Current:

Northern Star (1837-1852), 1st March 1845, Edition 4 of 4, Page 6, k ¦ ' ~, *> ¦».¦* a ni a -n March l, 1x4...

Page 6
Page 6
6 of 8

On this page

  • Departments (1)
    • amlmtte, #ffmtt£L & Inmitfttf
  • 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.

      K ¦ ' ~, *> ¦».¦* A Ni A -N March L, 1x4...

      k ¦ ' _~ , _*> _¦» . ¦* a ni a -n March l , 1 x 45 Q THE NORTHERN STAR , _^ _^

      - The Tenure Of Land In Ireland. __—»_ ^...

      - THE TENURE OF LAND IN IRELAND . __—»_ _^ LORD _DEVON'S _COMMISSION . BEPOBT Of Commissioners appointed to inquire into tlie state of the law and practice in respect to the occupation of land in Ireland , and in respect also to tiie burdens of * T . > _nnQr cess and other charges _irluch fall respectively on the landlord and occupyiug tenant : and to report as to amendmcuis » ifauv , of the _' esisting laws , which , having due regard to the just " lights of property , maybe calculated to encourage the cultivation of the soil , to extend a better sys' ¦ vm of agriculture , and to improve the relation between landlord and tenant in that part ofthe united kingdom .

      Our attention was , in tlie first instance , naturally _directea to an _ex-icrination of thestate of the law of landlord and tenaut , and the practice under it ; and with tliis view we _esauiiaei " : many of the assistant barristers and agents extensively - _-. _piged in the management of estates in differcai _psri-i * jf ' Aie country , and other persons whom we _ihsiight _liicely to give us general information . Fw *' . < - purpose also of obtaining evidence npon the _isub ; . < -is of our mquiryftora different parts of fhe conn-; , _? . ;• - . _

      Inthe selection of witnesses for examination , we were guided by the recommendation ofthe boards of guardians , or of the clergy and others , made in consequence of our circiiar - , wc also examined numerous persons who tendered evidence , and sought out others from whom we thought that we might derive useful information . Among many measures professedly for the improvement of Ireland , an Act was passed in 1711 , which allowed Roman Catholics to take a lease for sixty-one years of not less than ten acres , or more than fifty , of bog , with only half an acre of arable lanftfor the site of a house , but not to be situate within a mile of a town ; and if it was not reclaimed in twenty-one years , tbe lease to be void . The Act of 1829 destroyed the political value of the 40 s . freeholder , and to relieve bis property from tlie burden which this chain of circumstances brought upon it , the landlord , in too many instances , adopted what has been called the " clearance system . "

      After detailing the _proceeding of _yarioiis Commissions and Committees ofthe liouse of Commons , appointed to inquire into the state and condition of Ireland , the report proceeds thus : — At this stage of our report , and before adverting to those details to -which the course of our inquiries has directed our attention , it may be proper to make a few observations of a general nature , and having , as we conceive , an important bearing upon every part of the subject under consideration . \ fhatever difference of opinion may be put forward or entertained npon other points , tbe testimony given is unfortunately too uniform in representing the unimproved state of extensive districts , tbe want of employment , and the consequent poverty and hardships under which a large portion of the agricultural population continually labour .

      The obvious remedy for this state of things is to provide remunerative employment , which may at once increase the productive powers of the country , and improve the condition of the people . By what means , and under what arrangements for the occupation of land , this object can be most- certainly attained ; what difficulties and impediments may be removed ; and what assistance can be properly given by the intrferencc of Parliament or the exertions of individuals—are points well worthy of consideration by all those who have the * welfare of Ireland at heart , and upon which it will be our duty to offer some suggestions ; but we wish in this place to record our decided opinion , that agricultund improvement—that is , an increased and improved cultivation of the soil of Ireland—is one of the first and most important steps towards improvement in the condition ofthe people .

      Another general remark wluch our tour through the country and an extensive intercourse with the forming classes enables us to _itxake , is . that in almost every part of Ireland unequivocal symptoms of improvement , in spite of many embarrassing and counteracting circumstances , continually present themselves to the view : and that there exists a very general and increasing spirit and desire for promotion of such improvement , from which the most beneficial results may feirly be expected . _indeed , speaking of the country generally , with some exceptions , whicli arc unfortunately too notorious , we believe that , at no former period , did so active a spirit of improvement prevail , nor could _weH-uirected measures forthe attainment of that object have been proposed with abetter prospect of success than at the present moment

      TENCBE . The expression "tenure of land" may be used with reference either to the landlord ' s estate , or to the interest Which an occupying tenant has in his farm . In this latter sense it lias been commonly used by the witnesses , and is generally understood in Ireland ; and in this sense we consider it to form the principal subject of onr inquiiy ; bnt wc think it necessary inthe first instance briefly to notice a few cases in which the nature of the landlord ' s interest may have an influence upon the dealing with bis tenants .

      The number of proprietors of land in Ireland is small when compared with its extent and -the amount of its _agricultural population . This circumstance , while probably it is one of the causes which has led to the want of that personal attention to the condition of the tenantry which is at once the duty and interest of landlords , _readers also the impediments in the way of improvement , _arisinrj from the nature of the proprietors'' tenure , a matter of more urgent public importance in Ireland than elsewhere . Ia adverting to fhe character of the landlords' tenure in Ireland , it is our duty to observe upon a species of

      tenure , scarcely , known elsewhere , which prevails very extensively in that country , one-seventh of Ireland being said to be held under it We allude to tiie tenure by lease for lives , with a covenant of perpetual renewal on payment of a fine , soaetimes merely nominal , on the fell of each life . The origin of this tenure is said to be traceable to fhe condition and state of property , consequent upon the extensive confiscations to which nearly the whole of Ireland has , at different periods , been subjected ; the grantees , twlng generally absentees , and desirous of securing a recognition from time to time of their proprietorship , as well as the power of recovering their rents , are supposed to bave originated this form of demise .

      To remedy the inconvenience and ill effects which arise from this species of tenure , we recommend fhat powers should be given to the lessor and lessee in all cases to commute fhe fines into an increased rent , and thus to convert the tenure of leases of lives renewable for ever into an absolute perpetuity—a power being given , as in tbe Church Temporalities Act , to distrain and eject in in case of non-payment of the reserved rent , and to refer to a court of equity all questions as to the pecuniary value to be placed on any reservations by covenants which may interfere with the proper cultivation of tiie land . Under tiie influence of this custom , the tenant claims , and generally exercises a right to dispose of his holding for a valuable consideration , although he may himself be tenant-at-vrill , and although he may have expended nothing in permanent improvements .

