to the Alderman .

      Sir J . Bake thanked him for his attention , aud said it might be of some utility to print that list ; it ran as follows : — " To . advising on papers , Jan . 19 , re Saleraon : Jan . 19 , T 6 Pelham ; Jan . flfl , re Phillips ; Jan , 29 , re Barrett ; Feb . 8 , re Danvcrs ; Peb . 14 , re Cramp ; Feb . 15 , re Hawels ; Feb . 28 , re Carew ; March 5 , re Wood ; March 27 , 10 Wood ; 3 £ ay 29 , xe Salnsbury ; May 29 , re Barnes : June 11 , re St Anbyn ; June 11 , re Heredyth ; Aug . 6 , re Swinton ; Aug . 6 , re Rawlins ; Aug . 6 , re Eustace . " Mr . Tomkinson , of the Walworth-road , . made a complaint , bat in his case a legal opinion seemed to have been taken . The chief clerk told Williams if he wished to see Mr . Boss he might find him in the Queen ' s Trison , hut Williams turned a deaf ear to it . Sir 3 . Bake , therefore , asked him if he wished to hear where Hr . Boss was ?

      Williams said no , he did not . It was shocking that these should have been an inquiry -when n » charge wr > s made . Such insinuations ought not to he permitted . The Society was ready and able to answer every accusation that could be brought against it . Sir J . Bake was glad to hear it , and discharged Mr . WBHams from farther attendance on Bridger ' s complaint . From a prospectus , dated 1812 , which was put in , It appeared the society was described as having a capital of £ 100 , 000 , in 100 shares of £ 1 , 000 , one-half paid np , the other half'made np of accumulating profits . Best ,

      £ 25 , 000 . - "Established 1839 . Conducted under the superintendence and management of seven directors ( three being a quorum ) , and able assistants . George Boss , ma nager ; Wi H . Watson , chairman . A paper , which gives the resolutions of the committee-held on the Stnof November , 1841 , states that the society have now placed by clients at their disposal various sums amounting to upwards of £ 800 , 000 , to be laid out in mortgage . Another prospectus , dated February , 1845 , which was handed to the magistrate , gives the amount to be loaned on mortgage at only £ 500 , 000 ; bnt it states that the society has 450 claims relating to property amounting to £ 20 , 000 , 000

      under consideration . On Tuesday last there was another case before the magistrates at Guildhall . The following are the particu lars : ' . < , v-After disp 0 gin £ Of some business , 'Sir P . Xanrie asked if a person named Henry Scholefield , of the Bull ' s Head , Tottenham-court-road , was present ? Scholefield presented himself . Sir P . Laurie said he . understood he had some applicafiontom ^ e respktingtheHeir-st-Law Society . Sir P . launefijraihyaletter . addreBBedtohan athisprivate «* d « ce , ^ ttte iwaety- haAobtainea something more tromninrthanafee for counsel ' s opinion

      . Scholefidd said , he hadcomeuptoLondonfrom lanca snweto ohlam the aid of the society , as it purposed to be ^ S **^ special benefit of the poor . Jle was a In ^ T ^^ an , 1 M 8 **** " * wonld notallowWm hmmSk * ^^^

      The Heir-At-Law Society Swindle. Last We...

      Sir P . Laurie asked him if he had been to Chathamplace to ask for his papers ? - He said he had been five times that day , and Hugh Williams ; the clerk , told hun to come again at two o ' clock , and then he would see Mr . Boss , and get a letter for Mr . Smith . Sir P . Laurie asked who he was ? Scholefield said he was acting on behalf of another , a poor man named Thomas Smith ' , at lowton , near Leigh , Manchester . The first sum of £ 2 4 s . 6 d . was paid on the Uth of November , 1843 , and he received a reply , requesting a statement of the particulars . He afterwards received a copy of the case and counsel ' s opinion thereon . Then followed the application for £ 10 , which was remitted . He received the following answer : —

      December 23 , 1844 . Sib , —I am directed by this Society to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 21 st , enclosing £ 10 , which you may rely on being app lied to the best advantage of the claimant , and that you shall shortly hear from us again on the subject . In the meantime , give ns the name and residence of Mr . Kidd , and you need not doubt ho will soon be brought to account by this Society , for whom I am , & c , - - Geo . Ross . Sir P . Laurie looked at tliis letter , and said it was in the handwriting of Boss . He knew the man ; aud he asked how the applicant first heard of the society ? Scholeiieldreplied , a personwho had obtained a circular in Lancashire , showed it to him and others who had claims to property . Sir P . Laurie asked what amount Smith was seeking to

      recover . Scholefield rep lied it was a legacy of £ 4 , 000 . Sir P . Laurie said , he wished he had not known go much of Ross . The applicant would never get a 6 d ., and he should be thankful he had not been duped to a greater extent . Perhaps , Williams might be indicted with Boss for conspiracy , but the sessions did not begin till the second week in April , and the applicant hadTietter return to Lancashire if he could obtain his papers . He had no notion how much money was obtained in London by mere schemes . The Lancashire " man said he supposed about half a million per annum . ( Loud laughter . ) Sir P . Laurie said it might be as much as that , for many persons were gulled with schemes to make money , who were ashamed to confess it The list of opinions given by the company ' s counsel was referred to , and the opinion produced ( which was not signed ) was not amongst them .

      The applicant said Mr . Ross was only the manager . He had asked for an interview with the Mr . Wentworth Watson , who was chairman of the Board of Directors , of whom three were magistrates ( as Hugh Williams assured him ) , but he had not been honoured with one . Sir P . Laurie said if there were three magistrates in the Direction , it was not enough to establish their respectability . AM magistrates were not spotless characters . He knew Mr . Watson . It was the same man that projected a bridge across Farringdon-street , to avoid the declivity of Holboni-hill . Sir P . Laurie recommended the applicant to return home if he could get his papers . The applicant withdrew .

      Camsipmumwe

      CamsipmuMwe

      The Scottish Poor Law System. - Shameles...

      THE SCOTTISH POOR LAW SYSTEM . - SHAMELESS TYRANNY AND INJUSTICE AT DUNDEE .

