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Northern Star (1837-1852), 16th December 1843, Edition 1 of 5, Page 6, " €%t CttOntton xrf ©«alant!r " Xswz grind the poer, and rich men rale tie law.'

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    • " €%t CttOntton xrf ©«alant!r " Xswz grind the poer, and rich men rale tie law.'
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      TTTB JMPOHTA 3 TT INVESTIGATION AT THE BIRMINGHAM WOfiKHOTJSE- ' Ob Thursday , the investigation was resumed , Mr . ' lur ~ s one of tie Guardians of the Poor , in the chair . ; There "were present doting the day the following . Gnardiana : —Messrs . Byder , Knight , Pntcbard , W . ) Chesablre , Mn 3 in » , EMey , Mateaett , Xobrnson , I Roderick , Joseph Corbett , Hollingsworth , Boucher , ¦ Hebbert , Turner , AHdridge , Potter , and Taylor , of ] ISdgbrston-Btreet . I It lad been clearly established , oy the evidence of \ several witnesses at the former meetings , that " foai tramps bad been confined , contrary to law , In & hor- ; ilblfl hole , for eight days and eight nights , ia a state ] of nndhy , without bedding or covering , except a rug each , and that they -were supplied with , very inferior food all the time .

      The Commissioner commenced the farther inquiry t > y Baying , frh « fr be should like to examine Mr . WPherson . After looking at the cell in -which the font men were confined , ha thought it impossible but that the persona in the Infirmary Dispensing Boom must hsre heard the tramps ia -the place they were . Mr . laisas— I lave been told , Sir , that the boy , ol thorn ire have heard bo mush , is now in the Workionsr . The Commissioner—If that be the case , J am very Borry for it . The Governor has positively stated that he knew nothing about him .

      Mr . Robert M * Pherson , % member of the College of Apothecaries , and Apothecary to the Infirmary , was then examined . He stated he knew of the four tramps t 3 in § confined in the "black hole , " bnt did not see them . I should say they ¦ were in eight or ten days . The Hist three or four days they seemed TEjychefcrfnl , singing and making a noise , which annoyed us very much . jAftersrard * they were very quiet ; in fact they t ^ ame so < plet that I had forgotten they were there until the Sunday , when my little boy , -who -was -with me , saw the man taking food io them . He told-his mo ^ er when he got home he s aw three or four naked men . His mother asked me if snth was the case ;_ and sot believing it possible , I told fcer I thought it imp-ssible . When I returned from dinner I made inqniries of James 2 > ewBon snd Johc Parr if the msn were still there , and if tfeey were really naked ? They a-sared me they were . James BswBon told me the men hsd wanted bread , and . that he could save them

      some tf his if he dare gireit them . I never saw the men at all . I dia not report the inject to anybody . I might . have talked sboat the subject to the House Surteon ; I made no reserve , for the matter was talked of Tery freely by the aerranti James Dsweon was then called , and examine *] by the Commissioner . He said , I am a pauperin the Birmingham Workhouse , and I have been an inmate in the House about two yeaia . About frsro months Bgo I recollect four men being put in the vault or eell in tbe psfTaire leading to the Infirmary . I had nothing to do to them when they were there . 1 saw them in that ?« ^ * v ??* t 3 t - - They «" * ey ver « h » niSw ^ San ? * rrra J » " They were naked whan ; . Sl 2 SSSEr HMroftaB ^ ' » *«**>

      ^ S ^ f ^^^ wS--tofl thru * through the grating at ^ Kf ^ g j TSUlfe . ^ E J ^ e nfB Which hadbeenput ti ^^ gi window or gating , as I nndemood , to keep thTcold ' eni . At this time they asked me if i £ a fhS I mouldy crust of bread to « ive them . They coHmW ** i

      of iaing hungry . I wouldhsve given them some bread ' tthattime , if reared . \ The ComHiiKsioiiBP—Wh » t time of the day was it wien they asked yon for bread . ' j Ms . Joseph Corbett—Was It before breakfast , or after , that they asked yon for this bit of mouldy rust ? Witness—it w » abont eleven or twelve o ' clock . i Mt J . Corbett—What tame flid they have their ! ireakfejt given to them ? '

      Witness—Tie breakfast was usnaJly given out to ] them about nine o ' clock . * . : The Commianoner— Are yon , witness , quite jsure you ; ^ w the Hien nated ? i Witness—I am quite ccnflJent I e&w them naked . ! The Commissioner—AH four miked ? j "Witness—Xe * , Sir ; I saw them naked several times u I was paaiuj . They were as entirely naked as J

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      they were when they were bom . The door of the vault or cell was open at the time , aud the man was giving them food . I did not see them came oat I sever saw say person except Harris talking to them . I told Hi . M'Pherson tbe men were in the -vault , and that they asked ne for bread , aid that I would have giren It to tb . em . if I dared . Other witner sea were examined who corroborated the evidence prevfoealy given .

      THE SKCOSD CHASGB . The CommissloBer « aid , he wished the boy , Roper , to be brought ia , who , he understood , was an inmate is the House . The boy was then brought into the room , and , after hearing a brief narrative of the case which he was called to support , The Commissioner said , before be examined the boy , he would go with , him , and he fchould point out the places in which be was put , and to which he would have to refer when giving his evidence .- Any of the Guardians who wished to attend him in this part of his enquiry , might do so . It was necessary that the boy should point ont the different rooms in which he was placed before be took down his evidence . The Commissioner then left the room with tbe boy , and proceeded with several Guardians and the reporters to the passage leading to the Infirmary .

      The Commissioner—Now , my little boy , point out to me the "place you were first placed in . The boy pointed to the first door in the passage on the right band side . A Guardian present— O , no ! that cannot be : that is a lumber-room . *' The Commissioner—Ton make a mistake , boy ; was it not the next door i No , Sir ; I was put in here first . Commissioner—Are you sure of that , my boy J Yes , Sir . —Where is the key ? Xet the door be unlocked . A Guardian—No person is ever " placed there j it is full of lumber . The Commissioner—Tbe boy adheres to it that he was put in there . Let the door be unlocked . One of the eervants . who hronght the key , said the boy was pnt in there first Commissioner—You see , gentlemen , however incredible his statement at first appeared , tbe boy is right Xet the door be unlocked .

      The door of the vault was then unlocked , and one of the most dark and disnwl places it was ever our lot to behold was opened to view . It was an arched vault , ¦ without ary Window or grating for the admission of light 01 air , filled with lumber , leaving scarcely room for three persons to stand in . Its appearance produced a strong feeling of disgnst in the minds of all who saw it . Commissioner— -Where were yon next t&fcen to ? Tbe bay then proceeded to the door of the b ' ack-hole , where the four men were confined . ¦ This horrible hole we gave a faint description of in our last .

      Commissioner^—How Jong , my boy , were you confined in this place?—One night the first time , and three days and three nights the Becond time . —Where were you next taken to ?—The room opposite . —Shew U 8 the room . The boy then walked across the passage to a vault or cell directly opposite to tbe black hole , which was formerly called tbe black hole . Commissioner—How long were you kept here ?—Three days and three nights . Commissioner—We will now go to the tramp-room .