      Proprietors generally have been enabled to place a restriction upon this tenant-right , so far at least as to secure a power of selection with respect to the tenant , and to place some limit upon the amonnt to be paid : wisely judging , that a tenant who pays a large sum of money ( part of which he probably borrows ) in entering npon a . farm , wiU be crippled in his means for the proper management of it It was formerly the practice with most landlords , particularl y those who were absentees , to grant long leases of -a large tract to some individual who was answerable for the rent , and who undertook the responsibility of divid « ing and under-letting the land . Thoselessees were usually des _^ nated '' middlemen . " The practice of letting land to middlemen is now rare .

      -Vpon some veil regulated estates , the property of in . telligent and liberal landlords , who are upon the best footing with their tenants , no leases are given ; but we cannot forbear to express our opinion , that as a general system it is more for the interest of both landlord and tenant that leases of a moderate length should he granted . We feel , however , that this is one ofthe points which most be left to the discretion of individuals , and we can-. -notTfjoonunend any direct interference by tbe Legislature . The most general , and indeed almost universal , topic of complaint brought before us in every part of Ireland , was file " want of tenure , " to use the expression most -eommoaly employed by the witnesses . It is well known that the want of "fixity of tenure " has for some time past been sedulously pnt forward as one of the most prominent grievances ofthe Irish tenant .

      _THPSOVEHEXTS . Before we proceed further in dealing with this part of the subject , it may be necessary , inthe first instauce , to give some explanation of the particular expression— " Improvements f the want of which explanation would probably lead to much misconception on the part of persons unacquainted with rural affairs in Ireland . Itis well known thatin England and Scotland , before a landlord offers a farm for letting , he finds it necessary to _nrovide a suitable farm-house , with necessary farm-. ' uhUngs , for the proper management of the farm . Be _a the gates and fences into good order , and he also takes upon himself a great part of the burden of keeping ihe buildings in repair during the term ; and the rent is dxed with reference to this state of things . Such , at least , is generally the case , although special contracts may occasionall y be made , varying the arrangement between landlord and tenant

      " hi Ireland the ease is wholly different The smallness of tie tons , as they are usually let , together with other circumstances , to which it is not necessary to advert , render the introduction of the English system extremely difficult , and in many cases impracticable . It is admitted on all hands , that according to the general practice in Ireland , the landlord builds neither dwelling-house nor farm-offices , nor puts fences , gates , & c ., into good order before he lets his land to a tenant Is some instances the tenant may have capital which he-will readily expend upon the land , if he can only be . assured that he shaU enjoy an adequate return for bis _ex--prnffitare in the length and «* rtaintyof bis tenure , or can have secured to bim a fair compensation for Ms outlay an & labour on quitting the farm _.

      On tiie other hand , it not unfrequently occurs that the omy capital which the occupier of the soil possesses is to _befoundiathe labour of himself and his family * if you

      - The Tenure Of Land In Ireland. __—»_ ^...

      show to him in what manner the application of that labour mav he rendered most conducive to his own comfort and permanent benefit , aud assist him with money or materials which his labour cannot supply , you will generaUy find the Irish peasant ready to co-operate with you in effecting improvements beneficial alike to himself and to the country . The state of Irelandin this respect has not unfiequently cngaged the attention of Parliament : in the years 1835 and 183 C , and again in 1843 , _biUs were presented to the Rouse of Commons , of whieh the object was to secure untenants compensation for any outlay which they _ncake of a permanent nature upon their farms .

      Although it is certainly desirable thai the fair remuneration to which a tenant is entitled for his outlay of capital , or of labour , in permanent improvements , should be secured to him by voluntary agreement rather than bycompulsion of law , yet , upon a review of all the evidence furnished to us upon the subject , we believe that some legislative measure will be found necessary in order to give efficacy te such agreements , as well as to provide for those cases which cannot be settled by private arrangement . The power which we have already recommended to he given to enable persons under legal disabilities to charge then- estates for certain purposes will assist in rendering effectual the provisions for compensation here referred to , and hi providing against an undue pressure on existing landlords from tlieir operation .

      CONSOMDATIOX OF FAEMB . Feeling this subject to be one of vast importance , we have been very anxious to acquire correct information upon it . In our printed queries we directed attention to the consolidation of farms and the eviction of tenants ; and in the oral examinations we constantly addressed questions to the witnesses upon these points . Upon a review of tlie whole subject , we feel bound to express our opinion , that there has been much of exaggeration and mis-statement iu the sweeping charges which have been directed against the Irish landlords . A considerable period has elapsed since the consolidation system first commenced , and the recent instances have been comparatively few . Much , however , of tbe evil caused by former clearances still remains , but we trust that the increased care and attention given by landlords to their estates will prevent its recurrence .

      It is certain that the removal of a number of poor occupiers from the dwellings and the land which they have once held , mustbethe cause of much individual suffering ; and no humane landlords will adopt such a course without using his best endeavours to alienate that pressure . The cause- which most frequently , at the present day , leads to the eviction of a number of tenants on a particular estate , is the wish of the proprietor to increase the size of the holdings , with a view to the better cultivation of the land ; and when it is seen in the evidence , and in the returns upon the size of farms , how minute those holdings are frequently found , to be , previous to the change , it cannot be denied that such a step is in many cases absolutely necessary , and called for by a due regard to the interest of both landlord and tenant .

      Some witnesses , who put forward most strongly as matter of complaint , the consolidation of small holdings , into what they call large farms , in answer to the further question— ' To what size were the farms brought V describe them as enlarged to the extent of twenty-five , twenty , or even ten acres .

      EECOVEET OF KENT . _Ife recommend that the right to seize growing crops by way of distress for rent shall be altogether taken away . We recommend that it shall be made imperative upon every person making a distress to serve , or cause to be served , such a notice at the time of making the seizure , and that the want of it shall render a distress illegal . We therefore recommend that it should be provided bylaw , that no distress shall be legal , unless made by Virtue ofa warrant or order to distrain in writing , signed by the landlord or his agent , directing the bailiff to distrain the tenants named therein , and hearing upon tlie face of it the date when , and the place at which , it is signed ; and further that no warrant shall be sufficient to authorise distress which is not so signed within twenty days of the time when the seizure is made .

      'We believe that as the law now stands , any _h-regularlty in any part of the proceeding renders tbe person making the distress liable to be treated as a trespasser db initio . We think that some alteration should he made in this respect , and that landlords should only he liable to an action for irregularity . "We come now to the process of ejectment . "We recommend that in any ejectment brought in any court , the plaintiff should be bound to serve notice upon the tenant , setting forth the amount due , and how made up ; and further , that in any writ of " _fict & sre" issued upon a judgment in ejectment for rent , the amount claimed , together with tiie amount of costs , should be inserted , aud that tbe sheriff should have power at any tune to stay the proceedings , upon payment of the debt and costs .