      TO THE EDITOTl OF THE NOBTHEBN STAS . Sib , —As your columns have ever been open to expose every injustice or oppression inflicted upon the working classes , I trust that you will give aplace ( in what is so emphatically and so truly termed Labour ' s Journal ) to the following statement of a new and roost gigantic Stride of oppression , at present in course of being perpetrated upon the working classes of Dundee . Owing to the late secession from the Established Church of Scotland , the Kirk Sessions , who formerly transacted the business of the receipt and distribution of the poor ' s funds , became here , as in many other places ( by the withdrawing of the greater part of the members ) , totally inefficient for the purpose ; hence a new arrangement was found necessary , and this was undertaken by our magistrates , the new Kirk Sessions ,

      and the landward heritors of the parish ( the parties , bythe-bye , who were formerly assessed along -with the middle classes and the shopoeracy ) , to make up the necessary sum , for which the voluntary contributions at the church doors were found deficient . The parties above-mentioned held a meeting some time in the month of March , 1844 , at which they resolved to assess , jiot only the heritors , the middle classes , and the shopoeracy , but also the working classes ( who were never assessed before ) , if they were in the receipt of lis . 6 d . per week , or £ 30 per aunum of wages , and they appointed a committee to carry out that resolution , which they are now doing with a vengeance . This measure , as was most natural , produced much surprise aud discontent among the working classes , as too many of them do not earn so much , and even

      those who earn 15 s . aweek { which is considered very good wages ) are subjected to great irregularity in employment between occasional want of work , sickness , and the weather . From these causes a weekly wage of 15 s . is too often nearer an average of 10 s . However , as these measures met with much opposition , the same parties , at another meeting in September last , resolved to give up the first mode of robbing the workies and try another . Having spent some time in maturing their plan , they disagreed again , and bad recourse to an opinion of counsel . At another meeting , held in October , the same parties rescinded the resolution of the second meeting , and adopted the resolution of the first meeting , with a most absurd and iniquitous amendment , adopting as the test of a working man's income the rent of the house he inhabited .

      In this way , a man paying £ 4 a year of rent , is held to be worth £ 30 per annum , taking it for granted as a fact , that because he has a house a whole-year , that he has work the whole year , health the whole year , and good weather the whole year . 2 fo matter , though the working man struggles to keep in one or two benefit societies to meet the rent day , or occasional illness , he must be made to fdy into a fund that denies him all assistance , till he has sold all his clothes and furniture , and then , if a doctor certifies he is unable to work , and he signs a will , bequeathing all or any money , or property , that may be bequeathed , or to which he may become heir , he then , if he can prove he has resided six years in the parish , and produce all the receipts for rent and taxes , for those six years previous , he may then perhaps be put on the roll , and

      perhaps not , for even all these are sometimes insufficient to rouse the sleeping humanity of the committee ; and when he does get any relief , he may get one shilling , or one shilling and sixpence a week , to maintain a family ! But to return to the subject , the great secret of the -whole matter is this : that the more they can screw out of the working classes , the less they have to pay themselves , and a house at £ 5 per annum is data for £ 40 worth of labour in a year ; neglecting thefact , that as a family increases in numbers , they require a larger house ; go that in place of helping a man -with alarge family , he is more grievously oppressed , while the man who has no family , or a small one , finds sufficient accommodation in a small house , whatever may be his wages . I know individuals who receive from £ 1 to 30 s . weekly , that under this system have been missed altogether , - while , -within afew doors of them , two poor weavers earning 8 s . or 9 s . a week , with large families , are rated 3 s . Si . The whole thing is most unjust and oppressive .

      The oppressors of the poor held what they called a court of appeal , bnt it was previous to any intimation to the working classes that they -were to pay . - After the appeal COUrt WAS closed , they then sentround , demanding payment , and threatening prosecution if not complied with in seven days . Since then , they have sent letter after letter by post , reiterating the same tune , but , bo far as I know , they have not yet put their threats into force . About a month ago , a public meeting of the inhabitants was called to consider the matter , when it was determined to refuse payment , and to assess ourselves in five per cent , of the suras demanded , to raise a fund for the defence of any working man who contributed to it , he being entirely dependent on his labour for support . A committee of twenty-one were chosen to manage the business , and collect funds , for which purpose the town hag been divided into districts ; and I am happy to add , that already a goodly sum'has been collected , and cheering assurances of support if it should be required .

      As we hear rumours of attempts to assess the working classes iu many other places , we are anxious that they Should know that a determined stand is to be made against it ; and as an opinion of the court of session , at the request of Mr . Gladstone , of Faskew , has been obtained , that agricultural labourers are exempt from this tax , we , who live by labour alone , maintain that we have an equal privilege , and we are determined to preserve it . Knowing that the Star is read through sH " braid Scotland , " and anticipating that the working men of Scotland may unite -with ns at a future period , if necessary , for the preservation of our rights , in a constitutional manner , that the support of the poor may be derived from the land of their birth , and , not from the scanty means of the labourer and artisan .

      I remain , sir , by order of the committee , your most obedient servant , Dundee , Peb . 20 th . 1845 , " Peter StbatbeKN .

      . The Weather On The Continent.—Hamburgh ,

      . The Weather on the Continent . —Hamburgh ,

      Mabch I.—Letters From &T. Fetersburgh Of...

      Mabch i . —Letters from & t . Fetersburgh of the 22 d ult . state that the cold had been intense in the extreme there duringthreeweeks ( from twenty-three to twentyfive degrees of Reaumur ) , but that it had somewhat abated in consequence of a very heavy fall ofsnow , which had rendered the streets almost Impassable . The latest intelligence from Norway is of the 21 st nit . It appears that ' the weather there was also mere than usually severe . A Copenhagen paper of the 26 th nit ., states that on the previous Friday a one-horse sledge was driven across the Sound in three hours and a half , from Landscrona , on the Swedish coast , to the above city . Several persons had crossed onfootfromMalmo .

      Atmospheric Chanqeb . —Although changes in the temperature are more prevalent in the temperate zone than in other latitudes , there is scarcely a spot to be found where such great differences exist as in Great Britain , varying in a few hours some twenty degrees or more . The effect of such , rapid changes on the bo 4 ily health is Tery afllicting to many thousands of persons , especially those in the middle and more advanced ages of fife , causing attacks of those painful disorders , Sciatica , Gout , and Rheumatism . Happily for those who are afflicted with those painM diseases , chemicals ( aeu <» inwprMHcedthatex (» llent * med 1 , Blair ' s Gout and Rheumatic Pills .