      The Commissioner , the Guardians , and tbe reporters then proceeded to what is called the tramp-room at the top of the yard , on entering which the stench waa dreadful , sad tbe scene revolting . It was a small confined cell , around which were fixed boards which were called bedsteads , without bedding or straw upon them . In one corner of one of these bedsteads , at the further end of the cell , lay a boy huddled up in a rug ; and in the opposite corner another boy in a similar position . Commissioner—What is that ?—pointing to one of the miserable objects—is it a human being ? A Guardian—Tes , Sir . The Commissioner— Get up . Two young , -wretched , and filthy human creatures then rese up . The Commissioner—What a state for human beingB to be in J Then addressing the younger boy , he said—How old are you ?— Nine years .

      How long have you been here ?—A week last Saturday . To the next boy . How old are yon ?—FonrUen , Sir . How long have you been here?—Four days , Sir . They have no business to remain here so long The Commissioner asked a man who was ill , how long he had been there , and he Bald several days . He then visited other parts of tbe Souse , * tbe appearance of which and the unfortunate inmates was , ' as our contemporary justly observes , thoroughly revolting . ' The reporter , at the request of one of the Guardians , went through the Honse , bnt we must not here give >< ib description of ths scenes be met witb , and bis remarks thereon , as it is understood that m&oy of them will be the subject of official investigation .

      On tbe return of tbe Commissioner to the committee room he called tbe boy Roper to him , and after seriously cautioning him to speak the truth ,: the whole truth , and nothing bat the tiatb , and explaining to him the awful responsibility of giving utterance to falsehood , when he called God to witness , be most solemnly administered to him the oath . The boy Roper said , I am twelve yean of age . And I was brought to thi » Workhouse by my mother , for being a naughty boy . 2 w&s taken into a room , before some gentlemen , and they were asked if the ; would take me into the Workhouse for being a bad boy . My mother took me into the kitchen , to the Governor . The Governor called a man . who took me into thn

      dark-hole . His same -was John . He gave me up to a man named John , witb a -wooden leg . This man pat me into the first hole in the passage , on the right hand side of tbe passsge leading to tbe Infirmary . I staid there until from about six o ' clock to eight at night , when Mrs . Hirst came , and I was taken out and pnt Into tbe second door in the passage , meaning the black-hole . When I was first put into this second place , there was no one there . Two boys came in about five minutes afterwards . Some men came in , and there were seven of us altogether in tbe cell . Mrs . Hirst and a female servant came and gave us some rugs . She gave us all one a-piece . I do not recollect of either of the other boys or the men refusing the rug . Our supper , of soup and bread , was brought

      to us . Two ef the boys bad do shoes od . Abont halfpast seven o ' clock the next morning Harris let us out , and he put me into a room on the oppobite side , where I had my breakfast . At ten o ' clock Harris took me oat of that room , and put me into the top men's tramproom , where I remained three days and three nights . Every night 1 was there , tramps were sleeping i n this loom ; I can't say how many , but there were a good many . I sheuld think on the Saturday night then were twenty . After that I was taken to the dark hole , where I bad before been in on the right hand side of the passage , and there kept three days and three nights ; and I was then removed to the opposite side , and there I stopped three days and three nights . I never slept in the dark hole by myself . There were always tramps there . There were not more than seven in the hole ; it ; -would not hold ^ more . Tbe grating was open to the top .

      I 1 had no water or convenience to wash myself the first morning I was in the Workhouse . Intbenppei tramp room I did w&sh once . Harris gave me soap ' and water , and 1 -wiped myself oq my handkerchief , ; On tbe Sunday I came out I was washed , when I wai : taken to a bath . I had no clean shirt or clean clothing : during that period . I had nothing to sleep upon bui j boards from tbe Wednesday until the following Su& i day week , when I left 1 was kept in bed a fortuigbi j by Mrs . Hirst After I first went to bed on a Snndaj ! evening , and kept my bed for a fortnight , the School j ; master told me not to get up . He told me that thf : matron had ordered him not to let me get up . Mj 4 doihes were taken from me when I went into the bath : A clean shirt and pinner was then given me . The boy ; brought up my food . The Schoolmaster said I wa j kept in bed for punishment I was a week and thre < I dayB in bed , and the other days kept in the room .

      j Edward Sogers , fourteen years of age , sworn- —H < ; corroborated the testimony of the boy Roper as to beinj j kept in bed nine days . j 'Xhe investigation was then adjourned-! . Fsidat , Dec . 1 . —The Commissioner read a papei I from the Governor , containing his reply to the charg < | relative to the four trunpB . None of the facts giver ' above were disproved ; the seply was a mere piece O " explanation , " iiot at all standing the Governor "! CSQ . ; The Mother of the boy Roper was exaained , and hei evidence confirmed that of the boj . William Harris , the man -who was ordered bj the Governor to put the boy in the black hole , coafirmed al the important points of the boy ' a evidence . Mr , Charles Smith , the house surgeon , was next examined , after which the investigation wis again anjonmed .

      THE THIRD CHARGE . Satcbday , Bec . 2 . —Tbe Commissioner , on taking his seat this morning , said be was now about to enter upon anether charge , which was this , viz — That a young woman , named Harriet Rodder , was pnt into the tramp-room by way of punishment Mrs . Hirst—She is yety ill—she h in the Infirm&ry . The Commissioner—I wish to examine her on oath . Mrs . Hirst—She is unable to attend here . Sir .

      ! ! The Commissioner—If she be unable to Walk tO this : room , I must go to her and take her evidence . Let the I Burgeon be sent for . j Mr . Smith , the Honse Surgeon , was then sent j 'or , sad on his coming into the room , the Commia-; Koner asked him if he thought Harriet Rodder ! ^^ capable of being broaght to that room to give | Mr smia s&i « j he considered that she ms . 1 for 2 wilh ? nmitoioner--Let bex then be *«» i" fcere to 0 b

      to the witae ^ *^ serTe ' WeaIe ' Previous U I T «? . - ^** C on ^ S in , that tbe tramV-rooias plLsforTepSn * ** ° ****»** . but en * I . ? S £ SfS ! a' *?~ ^ sentiemen , £ S £ Zu v ™ I ™ brousht iDto «» ™^ -

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      This witness deposed -that she had been confined in the tramp room " from a Saturday sight to the next Wednesday morning . " She * ms ill and taking medicine aV the time . In answer to qtepaona by Mr . Boucher , the witness Bald , I have known women put in the black-bole for quarrelling . Ann Morris , the woman who quarrelled with me , waaput in the black ; hole about three or four months ago . I have known other women separated and put in the tramp-room I waa in for quarrelling . Ann Morris , I « nderstood , was put in the black-hole because she refused to go to chapel . She was put in about five o ' clock in the afternoon , and taken out about nine at sight , and she then went to bed with the other women . - Tbe Commissioner—Are you certain that Ann Morris was put ia tbe black-bole , and that you saw her put In ? Witness—YeB , Sir .