      As connected with tlie ejectment system , we have to notice a practice which prevails in some parts of the country , of serving , periodicaUy , notices to quit upon large numbers of tenants holding from year to year , not' with any fixed intention of proceeding upon such notices , but in order to keep up a continual power over the tenant , in case he should not pay his rent , or should otherwise misconduct _himself and which may be acted upon from caprice , or in case of any offence given by tho tenant in some matter wholly unconnected with the occupation of his land . --With a view to lessen in some degree'the evil resulting from this practice , we propose that in all such cases the tenancy shall not be determined without twelve mouths' notice .

      We further recommend , with a view of encouraging : leases , that tbe stamp duty , in all cases where the rent does not exceed £ 50 per annum , and the term shaU not _belessrhanfourteenyearSjOrmorethanthirty-oneyears , be reduced to 2 s . _6 d . ; but tliat this reduction should only apply to leases prepared according to a form to be specified in the schedule of an Act to be passed for that purpose , and which should also provide that all tenants holding under such leases , shall do so on certain simple conditions , including particularly an undertaking on the _tenants part , not " to sublet or subdivide , and on the part of the landlords an obligation to make allowance to the tenant for improvements , either according to the mode we have suggested , or such other as Parliament may adopt . We believe that the revenue would gain , rather than lose , by sueh an alteration .

      A further improvement would be made , 'if the practice were introduced of describing , shortly , the buildings ( if any ) actually existing , or which the landlord allows to be erected on the premises ; and it would be desirable that a cheap and easy mode of registering such documents with theclerkof the peace should be provided . We are glad to find that , notwithstanding the great and increasing competition for land , the practice of endeavouring to fix the fair value by a close valuation is becoming every day more general ; and although very loose modes of valuation still prevail too extensively , yet ¦ there is evidence to prove a growing disposition to adopt sounder principles in this respect . It appears that in some cases public boards , having the management of estates , are directed by the Act under which they are constituted , to advertise and let their lands to the highest bidder ; we think that power should he given , in such cases , to let land upon a fair and just valuation .

      AGENCY . Itmust frequently happen thatthe landlord cannot give that personal attention and superintendence which , under present circumstances , are essential to the proper management of land in Ireland . This naturally leads us to make a few observations with respect to agents , a most numerous class , comprising persons of almost every rank of life , of various qualifications , and upon whose conduct the comfort of a large population and the tranquillity of a district frequently depend . We examined several agents resident in Dublin , under whose management numerous estates are placed , some of which appear to be well conducted ; but as a general proposition we must express our opinion , that in cases in which the landlord is not resi dent , it is of importance that the principal agent should reside either upon or near to the estate which he manages .

      The estates of large absentee proprietors are frequently managed by a resident gentleman , who supplies , as far as possible , the want of a resident landlord ; other estates are intrusted to the care of persons in almost every situation Of life . In former times the practice of accepting bribes and gratuities by agents , bailiffs , or others connected with the estates , was frequently denounced , and was , we fear , too general . We cannot say that thi 3 has altogether ceased , although we are satisfied that such occurrences are becoming more rare .

      SALE OF EBTATE 8 . It now rarely happens that land in Ireland is brought into the market for sale in lots of a moderate or small size . Estates are so generally encumbered by familysettlements or otherwise , that the expense , delay , and difficulty which would attend the dividing them , so as to sell in separate or detached portions , deter a proprietor from taking this course , although a larger sum might be raised by it in the whole . We believe that there is a large number of persons in Ireland possessing a small amount of capital , which they would gladly employ in the purchase and cultivation of

      land , and a still larger number , now resident in different parts of the country , and holding land for uncertain or limited terms at a rent , who would most cheerfully embrace the opportunity of becoming proprietors . The gradual introduction of such a class of men would be a great improvement in the social condition of Ireland . A much larger proportion of the population than at present would become personally interested in the preservation of peace and good order ; and the prospect of gaining admission into this class of small landowners would often stimulate the renting farmer to increased exertion and persevering industry .

      _AGEICOLTDEAL 1 K 5 TEUCTION . There is a great desire amongst all classes in Ireland for improvement in agricultural knowledge . In m 3 ny parts of the country farming societies have been established upon a large scale . Without wishing to underrate the usefulness of such societies , wc must consider as even more important the adoption of such plans as shall give to tbe small farmer practical instruction in the best method of cultivation . In many parts of Ireland the question is not alone , as in England or Scotland , whether improved cultivation will enable a tenant to make a better profit or to pay a better rent , but whether the small portions in which it is certain that , for many years at least , the land must be occupied , will enable the holder to provide sustenance for his family , aud pay even a moderate rent ,

      - The Tenure Of Land In Ireland. __—»_ ^...

      The establishment and maintenance of agricultural schools , such as that carried on at Templemoylc _, in the county of Deny , or such smaller establishments as that at Lame , described in tbe evidence of Dr . Kirkpatvick—the employment of an agriculturist who shall give personal instruction and assistance to the small farmer and peasant —the introduction of a good system of draining , of better implements , better seeds , and improved breeds of cattlethe cultivation by spade , or , at the least possible expense , of a small farm as a model which it may be within the reach of a poor person , to follow—all these are methods of teaching , each or any of which a landlord or an agent may employ upon a greater or smaller scale according to circumstances , and by the use of which he will lay the sure and solid foundation of general improvement .

      _EtllGBATION . The Committee on _Tublic Works ( Second Report ) in 1833 , on the contrary , cannot concur in the opinion that the social disease of Ireland is produced by a real excess of population . " It may be doubted whether the country does contain a sufficient quantity of labour to develope its resources ; and while the empire is loaded with taxation to defray the charge of its wars , it appears most politic to use its internal resources for improving the condition of the population , by which the revenue of tbe Exchequer must be increased , rather than encourage emigration , by which the revenue would suffer a diminution , or than leave the labouring clUsses in their present state , hy which poverty , crime , and the charges of Government must he inevitably extended . "

      WASTE LANDS . It may be worthy of serious consideration , whether the State might not very usefully make for these purposes , at a moderata rate of interest , some advance , regulated , within such limits as Parliament may prescribe , by the amount which companies or individuals may advance in aid of such operations . The funds which could be so required would not probably be larger in any one year , and yet a great public benefit would be attained in increased employment for labour , in the progressive extension of productive land , and in the opportunity thereby afforded for the location of industrious families who may have been from unavoidable circumstances compelled to quit their former holdings . We are desirous only of stating our opinion that , under proper arrangements , the reclamation of waste lands , whilst it gives useful and permanent employment to the labouring population , will , at the same time , produce a fair return for the capital employed upon it .

      PUBLIC wouks . Under the sanction of the Board of Works , " large sums have been borrowed and expended in the promotion of works of public utility , and £ 125 , 000 has been granted for similar purposes . It is , however , deserving of remark , that while that sumhas been granted , the State has derived a profit under the system of loans , amounting already to about twofifths of those grants . This has arisen , as explained in the evidence of Sir John Burgoyne , from the difference between the rate of interest at which the State has obtained money , and that at which loans have been made under the provisions ofthe Public Works Act .