      Fttttimxtet Tbfftmts, Sclnmwte

      fttttimxtet tBfftmts , Sclnmwte

      Flsatesslnalion And Committal Of Tliomas...

      FlSAtEsSlNAlioN AND COMMITTAL OF TlIOMAS Henri- Hocker . —Tuesday being appointed for the final examinatien of Hooker , at Marylebone Police Office , the neighbourhood of that court was crowded at an early hour , and the greatest anxiety prevailed to obtain a view of the prisoner . Mr . Rawlinaon took his scat on the bench shortly before eleven o ' clock , when the doors were , opened , and the rush to gain admittance was , if , possible ,. greater than on the inquiry before the coroner . The . prisoner was brought from the . New Prison , Clerkenwell , as early as half-past eight , o ' clock in the morning , ancLimmediately afterwards placed in one of the cells adjoining the court . He appeared en his arrival in good spirits , but shortly after he was locked up he became

      very distressed , and . asked for pens ,. ink , and paper , for the purpose , he said , of finishing hia defence . He was very silent , and refused to answer any questions which were put to him . Shortly after ten o ' clock Mr . Rawlinson , the magistrate , took his seat on the bench , but- the doors of the court were not opened to the public until a quarter before eleven . In the meantime Inspectors Shackell , Haynes , and Grey had an interview with the magistrate . As soon as the door was opened a tremendous rush took place , and the court immediately became filled almost to suffocation . The . Magistrate then proceeded with the night charges . Mrs . Edwards and , Miss Philps arrived shortly afterwards , and were taken into one of the ante-rooms of the court . At a quarter

      past eleven o ' clock the prisoner was brought in and placed at the felon ' s bar . He manifested much the same ease and apparent indifference to the situation in which he stands as on former occasions ; but he fell into occasional fits of dejection . The first witness called was John Baldock , S 304 . lie stated —When I was in the field in which the murder was committed , and while another constable had gone to get a stretcher , to carry away the body , I heard a man coming whistling along . When he had come nearly up to me I called out " Halloa ! " and he replied , " Halloa , policeman . " I then saidi " I have got a very serious case in the corner here . " He said , " What is it ? " I said , " It is a dead man , and I think he has cut his throat . " He said . " Are you

      sure he is quite dead ? " I answered , " Yes , I have felt his pulse , and I think he is quite dead . " The man then put out his hand and himself , felt the dead man ' s pulse . He next said , ' You have got anasty job alone , policeman . " I said , "They are gone for the stretcher , and I dare say they'll soon be back . " He said , " I'll wait with you till the stretcher comes , as you are left alone . " . He said he felt very much , shocked at seeiag sucha sight , and added , that he had been in the habit of travelling that way at night for the last two years , but never " see'd no danger in coming that way before . " He said he transacted business in London during the day , and generally came that way home at night ; that he generally had a great sum of money about him , a watch and a ring

      upon him , and that he had been cautioned by his parents not to come that way , but he never saw any danger in it himself . He afterwards said he felt very queer , and thought he-wanted a little drop of brandv . He asked me if I would like to have any , ; and I said " no ; " he next took a shilling out of his pocket ,-and asked me to take that to get some with . 1 said , I must nottakeit , asl was not allowed to do it . " He pressed me to take it , and said there was no harm in it , as he should say nothing about it . I said' 'I would rather not ; " but after he pressed me more 1 took it . —Mr . Rawlinson : That is the reason , I suppose , why you did not tell me or the coroner of this before ? —Witness : No , sir ; it was not . —Then , why did you not mention it ?—I thought it was of no consequence .

      —Magistrate : But you are sworn to tell the whole truth , and not to judge of what is important and what is not . —The witness . proceeded ; Serjeant Fletcher and other officers then came with the stretcher and carried away the body . I last saw the person who gave me the shilling near Bellsiite-lane . I do not know that I should know him again . He had a cloak on , and was muffled up a good deal , as any person would be on a cold night . I produce the hat which was found at the feet of the dead man ; it is bruised , and has blood upon it . I produce a stick also , which has blood upon it too . —A hat and stick were here produced which had marks of blood upon them ; they were found near the deceased . — James Euston , police constable 163 A : I was with

      the prisoner two hours bctore his last examination . — Mr . Rawlinson : And you had some communication with him ?—Witness : Yes , sir . —Mr . Rawlinson : Then tell me what passed . —Witness : Prisoner had some toast taken to him in the cell , but he did not eat it for an hour . He made a noise at the door , and when Iopened it he jumped from his seat , and said he could throw some li ght on the affair , and wished to see the gaoler and the waiter of the Swiss Cottage . Prisoner told me that some time after the murder he went to the Swiss Cottage , called for a glass oi rum and water , and paid the waiter a shilling . Prisoner gave the waitertwopence . whenthclatter replied , " You are a gentleman , sir . " The prisoner added , and he did not know me . He next said , " Then ,

      that Baldock , the policeman—I stood in the field five-and-twenty minutes with him , close to the deceased . I had ray cloak on , it was a cold night , and I asked him to have some brandy , which he . refused . I pressed him to have it very much , and at last he received a shilling . I remained there while they went for the stretcher , ' - That is all he said ; I made no remarks . —Mr . Fell , the cleric , said he thought , if the magistrate allowed the witness to recollect himself , he would state something else . —Witness He said a good deal , but nothing of importance , — Mr . Rawlinson : You are not to judge of the importance ; state all he said . —Witness proceeded " -: O , yes . He said he had got it down , "ins and outs . " He had four sides of paper written on . I said , " Have

      you got it down , then ? " and he answered , " ics , I have got it-all down here , " and he meant to explain it when he went inside . —Mr . Rawlinson ( to prisoner ) : Have you any questions to ask ?—Prisoner : I have a statement to make " . —Mr . Rawlinson : You must defer your statement , but are at liberty to ask any question . —Prisoner : The witness has made an important omission . He has said nothing about my asking respecting a knife—Witness : You never did ask me about a knife . —Mrs . Maria Edwards examined : I live , now at 61 , Tichfield-street . Hived some time since in Portland-place , as town maid to a gentleman of iortuhe . I have known the prisoner since Christmas last . I saw him first at Bath-place , New-road , in company with Miss Philps , the young