      The Commissioner—This is a new charge . It is the first I have beard of a female being pnt in the blackhole . Surely it cannot be the horrible place the four men and the boy were confined in . She shall show us this black-hole where she states she saw Ann Morris placed in . Mrs . Hirst—I do not think she is able to walk there and back to this room . The Commissioner—I will take tbe pen and ink with me , and if she finds herself unable to walk back here , she can sign her deposition there . Mrs . Hirst—Are you able , Harriet , to go there and walk back ? Witness—Yes . The Commissioner—Let her show as the way . Tbe witness ; followed by the Commissioner , several GoardianB , and the reporters , proceeded to the passage leading from ice Workhouse to tbe Infirmary .

      The Commissioner—Now Bhow us the place into which you saw Ann Morris put Tbe witnesB then pointed out the horrible black bole in which the four men and the boy were confined . The Commissioner—Are yon certain you saw Ann ftlorria put in there ? % Witness—I am , Sir . The Commissioner—Now show us the tramp-room in which you were placed . The witness then walked to a miserable and confined place , which is called the female tramp-room . Tne Commissioner—How long were you kept here T Witness—I was kept here from tbe Saturday to the Wednesday . The witness was cross-examined by the matron , but made no alteration in her statements .

      Mr . Smith , houae-surgeon , was again examined at con&iderabls length . He stated that last witness was efflicted witb a chronic disease , and that her confinement in tbe tramp-room was most improper in her state ef health . Sarah Morley was then examined en the part of the Governor . She denied that tbe boy Roper bad been confined to bis bed nine or ten days . The boy waa re-examined , but persisted in bis former statement-William Wear and John Fair were then examined ; they admitted that they had put Ann Morris in the black hole , by order of tbe matron ; but denied that she was placed in a straight jacket .

      MONDAY . —Mr . Edward Townsend Cox , of Birmingham , surgeon , said he had been surgeon to the Infirmary connected with the Birmingham Workhouse for upwards of thirty years . Harriet Roddis , otherwise Rodder , was under my charge on the 1 st of March last . At that time she was suffering from stricture of tbe rectum and fistula . She was discharged from the Infirmary on the 17 th of July , relieved . She was again admitted on the 2 nd of September , and attended by me for the same disease ; discharged on the 7 th of September ,, relieved . She was agaiu admitted on the 13 th of October , and attended by me for the same disease , and is at this time apatient in the Infirmary . She has , since ber last admission , had an operation

      performed on her by me for fistula . I know the female tramp-ward ; from what I know of this tramp-room , witb the knowledge I have of the state of the woman , Rodder , is now in , and my previous knowledge of her state , I should my it -was not a at place for ber to be placed in during the time she has been uuder my charge . I was not awara &he was there . Had I seen her in the tramp-ward at any period from tbe 7 th of September to the 13 th of October , I should unquestionably have suggested to Mr . Smith , the House Surgeon , to have bad her removed , 1 do not thick her disease has been increased from her being placed there , but that she must necessarily hava experience ! increased inconvenience and suffering from pain from the circumstances .

      Mr . Scholefleld , M P . for the Borough , requested admission , which was immediately granted .

      TOURTBT CHAnoK . William Wesre , keeper of the lunatic ward , was then examined . - We cannot find room for his evidence at length , frem which it appeared that a poor man named Bates , weak in intellect bnt perfectly harmless , had been confined in the lunatic ward as a punishment , and there strapped to a chair by order of the governor and matron . Mr . Smith , house-surgeon , confirmed this statement Mr . South had ordered the poor man to be released which had given great offence to tbe Governor . From tbe evidence of Ann Titley , keeper of the female Insane want , it appeared that a female not insane bad been sent to the lunatic ward by the Governor as a punishment for some offence . Mr . Hirst ( the Governor ) was not in attendance today on account of illness .

      Tuesday . —The ii qairy was resumed at ten o ' clock Mr . Mole , solicitor , attended on tbe part of the Work * . house Governor . The Commissioner addressed Mr . Mole , aad said that he would now proceed With the Governor ' s defence . He would read over hU notet . and point out those facts of tbe evidence which most affected Mr . Mole's client . There was no doubt about the confinement of the four men , or the treatment which they received . Mr . Hlwt had himself admitted this . The Commissioner then read over the charges , and those parts of the evidence which in any way affected the Governor and the Matron . Mr . Mole—It is necessary for me to see the Governor for the arrangement of the defence . I shall be occupied with him some time .

      The Commissioner—We went on till Friday night before it was stated that Mr . Hirat wished his professional advi-er to bo present . I will give you until Thursday morning to prepare the defence . I am willing to afford you every facility , and to give you every information you may require in preparing the defence to the charges . Mrs . Hirst stated ttat the Governor was too ill to attend . After the hearing of some unimportant evidence , the I > quib ^ was adjourned until Thursday morning .

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      ' ' course , quite dead . Mr . Juppett had the mutilated remains removed to the union workhouse , which was resorted to during the day by numbers of persons , in order to the body being identified . Information was Bent to Mr , E . Eagles , the coroner , who issned bis warrant foir the inquest , which Was held on Saturday ; the only witnesses examined that day being tbe labourers by whom the fire was discovered , and who could not account for the origin of the calamity . " The inquiry was consequently adjourned over till Tuesday , when the body of the deceased was fully identified . His name ia Johu Simmons , and be was said to be about fifty-seven years old . He was a native of the town of Bedford , and entered tbe army when a mere boy . By good conduct , ha attained the rank

      of colour-sergeant in the 40 th Regiment of Foot He was in the battle of Waterloo , where be was wounded in the head and in the leg , and was commended by the Duke of Wellington for bis bravery on several occasions . The poor fellow was in receipt of Is . a day pension . Owing to the wound in his head , he had for some years been subject to periodical attacks of insanity , and had been for some time an inmate of Bedford Lunatic Asylnm , from which he had been lately discharged . Having no employment , he was in the habit of wandering abont the precincts of the town , and about an hour before tbe fire broke out he was met by a man in the employ of Mr . Francis , builder , of this town . He was at that early hour proceeding towards tbe Ktmble ton-road , bnt for what purpose no one could form any probable conjecture .

      By direction of the coroner , a post moitem examination of the body was made by Mr . Mitchell and Mr . Blore , surgeons . These gentlemen stated , that one of tbe arms and one of the legs were burnt off ; that the body waa in other respects extensively injured . They bad also found a contused wound on the head , which they were of opinion bad been caused after death , probably ! by the falling of a piece of timber from the roof of the barn . They concluded that death bad been caused by suffocation . There was no evidence adduced tending to implicate tbe men in custody ( the brothers Parkins ) beyond the fact of the workmen having seen them come from the barn , bs already described , which they accounted for by showing that on the previous night they bad slept at a cottage in the neighbourhood , and , when dressing , were attracted to the spot by tbe strong glare of light

      The * Coroner recommended tbe Jury to return an open verdict , in case additional evidence might be obtained at some future time . The Jury concurred ia the suggestion , and a verdict to that effect was accordingly recorded . Tbe : Parkinses have undergone two lonir examinations before the bench of magistrates , including Mr . Joseph Brown ( the late Mayo *) , Mr . G- P- Liviua , Mr . T . A . Green , and Mr . DiviB . The witnesses were the same as those callod before the coroner ' s jury . There being no evidence to justify the further detention of the prisoners they were discharged . They gain a livelihood by rspairing rush-bottomed chairs , and travel about the country in that character .