      PUBLIC WORKS ACT , Two important principles have been recognised by the legislature , with respect to the advances of money for the improvement of Ireland—1 st . That it is desirable and proper to give assistance by way of loan towards the agricultural improvement of that country ; and , 2 ndly , that in eases in which the property of individuals is to derive a permanent benefit from the execution of sueh works , it is just and proper to give power to persons having limited interests or being under legal disability to charge such property with the repayment of money advanced in aid of such improvements . " We recommend that two members shall be added to tlie Board of Pubhc Works in Dublin , of high legal station and character .

      That upon any application for a loan by . persons under any legal disability to charge their estate , At shall be the duty of the Board to examine , not only into the propriety ofthe improvements proposed , but also into _the-state and condition of the property , the interest of the various persons connected with it , ' and the propriety of making a charge upon the estate for repayment of such loan ; and that no advance shall be made unless upon the certificate ofthe chief commissioner and the two legal members of the Board , recommending such advance , and stating the nature of the security to be taken . That aU advances shall be made by instalments not exceeding £ 500 in amount , and that no further advance be made until it has heen proved to the satisfaction of the said commissioners that the former instalment has been properly applied .

      That in every case of a parry applying for an advance , who is entitled as tenant-in-tail or for life to the income of the estate to be charged , he shall be required to enter into a personal obligation , by way of collateral security , to the extent of double the amount of instalment of the proposed loan .

      LABOUItEBS . We have already adverted to the con-acre system . It will be seen in the evidence that the contracts between the labourer who hires , and the farmer who lets the plot of ground in which the potatoes are to be planted , are usually verbal , and how completely the latter i _?; in the power of the former , in the event of any dispute arising in reference to those contracts . We recommend that a _sunanavy jurisdiction should be given to magistrates at petty sessions to hear and adjudicate upon disputes respecting con-acre , where the plot of ground shall not exceed half an acre .

      Considering _alss the wretched condition in which so many cabins in Ireland are found , and the sufferings audi disease to which our fellow-creatures , living in such hovels , are exposed , it would be extremely desirable , if it were possible to effect it , that in aU cases of cottier holdings tbe person who lets the cabin should be bound to keep it in sufficient repair ] and that he should be compellable by magistrates to do so . It may also be proper to enact that tlie person letting a cabin shall not be entitled to recover his rent by any legal process , if it can be shown that he has not kept it in tenantable repair . We cannot , however , disguise from ourselves the great difficulty of dealing by law with sueh matters , and tbe danger lest evils of this nature may be aggravated , rather than diminished , by too hasty attempts to remove them by legislation . We have , therefore , felt ourselves unable to recommend any direct measure for that purpose . We trust the exposure of such a state of things may lead to its remedy .

      COUNTY CESS . In considering the subject , wehave examined'the nature of the respective items of county expenditure—how far they may be considered as fitting matters for local or general taxation—how far the proprietor and occupier are respectively interested in them , and how far they are of prospective or immediate advantage . As the result of this investigation , we recommend , for the reasons hereafter given , the transfer of the constabulary charge to fh _» Consolidated Fund—of the support of charitable institutions to tbe respective unions—and that the cost of erecting permanent county buildings should be borne by the proprietors . The offices also of treasurer and secretary ofthe grand jury should be united under such arrangements as might prevent an increase in the burdens of the counties , and secure the residence of an efficient officer .

      Xhe inspection of weights and measures may be at once transferred to the constabulary . The inspectors-general of prisons should be remunerated for their travelling expenses , as in Great Britain , particularly as they have now the examination also of lunatic establishments . The cenveyance of convicts and the expenses of prosecutions should also be placed on the same footing in both countries . The system of county surveyors and their deputies gives rise to much dissatisfaction .

      AGRARIAN OUTRAGES . In a former part of this report , when we expressed our favourable opinion of the general state of the country , we felt it necessary to allude to some lamentable exceptions . We regret to find that these exceptions appear to be on the

      increase . We made inquiry , throughout the whole of ouv tour , respecting the existence of agrarian outrages . In Tipperary for a long time past , and in some other counties more recently , there has prevailed a system of lawless violence , which has led in numerous instances to the perpetration of cold-blooded murders . These are generally acts 6 Trevenge for some supposed injury inflicted upon the party who commits or instigates the commission ofthe outrage . But the notions entertained of injury in such cases are regulated by a ' standard fixed by the -will of the most lawless and unprincipled members of the community .

      If a tenant is removed , even after repeated warnings , from land which he has neglected ov misused , he is looked upon in the districts to whicli we arc now referring as an injured man , and the decree too often goes out for vengeance upon the landlord or the agent , and upon the man who succeeds to the farm ; and at times a large numerical proportion of the neighbourhood look with indifference upon the most atrocious acts of violence , and , by screening the criminal , abet and encourage the crime . Murders arc perpetrated at noonday on a public highway , and , whilst the assassin coolly retires , the people look on , and evince no horror at the bloody deed . The whole nature of Christian men appears , in such cases , to be changed , and the one absorbing feoling as to the possession of land stifles all others , and extinguishes the plainest principles of humanity .

      We cannot but feel that this state of things calls loudly for correction , although it does not come within our province to discuss what measures should be adopted under such circumstances for the detection and repression of

      crime . It must be obvious that none of the suggestions which we have offered , nor any measures founded upon them , which Parliament or Goverrfment could devise , can be applicable to a state of things so appalling and disorganised as that which we have described . We have given our best and most anxious consideration to the means of ameliorating the condition of the well-disposed Irish peasant , and we feel that the greatest allowance is to be made for his sufferings , his poverty , his ignorance ; but we can make no allowance for the deliberate , cold-blooded assassin , or for those who abet assassination .

      We wiBh it were possible to make tbe peasantry in these unhappy districts aware , that all measures for im . provement presuppose the security of life and property ; that the districts in which both are systematically rendered insecure must be regarded as beyond the reach of such plans of _amelioratioa as we can suggest ; and that

      - The Tenure Of Land In Ireland. __—»_ ^...

      while crimes of so fearful a character prevail , it is hopeless to expect , in reference to those districts , much practical improvement in tlie relation of landlord and tenant , or anv security for the permanent happiness of tlie people .

      Amlmtte, #Ffmtt£L & Inmitfttf

      _amlmtte _, _# _ffmtt £ _L & _Inmitfttf

      Hor.Nim.E * Murder Asm Highway Robbery O...