      lady who was allowed to sleep in Portland-place . remember the prisoner coming to Portland-place about nine or half-past nine o'clock on the night of the murder . He came in at the front door , and went to the housekeeper ' s room . He appeared in very good spirits . I did not see that there was any dirt or blood on his clothes . He said that he bad just come from Grafton-street . I noticed that the prisoner had a watch with a chain , which looked like gold , on the Friday night in question . He also had a gold ring , which he showed to Miss Philps . She said the ring was too large for him , and then put it into her pocket . Prisoner had some bread and cheese in Portlandplace . —Mr . Kawlinson : People sometimes Wflfihtlieir hands before eating , did he do sof—Witness ; Not

      that I saw ; there was water in the room , but I did not see him . I was in and out a good . deal . I heard nothing said about blood on his shirt . Miss Philps saw it , ani mentioned it after he was gone .. I did not hear anything said about any part of his dress . He had a mackintosh on his arm when he came in . — Henry Evans Taylor : I live at 8 , Allsop-mews , Dorset-square . About three weeks ago I found a stick on Macclesfield-bridge , Regent ' s-park . —Mr . Rawlinson : Recollect yourself ; you must be mistaken . —Witness : No ; it was about three weeks ago . —[ The stick was here produced . It is a heavy bludgeon , and rather a formidable weapon . ]—Witness continued : The stick is in tbe same condition as when I found it . It has not been washed . I did not observe anything

      particular about it . —[ There was a mark of blood on the handle , and another near the lower end . ]—The witness , who is a lad about thirteen or fourteen years old , appeared uncertain about the time . —Henry Taylor , father of the last witness , said his boy brought him the Stick produced eight or nine days before the murder was committed . [ The prisonerhere smiled . ] I heard of the murder the day after it wa ? committed . —The Boy recalled : I have never said it was on the Saturday that I found the stick-Nathaniel O'Neile examined : I am a plasterer . I do not know the boy Taylor . He never told me anything about a stick . —William Taylor recalled : The stick- is in the same state now as when it was given to my son . —Inspector Grey examined : I went to the

      residence of the last witness on Saturday , when he produced the stick now in court . On looking at it I discovered marks of blood ; it appeared evident to me that it had been washed . He told me that he had not washed it . —Mr . Rawlinson : How do you account for the stick being so clean now ?—Witness : I think it must have been washed . —Mr . Thomas Hocker examined : On looking at the stick he said , I beUeve this stick belongs to my son ; I have not seen it before for thv . ee weeks . — -James Hocker examined ; I am brother to the prisoner . The stick now produced is my brother ' s . I am quite positive that it is the one which he used to carry about with him , and the one he told me some time since that he had . lost . —This closed the evidence for the Broaecufe « n . —Mr . Rawlinson told the nrigoner that the

      whole of the evidence which had been adduced against him would now be read over ; after that he ( Mr . R . ) would hear any statement the prisoner might wish to make . —The prisoner bowed to the magistrate , but made no reply . —Mr . Fell , chief clerk , then read over the whole of the evidence which has been taken , which occupied a considerable length of time . —The prisoner , during the examination , held a bundle of writing paper in his hand ; he was very composed during the inquiry , but towards its close became very weak and exhausted , and was obliged to have a Beat . At the conclusion or the evidence Inspector Shackell stated that aperson had just come into court who was anxious to communicate some important information . —Joseph Henry Nash , on being sworn and examined Said : llive at 1-7 , Old Church-street , Paddington , ' and on the night of the murder I was engaged on business in the neighbourhood of St . John ' s-wood .

      Flsatesslnalion And Committal Of Tliomas...

      Coming round by the Swiss Cottage , between six and seven o'clock in the evening , for I know that to be the time from that , at . which , I left home , ! entered the Avehue-road , and when Igot half way down it I heard the cries of " Murder . ^ I stopped tolisten to the direction from which the sounds proceeded , and I found that it rose at a distance of half a mile across the fields . I did not pay much attention to the sound , as I did not hear it more than once to the best of my knowledge . I stood , - however , ' for ten minutes listening , and then I saw a man coming close along the hedge towards me , and from that quarter . He ran right up against me and stopped at once , " all in a bustle . " I said to him , - " Did you ; hear the cry ot murder ? " but he never answered , and off he ran ; I

      am confident the prisoner is the same man , for 1 have seen him before . It was a very fine night , too , being between light and dark ; and I ma quite sure—I have no doubt—that it was the prisoner I then saw . He appeared to be all in a flurry and bustle when I met him . I did not observe that he had a stick with him at the time , but it might have been so . The scene of the murder is the breadth of three fields and a small space from the spot where I stood at the time ; or , as I think , a good half mile . When the prisoner left me , he was running away from the quarter in which the Swiss Cottage lay . I did not observe particularly the manner in which he was dressed , or whether he wore a mackintosh , but his clothes appeared to be dark in colour . —Mr . Rawlinson , having again

      inquired if there was any further evidence to be produced , and his being answered in the negative , lie said ' . Prisoner , the inquiry before me is now closed , and I feel it my duty to commit you to Newgate on the charge of Wilful Murder . I wish to inform you , however , that the time is arrived when you are at liberty to make any statement you please , but you are not required to 'do so without you wish . — Prisoner : I thank you , sir . —Mr . Rawlinson : I should also tell you that whatever statement you make will be taken down in writing , and produced at your trial . —The prisoner , holding up a bundle of writing paper , said , " I decline , sir , to say anything to-day . " He was then removed from the bar , and shortly afterwards conveyed in the prison-van to Newgate . —Lord Montford ,. Mr . Long , and a number of country magistrates , were on the bench during the inmiiml -TO . * . a /\ .. m 4 * ... nn rtnnmmnH ^ A nntfAAAilAH . AnJ iud vuuiu uiaimiicii svuuutuuu wiu