      This appalling affair , together with the repeated recurrence of incendiary fires , produced the most feverish state of excitement in the town and county of Bedford , and has been rapidly followed by another conflagration within a short distance of the town of AmpthiU . The latter fire broke out on Saturday morning , at a place called Hownes , about six miles from Bedford . Here a large barn and out-offices , in the occupation of Mr . Earned , an extensive farmer , were wholly consumed . Fortunately this ia not accompanied , as in tbe other case , with loss of life ; bat the destruction of property is very great , and the owner ia only partially insured . Upwards of fourteen stacks of corn , a large quantity of agricultural implements , together with the buildings , hava been sacrificed by the torch of a nocturnal incendiary , who , happily for the ends of justice , has been secured . His name is Thomas Elmer , a native of AmpthiU , and be is Baid to be a person of all others the lease likely to be suspected of a crime so heinous

      as that of arson . Having received a fair share ef education he obtained the appointment of master of the Sunday school in connexion with the National Society whioh has recently been established in the village of Hownes . Owing to some information obtained by Captain Boultbee , Chief Constable of the Bedford Rural Police , Elmer was apprehended as he was leaving the church on Sunday last , to the great astonishment of the congregation . He was conveyed to A ' . opthiU by Superintendent Bates , when he was examined on Thursday before the Rev . J . B . Whitburn , one of . tbe district magistrates . The evidence waa so atreng as to leave no doubt that he was a principal in , if not the sole author of , the fire at Mr . Earaes ' s premises . | When in the cage the prisoner made a voluntary confession of his guilt , which being reduced to writing , be signed It in presence of the Bench , and has been fully committed for trial on tbe capital charge at the ensuing B 8 SSZ » S

      The terror excited amongst the farmers throughout the agricultural districts in this neighbourhood is quite paiufuL The rural police discharge their duty , wearisome aa it has become , owing to the frequency of incendiary fires , with laudable zeal and alacrity ; but they are too few , in number to overcome the marauders who are prowling about every night over a county of such extent The Bedford Association ( county ) for Protection of Property have employed a number of men to co-operate with the rural police , but this Is not enough to restore coaadence . It is reported that a meeting of the magistrates is about to be held , in order , to consider the propriety of an application being made to the Secretary of State for some increase of the constabulary force during tbe remainder of the Winter .

      SWING IN CAMBRIDGESHIRE . ( From the Cambridge Independent Press . J Fes Ditton . —It is out melancholy task to record one of the largest and most i calamitous fires that has occurred in this part of the country for many years , and which there is no doubt was the work of an incendiary . On Thursday evening , about five o ctock t a stack of oatstraw , sta ding in a farmyard belonging to Mr . J . Fyaan , of Feri Ditton , about two miles aud a half from Cambridge , was discovered to be oh fire . The yard contained seventeen stacks , of every description of grain , two large barns , a granary , pigeou-house , cart-hovels , piggeries , and other outbuildings . It was of great extent , the stacks and buildings forming a large square . In a few minutes from the discovery of the fire ,, the WboIO

      of the stacks were in a blaz-s . The wind blew from the west with great violence . The alarm speedily reached Cambridge , and in , a very brief space the Norwich Union fire-engine , which waa accompanied by Mr . W . Ekin , reached the spot . The Pfccenix-office end other engines soon arrived . The stuck in which the Ore commenced , was situate at the southern extremity of the yard : and at the time when the first engine arrived tbe ( ire might easily have been extinguished , but , unhappily , there was a most deficient supply of water , and the flames spread with such rapidity as to defy the feeble opposition that was brought against them . Tbe fire communicated from stack to stack with alarming speed , and in Vesa than ten minutes the whole yard waa in a bbZ 9 . The bums , wbich were of great 8 iz 9 and

      contained a larco quantity of grain , were quickly enveloped in fllines . Ttie cattle and farming implements were , by strong exertions , safely removed , with the exception wf two wooden rollers . At this moment the fire was grand aad awful in the extreme . A apace which occupied an Brea of more than two hundred yards square , was crowUed with immense burning masses of material . The wind blew with great violence and carried the flimea with terrific force to a height and extent wtneb threatened destruction to the whole Village . The effbits of the firemen were powerless to stay their progress . At this time , to add to tho horrors of the scmio , some burning materials fell upon the stack of Mr . Kent , whose farmyard waB on the opposite aide of the road . This yard contained nine large stacks of barley and

      bay . In a moment all were iu fUmos , and another fire almost equal in extent to the one we have been describing raged most fearfully . Fortunately the wind carried tba flames from the house of Mr . Kent , and the larger yard in which were the barna . Twenty-Bix large stacks ar . d numerous buildings were now all on fire at once , and to : etop the ravages of the devouring flames seemed ^ utterly impossible . The scene waa terrific , and amidst it all we were grieved to observe the apathy and reckless indifferuiica displayed by the labourers , but few of whom manifested the slightest desire tofaid in extinguishing the fire . The engines were chiefly worked by members of the University , many of whom most actively and energetically employed tb nisei vea in attempting to save the prop ^ ty of the sufferers . Some were seen up to their knees in water , passing buckets of water from one to tbe o-her ; but tho fire was beyond control . Its ravages were unstopped until all on which it could spend its fury waa destroyed .

      The noise of falling tiles—the crush of burning beams —the cries of the fowls and pigeons aa the poor creatures fell into the flames—the shouts of the thousands assembled , and the ivwfuI grandeur of tho flunes Bending up to heaven lurid clouds of smoke , presented a scene of such awful sublimity that words cannot describe it The fire was extraordinary from the immense extent of ground which it covered . Look on all sides and you were surrounded by burning masses . Had the wind been ia an opposite direction the whole village must have perished . That this awful calamity was the work of an incendiary , there is unhappily no doubt Two men were apprehended , one of whom is now in custody ; against the other no evidence was adduced iwhich warranted his detention . The village during the whole night was thronged with labourers , hundreds of whom came from distant and adjacent villages . : Tho toss cannot be under JE 5 . 000 . All the property was insured in the Norwich Union Office .

      BoxwoaxH ^ On Wednesday evening la « t , shortly after eleven o ' clock , Mr . Klrby , farmer of Boxwortb , wh » had retired to rest , waa awakened by a man named Ellard , an inhabitant of- the village , -who three years since worked with Mr . Kirby , and who communicated the alarming intelligence that hia premiaea vere on fijre . iOn descending he found that a barn , containing unthrashed barley , was in a blaze in the middle The flames rushed forth with great fury , and speedily communicated with the eaves of the dwelling house but were prevented extending further ia this direction by the great exertions of Ellard and Kirby . The fire had by this time been perceived by others in the village , and tho whole neighbourhood was speedily alarmed . A messenger was despatched to Swavesey for tbe engine , which speedily arrived , and proved to be most tffloient in preventing the extension of the fire to the dwelling-house from a nei gbbouiing Btahle . In Ubh