      Hor . _nim . E _* Murder asm Highway Robbery of a Gesti < ema _* s * ax Hampstead . — Iii our latest edition of last week we gave a short account of the discovery of a dreadful murder committed in the vicinity of iianipstcad ; wc now give the following additional particulars : —It appears that about twenty minutes past seven o ' clock on Friday evening , Mr . Hilton , baker of _West-end , was proceeding along the Finchley-voad , in the direction of the Swiss Cottage , in his cart , when his attention was suddenly attracted by . hearing screams of distress and distinct cries of " Murder 1 " proceeding from the direction ofthe pathway leading towards Bellsize Park . At this moment lie * observed a gentleman , who turned out to be

      Mi ' . Kilburn , jun ., the son of a gentleman residing in _Haverstock-tcrrace , Haverstock-hill , coming irom the direction of the Swiss Cottage , and about to take the path from the road in the direction from whence the sounds had proceeded . Mr . Hilton at once told him what he had heard , and added to Mr . Kilburn , " If you see about it , I will at once drive to the Swiss Cottage and follow you . " Mi * . Kilburn proceeded in the direction of the stile above referred to , which was his direct road to his own residence , and on reaching it was horror-stricken at seeing the body of a man lying on the ground on the other side . In alarm he ran back towards the direction from wliich he liad started , crying at the top ol his voice " Murder , murder ! " His cries , it appears ,

      reached the ears of Serjeant Fletcher , of the S division , who was on duty near Havcrstock-terracc , and who , accompanied by police-constable Abbott , 12 d S , hastened in the direction of the cries , and shortly after were joined by several other persons from the Swiss Cottage . The body of a man was then discovered about three yards on tho Hampstead side of the stile , lying oh his face in a pool of blood . He was quite dead , but still warm , and the blood was pouring from a fri g htful gash inflicted by some sharp instrument over the right eye and temple and from the back of the skull , which was literally dashed in , and caused the brain to protrude . Assistance having been procured , the body was placed upon a stretcher and conveyed by the police to the Yorkshire Grey

      public house , and on being examined the pockets of the deceased wero some of them turned inside out , and it was _evidentfrom the appearance of the waistcoat left-hand pocket that deceased had been in the habit of wearing a watch , which was gone . Nothing whatever was found on his person with the exception of an envelope , with the superscription " I . Cooper , Esq ., Hampstead-road . " Near where the body was discovered was found one of the deceased's gloves ( a black kid one ) , the other being still upon his left hand . His hat was found some yards from the spot where his bod y lay , in the narrow ditch passing along the outside ot the wall of Bellsize Park . It is of beaver , nearly new , having on the inside " Massey , maker , Hampstead-road . " Immediately on the

      arrival of the body at the Yorkshire Grey , Mr . Perry , of the firm of T ) a . vis ancl Perry , surgeons , of Hampstead , was sent for and promptly attended . On examination ofthe head , he unhesitatingly expressed his conviction that the unfortunate gentleman had been most barbarously murdered . As early as eight o ' clock Messrs . Hughes and Carter , superintendents of the D and S divisions of police , visited the place , which presented the folknving appearance : —In consequence of the solidity of the ground occasioned by the Intense frost no traces of footsteps or of struggling wero discernible , but the deceased had evidently died very hard , and had fallen once or twice before

      he fell in the spot where he was found . This point is indicated by the large pool of blood which was still lying there . About two yards to the right , and immediately against the dead wall , was another large pool of blood , and thc-wall also was bespattered with it . The bottom rail of the stile is broken , and against this it would appear tho unfortunate man must also have staggered , as at the point where it is broken it ia covered with blood . There are also the marks of bloody fingers on the stile ; but they could not have been those of the murdered man , as , ou examination , there was no blood whatever . found on his hands .

      Identification of the Body . —On Sunday the body ofthe deceased was identified by a baker named Kitchener , living at 55 , Whittlebury-street , Eustonsquare , in which house deceased had lodged for the last ten years . His name was Delarue , an Englishman by birth , and by profession a teacher of the pianoforte and singing . His age about 30 . He left his lodgings precisely at six o'clock on Friday , evening , without saying . whither he was going , and Mr . _Kitchenei _\ says hehas no doubt that deceased had then on his person a watch , rings , and money . He was a steady person , and was seldom from home later than ten o ' clock at night . Hia landlord believes that he taught music to some young ladies either at schools or at private _residencesat Hampstead or its vicinity .

      Inhuksi ok ihe Body . —On Monday , at ten o ' clock , Mr . Wakley , M . P ., coroner for the western division of Middlesex , and a jury of gentlemen resident in the parish of St . John , Hampstead , assembled at the Yorkshire Grey Tavern , to inquire into the circumstances connected with the above horrible affair . The jury , twenty-one in number , having been impanelled , accompanied by the coroner , proceeded to view the body , which lay in the same state in which it was deposited after the discovery of the murder on Friday evening , in a small cottage in the rear of the Yorkshire Grey . The face was coveredwith blood , and the head presented a dreadfully mutilated and repulsive appearance . — -Mr . Richard Rogers Perry was first called : He said I am a surgeon , and reside at

      Hampstead . About a quarter before nine o'clock on Friday evening last , I was called to this house to see the body of the deceased , by a policeman . I found it lying hi the cottage where it has just been viewed by the jury . On examination I found that the deceased was quite dead , and that he had received several wounds on the head . At the back of the head I found a wound of great extent , lacerating the scalp to the length of about four inches , and another smaller wound just above it , about an inch and a half long . The first wound appeared to me to have completely divided the scalp , but the second wound did not . There was a large contusion over the right eye and temple , and a wound in the centre of it , from which blood was still oozing , and also a

      bruise on the left temple . I have no doubt that the wounds I have described were inflicted by some blunt cutting instrHment . —Mr . Wakley : In such an inquiry as the present it is of the hi ghest importance that it should be distinctly , if -possible , ascertained by what sort of weapon _, the _i-ujunes were inflicted . I must , therefore , request the surgeon to make a more minute examination , and ascertain if the wounds were really inflicted by a blunt instrument or not . — Mr . Edward Hilton , of West-end , examined : I am a master baker , and on Friday evening I was at No . 6 , _Haverstock-teiTace , _bj _* the gate , when I heard the screams of " Murder" in the direction of the dead wall of Bellsize Park . I should say I heard that cry from six to eight times . I thought it wa 3 a

      woman ' s cry at first , but could not tell it it was in the Bamet-road ov not . I said to Mis . Bakewell ( of No . 61 , who had come to the gate , " Do' you not hear cries of * Murder V " but she did not answer . I then heard " Murder" cried again , and went about twenty roods into Haverstock-field to listen , but heard no more . About two minutes afterwards I met a policeman , and told him what I had heard . The spot where the body was afterwards found is in the exact direction whence I heard the cries—about half a mile from where I was standing . —Mr . Daniel Delarue said : I reside at the Albion Coffee-house , Upper Marylebone-street , and am a compositor by profession . I identify tho body of the murdered man as that of my brother James . He was a professor of the pianoforte ,

      and resided at 66 , Whittlebury-street , Euston-square . He was a single man . I last saw him alive on Sundayweek , when he asked me to send him a ticket for the Anti-Corn Law League . He taught many pupils in this neighbourhood . —By the Coroner : I never knew of any one having threatened 'him . I have no suspicion of any one whatever . At this stage of the proceedings the coroner adverted to those murders in the metropolis which had never been found out , and said he should take all the evidence that day that he could withsafety ; _butthemonientanythingroseattachingsuspicionto anyone , he wouldhavcthecourt cleared of all but the jury , as publicity being given would defeat the ends of justice . —Police constable 304 S said , that receiving information of cries of "