      *> i \ £ iuij . noB w f « the crowd outside was almost impassable . The prisoner attempted to smile ; as he was conducted to the cell previous to being removed to Newgate , but it was evident to all near him that he was labouring under great mental agitation and suffering . We were not able to ascertain whether the roll of paper which the prisoner held in his hand during the inquiry relating to Ms defence or not . He has refused to show it to any person whatever , and will not give any information on the subject . The most remarkable circumstance connected with the day ' s examination was the apparent discrepancy in tne evidence related to the stick with which the murder is supposed to have been committed—the witnesses Taylor and his son both swearing that it was in their possession

      previously to the crime being committed , while on the other hand the father and brother of the prisoner both speak positively to the fact of the stick being the property of the prisoner Thomas Hocker . It was tliought not a little remarkable , also , that the witness Nash should have waited to the very last moment , before he came forward with evidence , of so much importance to the case as it affects the prisoner . Late Explosion at Blackwall . —Inquest on the Bodies . ; —On Monday morning the adjourned inquest on the bodies of the persons who met with their death by the explosion of a boiler at Blaekwall , was resumed before Mr . Baker , at the Town Hall , Poplar . Before the proceedings commenced the coroner said , that an arrangement had been entered into with Mr .- Carttar ,

      the coroner for Kent , to . bring the body of Jonathan Smith , who was taken to the Dreadnought Hospital after the explosion and there died , into this county , that it might be placed under the inquiry of the same jury with the rest . ^ The jury was then re-sworn ; and they proceeded to view the body , which had been placed by the side of the others , and , if possible , presented a more ghastly and revolting appearance than any . On the return of the -jury from viewing the body , James Cole identified it as that of Jonathan Smith , labourer , in the employment of Mr . Saniuda . No doubt existed that he met with his death at the explosion . John Cockayne was sworn . He said—I live at No . 4 , Orchard-place , All Saints , Poplar , and am a grinder of plates for railroads by trade . I have

      been in the employ of Mr . Samuda about six or seven weeks , and the boiler in question was purchased after I was engaged . Do not know how much was given for it , or of whom it was purchased . Did not think it had been on Mr . Samuda ' s premises so long as a month . I was not employed in working at it until the time of its connection with the engine . It was to be cennected , and we commenced working at it on the Saturday night , and finished by Tuesday morning following , when the steam was got up . The boiler appeared perfect to me , and I observed nothing to make me suppose there was anything the matter with it . By Tuesday it was connected so as to drive the engine . Do not know the power of the engine .

      I saw the steam occasionally blown off at the satetyvalve , and it appeared to do ho freely . I have seen it blow off at the safety-valve , both with and without the operation of the hand . The steam is let off by the hand by pulling a lever downwards . Mr . Lowe had the regulation and control of the valve . He is the foreman of the works-bf Mr . Samuda , and the boiler was entirely . under Ms control whilst I was there . I saw no process of the proof of the boiler before it was connected with the engine , and cannot speak to the power it had . After breakfast , on the morning of the accident , I said to Mr . Lowe' that " It was a bad job we can't get to work to-day . " He answered , " Yes , it is , but there ' s plenty of steam , and I can't tell what to make of it . " I think Mr .

      Lowe said there was about 401 b . or 501 b . of steam m the boiler , and he couldn't account for the engine not working faster . I believe when he said that , he meant to the square inch . Four or five men were employed turning the fly-wheel round to see if they could get it to go any faster , but to no purpose . I did not see " any more fire put on . I saw a piece of wood , about three inches by four square , placed up against the boiler , with a nail driven into it , about three inches from the top . The witness then described the position of the wood in reference to the safetyvalve ; and added , that there was room for play between the nail and the safcty-valve , handle . Ho then went on to say—I put my foot at the bottom , and pressed the nail up to the handle , so as to prevent

      the lever from rising . Mr . Lowe told me to leave it alone , and he then put it back again to the same position it was in before I touched it . I then went away to my own shop , and ten minutes afterwards the explosion took place . I saw the steam blowing off when the wood was in the position described , and I could not see that rny putting my foot to the bottom of it made any difference in it . The engine by neither operation went any faster . —John Gvdber Bernand was the next witness called . Ho said—I live at No . 12 , Store-street , Bromley , and am a wheelwright . I have been in the employ of Mr . Samuda about seven or eight months . I do not know anything of the purchase , proving , or manufacture of the boiler before the accident occurred . I was first

      employed at the boiler in attaching steam-pipes to it on the night of last Sunday week . The work was done in a proper manner , afld the explosion has shown nothing to lead me to suppose to the contrary . The materials appeared to be sound and good , and fit for the purposes they were made for . 1 observed no flaws about anything at the time of connecting the boiler and engine , but everything seemed perfectly secure . The covering of the boiler was made of wrought iron , and I cannot say what was its thickness , though I do not think it was sufficiently thick . It was a low-pressure boiler and was put to high-pressure use .. 1 have known lowpressure or condensing engines work with the pressure of 91 b ., 101 b ., and 151 b . to the square inch . The

      boiler in question once belonged to a pair of locomotive engines , and I consider that if a pressure of 451 b . to the square inch were placed to such a boiler , there would be great danger of an explosion . I have several times remarked , that if it was so used some accident would occur . I have never said so to Mr , Lowe , for it is no use saying anything to him , he will . always have his own way . I cannot say what pressure of steam there was at the time of the explosion . I should not consider the boiler safe , or trust my life near it , if it had 201 b . pressure on it . There was a weight on the safety-valve , and the lever attached to it was also kept down . I cannot swear it , but I think there was more than 201 b . pressure at the time of the explosion . There were two weights attached to the

      safety-valve , a square one and a round one . [ The witness then gave in a drawing of the boiler and the safety-valve , with the piece of wood that propped it up . It appears that there were two weights of different sizes attached to the safety-valve , the smaller one being at the end of a rod , attached to a lever , and hanging down the side of the boiler . As the steam in the boiler increased , it opened the safety-valve , raising the lever , and causing the rod or handle with the weight at the end to descend . To stop the descent of this rod , a piece of wood , with a nail driven into it , protruding about three inches from the top , was placed against the boiler , and the wei ght at the end of the rod orhandle rested on the nail , by which the valve was kept closed . The drawings were handed round to the jury for their inspection , and witness proceeded . ] Anything placed underneath the handle would

      movent the valve from rising , and the valve being frevented from rising would cause an explosion , was coming out of my workshop to work at the job after breakfast , and heard the steam puffing up and down as if some person was playing with the valve . I went up and saw Mr . Lowe was there , and he told me to get a nail , bnt 1 could not find a hammer , so I got a chisel . There was a piece of the small end of a scaffold pole lying down by the boiler at the time . I do not know which of us picked it iip , but Lowe held the handle of the Bafety-yarve np whilst I drove the nail into the wood . He-then pulled the handle down , and the steam blew off violently . After I fixed the nail , in the piece of wood , he had another play with the yalve , for I call what he did playing . I saw Mr . Lowe place the piece of woodagauist the boiler before the nail was driven , and he held it in the position he wished to have it whilst I drove the