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      than ten minutes ffrom the discovery of the fire the whole of the contents of the yard were to tow . tojjj ther with two cottagea , occupied by a wheeler namea Butter ( who his aeyen children ) and a farm labourer named Allen ; the * Md barely ilnw to escape , aa they , with their ( families , were in bed when tbejjre caught their roofs . 1 The whole of their furniture , with the exception of oie bed , was , consumed . The chlh dren of Batter , in a partially naked state , were Bome of . them afforded shelter by the villagers , and the remainder , with their unfejappy mother , might have been seen , congregated round the ingle nook of the : only publicbouse of the village , in a state of hopeless despair . The labourers used every exertion possible , and removed the furniture of Mr . Kirby , part to a close

      opposite the residence ! and the remainder to tbe premises of his neighbour , Mr . Wolfington , where his family , consisting of his wife and three children , the eldest of them under eight years of Bge , also found shelter , and this was ail the assistance that could be rendered , as the fire was blazing with such fury as to prevent all hopes of saving any of the contents of the > ard . The heat was most intense , and the dwellinghouse from this cause was not out of danger till nearly half-past three o'clock , at which time tbe supply of water was becoming exhausted , the pump being consumed and two pondB having been drawn nearly dry in pumping on this and . tbe nearest stacks . Almost tbe whole of the stock , ll or 12 cows , and as many horses were got out of the yard , and to accomplish this , they had to be

      led through a pond ; but two horses , one bud , fourteen store and three fat hogs were burnt , together with a large quantity of poultry . Another horse was so much burnt that it is doubtful whether he will not have to be slaughtered . The contents of the yard were the whole of the produce of a £ 50 acre farm , and consisted of sixteen stacks , namely , three of wheat , two of peas , one of barley , one of oats , and one of tare stubble . These , contrary to the usual practice of Mr . Kirby , were this year all stacked in the yard . The buildings consisting of a barn containing chaff , two of barley , one of wheat , and one of oats , nag stable , and cart-shed , log-hovel , cow-lodge , two granaries over stable next the house , and a wheat case | containing about three bays or eighty loads of wheat , with piggeries , henhouses , &c .

      The grain was in the straw , with the exception of from eighteen to jtwenty loads of wheat and feurteen or fifteen j quarters of barley , and the greater portion of this waa thrashed on the Wednesday . The cottages were Completely gutted , tho walls only being left Btanding , land those in a tottering condition . The party wall was ' an unusually substantial one , and fell with a loud crash about five o ' cloefc . The implements burnt consisted of five carts , one waggon , a drill , a gig , dressing-machine and blower , ploughs , barrows , && No accident occurred to any human Deing , although the occupants of the cottage had a very narrow escape .

      A aouth-west wind , was blowing the whole nig&t , which towards morning veered a little more to the west . At half-past eleven o ' clock on Thursday , at which hour our informant left ( having been attracted from Cambridge the previous night by the reflection on the horizon ) , the stacks were still burning , although , of course , there was no dangerjof the flames extending , and the fury of the devouring element was well nigh spent . This comfortable homestead at that time presented a melancholy picture of de 8 olation . We regret that we cannot close this report without adding that not the slightest doubt exists on the mind of the proprietor , or any in the village , that the conflagration was caused by au

      incendiary . / MORE : DREADFUL FIRES . Steeple MoRden . —On Monday night , about eleven o ' clock , a fire broke out in the rickyard of Mr .. S . Strickland , of Steeple Morden , Cambridgeshire , which consumed all the ricks , barns , corn , and outbuildings , leaving only the farmhouse . The fire is supposed to have been the vile act of an incendiary , and a person is taken up on strong supposition . This is the second fire within a period of six months at thiB farm ; consequently the whole of the newly-erected buildings are destroyed . Had it not been for tbe attendance ef the Bassingbourn engine ; very little doubt is entertained but the house must have fallen a sacrifice to the flunes ; for although there were hundreds of the labouring class of both stxea in attendance , with the exception of a very few , they rendered no assistance ia saving it

      Maulden . —On F / iday evening , Dec . 1 , a fire broke out at Maulden , which has caused the greatest possible alarm . Two large bean-ricks , the produce of twenty ; one acres , the property of Mr . John Seabrook , were entirely destroyed . Tbe AmpthiU engine , and ita cojiplement of firemen , promptly attended , but was of no avail , as no water could be procured ; and had there been plenty of water it would have been useless td play , as tbe stock was a complete mass of fire in a few minutes after it ; waa discovered . Mr . Seabrook is , we understand , insured to the full amount .

      Sawbridgeworth . —Ou Monday evening , about ten o ' clock , a fire broke out in tbe farm of Mrs . Bennett , called Noon ' s farm , near Sawbridgeworth , in * the vicinity of the farm which was destroyed last week . The whole of tbe outbuildings and a part of tbe dwellingbouse were destroyed , together with a quantity of pigs and poultry , aud a calf . There is , we fear , little room for doubt that this fire ia tbe work of an incendiary . Two men , suspected of the crime , were taken before the Rev . C . S . Bourcbier , who remanded them until Monday next . — Herts Reformer ,

      On Sunday nigijt last , another fire broke out in Rowell , by which a hovel and a barn were consumed . They contained a quantity of corn , which , fortunately , was saved . On tbe next evening , a fire broke out in tbe rick-yard of Mr ! Horspool , of Brougbton , which consumed a stalk of wheat and a stack of barley , and occasioned the destruction of a hay-rick . Both are presumed to be tbe work of incendiaries . —Northampton Mercut-y j On Friday se'nnight a double barn , filled with barley , tho property of ( Mr . Stephen Gooch , of Honingham , was entirely consumed by fire . Mr . Gooch had a stack burnt the previous Friday . Three men—two Lincolns , father and son , nnd Wright , the son-in-law of Lincoln—are in custody , and remanded till Tuesday ; and Hunt , another man , is taken up . They all reside at Honinehara . —Norivich Mercury .

      Early in the morning of Wednesday , last week , the stackyard of Drummawhanee , near Crieff . was discovered to be on fire jby an individual belonging to a neighbouring farm , who immediately gave the necessary alarm . Considering tbe untimely hour , a great number of persons , anxious to arrest the work of devastation , were soon collected to the spot ; but , in defiance of every exertion , eight stacks were consumed before any effectual resistance could be offered to the progress of tbe flames ! How tbe fire originated is still a mystery ; but , from certain circumstances , strong suspicions are entertained of its having been the work , of an incendiary . The proper authorities , we believe , are busy investigating the affair ; but , so fer as we have heard , without j elucidating anything ; aa yet to criminate any person ; in particular . —Glasgow Chronicle i

      Darlington . —On Thursday evening , the 30 th ult ; , the stable of Mr . Stockdale , butcher , was discovered to be on fire ; but so prompt and energetic were the persons living in the neighbourhood , that it was extinguished without the aid of the fire engines . On the same evening the stable was again on fire , but quite in another part , which excited suspicion that it has been the work of an incendiary . Happily it was extinguished by the same energetic means as the former . — Sunderland Herald . \ Fire at Clafham—On Saturday night , a little before ten o ' clock , a fire broke out in the rick yard of Mr . Crisp , of Clapbam , Beds . The fl imes reached to

      so great an height that they were visible in Bsdford , and the engines were drawn out and in the road before the messenger arrived to give the alarm . In less than half an hour from this period some hundreds of persons were ou their wny to the fire . Two stacks' of barley , one of beans , ? and one of wheat wore entirely consumed , together with the barn and some adjoining buildings , and a thrashing machine , which had boon at work on that day uj » on some clover seed , was also burnt . We have at present heard no estimate of the damage , but learn that the property is insured in the Sun Fire Office . The ( origin of the fire has not been ascertained . —Herts Reformer .