      Murder" having been heard whilst on duty on Ilaverstockhill , he ran into the _Haverstock field , but did not find any cause for the outcries . He then ran through Bellsize-lane into the road opposite the George public-house , where he met Serjeant Fletcher , who accompanied him again to the Harratock-fiold , in the west corner of which they found the body of the deceased . He was lying against a wall , which formed an acute angle with a wooden railing . There were marks of bloody fingers on the railing , and two pools of blood upon the ground . He found the hat at some distance from the body , wliich was afterwards brought to this house . His coat was wide open ; no part of his clothes were torn . [ The unfortunate gentleman ' s hat was shown to the coroner : it was

      broken _mseveral places , as if from severe blows . ) He found in his left-hand pocket some keys , snuffbox , and paper , with some writing on it , and a letter . [ The letter was handed to the coroner . We understand the purport of the letter to be , that the writer ( Caroline ) requests Mr . Delarue to meet her at the place where they had spent so many half-hours together , as she had something of the first importance to communicate . } He observed a large pool of blood on the ground , his shirt was covered with the same , as were also the railings near him . Went there the following morning and found no weapon of any Mnd near the place . _—SusauKitchener : Lives with her brother . Mr . Delarue lodged with them . Saw him on Friday evening at haif-past six , in the back parlour . He had on hia hat and wrapper coat , and said he was

      Hor.Nim.E * Murder Asm Highway Robbery O...

      going out . He did not say where he was going , but fie told her to keep the fire in . He had a watch and sold chain . Saw it on Friday morning . —lhe coro-• W here expressed a wish that the room should be cleared , as he wished to consult with the police as to the best mode of tracing the guilty parties , lhe room was accordingly cleared , and the jury sat with closed doors for nearly an hour , during whicli time it was understood that the coroner had a long conversation with the police officers of the detective force and

      several of the witnesses who had been previously examined . At the end of that period the inquest was adiourned sine die , and the jury and the reporters were informed that they would receive an intimation of the day fixed for the next sitting . This course was deemed necessary in order to enable the police to follow up the clue which has been obtained as to the perpetrators of this atrocious offence . It is not true , as previously stated , that the lady with whom the deceased had an appointment has come forward . Lp to the present time nothing is known as to who that

      person . Examixatio _** _* * of the Body . — In accordance with the request ofthe coroner , Mr . Perry , * the surgeon , immediately on his retiring from the inquest-room , took steps for making a minute examination ot the injuries wliich the unfortunate Mr . Delarue had sustained , and the hah- having been removed from his head , wounds were exhibited of a much more frightful character than they were at first supposed to be by that gentleman , and which he reported to the coroner and jury prior to the adjournment taking place . The large wound mentioned by Mr . Perry in his evidence , it appeared , on opening the head , had fractured the skull to a considerable extent , and had produced internal injuries exactly corresponding with

      the outward appearance . There was a great aeai coagulated blood near the place where this as well as the wound on the right temple was inflicted , and both had produced extensive extravasation of blood upon the brain . Mr . Perry states that either of these wounds was quite sufficient to have produced death ; and he still adheres to his previously-expressed opinion that the wounds were inflicted by some blunt cutting instrument . From what transpired before the coroner after the _jury-4 _'oom was cleared of stranger , there is little doubt that a clue has been obtained which will eventually lead to the apprehension of the perpetrators . The statement made by Mr . Smith , the carpenter , is , that shortly before seven o ' clock he met three men in Bellsize-lane , who

      demanded his money , and any other property he might have about bim ; but on hia proving to their satisfaction that he had neither , they allowed mm to pass unmolested , and then went on down the lane in the direction ofthe place where the murder was committed . Thev were shortly after seen , by a lad , a groom in the service of Mr . Martini , the present occupier of _Bellsize-house _, still pursuing their course in the direction ofthe Haverstock-field ; and now comes a circumstance which has been elicited , and wluch leaves scarcely any doubt upon tlie matter with respect to the three men in question being connected with the murder and robbery . Shortly _, before seven o ' clock Mr . Symonds , clerk in a mercantile house , and _residing at Norfolk Cottage , Downshire-hill , came

      across the path from the direction of the Jswiss Cottage , in order to reach his residence . On aniving in the centre of the Haverstock-field ( the veiy field where ' the murder took place ) , Mr . Symonds states that he was accosted by three men , who appeared to him to be navigators , and who exactly answer the description given by Mr . Smith of the men who stopped hhn . They offered him ahorse for sale ; and , in consequence of their menacing appearance , Mr . Symonds states that he became so much alarmed that he bought the horse solely through fear ; and , having given the man who offered it the money , made the best of his way towards his residence . This circumstance could not have taken place many minutes before the cries of " Murder" from tlie unfortunate deceased Mere

      heard on Havcrstock-terrace . Apprehension of the Supposed Murderer . — On Wednesday , at eleven o ' clock , Thomas Henry Hocker was placed in the felons' dock , at the Marylebone police-court , before Mr . Rawlinson , charged with the murder of Mr . James Delarue , pianoforte teacher , of No . 65 , Whittlebury-street , Euston-square . The prisoner is a young man about twenty-five years of age , or less , sli g htly made , and about five feet seven inches in height ; he was well-dressed in a dark brown beaver taglioni great coat ; his countenance has a Jewish cast and shews determination ; his demeanour was perfectly calm and collected , —Mr . Rawlinson : Prisoner , there is a very serious charge against you ; have you any friends or legal advisers present ? Prisoner : No , sir . —When were you taken iuto custody ? Last night at twelve o ' clock , sir . —Mr . Rawlinson : Then you have had plenty of time to give your Mends notice of the position in which you

      are placed . " I must therefore hear the witnesses against you . —Edward Hilton , - the baker ; Mr . Pcrry >» the surgeon ; Sarah Kitchener , and James Kitchener , were then examined , but # tlieir evidence was only a repetition of that given at the inquest . They knew nothing of the prisoner . — Constable 21 T , on the Hammersmith and Chiswick station : Between seven and eight o'clock yesterday evening I received information that Thomas Hocker T the prisoner ) was the particular acquaintance of the deceased , Delarue , and that he liad been seen with a considerable quantity of money in his possession . In consequence of this information I went with Inspector Partridge and Seijeant Bickerson to the prisoner ' s lodgings , at No . 11 , Victoria-ten-ace , Portland Town . This was about a quarter-past one this morning . I rang the bell , and a person came down partially undressed . Tasked if Thomas Hocker lived there . He said he was Thomas Hocker . I then went in and