      Flsatesslnalion And Committal Of Tliomas...

      nail into it . Before the piece of wood was-applied , the handle had rested on one of the boiler rivets ; a fixture , itwas-taken off . theirivets ,. . and . Mr .-Lo . wo held it whilst I drove the nail into the wood , by bis orders , under it . The . nail would have the same effect as the rivet , except that it would not bear so much pressure . It was an eightpenhy or tenpenny class nail—the point was broken off . I removed the handle of the safety-valve from the rivet three times during themoi'ning , not considering it safe in that position . I-left the boiler with the handle resting upon the nail . I do not tliink there was any room for play between the handle and the nail when I left it , and the explosion took place within a quarter of an hour of that tiine . I cannot say that I saw

      any one go near the boiler after I left It , as I was too busy to pay that attention . I account for the slow going of the engines by the condensation of the steam in the pipes between the boiler and the engine and I knew it practically to have been so by putting a cock into an elbow pipe of about six feet length , through which the steam went . "I told Mr . Lowe that he ought to have the cock placed in another position , to have the water drawn off , the day before the accident . Mr . Lowe , however , did not do as I proposed , but said , "Ah , mon , ye know nothing at all about it . " I think he knew nothing-about it himself . There had been a gauge-glass on the Monday preceding the accident , which was broken ; and another glass was supplied , but it was a very thin one ,

      and not lit for the purpose it was placed there for . I believe it was only useful in cold water , and nob able to bear the hot water . The glass was covered over with a nail bag , or a piece of sack , and I could not see the state of the steam when 1 went to tho boiler . There were two gauge-cocks in front of the boiler , but I consider they were not in the proper place . I consider that there was not sufficient water in the boiler ; very little had been pumped in , for the men had not given above two dozen strokes at the pump , which was worked by the hand . In order to prevent the tubes in the boiler from getting red hot , the water ought to be above them , and , if not , the steam would bo generated to a high , state of ela & ticity very quickl y , and thus cause an explosion , ' as in this case . It is

      my opinion that the pressure of steam was too high for the boiler to bear , and rendered the safety-valve useless . I consider the accident attributable to steam only , and that gas had not anything to do with it . The steam-plates were formed for a low-pressure engine , and were not thick enough when the boiler was used for high-pressure engines / I was close by the engine at the time of the accident , listening to the steam , to hear , if I could , its action : but I could not hear'it , and I consider the cylinder was acting as a pump ,-being full of water . I do not think the engine received the steam properly . The water in the cylinder must have been condensed , from the steam" that was made on the morning of the explosion . The reason why I did not return to look at

      the stick after I left it is , because 1 felt myself rather insulted by Mr . Lowe ; so I left it entirely in his hands . —Mr . JohnFarey , of Guildford-street , Russcll-squavc , was then examined : He said , I have seen the boiler since it has been removed , a small distance from the place where it stood at the moment of the explosion . It was an explosion outwards , and not a collapse , bursting the exteriorportion of the boiler . The boiler has been burst by a veiy intense pressure , which is not accountable to me from any supposition of the safety-valve I saw being merely overloaded , but that it must have been fastened down , rendering this case very distinct from most of those which are on record —all , or nearly all , the steam which was produced being retained and accumulated in the boiler to a

      pressure which burst the metal of the boiler with an extreme violence , projecting large pieces to a great distance through the air . One piece , in particular , has cut itself into the bricks of a brick-wall , at a considerable distance from the boiler , which shows that that piece-must have been driven with a velocity that would be expected from an explosion of gunpowder , but not from ordinary explosions from overloaded steam boilers . The earth , wherever the boiler stood , has been forced downwards by the violence of the explosion , that being a symptom of the explosions by gunpowder , . and frequently found on those occasions , and not a usual symptom in explosions by steam . The appearances convinced me , quite independently of any mformation to that effect , that the valve had

      been fastened down , and the engines not working at the time to any speed which would consume the steam . That whicli was produced was accumulated , there being little or no escape or expenditure for it through the cylinder . I feel . quite confident that 1001 b . on the square inch could not produce the effects which I see at the place where the accident occurred . I have never been a convert to the theory advanced as to the generation of gas . As to the production of gas within a boiler , and . the explosion of that gas , it is impossible , unless in cases where the boiler was nearly empty , and the metal in the vicinity of the remaining water red-hot , and I never met with one circumstance of this kind that had occurred from the generation of gas . No atmospheric air can

      get into a boiler when under pressure . The supposition that hydrogen gas may be produced within a boiler is , that a portion of water has had its oxygen absorbed from it by oxidation of the heated metal in the boiler . If that did take place , oxide of iron must be forced into the boiler in palpable quantities . There were no such appearances in the present case . Another supposition is requisite to account for an explosion taking place of the h ydrogen gas supposed to be produced , namely , that atmospheric air , 0 V oxygen from some other sources , and that oxygen in a state of gas , should become mixed with the hydrogen , as it is only the mixture of hydrogen and oxygen in their gaseous states which is susceptible of explosion ; the explosion being , in fact , the combination

      of the' two gases previous to mixing in suitable proportions for combining them . By their combination at the moment of explosion they produce water . I should say that there is no appearance to form a basis for either supposition , that water has been composed into its constituents , and recomposed with explosion . There were no appearances of a deficiency of water in the boiler . The uppermost row of tubes , which must have been the first to have been laid dry b y deficiency of water , are made of brass , and show no symptoms of having been overheated ; and if they had , brass would not absorb oxygen from water in sufficient quantities to have liberated any hydrogen . The tubes lower down are iron , and show no appearance of having been red-hot . I have been familiar with