      MORE ; INCENDIARISM . Bisnop Stoktford , Dec . 11 . —The following incendiary fires have occurred in this neighbourhood within tbe last fewj days : —On Friday morning about six o ' clock , the farm-yard of Mr . Rogers , ot Shorley Hall , was discovered to be in flames . Express was immediately sent to this town for engines , and assistance being speedily procured , and a plentiful supply of water , the fire waa confined to a large shed filled with agricultural implements , a haulm stack , and other small buildings . The morning was fortunately very calm , else the large barna adjoining must have fallen before the devouring element '

      On Sunday evening another large fire was observed to break out north of the town . The engines were speedily despatched in : the direction of the fire , which was found to be thejParsonage Farm , Mauuden , in the occupation of Mr . Smith . On . arriving , we found the whole of the extensive buildings , with the exception , of one small barn , in flames . The attention of the firemen was directed to the dwelling-house , to which the flames were fast approaching . Water being short , it was with difficulty saved ; but the

      remainder of the premises was soon a mass of rums , rwo goata , and one fat hog were the only lire stock destroyed ; the rest were saved . Mr . Smith , the occupier , bears a most excellent character , and what could induce the perpetration of this act we are at a logs to conjecture . It broke out while the family were at tea , in the jthatoh of the middle barn . Letters have been picked up in the town , in which other property is threatened . The greatest alarm prevail ? , this being tbe fourth fire in rather more than a fortnight . !

      incendiary fires in Berkshire We regret to etate that two more Incendiary fires have taken place in tOia county . The barn ; of Mr . Matthewa , a farmer at StorfccroBs , containing ] a quantity of corn , wau fired a few evenings since , land , with the whole of its contents ' , , totally consumed . A poor and industrious man , named John Grey , living at Burden ' s Heath , near TfaaU'ham , bud bis little barn , and all it con . tained , burnt to the ground . There is very little doubt that both thfcsa fires were wilfully caused by incendiaries , i

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      More Incendiarism . —Information has been te » ceived at the Bow-street Police-office ,: and circulated , that on tbe night of Tuesday last aeme persons mall ? cioualy set fire to a bam occupied by Mr . Jaraes Hind * ley , Hurst Hall , Calchett During the burning-of . -thf barn the following property was stolen—namely , s coat , waUtcoat , anJ other articles of wearing apparel On the same night , between the hours of eleven ana twelve o ' clock , some persons set lire . to a bam belong ing to Mr . James Blackburne , of Afltfey , in Lancashire , and tkebuiiding was destroyed , together with a quantity of hay . Suffolk . —In the county-of Suffolk no fewer than four incendiary fires attended with serious loss , have occurred within the space of forty-eight hoars .

      Bedfordshire . — Incendiarism , by tbe frequency ot its occurrence , has ceased to be considered a crime bf the generality of labourers ; and some , I am persuaded , have been excited to commit the crime by the force of example alone .- LelUr of a Bedfordshire Farmer in V » Mark Lane Express . Becci . es , Dec 11 . —It is our painful duty to inform you of the further spread of incendiarism In our district * On Sunday night last a fire of no ordinary character took place at tbe village of Stockton , Norfolk , on % farm in tbe oceupation of Mr . Robert Grimmer rand in a short space of time a large barn , filled with the produce of twenty acres of barley * was entirely consumed . The utmost exertions were used to save the . property , but entirely without effect- Mr . Grimmer , we understand , ia insnred . — Chronicle , Wednesday ,

      Government Bewards . —The Government Police Gazette exhibits too faithfully the alarming progress ot incendiarism throughout the country . The determination of Government to punish with the utmost degree 1 of severity tbe perpetrators of these incendiary acts is manifest by the large rewards offered for the apprehension of the chief actors , and the inducements held out to the less guilty accomplices that may choose to turn Queen ' s evidence . The following are the last cases of incendiarism which have been communicate * to the proper authorities : —Ou the morning of the 12 th ultimo a barn and other out-buiidings , the property of Mrs . Tyrrell , of Polstead Hall , In the occupation of Mr . William Tabar , together with a quantity of beans and straw , were feloniously set on fire . Government and the Suf

      offers £ 50 reward ; C . Tyrrell , Esq ., £ 50 ; - folk Fire-office £ 50 . for the apprehension and conviction of the offender or offenders , together with her Majesty ' s pardon to any but the person actually firing the premises . On the same night a rtacfc of barley on the farm of Mt . G- Gayford , of Rymer-faouse , in the county of Suffolk , was ¦ wilfully set on fire and destroyed ; £ 25 » reward is offered . Her Majesty's Government and his Grace the-Duke of Grafton each offer £ 59 . Ia this case the Royal clemency will be extended to any but the actual incendiary . On the morning of the 18 tb ultimo the barns and out-buildings in the occupation of Mr Samuel Buck , of Hawstead-lodge farm , also ia the county of Suffolk , were wilfully set on fire and destroyed , together with a quantity of corn therein ; £ 200 reward is offered , £ 100 being given by the Government , besides tbe inducement of pardon to accomplices being held out On the night of the 18 tb ult . a stack of barley , on the farm of Mr . Thomas Kersey , Eakenham , des £ 250

      Suffolk , was wilfully aet on fire and troyed ; - reward iaoffered , £ 100 by her Majesty ' s Government * and £ 50 by his Grace the Duke of GraftOn , and in th < a case the Royal pardon will be granted to any accomplice who may turn Queen's evidence . For the bean hovel of Mr . Thomas French , of Whitfield , two carts , and also hay-rick damaged ; for the bean-rick of Mr * Brown , of Rothwell , Northampton , together wita a wheat-tick , barley-rick , and range of beast bevels , £ 50 by Government For a barley-stack , belonging to Mr . George Nead , of Eaaton , £ 52 10 s . by the Norwich Union Insurance Company . For the barley stack of Mr . S , Goocb , of Honingbam , £ 105 , by the Norwich Union Fire-office , and also £ 105 by Mr . S . Gooch . Ia the first case a man named Thomas Heyes , farm labourer , twenty-five yeaTsof age , five feet five inches high , fair complexion , light hair , small whiskers , and dark brown eyea , is suspected of setting Mr . Hindley'a property on fire , he shortly afterwards having left tbe village .