      told him I . was a serjeant of -police , aim was going to take Mm into custody on suspicion of being concerned in the murder of the deceased Delarue . Up to that time he bad not said anything . I asked him to shew me his apartments . —Mr . Rawlinson : What ! when you said you were going to take him into custody for a murder , he said nothing ?—Witness : He said he knew Delarue . I told him I wished to see his apartments . He said , " I will show you them ; follow me . " He took me to a room on the second floor . His brother was in bed in the same room , and he told him to get up and dress himself . I commenced searching , when his brother said to the prisoner , " Tom , tell the policeman all you know about it . " The prisoner then went to the bed side , took a

      watch from under the pillow , aud said , "That is Delarue ' s ; he gave it to me last Friday morning , about ten o ' clock , for me to s ' ell it for Iuto . " He afterwards gave me some duplicates , which he said related to other property which he had pledged for Delarue . ( They were for a watch-guard and seal and a ring , pledged in September and October last . ) I afterwards tookhim downstairs , and his brother went with us . I then went to Inspector Partridge , who was waiting at a short distance , and gave him the watch and other articles . After that ne was taken te Hampstead station . Ius _^ ctes Partridge said to his brother , " It ' s no good your going with us , beeausey ou can't remain with vour brother . " —Inspector Partridge , of the A- division of police : The last

      witness came to me at __ about eleven o ' clock last night , and . told me of the information he had received . In consequence of that I went to 11 , Charles-street , Portland Town , at which house I was told that the prisoner ' s father lived then , and where I expected to get Some important information , but failed , and therefore sent the last witness to Hooker ' s own lodging . When the prisoner was taken into custody , he said he wished to go to his father's to put on a pair of boots . When he got there I told his father that he was apprehended on suspicion of being concerned in the death of Delarue . After he had put on his boots I took him back to his lodging in Victoria-terrace , obtained a light , and went up to his room , examined every article , and found some old clothes

      between the sacking and the bed , and also some on tlie top of the bed . In the drawer of a table in this room there were letters , papers , and memoranda . The letters which the last witness gave me are seventysix in number . These were in addition to those I found . I have not had time to examine them , but I believe thoy are all in the handwriting of one young lady . On the mantel-shelf I found a half sovereign and a shilling . The prisoner said he had more money , and he supposed he had dropped a sovereign on the bed , and on going towards it he found the sovereign on the bed . From thence I conveyed him to the Hampstead station . —Josoph Shackell stated—I am an inspector of the A division of ( " detective" ) police . I received

      information of this murder on Saturday night . On examining the place where tho crime had been committed I came to the conclusion that deceased had been robbed , and learned that he had had a watch with him on the Friday , at two o ' clock . I then , with other officers , proceeded to the deceased ' s lodgings in Whittleburystreet , and with a number of obscene prints found , rolled up , some bills and receipts ; one of the bills was for a watch , which had been purchased of Mr . Finer , of High Holborn , in May last . Tho description of the watch given in the bill answers exactly with that of the watch delivered up by the prisoner , and which was seen in the possession of the deceased at two o'clock on Friday . —Mi * . Delarue identified the watch as that of his deceased brother , but the chain attached , he said , was not that which he had seen oh it on the Sunday previous to his death . The

      chain then attached was a solid gold chain worth about five pounds . —The Magistrate having been informed that there was no more evidence forthcoming at present , addressed the prisoner , and said : I find it necessary to detain you upon this charge , and you will be remanded , unless you can tell mc anything to convince me of your innocence . You will use your own discretion as to saying anything , but it is my duty to tell you , that whatever you do say will be taken down , and maybe used against you . Prisoner ( in a calm tone of voico , and unshaken manner ) I will say one tiling , and that is , that I can'bring witnesses to prove that I did not leave home on Friday evening until a quarter or ten minutes to eight That is all I wfll say to-day , if you please . -W Rawhnson : Well , then , I shall remand you until Tuesday next , * and in the meantime , if the coroner chooses to see you , I shall have no objection-Prisoner ( calmly ); Very well , air .-The prisoner was then removed . *

      Hor.Nim.E * Murder Asm Highway Robbery O...

      Alarming Fire is Grosvenor-squark . —On Monday evening , between eight and nine o ' clock , much alarmwas created in _Grosvenor-aquare , owing to a very serious fire breaking out at the mansion of tho Hon . Captain Duncombe , situate at No . 22 in the square , adjoining the residences of the Earl of Derby and Sir G . Talbot . The discovery was made by some of the domestics , in consequence of the building being gradually filled with smoke : and on tlieir proceeding into the hall to ascertain the exact locality of the flames , they found the floorine : to be all ou fire . The engines from _Baker-streei ; Well ' s-strect , and King-street were quickly ni _%£ tendance , and on firemen Loder and Horden entcrin _? the hall the flooring suddenly fell in , the _sumuwi-inm _

      beams being entirely burnt away . They were imme diately extricated from their dangerous situation " when they ; were found not to be so seriously hurt as was anticipated , a few sprains and bruises beiu _<*< - tin * extent of their injury . Inthe meantime the most active measures were taken to suppress the rava « ea of the fire , and Mr . Braidwood , the supcrintendent ' the force , having arrived with a relnforccmcnfrof er gines and men , the fire was prevented extenuuif * be ' - yond the basement of the mansion ; the whole f . w ever , ofthe costly furniture has suffered much ' iui .. ™ from the dense body of smoke that filled the buil ' diJr for some time . On instituting an inquiry as to the cause of the outbreak , it was ascertained to have originated from the overheating of a hot air stove which , communicating to the flooring of the hall ' fired the house . '

      Lvcendiary * Fire at Streatham . — On . Monday night , shortly after eight o'clock , a fire broke out upon the extensive premises belonging to Mr . Henry Fife jun ., known as Bridge-house-farni , situate at ' Lower Streatham , about three miles fi-om Croydon , iv stock being of such an inflammable character the fire in the space of twenty minutes had obtained the complete possession of every portion of the _buildm _*** and at one time the strongest apprehensions were en ! tertained lest the conflagration should extend to th _^ contiguous property . Tlie horses were all cot out of the stabling , but not without considerable _difficulty As soon as intelligence was received in town , Mr Connorton started to the scene , with the West of England firemen and engine , and was followed by fhe Brigade engine from _Soiithwark-bridge-i'oad , ' with Mr . Henderson , the foreman of the district . Both _engineswere instantly set to work , but the fire wag not entirely distinguished until nearly eleven o '

      _clockand not before the building in which it commenced was burnt to the ground , and its contents consumed . Axoxher Fike . —AccmEsx to a Female . —Whilst the brigade were employed in subduing the firo at the mansion of tho Hon . Capt . Duncombe , M , p _, they were called to . aiiotherat the _nursery-ground 0 f Mi * . Smith , in Manchester-terrace , Liverpool-road Islington , which originated in the glass-houses , but the flames were promptly got under . The damage done is extensive , more than a thousand valuable plants , geraniums , < fcc , being destroyed by heat and smoke . Whilst the Watling-street station engine was proceeding along the New-road to the firc ° an accident happened to a young female named l ' _cirsen . She was crossing the road from Burton-crescent to Willstead-strect , when she was knocked down by the engine , and the horses trampled on her ; but as the wheels did not touch her , her life is not in danger , though she was considerably injured .