      explosions in gas-works , where it is certainthat they were occasioned by the mixture of hydrogen gas with common air ; such explosions arc always attended with real fire and burning ; also in many attempts which were made some years ago to construct engines to be impelled by vacuum caused by that explosive action , as substitutes for steam-engines . The symptoms attending such explosions are so distinct from everything belonging to this case , as to leave no doubt whatever on my mind that it has not been occasionedby ignition of gas , but by steam alone , retained to an excessive pressure . There are two cases on record of explosion by the safety-valve being fastened down . One was the boiler of one of the earliest attempts at making a locomotive engine : the other

      occurred at Lyons , when Mr . Steele lost Ilia life , —Mr . Edward Bell was next examined : He said , I am an ^ engineer , and live at Putney . I have been an engineer eighteen years , and am in the habit of giving lectures on steam boilers . I have seen the boiler in question since its removal . I have heard the evidence of Mr . Farey , and consider it generally correct . I think that the safety-valve was either stuck fast or fastened down . I have only seen one safety-valve . Two would be safer , as they are not likely to stick fast both at the same time . Those parts of the boiler which are at present exposed to view bear no appearance oi * having been overheated J it therefore appears that the increase of pressure must have been gradual , and not

      instantaneous , which would have been the case had hydrogen gas been formed in the boiler . The tubes bear no appearance of having been left bare , and therefore I conclude that the only reason for this boiler having burst is te be attributed to the circumstance that the safety-valve did not act properly . I examined the safety-valve , and found that the difference between tho area of the valve and the area of the valve-box , immediately above the seat , was only three inches . In the event of the pressure rising to a great density , it will admit of such an escape aa . would prevent such an explosion as the one in question . —By the Coroner : I concur in the statement of Mr . Farey , that the pressure must have been 1001 b . to the square inch to have caused

      such an explosion . In answer to a question put by the foreman , witness stated , that these very engines had been worked with a pressure of 2 Mb . to the square inch , by a pipe of an inch and a quarter in diameter . Although the engines when in the steamcarriage were worked with 2401 b . on tho square inch , which he has known to be the ease , still they were of the same form which ought to be in hi gh-pressure engines , and would work as well at 301 b , on thesquarc inch to perform the work of Mr . Samuda ' s factory , as they did at 2401 b . to the square inch in the locomotive carriage . —The Coroner then inquired what clay the foreman , Lowe , would be able to attend . Dr . Bain , his medical attendant , thought he might " come on Friday , if the jury wished it . —The Coroner observed , that if he was brought out too soon it might occasion a relapse ; he therefore thought the inquest ought to be adjourned until Monday next . It was

      accordingly agreed that the jury should meet again in the same place , at ten o ' clock on Monday next . Dreadful Dbath . —On Saturday morning , between twelve and one o ' clock , a woman named Sarah Cox , who had arrived at the age of 103 years , expired in St . George ' s Hospital under the following distressing circumstances : — The deceased resided at Chapelplace , Brompton , and was in possession of a small independence . Her daughter , who is upwards of sixty years of age , and who lived with her ,, had left home for the purpose of obtaining her quarterly amount of income , when the old woman , in reaching something from the mantelpiece , fell over the guard in front of the fire and set herself in a blaze , in which state she waa found by her landlady , but before the flames could be extinguished her clothes were nearly consumed , and her person frightfully scorched . She was conveyed to St . George ' s Hoi pital , where death terminated her sufieringa ,

      Flsatesslnalion And Committal Of Tliomas...

      E-glishmen Reduced to Slavery at Madagascar . —The last accounts from . the Mauritius state that the English . Captain-Croft ,- and his mate , Mr .-Heppick , had been reduced to slavery by the Queen of Madagascar ( Ranavolana ) , on a trumped-up charge of - man-stealing . They were sold to certain slaveowners for 30 dollars each , and afterwards ransomed , at that sum . Capt . Kelly , in the Conway frigate , endeavoured to investigate the matter and obtain satisfaction , but the queen boldly avowed the act , and declared that ' she would repeat it under ' similar circumstances . The Mauritius journal says : — "It seems that the greatest hatred is manifested towards the English by the Hova authorities . Queen Ranavalona prohibits the commanders on the coast , on . pain of death , from complying with the demands

      made on them by the captains of our ships of war . This tyrant queen , the usurper of the throne formerly filled by Radama , the friend and ally of Eng « land , arrogates to herself the right to rob , murder , poison , and reduce to slavery Englishmen , under . the pretext of the laws , superstitions , and customs established by her savage ancestors . The blood of murdered Englishmen , and of the martyrs for their religious principles in Madagascar , call loudly for the h > tcrference of the British Government , to place our commerce with that island on the most sure and last , ing foundation for the future . Past experience proves that no reliance can be placed upon the arrogant and superstitious party , who at present govern that mag . nificent but ill-fated country . " Lord Aberdeen lvill doubtless instruct the Governor of the Mauritius to put a speedy end to this state of things .

      Dreadful Accident . —On Tuesday evening an accident , whicli proved fatal to a fine little boy seven years of age , the son of Mr . Adams , a tradesman in '• Marygold-courfc , Bermondsey , occurred in the immediate vicinity of his . father ' s house . It appeared the unfortunate child was playing with some other children in the street , when a cart , belonging to Mr Woodward , of Shad Thames , and driven by William Clapton , came along , and the child being thrown down one of the wheels passed over his head and crashed his skull in such a frightful manner that he died in . stantaneously . The body awaits a coroner ' s inquest .

      Heath bt Eanqixq . — On Monday morning , at seven o ' clock , a gentleman of very respectable ap . pearance , about fiftyyearsofage , lightcomplexion , and pitted with the small-pox , was found hanging at the foot of his bed , at Wright ' s Coffee-house , Charing , cross , where he had taken a bed for the ni ght . Pre . vious to his going to bed he had several cups of coffee , but was perfectly sober , and ordered himself to be called at seven o ' clock , but was heard b y the waiter moving in his room at six . # Notwithstaudino- , at seven the waiter knocked at his door , and recefving no answer , opened it , when he observed the unfortunate gentleman suspended by two handkerchiefs from

      the bed-post . The waiter immediately gave an alarm to his master , who cut him down , and sent for a doctor . Mr . M'Cann , of Parliament-street , waspromptly in attendance , and attempted to Weed him from the arm and jugular veins , and applied other resuscitative remedies , but without effect , as life was extinct . At present no reason can be assigned for so rash an act , as he had between £ 18 and £ 19 in gold and silver in hispockct ; but no letter or card was found about him to give any clue as to who he may be . His linen was marked " Gr . M ., " and his stockings " M . " His hat had the maker ' s name , " Hall , Regentcircus . "