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      IHB DOBSETSHISB POOR ASD LOfcD ASHXBT . The state of ihe labouring-dasses in Dorsetshire ia tbe subject of special and active discussion . Mr . Ricoard Jjrinsley Sheridan recently published some account of the miserably ir . suf&zient wa ; es , the squalid dwelling , tbe confined space , leading to the most immoral practices—ail things previously asserted over and over again , Ijatnow confirmed by the testimony of an independent eoustay-gentleman . Some pfcrsons , including certain clergymen , denied Mr . Sheridan ' s statements ; but , aa be remarks in a letter to the Times , in doing so they corroborate what they contravene . One clergyman BienHons & conple ( the man being 'very aged ) whose wares are 2 i Sd . and three loaves ; and several who have from 23 , with all , or . to 5 a . a week with part , ef

      their , food . Mr . Sheridan says , the price . of a peck of ¦ wheat per diem has bean considered the proper rate of wages fora labourer ; that would be 9 s . 9 d . per week , at the present cost of wheat : bnt figures are adduced t ~ i show that even that sum is insufficient . For example , a man , his wife , and eight children , earn lls . 6 d . a week ; they spend it thus—10 loaves , 5 s . ; half abnshel of barley . Is . 6 i . ; soap and candles , 101 j eleven pounds of suet to mix with potatoes and bread , 6 d . ; house lent . 2 s . 3 d . ; total , 10 a . Id . ; leaving Is . 5 d- to clothe and supply witb other necessaries ten persons l Further , the lower rate of wares , 6 " . or 7 s ., are given In particular districts—not generally throughout the coun-Ijy ; which proves that there ia injustice somewhere .

      lord Ashley comes out xn support of Mr . Sheridan , the purity of whose motives he boldly asserts . At the Sturminster agricultural dinner , he observed that Dorsetshire was becoming a by-word in msn ' s mouths . He asked whether such charges were true ? whether the ' cottages were filthy , ill-drained , and calculated to increase immorality and disease ?—"Are we prepared to refute these statements or not 1 Is the rate of wages afforded to the labourer a fair remuneration ftr bis labour , and in fair proportion to the profits of the soil ? Or if the evil is not to be traced to thiB canse , and if it is not immediately obvious what it ia , I advise that counsel be taken between the owners and occupiers of land to discover where it be , and endeavour to find the remedy ; for I am sure that semetMog must be done . I am net prepared to say whati but , if necessary , let ns practise more-selfdenial , abridge our luxuries , and let this be commenced with the highest and . wealthiest in the counfy *—tlond ebeers ) .

      He . gave iis hearers good advice—to pay their latourers in money and in good time ; to shut not tbe gleaners from their fields , and to avoid the truck system . He exhorted those present to look the charges full in the face , and to disprove the evil , or remedy it .

      DISIBESS IS lEICESXEBSHIBB . The Hinckley Stockingcr his Eent a second letter to the Morning Chnmidt , He says—« Since tbe publication of my last letter I have personally investigated the homes and circumstances cf £ fty families , averaging six persons each , and taken from their own lips their weekly income and expenditure . I have not taken the worst cues in this town , or the most unskilled workmen in the trade , but present a fair specimen of the actual condition of the people , and defy contradiction . The following presents the result of my labours : — Somber of ftrmiiin * visited , 30 ; number of individuals composing these faTnVHws 321 ; number of looms in ditto , 109 . Average weekly earnings per family , lls 3 | d ; average ditto per loom , 5 s 2 d .

      Average expenditure of each family—House rent , 3 # 83 j loom rent , 2 s 3 d ; coal and candle , Is 6 d ; soap andneedlea , 5 d ; total expenditure , as lOd . Weekly income , lls Sjd ; weekly expenditure , 5 s lOd ^ leaving 5 s 5 jdlv will be seen at onee from the above that there only remains Hd per head per week , or lid per day , a sum ararceJy sufficient to procure food enough for the sustenance of life . In my visits to these abodes of misery it was forcibly impressed on my mind— 'Eye hath sot seen , ear hath not heard , the heart cannot conceive , * the half -ot the sufferings endured by this poverty-stricken people . ¦ In one instance I foa £ d a bed ( tbe ooly one for the family ) , without pillow at bolster , or sheets , or blankets , and nothing to

      cover them bnt old rice bags . In another I found two beds ( if beds they xnisbt be called ) , one without a r-Vst , and fcfee other without a blanket When I saw the groups of shoeless aad ragged urchins , some at work , Others playing round their cheerless hearth * , and witnessed the tear roll gown many a faded , yet maoly . cheek , and heard the faltering tongue exclaim , 'We never tasted meat this many a day * — ' we have almost \ SoTgoXten its taste , * I eauld not help xbnt wish that onr i rulers "WDnld come here , And take -& lesson of Iranian suffering and learn the duty of devotedness and dlsin- j t-xestet&essfor tbe common good . For the last fort- J night , the quiet of the Sabbath has been disturbed by j *\ e rattle of the loom . A thing so unusual made : no j small stir . I visited two myself to inquire into the 1

      motives which led them to this reckless conduct . One zaid , * i / ooi at my children and my home , and aak no snore ; I will tea you , however , why 1 work on this day : It la because my poverty compels me ; I cwtxoi rid . inll not hear my children xry for bread without taiiDg the only means honestly to jet it . List Monday morning I rosa ~ at two o ' clock , and worked till jnear midnight . I rote at six each succeeding morning , and worked fill beTween . eleven and twelve each night , and now you see what I have for dinnsr . I cannot do it longer , I shall go to an untimely grave if I do ; I will therefore end n > y labours at ten o ' clock gft ^ fr nr . ht , and make up the time tbus lost by labouring en the Sunday . * He had four children , the oldest only six years old ; ihe other had a family of the same number , and abent the same ace .

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      I > CENBIARISM IN BEDFORDSHIRE AND SUPPOSED MURDER— ALABM 1 . NG STATE OP THE RVRAL DISTRICTS . ( From d Correspondent of ihe Times ) Bedpobd , Friday / Dec 8—During the last fortnight thia generally trauqnil county haa been disturbed from end to end by repeated nightly fires , and unhappily , there is but too much evidence to show that these atrocious outrages upon property have been the work of incendiaries , although it is impossible to assign to the commission of such wanton mischief any probable , motive , inasmuch as the agricultural labourers appear to be generally more contented than in other inral districts of the kinodom .

      To the long list of fires ascertained to be eases of arson , and of which some particulars have already appeared in the London an'd local papers , fresh outrages of a similar kind have been added this Week , a brief account of which is 8 uhjoined . Before adverting to the new cases , it may be right to state the result of the investigation which has been going on relative to the fatal fire at Mr . Alderman Higgins ' s barn on the Kimbolt on-road , near this town , last Friday morning . That disastrous affair , in which an unfortunate mnn lost his life , remains involved in mystery , though the magistracy and the police have been actively engaged in an

      endeavonr to obtain some clue by which it could be exp ' ained . Though 'the inquiry has closed for the present without any definite result , the suspicion at first entertained of a murder having being committed previous to the fire { the latter course being resorted to in order to conceal the crime ) , seemB to be the generally received opinion of all those who have attentively considered tbe subject The following is a brief outline of the facts , as stated on the coroner ' s inquest , and in the progress of the inquiry had before the magistrates , which closed yesterday afternoon with tho liberation ot two men ,-who were apprehended under circumstances of strong suspicion .