      ExTnAORM . _vARY Case . —On Friday last a fine boy of five years old , named Redmond Prcndertvell _, was brought to Guy's Hospital after having drunk boiling water from tho spout of a teakettle . The rapid swelling and inflammation whicli ensued , had so completely obstructed the air passage , that death / h > nj suffocation seemed inevitable , and on the arrival o £ Mr . Edward Cock he determined at once to open tlie windpipe below the seat of mischief , as the only chance of saving life . Before this could be accomplished the child had quite ceased to breathe , and life was apparently wholly extinct . By means _ofavtificial respiration carried on through the opening in the windpipe , _animatioii was soon restored , a » j the child is now rapidly recovering from the effects of the injury and the subsequent operation .

      Further Particulars . —On the arrival of the prison-van at Clerkenwell , the prisoner , who appeared very downcast , was delivered over to the authorities of the establishment . On his arrival at tiie searching-room he was carefully searched with a view to prevent his having anything in his possession whereby he might lay violent hands on himself ; ic , and he then consented with evident reluctance to take off his clothes . This being eftected , however , on examining the interior part of the cuffs of Ms coat , it was found that they were covered with blood . After this search , the prisoner was taken to the place in the prison appropriated to persons under so heavy achavge , and strict guard and watch were placed / wet the prisoner .

      Additional Particulars . — _Presumpthe Evidence op tiie Guim or the Prisoner . — The impression made on the niind of Inspectors Shackell and Haines was , that a sufficiently minute search had not been made of the lodgings ol * the alleged murderer , or of those of his father , by Inspector Partridge and Seijeant Scotney , at the time they apprehended the prisoner Hocker . Acting on this impression , they at once proceeded to the residence of Hooker ' s father , No . 17 , Charles-street _^ ¦ '' Eo _^ W . Town . The inspectors , on their arrival , made known to the father the object of theu . ' visit , and at once , without any hesitation on the part of tlie father , every facility was offered them to make a search of the premises . They were first shown into a front

      room on the first-floor , which was the one occupied by Ids son , who also had a lodging where he was captured , No . 11 , Victoria-terrace . In this room the officers found that which is presumptive , if not conclusive evidence of the atrocious guilt of the prisoner . Secreted in this room were found a pair of trousers , stained with blood and covered with dirt . A pah * of stockings , the legs of which were also bloody , the blood having gone through the trousers , and a Macintosh , the front and back of which were also splashed with blood . On these things being shown to the unfortunate parent he identified them as those of his son . After this discovery Inspector Haines proceeded to the New Prison , Clerkenwell , to which place Hocker was conveyed in the prison van immediately after

      his remand , for the purpose of making a minute e > : * animation of the prisoner ' s dress and person . With this view he directed the prisoner to take off his coat wliich he wore on Friday night , the cuffs of which , upon examination , were all over blood . A button was found in the field near the spot where the deceased was murdered , and also one found at the lodgings of the accused in Victoria-terrace , and on Inspector Haines comparing them together they exactly matched each other ; and what is more conclusive , on the inspection of the prisoner ' s coat two buttons were missing , and on comparing both of these buttons with the remainder of those on the coat they exactly tallied with them . The pair of drawers which the prisoner had on were found , ou examination , also spotted with blood .

      Arab Fanaticism.—We Find The Following M...

      Arab Fanaticism . —We find the following mtto Echo of Oran of the 1 st inst ., on an event whicli had ¦ ' " mi . -happened at the camp of _Sidi-Bcn-Abhes : — . This post , situate 18 leagues to the south of _Om , is composed ofa redoubt and an intrenched camp , in which are stationed a battalion of the 6 th Light Infantry and two squadrons of Spaliia . Yesterday morning Chef-dc-Bataillon Vinoy , _Commandcr-m-Chief , was informed that a certain number of cattle had been taken away from some friendlv tribes . He immediately went with hia cavalry and a gomn to the quarter where the robbery was committed , in order to gather information . About ten o ' clock , the hour at which the soldiers and non-commissioned officers are

      _takinsre-oosc , about sixty Arabs , preceded by a number of children , came to' the entrance of the camp . They all earned a traveller ' s staff , but no arms were to be seen . They demanded an audience of the commandant , that they might lay some comp laints before him . The sentinel suffered the foremost to enter , but soon found cause to doubt the object of the visitors , from their strange appearance , and on endeavouring to prevent the rest from following he was at once killed by a pistol-shot . " This report was the signal of an attack . All these fanatics immediately rushed into the camp , drew arms _fi'om under their garments , and threw themselves upon our soldiers , thus-taken by surprise . The residence of the commandant was attacked , and the guard at the door killed . Our soldiers immediately ran to their and from Arab ?

      arms , came all directions on the . These endeavoured to escape , but all the issues were already occupied , and cverv Arab that had entered was killed , 58 bodies being afterwards counted dead on the ground . This conflict , hand to hand , with fanatics who resolved to sacrifice their lives , cost us dear . v \ e reckon more than thirty killed and wounded . A cannon fired from the redoubt anuouneed to Commandant Vinoy that he was recalled to the camp by some extraordinary circumstance . _Belicvliig _^ that some band of _maraudci's must have made their appearance , and confiding in life garrison , be came back by the road bv which he judged the enemy must retreat . He thus met face to face the douars of the men who had come to find their death among us . Here , however , none remained but the old men , women , and children , and their cattle , all of which were taken from them and brought into the camp .

      This act of madness is thus accounted for . A Marabout , who arrived a few days ago from the west , had announced that the Emperor Abderahmaun , having made peace with the French , had just been deposed , that a pretender had been set up for his successor , and that he ( the Marabout ) , as the envoy of this pretender , had for mission the expulsion of the Christians from Africa . By his speeches and entreaties he had excited the fanaticism of two _donare of the Ouled-Selimans , and had induced them to resolve on the massacre of the garrison of Sidi-Ben-Abbes . Before their departure he had made them eat bread and salt , and had pronounced over them the holy words which , in the opinion of Mussulmans , render them invincible and _proofagamsttheai-msofCbistiaPi These men arrived at our camp reciting prayers like inspired persons , and thus excited the hilarity of our soldiers , who were far from imagining what WW intended .

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), March 1, 1845, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/ns4_01031845/page/6/