      Extraordinary Endurance . —On Saturday Mr . W . Baker held an inquest at the British Lion , New Cavendish-street , North-road , Hoxton , on the body of Mrs . Frances Hall , aged 78 . The deceased , who resided in Old Cavendish-street , was possessed of pro . perty amounting to about £ 200 per year , and although she lived in a small back room , sho lived up to her income . For some months past she had been observed to walk lame , which she accounted for by saying she had a touch of the gout , but refused having medical advice . On Wednesday last she was out and in the neighbourhood as usual , and she went to bed about seven o ' clock . When a female accustomed to wait upon her went to call her at ten o ' clock next ( Thursday ) morning , she found her in bed , dead , and her face violently distorted . Mr . Baker , surgeon ,

      was called in , who stated that he found the body in a horrible state . The stench arising from it " wag quite unbearable ; the limbs were rigid , and the distorted features arose from the violent agony she was in shortly before she died . Ou examining the body , he found the bowels protruding through the abdomen , which was in a dreadfully mortified state . On examining the body internally , he found a large fatty tuHve-UY , weighing nearly two pounds and a half , cohering to the left lobo of the lung . The mass of disease , externally and internally , was of so frightful a character , that it was surprising how a human being could live under such circumstances , as he had found enough to destroy any twelve persons . The j ury , after a short consultation , returned averdiet of—Died from natural causes .

      Steam-boat Accident ok tbe River Tamar . —On Saturday evening last the small steam-boat called the Alert , which plies from Devonport to the various places on the Tamar , proceeded with the market people from that town to their homes up the river When off Cotehele , about twelve miles up , sho stopped to allow eleven persons to get into a boat to land on the opposite bank , when a rush to the side ef the vessel whence they descended caused tho steamer to heel , over and to shove the boat under water . The parties were immersed , and out of the eleven five were drowned ;; five were picked up , some of them in an exhausted state , and one swam on shore .

      Incendiarism in Bedfordshire . —Incendiary fires are raging to an alarming extent in Beds . About a fortnight since a most diabolical act was perpetrated at the little village of' Wingfield , near Hockliffe ( where not more than three months since an incendiary destroyed two cottages , a farm-house , a large quantity of corn and all the farm buildings ) . This lire began at a cottage outbuilding , and soon extended itself to six other cottages , two farm-houses , and all the farm buildings , corn , dzc ., the whole of which were destroyed . To witness the distress of the houseless poor on one of the severest nights of the season can be better imagined than described . On Saturday last an attempt was made to fire some farm buildbgs belonging to Mr . Smith , situate in the town of Toddington . A bam was discovered to be on fire , which fortunately was extinguished before it spread to any extent . Had it not been seen in time , nothing could

      have saved ene-half of the town from its ravages , Two policemen are on duty in the town every nigiifr , and lodge close on the spot . —Brighton Herald , Accident at the Conservative Club-house . — On Saturday an accident , which it is apprehended will be attended with fatal results , took place at the above named club-house . It appears that one of the waiters , named Joseph Smith , aged 25 , who was assisting in drawing up coals from the cellar through the various trap doors to the top of the house , which was performed by means of a crane , essayed , atleugth , te go down in the scuttle which had brought the coals up . He had not , however , descended many feet when the chain by which he was suspended snapped asunder , and he was precipitated into the cellar beneath , from a height of several yards . He was conveyed in a state of insensibility to St . George ' s Hospital , where he remains in a most deplorable state of auffeving from a fractured spine and other serious injuries .

      Disgraoefol Conduct . —On Wednesday night two officers of the 37 th Regiment , quartered at Gosport , entered the Royalty Theatre , Portsmouth , and amused themselves by throwing at the actors and actresses rubbish with which they had provided themselves , and by using improper language towards theiemale portion of the corps dramatiqm ibis conduct was quietly submitted to b y the members of the establishment until the termination of the evening's entertainments , when the manager ( Mr . Henry Reeves ) proceeded to the box occupied by the above officers , and having called them out , took one of them by the nose and wrung it , and saluted his seat of honour with three kicks , which well-merited chastisement was not resented by the " men ot war , "

      who sneaked off amid the jeers of the audience , then leaving the ^ theatre . The gentlemen , however , had made up their minds'to be revenged upon the manager and his corps , for on the following night they came amed with sticks , backed by upwards of a . dozen of their "brothers in arms" similarly provided , and waited in the lobb y of the house for the devoted manager until the close of the performance . To the credit of the manager be it spoken , he came forth into the midst of the " line of battle , " and presented himself to them , regardless of the result . One of the officers thereupon , a Lieutenant of the 37 th Regiment , went up to Mr . Reeves , the manager , and , holding a stick close to his face , said , " I should like to battet your head in ! " but the gallant soldier abstained from

      this gratification , as did each of his companions , and none had the courage to strike the manager , who had pulled the nose of their comrade , and kicked him out of the house . They , however , fell foul of the pre * priotor of the house ( who was endeavouring to per suade them tfl keep the peace and leave quietly ) and struck him in the face , and also of a poor player , whom they also grossly assaulted . The result was that the police were called in , aud three of tho moat prominent m the fray were taken to the station-housewhere they gave their names as Augustus Charles Hobart , a mate of the Royal yacht ; Herbert Russell Manners , Lieutenant of the 37 th ; and Ensign Jamei Henry Wyatt , also of the 37 th Regiment . They were admitted to bail b y the superintendent of the

      police , and warrants were issued to compel their attendance before the borough magistrates on Saturday . H » the mean time , however , Messrs . Wyatt and Hobart succeeded in settling their respective cases with the complainants , but the manager ( whose wife was most grossly insulted on Wednesday night ) indignantly spurned the offer of compromise , and carried his case into court . It occupied an hour and a half , but the Magistrates , having retired to deliberate upon their decision , returned into court , andsaid" they had heard the evidence on both sides , and having maturely considered the whole , had resolVed on dismissing the case . " We strongly recommend the case ' the magistrates have thus dwmissed to the HorsO words for investigation .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 15, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns2_15031845/page/6/