      It appears that , on the morning of Friday last , just at daybreak , some labourers in the employ of Messra Green , of Bedford , were commencing work at a brickkiln on tbe Kimbelton-road ; they observed flre issuing from the windows and doors of a large barn a short distacco from the road , and in the occupation of AlderlTjan Higgins , of Bedford . An alarm of fire was promptly given , = and a number of persons hastened to the - * pot . On approaching the house two young men , brothers , named Parkins , were seen to rush from the barn , which was then on fire in three separate places , and bl tzing furiously . When questioned as to the origin of the . Ire . &e 7 pleaded ignorance of it , the elder brother me rely remarking that they had attempted to enter the bam , and had narrowly escaped with their

      lives . An express was despatched to Bedford for the engines two' of which were speedily on the spot , but were wholly i noperative owing to want of water , which was slowly ob Maimed and in small quantities from an adjacent draw- * < U- Tbe barn , which contained several quarters of corn , w- totally wnsumed , and the rick escaped destruction **? ^ "SLJ ^ ^ to ex ^ tioa » ot thefirenjen and tt ^ po" **/ * Wed b 7 Messrs . Green ' s workmen . The two Perkinses were observed to be only partially dressed ; «» **** t * d in extinguishing the fire ; but the other & . ' ? £ ** "mamed a listless spectator of the conflagration . Tbese circumstances tending to raise an unfavourable j . 'npw «««» against the two yonng men , Mr . H . J . Jnpp *** superintendent of the police , took them into custody , «« * ey were removed to Bedford for examination beta » tbe F . agwtrate . was nob

      When the flames were got umJt " * ' wh ^ b Wl the bam was reduced to the bare wu » fche , firemen and police entered , and discovered , en turning over the eihes , the body of a man frightfully fcBnH > and , of

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      COVENTRY ASSOCIATION FOR THE PROTEC TION OF WAGES IN THE PLAIN RIBBON

      TRADE . At a public meeting , holden in the large room , Rose and Crown Yard , Coventry , the Committee to the Trade brought forward the following report , which waa unanimously adopted . Its insertion in the pages of the Star will much oblige , The Trade .

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      It is gratifying at all times to be able to refer to per .-ous whose position in society place them above the cummon sphere , for when they exert themselves to advance the cauee of truth its progress iq much accelerated . This ia strongly evidenced in tbo generous testimony of T \ R . JVtandallj Esq ., coroner , Doncastor , who permits reference to be made to him with regard to the restorative power of Blair ' s Gout and Rheumatic Pills , he having been a martyr to gout for many years .

      The My sterious Traveller AND IHE INQUISITIVE bcoT . —Two geutlemen fell in together , both travellers on horseback , and strangers to eaoh other , when the following conversation took place : — "Raw evenm ' , sir , rather , " observed the one with an Aberdeen accent . " Yes , rather / ' replied the other . r You will hkely be a stranger in these parts ?" continued the Aberdonian * " If I can . " laconically replied the other , looking neither to the right nor to the left . " Perhaps , like mvself . von mav be £ oing

      on to Banff ! " " perhaps , " responded the other , va *? 1 D & , ** In that case , perhaps , you will patap at the Cullen ! " « I may or may not , " ansWere * his companion . "Pardon me the liberty of th * U M » > sir » * * y ° yoa . area bachelor ? ' ' " No . " "O ! married ? " "No , not" "Sir , I ° . % y ° » r pardon , sir : a widower V " No no , no V Neither a baohelor , nor married man , nor widowers Then what can you be ? " " A divorced man , since you must know V exclaimed the stranger , clapping his spurs to hie horse , and dashing out of sight a an . instant .

      " €%T Cttontton Xrf ©«Alant!R " Xswz Grind The Poer, And Rich Men Rale Tie Law.'

      " €% t CttOntton xrf ©« alant ! r " Xswz grind the poer , and rich men rale tie law . '

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      HALF TEABLT REPORT , DECEMBER 1 ST , 1843 . Gentlemen , —Your Committee , in presenting their half-yearly Report , congratulate you on the increasing prosperity of the funds of the Association . During th& last aix months , your delegates have , had various difficulties to contend with , arising in . part from the continned ( determination ef some manufacturers to use every artifice to evade the present list of prices . For this pirpose , they have oppressed some of the most needy of our fellow-Workmen with extortionate hire for their band-loom machinery , first ascertaining where tbefgreatest necessity existed amongst their workmen , and thbn taking a mean and base advantage of those very necessities , which , had they been possessed of one spark of humanity , Christianity , or common

      sympathy , they would have done all in their power to alleviate . A email advance bas lately been gained on the weaving of shaded ribbons ; and some dissatisfaction bas been expressed by certain members of the Association , because au advance has not been obtained on the weaving of plain Swiag ribbons : your Committee , after canvassing' tbe opinions of the manufacturers , aad giving the subject their moat mature consideration , have come to tbe conclusion that it would be unwise for the sake of an advantage , which is not likely to be permanent , to force a rise in the present instance , an& thereby provoke retaliation , and endanger the stability of the present list . Taking this view of the subject , and yet being well aware that the aforementioned article is highly deserving a rise on tbe price of weaving , we nevertheless think it most pradenc to let the question rest at present , at the same time assuring the

      members of tbe Association , their Committee Will take advantage of tbe first favourable opportunity to gain this desirable object , having been promised , the assist * ance of same principal manufacturers should the demiind for Swiss ribbons continue . Although your delegates condemn the oppressive conduct of some manufacturers , there are others who profess themselves willing to lend every assistance in their power to forward the objects of our Association . To these gentlemen we return our grateful acknowledgments , trusting our proceedings will always gain , as we intend them to merit , the approbation of every friend of the peaee and well-being of society . We wish it to be distinctly understood that we are willing to make any reasonable alteration which necessity may require . All that WS desire is to be met in an open straightforward manner , and to have proof that such alterations are requisite , and for the benefit of both parties .

      In conclusion , while taking a review of the events of the ! ast six months , we call upon you to be mote firmly united than ever . In thus calling upon you , we wish yon to force no ene , nor to injure any class of society . All that we ask of you is that every member of the Association will do his duty to himself , his family , and posterity , by using every lawful means toestablish , such a price for labour that the working man , instead of being the slave of avarice , may shake off the bondage of oppression , and rise to his prop 3 i position in society .

      Fellow Artizins , —We , in common with yourselves , feel the accumulation of evil that is , year after year , pressing upon the productive classes cf this country . We witness with grief the honest industrious man walking the streets of his native city in ragged raiment , with starvation and despair depicted on his deathlike countenance , receiving the smile of cenzempt , instead of commiseration , from the very men who have r lised their fortunes on the poverty of their workmen . When we behold you surrounded by such humiliating circumstances as these , we must acknowledge you have experienced sufficient to cool your ardour , and prostrate your energies . But still we bave a hope ; still we have confidence in you , that you will not suffer yeurselves to sink step by step into degradation and rain , without striving , by every constitutional effort , to better your condition .

      £ ' a . & Total amount collected since the formation of tbe Union in May , 1842 , up to 30 th October , 1843 , inclusive ... ... 275 9 0 Disbursed in same period ... 92 10 1 182 18 11 In hands of Treasurer of General Committee 2 10 11 £ 185 9 10

      Untitled Article

      ft TflE NORTHERN STA R . - —~ -- ~~

  • Citation
    • Northern Star (1837-1852), Dec. 16, 1843, page 6, in the Nineteenth-Century Serials Edition (2008; 2018) ncse-os.kdl.kcl.ac.uk/periodicals/ns/issues/vm2-ncseproduct1243/page/6/